What do you think?
Rate this book
Demetrios Askiates #1
The Mosaic Of Shadows
Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, Lindsey Davis, Steven Pressfield, this breathtaking and captivating novel brings the Crusades to life in all their triumphant and tragic glory. 'Gripping from the first page, the reader is swept up in this colourful and convincing portrayal of an Emperor and his realm under siege.' - Ink'Superb read. Thoroughly enjoyed it' -- ***** Reader review'Highly enjoyable read' -- ***** Reader review'Brilliant.' -- ***** Reader review'Holds your interest from [the first] to the last page' -- ***** Reader review********************************************************************AN ASSASSIN IS ON THE LOOSE...AND AN EMPIRE STANDS IN PERILByzantium, 1096: When a mysterious assassin fires his arrow at the Emperor, he has more than a man in his sights; as the keystone of a crumbling empire, if he falls, then the mightiest power in Christendom will be torn apart. Aware of the stakes, the Emperor hires Demetrios Askiates, the unveiler of mysteries, to catch the would-be-killer.But Demetrios is entering an unknown and mysterious world and must edge his way through a glittering maze of treachery and deceit before time runs out. Nor are all enemies within the city walls. With the Turks 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 gates, he gets more than he bargained for. The first crusaders have arrived, intent on making their fortunes in war, and they have no allegiance to an empire they eye with jealousy and suspicion.As the armies of east and west confront each other, and the assassin creeps ever closer to his prey, Demetrios must untangle the golden web of intrigue which surrounds the Emperor before the city - and the empire - are drowned in blood.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
25 people are currently reading
1046 people want to read
About the author
Tom Harper
55 books197 followersTom Harper was born in West Germany in 1977 and grew up in Germany, Belgium and America; he now lives in England. He is chair of the Crime Writers' Association and also a member of the Historical Novels Society and the Society of Authors.
Tom Harper also writes historical adventures as Edwin Thomas.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Tom Harper also writes historical adventures as Edwin Thomas.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 6, 2015
Out across the snow-swept fields the sun had sunk beneath the rim of the clouds, facing us like a glowing eye. The sky and land alike were caught in its crimson glare, shimmering red, but that was not what had silenced the watchmen. On the ridge across the plain, some two miles distant, an army had appeared. They rode towards us with the sun behind them, their spears like pricks of flame and their banners dark above them. They were moving forward, but as one row passed into the shadows below the ridge another came up on their heels and took its place. It was a host of thousands - tens of thousands - and the snow turned black underfoot as they marched towards our gate.
The barbarians had come.
Thus Tom Harper describes the arrival of the First Crusade before the walls of Constantinople, Queen of Cities and the beating heart of the Christian world.
The Mosaic of Shadows begins in the year 1096. The Byzantine Empire, heir to the ancient legacy of Rome, has been in rapid decline for the last seventy years. With Turks invading from the east, Normans from the west, and noble families conspiring for the throne in and around the capital itself, the empire has become but a shadow of its former self.
But Byzantium has a new emperor, Alexios Komnenos, who rose to prominence by defeating rebels and usurpers in the emperor’s name and then seizing the throne by igniting a rebellion of his own. Alexios dreams of restoring the glory of his empire, but that dream is almost shattered when a mysterious assassin looses an arrow at the emperor, very nearly killing him. And the assassin in only a part of a greater conspiracy. All the while, the crusaders advance on the city, the ranks of the nobility are tainted by treachery, and even the ferocious loyalty of the legendary Varangian Guard can no longer be trusted…
"You are Demetrios, the unveiler of mysteries? The illuminator of shadows? The master of the apocalypse?"
Krysaphios, the emperor’s eunuch chamberlain, hires Demetrios Askiates to investigate the assassination attempt. Demetrios is a former mercenary with a dark and brutal past, and a widower with two young daughters. After a life of fighting and killing people, he has turned instead to the detective’s profession, and his skills make him seem like a Greek version of Sherlock Holmes walking the streets of medieval Constantinople.
Throughout his investigation, Demetrios crosses paths with Thomas, a Frankish orphan; Anna, a physician living in a monastery; Sigurd and Aelric, warriors of the Varangian Guard; Domenico, a Genoese merchant dealing in information; Baldwin and Godfrey of Bouillon, foremost among the first crusaders; and even Alexios and Isaak, the immensely powerful Komnenoi brothers themselves.
Harper expertly manages to combine two different genres. The Mosaic of Shadows is a typical murder mystery while at the same time leaning heavily on different aspects of historical fiction. The focus is definitely on the former, but the book is filled with grand descriptions of historical realities, like the tension between the crusaders and the people of Constantinople, and the intrigue of the Byzantine court. Because of this combination, it is somewhat reminiscent of one of my favourite books ever, The Name of the Rose.
The crisis of the eleventh century and the following Komnenian Restoration of the Byzantine Empire is a period of history I know well (this is probably also a good place to brag shamelessly about being a descendant of the Komnenoi family). Because of that, it was very easy for me to spot minor historical inaccuracies. In addition to that, there were a lot of people missing in this book who would have been really interesting to include, both among the crusaders and the Byzantine nobility. That said, I do not believe the author did any of this by mistake. It would have been a difficult task to include everyone and everything, and since this is historical fiction and not historical fact, I have no problem accepting the author taking liberties with historical accuracy.
The Mosaic of Shadows was definitely a positive surprise. It could have been better in many ways, but in the end Harper still managed to leave me impressed. The book was delightfully exciting and fast-paced, and for the last two hundred pages I couldn’t stop reading. I should mention that you do not need any historical knowledge to enjoy the book, and I would not hesitate to recommend this one to anyone who enjoys reading crime fiction, or historical fiction with a focus on mystery.
