“This is a very intelligent novel; its examination of the nature of belief and faith (and deception) is as insightful and well reasoned as some book-length nonfiction treatments of the same subjects. Add to that a rich and fascinating setting, a solid mystery, and a few surprises, and you have a novel that will capture the interest of anyone who picks it up.” Booklist (starred review).

It is now two years after One for Sorrow. John the Eunuch, Emperor Justinian’s Lord Chamberlain, must discover why Constantinople’s holy stylites are bursting into flames as they stand atop their pillars. A pagan philosophy tutor and a heretical Christian prophet handicap his investigation. Then murder strikes too close to home and John has only a few days to save the city.

Reviews

“This is a very intelligent novel; its examination of the nature of belief and faith (and deception) is as insightful and well reasoned as some book-length nonfiction treatments of the same subjects. Add to that a rich and fascinating setting, a solid mystery, and a few surprises, and you have a novel that will capture the interest of anyone who picks it up.” Booklist (starred review).

It is now two years after One for Sorrow. John the Eunuch, Emperor Justinian’s Lord Chamberlain, must discover why Constantinople’s holy stylites are bursting into flames as they stand atop their pillars. A pagan philosophy tutor and a heretical Christian prophet handicap his investigation. Then murder strikes too close to home and John has only a few days to save the city.