Mistra is part of the empire of Byzantium but is a state in the Pelepponese. This makes it a prize coveted by the Ottomans and the Venetian empire. At the turn of the fifteenth century the eastern mediterranean is in turmoil and the state of Mistra is prospering under the management of Luke Magoris and the Varangians. As Magoris tries to manipulate the Papacy he makes enemies in Italy which lead to the loss of money from Mistra and Venice seizes its chance. Majoris tries to rectify the situation both through trade with China and also through the gold trade in Africa.

I haven't read the first two parts of this story and I found it really difficult to pick up the different strands at the start. However by halfway through I was completely engrossed in a tale which encompassed lots of areas of history I didn't know about and had a very engaging plot. I am tempted to get hold of the two other books now. ( )