3.5 stars
The barbarians had come.
Thus Tom Harper describes the arrival of the First Crusade before the walls of Constantinople, Queen of Cities and the beating heart of the Christian world.
The Mosaic of Shadows begins in the year 1096. The Byzantine Empire, heir to the ancient legacy of Rome, has been in rapid decline for the last seventy years. With Turks invading from the east, Normans from the west, and noble families conspiring for the throne in and around the capital itself, the empire has become but a shadow of its former self.
But Byzantium has a new emperor, Alexios Komnenos, who rose to prominence by defeating rebels and usurpers in the emperor’s name and then seizing the throne by igniting a rebellion of his own. Alexios dreams of restoring the glory of his empire, but that dream is almost shattered when a mysterious assassin looses an arrow at the emperor, very nearly killing him. And the assassin in only a part of a greater conspiracy. All the while, the crusaders advance on the city, the ranks of the nobility are tainted by treachery, and even the ferocious loyalty of the legendary Varangian Guard can no longer be trusted…
"You are Demetrios, the unveiler of mysteries? The illuminator of shadows? The master of the apocalypse?"
Krysaphios, the emperor’s eunuch chamberlain, hires Demetrios Askiates to investigate the assassination attempt. Demetrios is a former mercenary with a dark and brutal past, and a widower with two young daughters. After a life of fighting and killing people, he has turned instead to the detective’s profession, and his skills make him seem like a Greek version of Sherlock Holmes walking the streets of medieval Constantinople.
Throughout his investigation, Demetrios crosses paths with Thomas, a Frankish orphan; Anna, a physician living in a monastery; Sigurd and Aelric, warriors of the Varangian Guard; Domenico, a Genoese merchant dealing in information; Baldwin and Godfrey of Bouillon, foremost among the first crusaders; and even Alexios and Isaak, the immensely powerful Komnenoi brothers themselves.
Harper expertly manages to combine two different genres. The Mosaic of Shadows is a typical murder mystery while at the same time leaning heavily on different aspects of historical fiction. The focus is definitely on the former, but the book is filled with grand descriptions of historical realities, like the tension between the crusaders and the people of Constantinople, and the intrigue of the Byzantine court. Because of this combination, it is somewhat reminiscent of one of my favourite books ever, The Name of the Rose.
The crisis of the eleventh century and the following Komnenian Restoration of the Byzantine Empire is a period of history I know well (this is probably also a good place to brag shamelessly about being a descendant of the Komnenoi family). Because of that, it was very easy for me to spot minor historical inaccuracies. In addition to that, there were a lot of people missing in this book who would have been really interesting to include, both among the crusaders and the Byzantine nobility. That said, I do not believe the author did any of this by mistake. It would have been a difficult task to include everyone and everything, and since this is historical fiction and not historical fact, I have no problem accepting the author taking liberties with historical accuracy.
The Mosaic of Shadows was definitely a positive surprise. It could have been better in many ways, but in the end Harper still managed to leave me impressed. The book was delightfully exciting and fast-paced, and for the last two hundred pages I couldn’t stop reading. I should mention that you do not need any historical knowledge to enjoy the book, and I would not hesitate to recommend this one to anyone who enjoys reading crime fiction, or historical fiction with a focus on mystery.
3.5 stars
May 18, 2014
In theory, I shouldn't really like this book. The majority of historical fiction that ticks my boxes tends to be that which is based around battles, bloody intrigue and grisly realism. In other words, a lot of action.
Disregard the rather misleading blurb from the back cover of the book. This book, for the most part, revolves around a plot to assassinate the Emperor Alexius by a shadowy fanatical monk and an amazingly modern weapon called a tzangara (or a crossbow to you and me). There is relatively few instances where blood is shed, though not so few as to be a bloodless book, and yet maintains my interest for the majority of the book.
There are instances where the dialogue or wording occasionally seems a bit pompous but for the most part this is an enjoyable, easily digestible book to pig out on. The characters, Demetrios & Sigurd in particular though not just them, have a noticeable realistic distinctly human feel to them which is something overlooked by a lot of historical fiction writers it seems.
I'm not saying this book will blow you away, or at least it didn't me, though that could as much be in part to the relatively mid-tempo nature of the book than anything literary. It should however still provide you with enough to entertain you and keep you wanting to wolf down just one more chapter before pausing.
A not mindblowing but still promising opening start to a series and arguably a good standalone book in itself. Hopefully the next in the trilogy(?) will keep the momentum going.
It's nice to read the opening book in a series again and actually be motivated to want to read the next, unlike so many other instances I've had over the last few months!
Three out of five stars is admittedly doing the book a little bit of a disservice as I would openly listen to arguments it deserves four, but I have to go with my gut feeling on this and say it's the most minutest of microns short of quite being a 4/5 in my eyes.
Disregard the rather misleading blurb from the back cover of the book. This book, for the most part, revolves around a plot to assassinate the Emperor Alexius by a shadowy fanatical monk and an amazingly modern weapon called a tzangara (or a crossbow to you and me). There is relatively few instances where blood is shed, though not so few as to be a bloodless book, and yet maintains my interest for the majority of the book.
There are instances where the dialogue or wording occasionally seems a bit pompous but for the most part this is an enjoyable, easily digestible book to pig out on. The characters, Demetrios & Sigurd in particular though not just them, have a noticeable realistic distinctly human feel to them which is something overlooked by a lot of historical fiction writers it seems.
I'm not saying this book will blow you away, or at least it didn't me, though that could as much be in part to the relatively mid-tempo nature of the book than anything literary. It should however still provide you with enough to entertain you and keep you wanting to wolf down just one more chapter before pausing.
A not mindblowing but still promising opening start to a series and arguably a good standalone book in itself. Hopefully the next in the trilogy(?) will keep the momentum going.
