A Fascinating Read | The Mosaic of Shadows (A Byzantine Mystery)

The Illuminator of Shadows | The Mosaic of Shadows (A Byzantine Mystery) | Tom Harper

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	• The Mosaic of Shadows (A Byzantine Mystery) Tom Harper St. Martin's Minotaur, 2005 - 288 pages average customer review:based on 11 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Very fun story that will actually take you to Byzantium

No spoilers.

I'll have to agree with another reviewer here who noted that the immediate flaw in this novel is that there is little introduction or background given about the protagonist, Demetrios, until about a quarter of the way into the book. Having said that (and overlooking it because you eventually find out about him), this is definitely a book I recommend.

Although I began to suspect who the Emperor's true enemy was before it was revealed, even that, which is something that I usually hate when reading a mystery, didn't take away from the quality of the story. Harper, with ease, immerses the reader into eleventh century Byzantine society to the point where you almost believe you are reading these events unfold in the present, right outside your window.

I fully recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and who wants to be transported into their story.

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A Fascinating Read

Tom Harper is a pseudonym of Edwin Thomas who grew up in West Germany, Belgium and America before returning to England to study history at Oxford university. The mosaic of Shadows is about a period of history that I enjoy reading about very much, but even if I am slightly biased I believe that the book is a really good read for anyone interested in historical murder mysteries.

The book takes place in Byzantium, the year is 1096, 30 years after the bastard Norman, Duke William had captured the throne of England from the grasp of Harold at Hastings.

When an attempt is made on the life of the emperor by a mysterious assassin, whoever sent the killer to try to murder the emperor knows that it was not just a man who would have been killed by the assassin's arrow but an empire in decline. If the emperor should fall then the mightiest force in Christendom will be torn apart. Only too aware of his precarious position the emperor hire the unveiled of mysteries, Demetrios Askiates to catch the would-be-killer. But even for one such as Demetrios the task of finding the killer is all but impossible. An unknown world of prince's and paupers, slaves mercenaries, harems and eunuchs. From the slums to the golden palace, enemies are lurking in the shadows, but not all are within the wall of the city.

The first crusaders have arrived and are intent on making their fortunes. They hold no allegiance to an enemy they eye with suspicion. As they armies of the east and the west confront each other across a barren landscape, the assassin prepares to make another attempt upon the life of the emperor. Can Demetrios untangle the web of deceit and intrigue that surrounds the emperor and his city before it is too late and one of the greatest empires of all time crumbles into the dust . . .

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The Illuminator of Shadows

Tom Harper's entertaining literary debut, The Mosiac of Shadows, offers a glimpse into a world of swordplay, treachery, and deceit.

Demetrios Askiates, Byzantine 'detective' is summoned to the palace of the Emperor following an attempt on the man's life by an unknown assassin who wields a strange, unknown weapon to carry out his murderous task. The Emperor's chamberlain, a mysterious figure in his own right, engages the services of Demetrios to unveil the culprit and spare the Emperor from further attacks.

Using his skills at deductive reasoning, Demetrios begins to follow the path of the assassin, with surprising results. A young boy seduced into treachery, a shadowy Monk who eludes capture, and a sinister plot to unseat the Emporer are all unveiled.

Tom Harper has recreated a vivid, if not entirely historically accurate, portrait of life in such dark times, when rulers rarely knew who to trust with their lives. While this novel is not quite as lush in the recreation of the world of the past as other novels I have read, and while many anachronisms line the pages of the tale, it is nonetheless engaging and entertaining. Certain 'plot twists' are easy to deduce before the author reveals them, yet the story does not suffer from the thinly veiled 'twists' in the story.

Not for die-hard fans of historically accurate thrillers, yet more than enough to entertain readers of similar light fare.

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A fine first

Mr. Harper certainly knows his Byzantine and Crusader history and culture, and has stuck close to the reality of the times. He can also spin a detective tale. There may be scenes the reader will doubt, but it's all true. Mr. Harper does not invent the mechanical lions that bristled and roared next to the Emperor's throne to frighten barbarians.

A nice mix of personal/family issues and detective work, as well as great historical events. The mix of the first two might remind one of Lindsey Davis's Falco, but unlike either Davis or John Maddox Roberts in their top-notch Roman detective series, Harper is not also a humorist. The book is a straightforward historical mystery, but unlike Rosemary Rowe's Libertus series, it isn't just a non-stop series of clue-unraveling. Harper is never dull reading.

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Conspiracy, Spies, Betrayel, Epic Battles - Medieval Times

Medieval Times. What a...mysterious time in our (human) past. After the fall of Rome, the world dived into a 1000 years of turmoil, wars, Crusades, and so much more. How much fun!

Set during the time of Emperor Alexios, we have a great, huge story which brings the reader right into the story from the first page, to the very end. Our hero is Demetrios. Former mercenary, turned "investigator" there is a plot to assassinate the emperor, and take over the empire.

We are weaved through a fine tale, based on much fact, of betrayel, loyalties, and much more. Who tried to kill the Emperor, and why? With a barbarian army from France marching towards the city, the turks lurking just a few hundred miles away, we are setup for a final scene unlike more others. Will Demetrios find out who and why tried to Assassinate the Emperor?

The book is extremely well written. Great characters, again, many based on actual events and people. Tom Harper shows his knowledge of the times, with a very convincing story.

Whether you are a fan of the times or not, this book will entertain you. Not for a minute was I counting the pages left.

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Byzantium, 1096. A mysterious assassin releases an arrow aimed at the emperor---but he has more than just a man in his sights. A keystone of a crumbling empire, the emperor is the solitary figure holding all the enemies in check. And if he falls, the mightiest power in Christendom will be torn apart.
Demetrios Askiates, unveiler of mysteries, is hired to catch the would-be-killer. But he is entering an unknown world; a babbling cauldron of princes, slaves, mercenaries, pimps, and eunuchs. Not all enemies are within the city walls, however, and with the Turks running rampant across Asia, the emperor has sent to the west for mercenaries to reinforce his position. When a great army, tens of thousands strong, appears before the city gates---the emperor gets more than he bargained for. From the depths of the slums to the golden towers of the city palace; from the sands of the hippodrome to the soaring domes of Ayia Sophia; Demetrios must edge his way through a glittering maze of treachery and deceit before time runs out.
Intent on making their fortunes in war, and with no allegiance to this empire, the first crusaders have arrived with eyes full of jealousy and suspicion. As the armies of the east and west confront each other, and with the assassin creeping ever closer to his prey, Demetrios must untangle this golden web of intrigue that surrounds the emperor---before the city, and the empire, are drowned in blood.

?His portrayal of the Byzantine city and the intrigues that threaten its destruction is vivid and convincing.?
---The Sunday Times (UK)

?It?s a world that Harper brings exuberantly to life, clearly revelling in its teeming, tumultuous extravagance. But he also has a sharp eye for an intriguing mystery.?
---Yorkshire Post (UK)

?Tom Harper writes with strident clarity in this epic tale of murder and betrayal, bloodshed and romance. Gripping from the first page, the reader is swept up.... Well researched and cinematic in its imagery, this is a fast-paced and exciting debut.?
---INK (UK)

?A gripping tale...I look forward to Demetrios?s further adventures.?
---Elizabeth Hawksley, Historical Novels Review

?A lively adventure.... The imperial palace, with all its splendor and intrigue, is brought vividly to life.?
---Good Book Review (UK)

?An engaging romp---Byzantine not only in time and location but the ins and outs of the plot.?
---The Advertiser (Australia)

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3

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