An epic new novel about one of Western civilisation's most traumatic events - the Fall of Constantinople...Constantinople. For a thousand years, the city was the heart of the vast Byzantine empire. Beloved of Greeks. Coveted by Turks. 1453. The empire has shrunk to what lies within its no-longer magnificent walls. Yet for one man, Constantinople is the stepping stone to destiny. Mehmet 11, just twenty when he is anointed Sultan, brings an army of one hundred thousand, outnumbering the defenders ten to one, and the most deadly threat the city has ever faced - the largest cannon in the world. But a city is more than stone, its fate inseparable from its citizens'. Like Gregoras, mercenary and exile, returning to the hated place he once loved. Theon, his twin - and betrayer. Sofia, loved by two brothers, forced to choose between them. And Leilah, mystic and assassin, seeking her own destiny in the flames...
An epic new novel about one of Western civilisation's most traumatic events - the Fall of Constantinople...Constantinople. For a thousand years, the city was the heart of the vast Byzantine empire. Beloved of Greeks. Coveted by Turks. 1453. The empire has shrunk to what lies within its no-longer magnificent walls. Yet for one man, Constantinople is the stepping stone to destiny. Mehmet 11, just twenty when he is anointed Sultan, brings an army of one hundred thousand, outnumbering the defenders ten to one, and the most deadly threat the city has ever faced - the largest cannon in the world. But a city is more than stone, its fate inseparable from its citizens'. Like Gregoras, mercenary and exile, returning to the hated place he once loved. Theon, his twin - and betrayer. Sofia, loved by two brothers, forced to choose between them. And Leilah, mystic and assassin, seeking her own destiny in the flames...
An epic new novel about one of Western civilisation's most traumatic events - the Fall of Constantinople...
C.C Humphreys was born in Toronto and grew up in Los Angeles and London. A third generation actor and writer on both sides of his family, he is married and lives on Salt Spring Island, Canada. www.cchumphreys.com
A great tale, finely woven with action, palpably real characters
and terrific twists of fate
*Simon Scarrow*
Humphreys' skill with historical fiction is apparent on every page,
and his ability to handle the large cast without tripping up
readers is impressive. While the conquest is a foregone conclusion,
Humphreys creates suspense and empathy for both sides of the
conflict. Readers will enjoy reading a little-heard tale
*PUBLISHERS WEEKLY*
Definitely recommended for historical fiction lovers (those love
reading a good battle, or two. Or three). It's worth the read, with
rich interesting characters, and a fantastic setting
*OKBO LOVER*
The storyline grips the audience as we learn why some from side
come to fight (or defend) like Venusians, Achmed the farmer and
John Grant the Scot....each character adds depth to a vivid picture
in which armchair fans will believe they are witnessing the siege
of Constantinople from within and outside circa 1453
*THE MYSTERY GAZETTE*
Great historical fiction for those that like seeing history through
those that were there!
*A BOOKISH AFFAIR*
C C Humphreys excels as ever in the throat-in-mouth action and
knows instinctively how to keep a reader pasted to the page . . . I
can't wait for Humphreys' next novel . . . To my mind, Bernard
Cornwell is good, but Humphreys is better
*HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW*
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