It's nice to read the opening book in a series again and actually be motivated to want to read the next, unlike so many other instances I've had over the last few months!
Three out of five stars is admittedly doing the book a little bit of a disservice as I would openly listen to arguments it deserves four, but I have to go with my gut feeling on this and say it's the most minutest of microns short of quite being a 4/5 in my eyes.
December 18, 2015
This book was entertaining though not as engaging as I was hoping for.
Demetrios is a good character, his daughters and family life felt superfluous to the story and his love interest was likable but expendable, as a love interest that is, the rest of her story could have been expanded.
The beginning of the book started out well, with the emperor and assassins and politics but that never followed through into a really good historical setting. Most of the book felt like a modern mystery in costume.
But for a fast, diverting summer read, this is a good book to choose.
Demetrios is a good character, his daughters and family life felt superfluous to the story and his love interest was likable but expendable, as a love interest that is, the rest of her story could have been expanded.
The beginning of the book started out well, with the emperor and assassins and politics but that never followed through into a really good historical setting. Most of the book felt like a modern mystery in costume.
But for a fast, diverting summer read, this is a good book to choose.
Want to read
October 9, 2015Because Markus fanboyed in the second book. TBR!
October 7, 2025
😃Wow ! It’s an absolutely amazing historical mystery!
I’m giving it 5 out of 5 stars, but honestly, I’d give it 6 out of 5 if I could. Alongside the gripping and complex mystery, there are several other intriguing subplots that really add depth to the story.
This historical novel kept me hooked from the very first page all the way to the end.
It nails everything—suspense, tension, action, nonstop twists and turns, a fast-paced historical setting, and even a touch of romance that fits perfectly without feeling out of place.
____Before I dive into the details, let's take a look to the SUMMARY OF THE PLOT:
It’s set in Byzantium in 1096. When a mysterious assassin shoots an arrow at the emperor, it’s more than just an attempt on a man’s life. The emperor is the keystone holding a crumbling empire together, the only one standing between it and its enemies. If he falls, the mightiest power in Christendom could be torn apart.
Knowing what’s at stake, the emperor hires Demetrios Askiates, a man known for solving mysteries, to find the would-be killer. But Demetrios is stepping into a world he doesn’t fully know—a chaotic mix of princes, slaves, mercenaries, pimps, and eunuchs... And he has to navigate a tangled web of betrayal and lies before time runs out.
The danger isn’t just inside the city walls: with the Turks advancing across Asia, the emperor called for mercenaries from the west. But what he gets is a massive army of tens of thousands at the gates—the first Crusaders, who are out for their own gain and hold no loyalty to the empire ...
____________******________
MY THOUGHTS:
Like I said, the story grabs you right away. We jump straight into the action when Demetrios is taken from his home and summoned by the eunuch Krysaphios, who assigns him the task of finding the assassin targeting the emperor.
___CHARATCTERS____
The author does a fantastic job introducing the main characters—Demetrios and his daughters, Krysaphios the chancellor, and Sigurd and Aelric, the Varangian guards—with just a few lines and scenes.
It’s done in such a clear and effective way that you instantly feel connected to them.
As the story moves forward, more characters come into play—some are clearly good people like Anna, the woman doctor and some are obvious villains, others shrouded in mystery until the very end like the young Frank named Thomas, plus real HISTORICAL FIGURES like Emperor Alexius Comnenus and his brother Isaac, along with crusaders Baldwin and Godfrey of Bouillon.
Sometimes novels with a large cast get confusing, but not here.
Every character has a meaningful role that ties into the events and their relationships with others.
____ DEMETRIUS is MAIN CHARATER of the story:
He’s a regular young man with strong principles. Once a soldier, he now uses his smarts to solve cases like thefts and disappearances. He cares deeply for his daughters and always stands up for the weak, even though he’s not a super warrior and knows he might be outmatched by dangerous enemies. That makes him all the more relatable.
I really liked him because he’s not perfect, he shows his vulnerabilities, like the hesitation of a loving father about marrying off his daughter, or the quiet attraction a 35-year-old widower feels toward a female doctor after years alone. Demetrios is open-minded, even toward foreigners called “barbarians”, i.e. all the people born outside the empire.
He’s forgiving and knows when to offer a second chance. He’s decisive but also empathetic, understanding the pain behind betrayal.
He’s a positive, easy character to root for, and the author brings him to life so vividly that he feels like someone who really could have existed.
___SETTING and HISTORY:____
The story takes place in the Byzantine Empire (also known as the Eastern Roman Empire) in 1096 under Emperor Alexius Comnenus, who dreamed of restoring the empire to its former glory.
The empire faced threats from Turks, Normans, Bulgarians, Germans, and Venetians.
Alexius’s call for help from the Pope backfired a bit when the first Crusaders arrived: a huge armies looking to claim lands for themselves, bringing famine and hardship to many villages.
The book talks about Byzantium, but during Alexius’s reign, the city was actually called Constantinople (named after Emperor Constantine I in 330 AD), built on the site of the ancient Greek colony Byzantium.
I know a bit about this history since I'm Italian and our schools cover the Roman Empire and the Popes, but I'm no expert. So don’t worry if you’re new to this era, the book is easy to follow even if you know nothing about it.
It’s actually a great starting point to explore more through blogs or Wikipedia.
Everything is explained in an engaging, never boring way :-)
----> One moment I really enjoyed was during the chariot races, where four teams in white, red, green, and blue competed. I pictured Demetrios and his new friend Sigurd, captain of the Varangian guards, cheering and joking from the stands.
It was fun experiencing that with the characters, learning about entertainment back then, and it even inspired me to watch some YouTube videos to dive deeper.
