Book description
Venice, 1407. The city is at the height of its powers. In theory, Duke
Marco commands, but Marco is a simpleton so his aunt and uncle rule in
his stead. They seem all powerful, yet live in fear of assassins better
than their own. On the night their world changes, Marco's young cousin
prays in the family chapel for deliverance from a forced marriage. It is
her misfortune to be alone when Mamluk pirates break in to abduct her -
an act that will ultimately trigger war. Elsewhere Atilo, the Duke's
chief assassin, cuts a man's throat. Hearing a noise, he turns back to
find a boy drinking from the victim's wound. The speed with which the
angel-faced boy dodges his dagger and scales a wall stuns Atilo. He
knows then he must hunt him. Not to kill him, but because he's finally
found what he thought was impossible - someone fit to be his apprentice.
Award-winning author Jon Courtenay Grimwood is a master storyteller.
Here, he blends history, politics and dark fantasy in a compelling
vision of an alternative Venice.
