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Zusatztext A truly captivating book . . . full of complex people and ever-changing allegiances. The author manages to weave an accomplished tale of unfulfilled desires! unrequited love and uncertain humanity. The climax is quick moving and vivid -- this is a real page-turner Informationen zum Autor Jon Courtenay Grimwood has been shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award twice and the BSFA Award for Best Novel seven times, winning twice. He lives in Winchester with his wife, novelist and editor-in-chief of RED magazine, Sam Baker. Klappentext Venice! 1407. The city is at the height of its powers. In theory! Duke Marco commands! but Marco is a simpleton so his aunt and uncle rule in his stead. They seem all powerful! yet live in fear of assassins better than their own.On the night their world changes! Marco's young cousin prays in the family chapel for deliverance from a forced marriage. It is her misfortune to be alone when Mamluk pirates break in to abduct her - an act that will ultimately trigger war.Elsewhere Atilo! the Duke's chief assassin! cuts a man's throat. Hearing a noise! he turns back to find a boy drinking from the victim's wound. The speed with which the angel-faced boy dodges his dagger and scales a wall stuns Atilo. He knows then he must hunt him. Not to kill him! but because he's finally found what he thought was impossible - someone fit to be his apprentice.Award-winning author Jon Courtenay Grimwood is a master storyteller. Here! he blends history! politics and dark fantasy in a compelling vision of an alternative Venice. A tale of ambition, revenge and the rise of a vampire assassin from this critically acclaimed British author Zusammenfassung A tale of ambition, revenge and the rise of a vampire assassin from this critically acclaimed British author