The author keeps the tension high by showing the greed of some Crusaders and the oath Alexius and his brother Isaac forced them to take before continuing their crusade.
Another fascinating part involves the Varangians, the emperor’s elite guards, introduced through two characters who become Demetrios’s friends.
These northern soldiers were prized for their loyalty, ferocity, and fighting skills, serving as bodyguards, shock troops, and police.
The book also introduces the Patzinacks (or Pechenegs), a group of Turkish mercenaries I had never heard of before.
The emperor hired them for their loyalty and impressive horsemanship.
___ THE MYSTERY PART:____
The mystery itself is brilliantly complex, full of twists, surprises, and characters who seem to bring you closer to the truth only to lead you down new confusing paths.
---> The title fits perfectly, the truth is like a mosaic made up of countless pieces and shadows, until it suddenly clicks in a way that left me speechless but totally satisfied.
The action scenes balance perfectly with the detective work, so there’s never a dull moment. Every chapter grabs your attention and keeps your curiosity fired up.
The pace is mostly fast, but the last 30% of the book?
I read it all in one sitting, I just couldn’t put it down!
:-) For me, it’s the best historical mystery I’ve read in 2025!
___ A TOUCH OF SENSUALITY:___
Like I mentioned, there’s a subtle romantic subplot, but don’t worry, male readers: there’s no cheesy, over-the-top lovey-dovey stuff.
It’s hinted at gently and done with just the right touch of charm and spice, making it easy to understand and connect with Demetrios.
----> This book is the first in a three-part series called "Demetrius Askiates," and I’m definitely planning to read the next two.
-----> The great news is that it has a SATISFYING ENDING with NO CLIFFHANGER, so you can enjoy it as a standalone novel if you want.
By the way, I recently realized I’ve already read another book by the same author, writing under the name Edwin Thomas. That one’s set during the Napoleonic Wars and I really liked it too (I gave it 4 stars).
It was more adventure-focused with a bit of humor, it's called The Haunted Cliffs (The Reluctant Adventures of Lieutenant Martin Jerrold, #1).
WOULD I RECOMMEND "THE MOSAIC OF SHADOWS" TO A FRIEND WHO LOVES HISTORICAL MYSTERIES? Absolutely, yes!
Thanks for reading my opinion, I hope this can be helpful in some way in choosing your next reading.
If you'll read the book I hope you'll love it as much as I did!
I’m giving it 5 out of 5 stars, but honestly, I’d give it 6 out of 5 if I could. Alongside the gripping and complex mystery, there are several other intriguing subplots that really add depth to the story.
This historical novel kept me hooked from the very first page all the way to the end.
It nails everything—suspense, tension, action, nonstop twists and turns, a fast-paced historical setting, and even a touch of romance that fits perfectly without feeling out of place.
____Before I dive into the details, let's take a look to the SUMMARY OF THE PLOT:
It’s set in Byzantium in 1096. When a mysterious assassin shoots an arrow at the emperor, it’s more than just an attempt on a man’s life. The emperor is the keystone holding a crumbling empire together, the only one standing between it and its enemies. If he falls, the mightiest power in Christendom could be torn apart.
Knowing what’s at stake, the emperor hires Demetrios Askiates, a man known for solving mysteries, to find the would-be killer. But Demetrios is stepping into a world he doesn’t fully know—a chaotic mix of princes, slaves, mercenaries, pimps, and eunuchs... And he has to navigate a tangled web of betrayal and lies before time runs out.
The danger isn’t just inside the city walls: with the Turks advancing across Asia, the emperor called for mercenaries from the west. But what he gets is a massive army of tens of thousands at the gates—the first Crusaders, who are out for their own gain and hold no loyalty to the empire ...
____________******________
MY THOUGHTS:
Like I said, the story grabs you right away. We jump straight into the action when Demetrios is taken from his home and summoned by the eunuch Krysaphios, who assigns him the task of finding the assassin targeting the emperor.
___CHARATCTERS____
The author does a fantastic job introducing the main characters—Demetrios and his daughters, Krysaphios the chancellor, and Sigurd and Aelric, the Varangian guards—with just a few lines and scenes.
It’s done in such a clear and effective way that you instantly feel connected to them.
As the story moves forward, more characters come into play—some are clearly good people like Anna, the woman doctor and some are obvious villains, others shrouded in mystery until the very end like the young Frank named Thomas, plus real HISTORICAL FIGURES like Emperor Alexius Comnenus and his brother Isaac, along with crusaders Baldwin and Godfrey of Bouillon.
Sometimes novels with a large cast get confusing, but not here.
Every character has a meaningful role that ties into the events and their relationships with others.
____ DEMETRIUS is MAIN CHARATER of the story:
He’s a regular young man with strong principles. Once a soldier, he now uses his smarts to solve cases like thefts and disappearances. He cares deeply for his daughters and always stands up for the weak, even though he’s not a super warrior and knows he might be outmatched by dangerous enemies. That makes him all the more relatable.
I really liked him because he’s not perfect, he shows his vulnerabilities, like the hesitation of a loving father about marrying off his daughter, or the quiet attraction a 35-year-old widower feels toward a female doctor after years alone. Demetrios is open-minded, even toward foreigners called “barbarians”, i.e. all the people born outside the empire.
He’s forgiving and knows when to offer a second chance. He’s decisive but also empathetic, understanding the pain behind betrayal.
He’s a positive, easy character to root for, and the author brings him to life so vividly that he feels like someone who really could have existed.
___SETTING and HISTORY:____
The story takes place in the Byzantine Empire (also known as the Eastern Roman Empire) in 1096 under Emperor Alexius Comnenus, who dreamed of restoring the empire to its former glory.
The empire faced threats from Turks, Normans, Bulgarians, Germans, and Venetians.
