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  • Published: 1 February 2011
  • ISBN: 9781409065913
  • Imprint: Cornerstone Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 480

The Mosaic Of Shadows

(The Crusade Trilogy: I): a thrilling epic of murder, betrayal, bloodshed and intrigue in the age of the Crusades




A thrilling epic of murder and intrigue in the age of the Crusades from the author of swashbuckling historical novel The Blighted Cliffs, winner of the Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger award. The Mosaic of Shadows is the first in the historical adventure 'Crusade' series and a wonderful historical fiction account of the rise of the Ottoman Empire.

Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, Lindsey Davis, Steven Pressfield, this breathtaking and captivating novel brings the Crusades to life in all their triumphant and tragic glory.
'Gripping from the first page, the reader is swept up in this colourful and convincing portrayal of an Emperor and his realm under siege.' - Ink
'Superb read. Thoroughly enjoyed it' -- ***** Reader review
'Highly enjoyable read' -- ***** Reader review
'Brilliant.' -- ***** Reader review
'Holds your interest from [the first] to the last page' -- ***** Reader review

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AN ASSASSIN IS ON THE LOOSE...AND AN EMPIRE STANDS IN PERIL

Byzantium, 1096: When a mysterious assassin fires his arrow at the Emperor, he has more than a man in his sights; as the keystone of a crumbling empire, if he falls, then the mightiest power in Christendom will be torn apart. Aware of the stakes, the Emperor hires Demetrios Askiates, the unveiler of mysteries, to catch the would-be-killer.

But Demetrios is entering an unknown and mysterious world and must edge his way through a glittering maze of treachery and deceit before time runs out. Nor are all enemies within the city walls. With the Turks rampant across Asia, the Emperor has sent to the west for mercenaries to reinforce his position.

When a great army, tens of thousands strong, appears before the gates, he gets more than he bargained for. The first crusaders have arrived, intent on making their fortunes in war, and they have no allegiance to an empire they eye with jealousy and suspicion.

As the armies of east and west confront each other, and the assassin creeps ever closer to his prey, Demetrios must untangle the golden web of intrigue which surrounds the Emperor before the city - and the empire - are drowned in blood.

  • Published: 1 February 2011
  • ISBN: 9781409065913
  • Imprint: Cornerstone Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 480

About the author

Tom Harper

Tom Harper (real name Edwin Thomas) won the CWA debut award in 2001 for The Blighted Cliffs. He is also the author of The Mosaic of Shadows, Knights of the Cross, Siege of Heaven, Lost Temple, The Book of Secrets and The Lazarus Vault, all published by Random House. He lives in York.

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Praise for The Mosaic Of Shadows

An epic tale of murder and betrayal, bloodshed and romance. Gripping from the first page, the reader is swept up in this colourful and convincing portrayal of an Emperor and his realm, under seige. Well-researched and cinematic in its imagery, this is a faced-paced and exciting debut

Ink

Harper's...portrayal of the Byzantine city and the intrigues that threaten its destruction is vivid and convincing

Joan Smith, Sunday Times

It’s a world which Harper brings exuberantly to life, clearly revelling in its teeming, tumultuous extravagance

Yorkshire Post