“Political intrigue straight out of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, except that Gleason’s novel is based on stories of real people, and this historical “game of thrones” is engrossing, with fast-paced, crisp prose and smart dialogue. An enticing read, sure to please lovers of historical fiction and political and religious intrigue.”
“Gleason’s utterly confident novel is the first in a projected series about the 8th century Carolingian dynasty. Gleason’s grasp of (his) characters is nothing short of marvelous; dialogue is sharp throughout, and the book’s obviously vast research is smoothly worked into the narrative.”
- Historical Novel Society