Alexius’s call for help from the Pope backfired a bit when the first Crusaders arrived: a huge armies looking to claim lands for themselves, bringing famine and hardship to many villages.
The book talks about Byzantium, but during Alexius’s reign, the city was actually called Constantinople (named after Emperor Constantine I in 330 AD), built on the site of the ancient Greek colony Byzantium.
I know a bit about this history since I'm Italian and our schools cover the Roman Empire and the Popes, but I'm no expert. So don’t worry if you’re new to this era, the book is easy to follow even if you know nothing about it.
It’s actually a great starting point to explore more through blogs or Wikipedia.
Everything is explained in an engaging, never boring way :-)
----> One moment I really enjoyed was during the chariot races, where four teams in white, red, green, and blue competed. I pictured Demetrios and his new friend Sigurd, captain of the Varangian guards, cheering and joking from the stands.
It was fun experiencing that with the characters, learning about entertainment back then, and it even inspired me to watch some YouTube videos to dive deeper.
The author keeps the tension high by showing the greed of some Crusaders and the oath Alexius and his brother Isaac forced them to take before continuing their crusade.
Another fascinating part involves the Varangians, the emperor’s elite guards, introduced through two characters who become Demetrios’s friends.
These northern soldiers were prized for their loyalty, ferocity, and fighting skills, serving as bodyguards, shock troops, and police.
The book also introduces the Patzinacks (or Pechenegs), a group of Turkish mercenaries I had never heard of before.
The emperor hired them for their loyalty and impressive horsemanship.
___ THE MYSTERY PART:____
The mystery itself is brilliantly complex, full of twists, surprises, and characters who seem to bring you closer to the truth only to lead you down new confusing paths.
---> The title fits perfectly, the truth is like a mosaic made up of countless pieces and shadows, until it suddenly clicks in a way that left me speechless but totally satisfied.
The action scenes balance perfectly with the detective work, so there’s never a dull moment. Every chapter grabs your attention and keeps your curiosity fired up.
The pace is mostly fast, but the last 30% of the book?
I read it all in one sitting, I just couldn’t put it down!
:-) For me, it’s the best historical mystery I’ve read in 2025!
___ A TOUCH OF SENSUALITY:___
Like I mentioned, there’s a subtle romantic subplot, but don’t worry, male readers: there’s no cheesy, over-the-top lovey-dovey stuff.
It’s hinted at gently and done with just the right touch of charm and spice, making it easy to understand and connect with Demetrios.
----> This book is the first in a three-part series called "Demetrius Askiates," and I’m definitely planning to read the next two.
-----> The great news is that it has a SATISFYING ENDING with NO CLIFFHANGER, so you can enjoy it as a standalone novel if you want.
By the way, I recently realized I’ve already read another book by the same author, writing under the name Edwin Thomas. That one’s set during the Napoleonic Wars and I really liked it too (I gave it 4 stars).
It was more adventure-focused with a bit of humor, it's called The Haunted Cliffs (The Reluctant Adventures of Lieutenant Martin Jerrold, #1).
WOULD I RECOMMEND "THE MOSAIC OF SHADOWS" TO A FRIEND WHO LOVES HISTORICAL MYSTERIES? Absolutely, yes!
Thanks for reading my opinion, I hope this can be helpful in some way in choosing your next reading.
If you'll read the book I hope you'll love it as much as I did!
January 11, 2009
A very slow first effort. The story is set in 1095 Constantinople during the reign of the Emperor Alexios. The POV of the story is a man known for his brains, Demetrios Askiates. He is called to the palace to join the search for the man who tried to kill the Emperor in the street, with an exotic weapon from the West. They also are looking for the powerful people who set the plan in motion. So its an historical mystery.
While the intrigue is going on in the city, there first crusade has arrived outside the city walls. Barbarians from the West, who are ostensibly there to kill Turks and free the Holy City of Jerusalem. In actuality they are looking to loot, rape, plunder, and carve out land for themselves. Those in the city know this, and must play a subtle game with the outsiders.
The writing is good, and the characters are done well. Its the story that is very slow. There is lot of time spent with the POV going back and forth with very little story movement. The setting is well done, and not too overwhelming with description. If the story was tighter and shorter it would be a very good page turner. As it is, it is one of those books that you just want to end.
While the intrigue is going on in the city, there first crusade has arrived outside the city walls. Barbarians from the West, who are ostensibly there to kill Turks and free the Holy City of Jerusalem. In actuality they are looking to loot, rape, plunder, and carve out land for themselves. Those in the city know this, and must play a subtle game with the outsiders.
The writing is good, and the characters are done well. Its the story that is very slow. There is lot of time spent with the POV going back and forth with very little story movement. The setting is well done, and not too overwhelming with description. If the story was tighter and shorter it would be a very good page turner. As it is, it is one of those books that you just want to end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2010
Exciting read; the ending left me feeling a little flat, though, especially when the bad guy reveals himself. But this is a solid four-star read.
This book was referred to me by a friend whose hobby was participating in the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA); his persona/character: a crusader. He studied history, swordplay, etc, for his part and fell in love with this book, he said, for its accuracy. Also it's a very good story, as he told me repeatedly.
This book was referred to me by a friend whose hobby was participating in the Society for Creative Anachronisms (SCA); his persona/character: a crusader. He studied history, swordplay, etc, for his part and fell in love with this book, he said, for its accuracy. Also it's a very good story, as he told me repeatedly.
July 28, 2014
The detective part was extremely slow moving. The historical part was kind of strangely vague and as a whole it did was not really exiting book
September 13, 2015
I enjoyed this book. Sometimes it was a bit slow. I will look out for the other books in the series. This is an era of history I know little about, and I now want to see the Sofia more than ever.
