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‘A great tale, finely woven with action, palpably real characters and terrific twists of fate’ Simon Scarrow
‘Bernard Cornwell is good, but Humphreys is better’ Historical Novels Review
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…
‘Bernard Cornwell is good, but Humphreys is better’ Historical Novels Review
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…
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Reviews
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
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
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
Great historical fiction for those that like seeing history through those that were there!
A great tale, finely woven with action, palpably real characters and terrific twists of fate
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