Review
'Vivid characters, devious plotting and buckets of gore are enhanced by his unfamiliar choice of period. Nasty, fun and educational.' (Daily Telegraph on THE TERROR OF CONSTANTINOPLE )
'A rollicking and raunchy read... Anyone who enjoys their history with large dollops of action, sex, intrigue and, above all, fun will absolutely love this novel." (Historical Novels Review on THE TERROR OF CONSTANTINOPLE )
'Fascinating to read, very well written, an intriguing plot and I enjoyed it very much.'
'A rollicking and raunchy read... Anyone who enjoys their history with large dollops of action, sex, intrigue and, above all, fun will absolutely love this novel." (Historical Novels Review on THE TERROR OF CONSTANTINOPLE )
'Fascinating to read, very well written, an intriguing plot and I enjoyed it very much.'
(Derek Jacobi on CONSPIRACIES OF ROME )
'I can't resist recommending this first volume of a promised trilogy. Set during the last pangs of Imperial Rome, with a vivid account of the machinations of the early Church, it is well-informed, atmospheric and beautifully written.'
(Literary Review on CONSPIRACIES OF ROME )'It's simply the best historical novel I've ever read, perhaps short of C.S. Forester. It's a very great deal better than any of the ancient Roman detective novels I've seen.'
(L. Neil Smith on CONSPIRACIES OF ROME )
Review
'Vivid characters, devious plotting and buckets of gore are enhanced by his unfamiliar choice of period. Nasty, fun and educational.' -- Daily Telegraph on THE TERROR OF CONSTANTINOPLE 'A rollicking and raunchy read... Anyone who enjoys their history with large dollops of action, sex, intrigue and, above all, fun will absolutely love this novel." -- Historical Novels Review on THE TERROR OF CONSTANTINOPLE 'Fascinating to read, very well written, an intriguing plot and I enjoyed it very much.' -- Derek Jacobi on CONSPIRACIES OF ROME 'I can't resist recommending this first volume of a promised trilogy. Set during the last pangs of Imperial Rome, with a vivid account of the machinations of the early Church, it is well-informed, atmospheric and beautifully written.' -- Literary Review on CONSPIRACIES OF ROME 'It's simply the best historical novel I've ever read, perhaps short of C.S. Forester. It's a very great deal better than any of the ancient Roman detective novels I've seen.' -- L. Neil Smith on CONSPIRACIES OF ROME
Product Description
610AD
The bloodthirsty Emperor Phocas is preparing for the greatest battle of his life. Enemy armies are racing closer to attack his fortress, the golden city of Constantinople, and traitors within plot his downfall. Clinging to power by masterminding a campaign of terror, he is running out of funds, allies and time . . . but he has one card left to play.
Aelric, a naïve and ambitious young clerk from Britain, is sent to Constantinople ostensibly on a mission to copy old texts for the Church of Rome. On his arrival he discovers the terrible dangers lurking behind the shining streets and glittering facades. A pawn in a secret conspiracy that will change the course of history, he can only rely on his wits, charm and fighting skills to stay alive.
The bloodthirsty Emperor Phocas is preparing for the greatest battle of his life. Enemy armies are racing closer to attack his fortress, the golden city of Constantinople, and traitors within plot his downfall. Clinging to power by masterminding a campaign of terror, he is running out of funds, allies and time . . . but he has one card left to play.
Aelric, a naïve and ambitious young clerk from Britain, is sent to Constantinople ostensibly on a mission to copy old texts for the Church of Rome. On his arrival he discovers the terrible dangers lurking behind the shining streets and glittering facades. A pawn in a secret conspiracy that will change the course of history, he can only rely on his wits, charm and fighting skills to stay alive.
About the Author
Richard Blake is a lecturer, historian, broadcaster and writer who lives in Kent.