December 31, 2023
4 Stars
The Mosaic of Shadows is the first book in the Demetrios Askiates series by Tom Harper. This is such a vividly detailed story/series, it really comes to life before your eyes, pulling you into all the action and keeping you in its grasp right till the end.
A fantastic historical (medieval) mystery with plenty of action, adventure, dramatic developments, with an assassin on the loose, the life of the emperor on the line, tension, suspense, a tangled web of treachery & deceit, jealousy, suspicion, crusaders, and interesting characters.
Well done...
Happy Reading.
Thank you, Tom Harper!
The Mosaic of Shadows is the first book in the Demetrios Askiates series by Tom Harper. This is such a vividly detailed story/series, it really comes to life before your eyes, pulling you into all the action and keeping you in its grasp right till the end.
A fantastic historical (medieval) mystery with plenty of action, adventure, dramatic developments, with an assassin on the loose, the life of the emperor on the line, tension, suspense, a tangled web of treachery & deceit, jealousy, suspicion, crusaders, and interesting characters.
Well done...
Happy Reading.
Thank you, Tom Harper!
November 17, 2024
Byzantine sleuth Demetrios Askiates is hired to try and find out who has tried to kill the emperor, ideally before he strikes again.
This is an okay kind of story, and probably not too hard to work out the twist at the end. There are some decent characters throughout, and some slight repetition of themes. I think we get the message that Demetrios' eldest daughter is looking for a husband. There could perhaps be some more back story involving Demetrios, maybe even some retrospective scenes, and I think Anna could have been developed more, although she may have more of an appearance as the series progresses.
Not a bad read. I've definitely read worse.
This is an okay kind of story, and probably not too hard to work out the twist at the end. There are some decent characters throughout, and some slight repetition of themes. I think we get the message that Demetrios' eldest daughter is looking for a husband. There could perhaps be some more back story involving Demetrios, maybe even some retrospective scenes, and I think Anna could have been developed more, although she may have more of an appearance as the series progresses.
Not a bad read. I've definitely read worse.
July 31, 2017
I found this to be a very entertaining book and look forward to reading the rest of the adventures of Demetrios Askiates. The setting of the novel lends to an exciting look into the Byzantine Empire and the growth of Christianity. The author builds excitement and progresses the thriller in a beautiful manner. I would highly recommend for anyone wanting to read a fictional historical thriller. I just hope the next two books are as entertaining.
January 8, 2020
Una historia ambientada en los inicios de la primera cruzada cuando los europeos llegan a Constantinopla y el Emperador Alejo I les exige juramento a los cruzados. Una novela de intriga que nos sumerge en la lucha entre las confianzas y las traiciones y las decisiones que pueden cambiar el mundo. Bien escrita y aunque sin ser brillante logra mantener la atencion. Interesante seria encontrar las versiones en español de los tomos 2 y 3 de esta trilogía.
April 13, 2018
3.5* Enjoyed, but not a wow. Some parts seemed to drag along as if marking time, but I enjoyed the looks at several different levels of Byzantine life (monastery, private citizen, royalty, etc.). I kind of liked how the affairs of the West generated next to no interest for the average Byzantine citizen, just as it should be.
October 21, 2022
I read this a number of years ago and just finished rereading it. It is a pretty good mystery and Harper gets the historical details right (other than a few liberties with actual events). Unfortunately, the characters too often come across as modern people in Byzantine costume. This is a common enough failing (e.g., Lindsey Davis putting Sam Spade in a toga), but it is a distraction.
July 14, 2025
Historical style
I have not read a book like this in a long time, and I am pleased to say that it did not dissapoint in the least. It kept me on my toes from the very start until almost the last page. It is what all goods books need, a good story that is believable and keeps you interested until the last page, and this had it all.
I have not read a book like this in a long time, and I am pleased to say that it did not dissapoint in the least. It kept me on my toes from the very start until almost the last page. It is what all goods books need, a good story that is believable and keeps you interested until the last page, and this had it all.
April 21, 2021
I agree with other reviews, the start of the book is good but the main character doesn't really deliver being the acclaimed revealer of mysteries. The history part reads very well and is interesting but Demetrios is more stumbling through his case and reveals the plot by sheer luck instead of cleverness and thinking.
May 22, 2023
A very leisurely and ultimately unsatisfying mystery (one of those where you think that the villain was making things way more complicated than they have to be, for fun!), but the setting and characters are pretty good.
August 30, 2019
Not a bad read - interesting period piece
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
March 29, 2021
Rather engaging, however would've enjoyed a bit more battle and relationship development.
June 29, 2021
Actually, 1 and 1/2
April 19, 2022
Good solid adventure mystery. Done well.
May 5, 2022
Non mi è sembrato un granché, né come trama, né come scrittura; esagerato il rapporto fra il protagonista e la donna medico, decisamente molto "harmony."
November 26, 2019
In 1096 Constantinople, at the heart of the Byzantine Empire, the royal court is shaken by an assassination attempt on the emperor. Demetrios Askiates, a former bounty-hunter now turned detective, is hired to find the killer, along with the help of the fierce royal guard.
Books about the Byzantine Empire are not all that common, unfortunately. I love the culture of it - part Middle Eastern, part European. So needless to say, I was excited to read this book. It turned out to be pretty average, and while I'm not sorry I read it, I most likely won't pick up the next one in the series.
The main problem I had with "The Mosaic of Shadows" was that it was so slow moving. Many things are very drawn out, and characters are always discovering some breathlessly exciting puzzle piece to the mystery, and then leaving the scene. It's mostly to return home for the night and get some sleep. I know that people have to sleep at some point - but it happened often, and I felt that it really hindered the feeling of excitement from being allowed to emerge.
