“A stunning mix of high action, enthralling history and mesmerizing magic.”—Alison Goodman, author of New York Times bestsellers Eon and Eona
“Combines history, fantasy, romance and the brutality of the Middle Ages in a satisfyingly epic novel.”—Books + Publishing
Tuscany, 1096 AD. Luca, young heir to the title of Conte de Falconi, sees demons. Since no one else can see them, Luca must keep quiet about what he sees or risk another exorcism by the nefarious priest Ramberti. Luca also has strange dreams that sometimes predict the future. Night after night, Luca sees his father murdered, and vows to stop it coming true—even if he has to defy his father’s wishes and follow him on the great pilgrimage to capture the Holy Lands.
Far away in Cappadocia, Suzan has dreams too. Consigned with her mute mother to a life in an underground convent, she has a vision of a brown-haired boy riding through the desert. A boy with an ancient book that holds some inscrutable power. A boy who will take her on an adventure that will lead to places beyond both their understanding. Together, Luca and Suzan will realize their true quest: to defeat the forces of man and demon that wish to destroy the world.
Kimberley Starr is a teacher and author based in Melbourne. She has a degree in medieval literature, and travelled through Turkey and Israel to research this novel.
