Welcome back! I’m getting very excited to run out to the bookstore because CROOKED KINGDOM IS OUT GUYS. *sirens sound* I’m actually so excited to pick it up and continue the story. Today is a good day. But I digress – let’s get back to that infinite wishlist of mine.

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted @ Pen to Paper where we get to feature a book that’s been on our wishlist for a long time that we want to buy/read! I have a hugely extensive list that I keep updated over on The Book Depository so I’m never short of books that I’m wishing on.

Where do I make my lists? First and foremost I use my “sound good” shelf on Goodreads where I basically keep track of all the books I’ve encountered that tickle my fancy. BUT, The Book Depository has my most concise list of all the books that I so dearly want to throw my money at and look at one my shelf.

 This week I’m wishing on . . .

The Walls of Byzantium
by James Heneage

book one in the Mistra Chronicles

// GOODREADS //

Genre: Historical Fiction
Author: James Heneage
Published: January 2013
Publisher: Quercus Publishing
Pages: 576 {paperback}

This sweeping historical novel is shaped by the quest for a mysterious relic, guarded through generations, and by one man that might yet save the threatened Byzantine empire.

In an age of clashing empires, dark forces from the east are endangering the first light of the western Renaissance. It is an age of ruthless rulers, divided churches, fractured dynasties and intrepid traders. It is an age of great cities like Venice and Constantinople; an age of conquerors like Tamerlane who will drown the world in blood; an age when only a hero of exceptional gifts can make a difference.

Luke Magoris is that hero. Born the son of one of the Varangian guards who had sworn to keep the secret relic safe, he will find himself committed to a long journey to discover – and try to avoid – his destiny. He will travel from battle to trading fortune, from horse dealing to captivity, and to the love of three very different women and the unrelenting enmity of two remarkable men.

The Walls of Byzantium is the first of a series that will leave you impatient and longing for the next.

I actually love the sound of this book. I first heard about it in a history magazine (I’m a cool kid and I read those) – but have you even READ the blurb? Western renaissance? Invaders? Fractured dynasties? This sounds like a mean narrative that’s going to blow my socks off. I cannot wait until the day when I feel like tackling this one and go and buy it, because I really think I’m going to love it.

// GOODREADS //

 Have you read this? What did you think of it?

Let me know in the comments below!

~~ Kirstie ~~

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