{"product_id":"the-terror-of-constantinople-9798761374898","title":"The Terror of Constantinople","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e610AD\u003c\/b\u003e. Invaded by Persians and barbarians, the Byzantine Empire is also tearing itself apart in civil war. Phocas, the maniacally bloodthirsty Emperor, holds Constantinople by a reign of terror. The uninvaded provinces are turning one at a time to the usurper, Heraclius.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJust as the battle for the Empire approaches its climax, Aelric of England turns up in Constantinople. Blackmailed by the Papacy to leave off his career of lechery and market-rigging in Rome, he thinks his job is to gather texts for a semi-comprehensible dispute over the Nature of Christ. Only gradually does he realise he is a pawn in a much larger game.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat is the eunuch Theophanes up to? Why does the Papal Legate never show himself? How many drugs can the Emperor's son-in-law put up his nose before he loses his touch for homicidal torture? Above all, why has wicked old Phocas taken Aelric under his wing?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo answer these questions, Aelric has nothing but beauty, charm, intellectual brilliance and a talent for cold and ruthless violence on his side. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003ePraise for the Novels of Richard Blake\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e'Fascinating to read, very well written, an intriguing plot and I enjoyed it very much.' - Derek Jacobi, star of \u003ci\u003eI Claudius \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eGladiator\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e'Vivid characters, devious plotting and buckets of gore are enhanced by his unfamiliar choice of period.... Nasty, fun and educational.' - \u003ci\u003eThe Daily Telegraph\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e'He knows how to deliver a fast-paced story and his grasp of the period is impressively detailed.' - The Mail on Sunday \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e'A rollicking and raunchy read . . . Anyone who enjoys their history with large dollops of action, sex, intrigue and, above all, fun will absolutely love this novel.' - \u003ci\u003eHistorical Novels\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e'It would be hard to over-praise this extraordinary series, a near-perfect blend of historical detail and atmosphere with the plot of a conspiracy thriller, vivid characters, high philosophy and vulgar comedy.' - \u003ci\u003eThe Morning Star\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eRichard Blake\u003c\/b\u003e is a pseudonym for \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSean Gabb\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, who is an historian, writer and university lecturer. He lives in Kent with his wife and daughter.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Independently Published","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50863739044114,"sku":"9798761374898","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_e4274320-368c-439d-bf2f-f134a651e551.jpg?v=1737644962","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-terror-of-constantinople-9798761374898","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}