I am new to the writings of C. C. Humphreys [who lives on Salt Spring Island, B.C.], but I am really impressed by A Place Called Armageddon. I now have to add him to my list of authors to follow. I love to read historical novels particularly those that take place from the year 500 to the year 1485. This was my educational background as well as my passion. My knowledge of the Fall of Constantinople was limited but now has been expanded exponentially.
The story centers on twin Greek brothers from Constantinople, the woman they both loved and with whom they sired children, a female assassin, a female seer, and an alchemist. The younger of the twins (by only minutes) is a warrior who was branded a traitor by the rulers of Constantinople. He becomes a mercenary primarily for Italian city-states. His older brother is a diplomat for the Emperor of Constantinople. The diplomat’s wife is also loved by his brother. The female assassin is a mercenary and is looking for the younger brother. The alchemist is searching for a lost book of Alchemy and the recipe for Greek Fire. The female seer becomes an advisor to the Sultan besieging Constantinople; she, too, is searching for the missing book.
The characters are wonderful, although you may not want to sit down to a meal with all of them. The action is first rate. The description of the early weapons using gunpowder is really good.
The depiction of life under siege is graphic and really off the front pages of today’s newspapers.
I urge all history buffs to read this book.
GO! BUY! READ!
–Jim Harris, retired sales rep
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