I certainly wouldn't call this book exciting, or a page turner. It was a book I kept putting down without looking forward to coming back to.
I also really couldn't see Demetrios as a detective. He just wasn't believable in that regard. The reasons why the royal investigators themselves would hire him in particular are never given, and frankly we never see any spark of brilliance that would lead us to think it was because he had a dazzling crime-solving resume. Demetrios never once recalls other crimes or detective work he has done, or anything of the sort, which I thought odd. He does, on the other hand, refer quite often to his previous job as a bounty hunter. From what he tells us, it seems that he was good at it even if he disliked the work. Alright, so he's a fighter, then? Well, no. Demetrios never kills anyone, and seems to avoid violence. The few times he is forced into physical combat, he is pitifully overpowered, and quite easily. So he doesn't come across as an assassin either.
To me, Demetrios just seemed like an average, usual guy trying his best to solve a mystery.
I would have thought that he would use his wits and quick thinking to tackle the clues and witnesses, as it seems the palace's way of doing things is through intimidation and force. Isn't that why they hired him, after all?
Demetrios does rely on reason and logic to get somewhere in the case, but the problem is that it doesn't work, especially whenever they encounter actual people.
Sigurd, a huge royal guard, usually sees that Demetrios's calm reasoning is getting nowhere, and does something drastically threatening or violent, which always works. While Demetrios politely knocks on doors (no success), Sigurd plows through them in a chaotic shower of splinters and bellowed threats (success!).
Demetrios' attempts at having an "interrogation" were laughable. Hasn't Harper ever watched ANY crime dramas? When it proves useless, Sigurd cuts in with a huge axe, some light torture, and threats of making a eunuch of the man right there. Success again - the man relents and tells them all that he knows.
I don't think the author intended to give the message that violence goes further than intelligence (or at least I hope he didn't), but that's how it came across.
Anna, a female doctor who Demetrios falls for, seemed very modern to me in both her attitude and her profession. The romance between them seemed relatively obligatory, as well.
On the good side, I loved the setting of Byzantine Constantinople. Illustrating the scene with rich historical detail is at least one thing that Harper does quite well. I felt that after reading this book, I had learned something about the time period and had more of a feel for it. The whole thing with the palace guards and different races hired or forced to do the job over the years was also quite interesting.
This book is alright. But if you are looking for a thrilling, quickly paced mystery, I would advise you to move on.
Books about the Byzantine Empire are not all that common, unfortunately. I love the culture of it - part Middle Eastern, part European. So needless to say, I was excited to read this book. It turned out to be pretty average, and while I'm not sorry I read it, I most likely won't pick up the next one in the series.
The main problem I had with "The Mosaic of Shadows" was that it was so slow moving. Many things are very drawn out, and characters are always discovering some breathlessly exciting puzzle piece to the mystery, and then leaving the scene. It's mostly to return home for the night and get some sleep. I know that people have to sleep at some point - but it happened often, and I felt that it really hindered the feeling of excitement from being allowed to emerge.
I certainly wouldn't call this book exciting, or a page turner. It was a book I kept putting down without looking forward to coming back to.
I also really couldn't see Demetrios as a detective. He just wasn't believable in that regard. The reasons why the royal investigators themselves would hire him in particular are never given, and frankly we never see any spark of brilliance that would lead us to think it was because he had a dazzling crime-solving resume. Demetrios never once recalls other crimes or detective work he has done, or anything of the sort, which I thought odd. He does, on the other hand, refer quite often to his previous job as a bounty hunter. From what he tells us, it seems that he was good at it even if he disliked the work. Alright, so he's a fighter, then? Well, no. Demetrios never kills anyone, and seems to avoid violence. The few times he is forced into physical combat, he is pitifully overpowered, and quite easily. So he doesn't come across as an assassin either.
To me, Demetrios just seemed like an average, usual guy trying his best to solve a mystery.
I would have thought that he would use his wits and quick thinking to tackle the clues and witnesses, as it seems the palace's way of doing things is through intimidation and force. Isn't that why they hired him, after all?
Demetrios does rely on reason and logic to get somewhere in the case, but the problem is that it doesn't work, especially whenever they encounter actual people.
Sigurd, a huge royal guard, usually sees that Demetrios's calm reasoning is getting nowhere, and does something drastically threatening or violent, which always works. While Demetrios politely knocks on doors (no success), Sigurd plows through them in a chaotic shower of splinters and bellowed threats (success!).
Demetrios' attempts at having an "interrogation" were laughable. Hasn't Harper ever watched ANY crime dramas? When it proves useless, Sigurd cuts in with a huge axe, some light torture, and threats of making a eunuch of the man right there. Success again - the man relents and tells them all that he knows.
I don't think the author intended to give the message that violence goes further than intelligence (or at least I hope he didn't), but that's how it came across.
Anna, a female doctor who Demetrios falls for, seemed very modern to me in both her attitude and her profession. The romance between them seemed relatively obligatory, as well.
On the good side, I loved the setting of Byzantine Constantinople. Illustrating the scene with rich historical detail is at least one thing that Harper does quite well. I felt that after reading this book, I had learned something about the time period and had more of a feel for it. The whole thing with the palace guards and different races hired or forced to do the job over the years was also quite interesting.
This book is alright. But if you are looking for a thrilling, quickly paced mystery, I would advise you to move on.
February 19, 2017
There aren't many novels that take place in Byzantium, and even fewer of them that take the POV of the Byzantines. This one is fairly well written, and the author is clearly knowledgeable about Byzantine history. He uses terms like eparch and logothete appropriately, he knows that there were female physicians in the empire at that time, he knows about the Byzantine names for various neighborhoods in the great city. All indications were that he knows his Byzantine history.
