Demetrios Askiates Series by Tom Harper

Byzantium, 1096. When a mysterious assassin looses his arrow at the emperor, he has more than a man in his sights; the keystone of a crumbling empire, he is the solitary figure holding its enemies in check. 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... moreByzantium, 1096. When a mysterious assassin looses his arrow at the emperor, he has more than a man in his sights; the keystone of a crumbling empire, he is the solitary figure holding its enemies in check. 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 world, a babbling cauldron of princes, slaves, mercenaries, pimps and eunuchs. From the depths of the slums to the golden towers of the palace, and from the sands of the hippodrome to the soaring domes of Ayia Sophia, he must edge his way through a glittering maze of treachery and deceit before time runs out. Nor are all the enemies within the city walls. With the Turks rampant across Asia, the emperor has sent to the west for mercenaries to reinforce his position. He gets more than he bargained for, however, when a great army, tens of thousands strong, appears before the gates. 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. less

1098. The armies of the First Crusade race across Asia minor, routing the Turks and reclaiming the land for Christendom. But on the Syrian border, their advance is halted before the impregnable walls of Antioch.As winter draws on, they are forced to suffer a fruitless, interminable siege, gnawed by famine and tormented by the Turkish defenders. The entire crusade is on the verge of collapse. His lord, the ruthlessly ambitious Bohemond charges Demetrios Askiates to find the killer... more1098. The armies of the First Crusade race across Asia minor, routing the Turks and reclaiming the land for Christendom. But on the Syrian border, their advance is halted before the impregnable walls of Antioch.As winter draws on, they are forced to suffer a fruitless, interminable siege, gnawed by famine and tormented by the Turkish defenders. The entire crusade is on the verge of collapse. His lord, the ruthlessly ambitious Bohemond charges Demetrios Askiates to find the killer. But as Demetrios investigates, the trail seems to lead ever deeper into the vipers' nest of jealousy, betrayal and fanaticism which lies at the heart of the crusade. less

A powerful novel of intrigue, sacrifice, savagery and holy war, by the author of The Mosaic of Shadows and Knights of the Cross.August 1098: Kerbogha’s army has been destroyed, and the crusaders are at last secure in Antioch. But internal quarrels consume them: the princes, Raymond and Bohemond are almost at war over possession of the conquered city, and with Adhemar dead there is no one to enforce unity. Meanwhile, Demetrios Askiates longs to return home to his family... moreA powerful novel of intrigue, sacrifice, savagery and holy war, by the author of The Mosaic of Shadows and Knights of the Cross.August 1098: Kerbogha’s army has been destroyed, and the crusaders are at last secure in Antioch. But internal quarrels consume them: the princes, Raymond and Bohemond are almost at war over possession of the conquered city, and with Adhemar dead there is no one to enforce unity. Meanwhile, Demetrios Askiates longs to return home to his family. But now, the only way home leads through the holy city of Jerusalem. But first things first, the Franks must be prized out of Antioch. With the princes deadlocked, Demetrios reluctantly enlists the help of the visionary preacher Peter Bartholomew, finder of the holy lance. When Peter rouses the peasants, who form the bulk of the crusaders, the bickering princes are forced to listen, and the crusade at last sets out.But Peter is a dangerous ally, and his newfound power begins to derange him. Finally, a year after the capture of Antioch, the crusaders reach Jerusalem. And when at last, after a three-day onslaught, the city falls, Demetrios must find his family while the crusaders’ journey reaches its terrible apotheosis in a nightmare of violence, bloodshed and slaughter.From the Trade Paperback edition. less