A complicated plot, but with some familiar characters, who thrill by their bad, as well as their good, actions and reveal astonishing depths we would not have suspected. Alaric yet again displays his intelligence, his ruthless determination to succeed and his talent for finding a way to triumph against impossible odds. Yet at last he’s met someone who is going to best him – and he’s happy with that.

Richard Blake’s story telling draws the reader into the Byzantine plots [well, they would be, wouldn’t they?] and breakneck speed of events, at the same time depicting the glorious city of Constantinople, protected from invading barbarian hordes by its mighty walls. If a little past its best, it is still full of imposing ancient buildings, providing a vivid setting for a range of pompous imperial ceremonies, riots, orgies and slums where murderous villains lurk, while municipal activities proceed undeterred under the hot sun. Cruel, devious, blood-soaked and yet there’s plenty to enjoy, with comedy along the way, and, as always there is evidence of Alaric’s kinder side.

Review published on Goodreads on the 13th April 2020

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