So why 3 stars?
For two reasons: first, I felt no emotional impact from the story. Nothing about it kept drawing me back to it and when I did pick it up, I had to remind myself about what the story was about. I only kept reading because the writing was decent and because of my interest in the Byzantines. And Second, I found it bizarre that for someone as knowledgeable about Byzantine history as the author appears to be that he would, first, attribute Alexios I Comnenus's rise to the throne to Alexios's father who had died about 15 years before he took the throne; and second, ignore the fact that it was Alexios's mother, Anna Dalassena, who was the driving force behind her son becoming emperor. There was even a scene where a bust of Anna Dalassena (never named specifically, but I know her name) was accidentally destroyed and the characters in the story snickered about it. The discussion about Alexios's parents was not important to the story and could have even been dropped, but to have it inserted this way and so incorrectly just really annoyed me. As a woman, I've seen too many instances where male writers ignore and denigrate female contributions to history. It was both egregious and unnecessary in this novel.
So why 3 stars?
For two reasons: first, I felt no emotional impact from the story. Nothing about it kept drawing me back to it and when I did pick it up, I had to remind myself about what the story was about. I only kept reading because the writing was decent and because of my interest in the Byzantines. And Second, I found it bizarre that for someone as knowledgeable about Byzantine history as the author appears to be that he would, first, attribute Alexios I Comnenus's rise to the throne to Alexios's father who had died about 15 years before he took the throne; and second, ignore the fact that it was Alexios's mother, Anna Dalassena, who was the driving force behind her son becoming emperor. There was even a scene where a bust of Anna Dalassena (never named specifically, but I know her name) was accidentally destroyed and the characters in the story snickered about it. The discussion about Alexios's parents was not important to the story and could have even been dropped, but to have it inserted this way and so incorrectly just really annoyed me. As a woman, I've seen too many instances where male writers ignore and denigrate female contributions to history. It was both egregious and unnecessary in this novel.
January 2, 2015
Although not completely dissapointed with The Mosaic of Shadows, I was not completely satisfied. At times, I just wanted to lurch that book at my wall, and at others, I glanced at my clock wishing time could only stop so I could read some more, derived from the brilliance at which the story is flowing.
Tom Harper is able to come up with a great idea for a story: we Byzantium at the peak of its decadence, surrounded by enemies north and south. A clever plot to kill the Emperor is almost succesful. I cannot imagine a better premise. The main characters were certainly interesting, but their actions were not always that way.
Praises need to be given to the way in which Harper is able to weave the different cultural identities found in Byzantium. We have the Franks, then the English and the Greeks. We have people that cannot understand one another and different cultures and beliefs. That part was great and at the same time, details within the story were lost to the intricate description of the atmosphere.
The characters were adequate, even likeable. I felt that Demetrios was not a superhuman detective, but a pious, impulsive craftman and that helped make the story interesting. Sometimes, the pace of the stoy left much to be desired, and the overal quality of the story suffered from it.
The climax and the conclusion were well developed, albeit a little vague. I wish more time could have been given in fleshing out the details for the ending, but it was not a total waste, as we as readers, if we are observant, will find perfect sense to that.
Tom Harper is able to come up with a great idea for a story: we Byzantium at the peak of its decadence, surrounded by enemies north and south. A clever plot to kill the Emperor is almost succesful. I cannot imagine a better premise. The main characters were certainly interesting, but their actions were not always that way.
Praises need to be given to the way in which Harper is able to weave the different cultural identities found in Byzantium. We have the Franks, then the English and the Greeks. We have people that cannot understand one another and different cultures and beliefs. That part was great and at the same time, details within the story were lost to the intricate description of the atmosphere.
The characters were adequate, even likeable. I felt that Demetrios was not a superhuman detective, but a pious, impulsive craftman and that helped make the story interesting. Sometimes, the pace of the stoy left much to be desired, and the overal quality of the story suffered from it.
The climax and the conclusion were well developed, albeit a little vague. I wish more time could have been given in fleshing out the details for the ending, but it was not a total waste, as we as readers, if we are observant, will find perfect sense to that.
January 31, 2011
Mi piacciono i thriller a sfondo storico e questo in particolar modo mi ha entusiasmato molto. Da una parte perchè ha un'ambientazione che non è proprio la classica (Inghilterra, Francia, etc...) ma bensì Bisanzio e l'impero Bizantino e dall'altra parte perchè i personaggi e non solo quello principale sono costruiti benissimo. Il contesto storico e i riferimenti sono puntuali e precisi ma comprensibilissimi e mai pesanti da digerire. Insomma anche se ci troviamo davanti al consueto "Mr. X indaga..." ho trovato in questo libro un bel thriller che ti tiene incollato alle pagine fino alla fine e con un finale per nulla scontato.
Read
October 4, 2009I had a really hard time reading this book. It seemed like every time I started reading I would fall asleep. It was a little boring and over descriptive in the beginning, but a little before page 200 it got really good and held my attention from there. The characters I really liked there were not enough of. I also thought that there would be a little more excitement and adventure since it was a mystery. The mystery part got a little over shadoed by all the hisotry, which, while interesting, wasn't what I was expecting.
July 23, 2012
For those of you who are into historical fiction, you are in for a treat. This book stars Demetrios Askiates, a former Byzantine soldier who has managed to become, improbably, a detective in Constantinople. Demetrios has many problems to deal with. The Emperor was almost assassinated. The First Crusade, full of barbaric Franks and Normans, is on its way to the Holy Land. And his daughter has just discovered boys.
This sounds cliche, but it kept me glued to the pages throughout the night and I'm sure it will have the same effect on you.
This sounds cliche, but it kept me glued to the pages throughout the night and I'm sure it will have the same effect on you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews