The Mercy of Lions

<p><strong>WELCOME TO HIGH RENAISSANCE ITALY:</strong></p><p>The age of Michelangelo and Leonardo, of Machiavelli and Raphael - a belle epoque for warrior popes, prelates, princes, poets and the realpolitik. </p><p> </p><p>But even as the philosophers claim that 'man has come of age,' Europeans once again arm for war and march on Italy. </p><p> </p><p>Into this inferno of intrigue and bloodletting, the knights of Rhodes send Hugh de Erpingham to assassinate his hero, Marcantonio Vendramin, a knight who has disappeared with the gold that could save Rhodes from a growing Turkish threat. </p><p>  </p><p>As the Sultan amasses a monstrous armada in Gallipoli, these two errant knights; two refugees from the collapse of chivalry, lock horns in a desperate dance of death across the Italian city states in a bid to save Christendom.... and their own souls. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>PRAISE for BOOK III - 'THE HERETIC'</strong></p><p><br></p><p><em>'An exceptional new novel... masterful story... delicious, multifaceted.' </em></p><p>The Historical Novel Review (US)</p><p><br></p><p><em>'A book of big ideas, political intrigue, and action; I came to love Brother Pacificus, Simon, the children, and the many other characters, and I have to admit, I shed several tears on their behalf. Based on historical events, this book has it all, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in such a tumultuous time period.'</em></p><p>The Historical Novel Society</p><p><br></p><p><em>'Magnificent... a work of importance... moments of astonishing power... could become a cult book of its kind.' </em></p><p>Author, Penelope Wilcox</p><p><br></p>