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The Ottoman Cycle #2
The Priest's Tale
The blistering second novel in the Ottoman Cycle by bestseller S.J.A. Turney sees blood and adventure on the Mediterranean battlefield…
Crete, 1492: After a sojourn on a Venetian-controlled island, Skiouros has learned everything he needs to know for his true quest: destroying the person responsible for his brother’s death.
Meanwhile, across the Mediterranean, a small fleet of Turkish galleys is engaged in a desperate last attempt to save Islamic influence on the Iberian Peninsula. While the great naval commander Kemal Reis battles to survive, his subordinate yearns to murder every hint of Christian life.
When Skiouros’ ship crosses paths with the violent would-be pirate, things turn sour. Tested to the limits of his endurance, with his life at stake and Hassan ‘the Butcher’ prowling the seas, Skiouros must confront unpleasant truths about the past…
Perfect for fans of Griff Hosker, Ben Kane and Christian Cameron.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2013
53 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
S.J.A. Turney
93 books497 followersSimon lives with his wife and children and a menagerie of animals in rural North Yorkshire, where he sits in an office, wired on coffee and digestive biscuits, and attempts to spin engrossing tales out of strands of imagination while his children drive toys across his desk and two dogs howl as they try to share a brain cell.
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 5, 2013
Priests Tale Review
Reading this book was a very interesting experience.
Firstly because Simon Turney is such an excellent writer. Every book leaves me astounded that he still self publishes. But that self publishing seems to give him a freedom of style and expression as well as release schedule.
What I expected from Priests Tale was a book packed full of vengeance, action and adventure, of Skiouros next trials in seeking the revenge for the death of his brother Lykaion. (in Thiefs Tale)
This to some degree is what I got, the book is indeed packed with action, adventure and a thirst for vengeance. Only the vengeful beast we see isn't Skiouros, it is Etci Hassan the dark brooding captain of a Turkish ship, a man burning with the flames of Jihad against the Christian nations. This hatred brings him in direct conflict with Skiouros, Captain Parmenio, Nicolo and a wonderful new character Master Cesare Orsini.
The conversational interplay between these characters is so natural so charismatic it draws the reader into the plot, wraps them in the intrigue and comradeship and takes them on a journey through the world of slavery and Tunis.
What I had expected to be a story of all out action, in fact turned out to be a story of comrades, of men finding out who they are deep down, when push came to shove would they run or would they stand, what does a friend truly mean, how much would you give up for them, how much can comradeship and friendship change a persons soul. All these things and more are explored and covered either overtly or covertly within the text.
When you combine this level of skilful writing with the fun and adventure that Simon imbues the story, you end up with a top class book, one that thrills form the first page to the last.
From a personal extra enjoyment I know that Simon has named some of the main characters for some friends (for which I am personally honoured with Captain Parmenio). Its something that will always bring a smile to my face (and at the same time would not influence my view of the book). What did surprise me, in a good way, was how little traits, personality idiosyncrasies had also crept in. (and I don't just mean Nicolo's love of the grape). I'm sure some of this is deliberate, but i do wonder if some also crept in subconsciously, Does the author realise how much of himself is in Skiouros? All of this does however give an extra depth to the story.
This is a must buy, because we should support great writing, and because its a fantastic book
Highly recommended
(Parm)
Reading this book was a very interesting experience.
Firstly because Simon Turney is such an excellent writer. Every book leaves me astounded that he still self publishes. But that self publishing seems to give him a freedom of style and expression as well as release schedule.
What I expected from Priests Tale was a book packed full of vengeance, action and adventure, of Skiouros next trials in seeking the revenge for the death of his brother Lykaion. (in Thiefs Tale)
This to some degree is what I got, the book is indeed packed with action, adventure and a thirst for vengeance. Only the vengeful beast we see isn't Skiouros, it is Etci Hassan the dark brooding captain of a Turkish ship, a man burning with the flames of Jihad against the Christian nations. This hatred brings him in direct conflict with Skiouros, Captain Parmenio, Nicolo and a wonderful new character Master Cesare Orsini.
The conversational interplay between these characters is so natural so charismatic it draws the reader into the plot, wraps them in the intrigue and comradeship and takes them on a journey through the world of slavery and Tunis.
What I had expected to be a story of all out action, in fact turned out to be a story of comrades, of men finding out who they are deep down, when push came to shove would they run or would they stand, what does a friend truly mean, how much would you give up for them, how much can comradeship and friendship change a persons soul. All these things and more are explored and covered either overtly or covertly within the text.
When you combine this level of skilful writing with the fun and adventure that Simon imbues the story, you end up with a top class book, one that thrills form the first page to the last.
From a personal extra enjoyment I know that Simon has named some of the main characters for some friends (for which I am personally honoured with Captain Parmenio). Its something that will always bring a smile to my face (and at the same time would not influence my view of the book). What did surprise me, in a good way, was how little traits, personality idiosyncrasies had also crept in. (and I don't just mean Nicolo's love of the grape). I'm sure some of this is deliberate, but i do wonder if some also crept in subconsciously, Does the author realise how much of himself is in Skiouros? All of this does however give an extra depth to the story.
This is a must buy, because we should support great writing, and because its a fantastic book
Highly recommended
(Parm)
August 29, 2013
I have a slight quirk in my reading habit in which I occasionally have to stop and put the book down just before something harrowing, exciting or pivotal is about to happen. I don't do it all the time but while I was reading The Priest's Tale by S.J.A.Turney I found myself doing it often. This, the second volume of The Ottoman Cycle, continues the tale of Skiouros who is now on Crete, leaving Istanbul behind at the end of volume one disguised an Orthodox Christian priest. The year is 1492 and Skiouros has been preparing himself to deal with the one person left responsible for the death of his brother. Deeming the time to be right he leaves Crete and is headed to Rome where his foe is a prisoner/guest of Pope Innocent VIII. The trials and tribulations of what should have been an easy voyage are the focus of this exciting story.
Hassan Ecti, captain of an Ottoman war ship has his own mission, albeit an over zealous one as he is determined to destroy any vestige of Christianity in lands that are now being taken away from the Muslim faithful in the West, lands that they have been settled in for seven centuries are now under control of the hated Pope. The clash between Hassan and Skiouros and his friends is full of the blind bigotry brought on when religions collide, a violent collision that continues today.
Mr. Turney has given us a tale that is full of suspense, full of surprises, full of the turmoil inherent in any good book. Skiouros has grown in character and we are able to see and feel the anguish he encounters in his bid for vengeance. The supporting cast are also well written, good guys and the never ending supply of baddies. I read a lot of historical fiction and it is the baddies that make these tales interesting and hard to put down. Hassan Ecti rates as one of top five baddies I've encountered.
Descriptive and full of intrigue and surprises, The Priest's Tale takes the reader on a wonderful ride with a host of great characters and a most entertaining ending that leads into volume three, The Assassin's Tale. The author has, in my own humble opinion, created yet another masterful, hard to put down glimpse into the past. Well done, Mr. Turney, keep on writing as I am not yet sated.
Hassan Ecti, captain of an Ottoman war ship has his own mission, albeit an over zealous one as he is determined to destroy any vestige of Christianity in lands that are now being taken away from the Muslim faithful in the West, lands that they have been settled in for seven centuries are now under control of the hated Pope. The clash between Hassan and Skiouros and his friends is full of the blind bigotry brought on when religions collide, a violent collision that continues today.
Mr. Turney has given us a tale that is full of suspense, full of surprises, full of the turmoil inherent in any good book. Skiouros has grown in character and we are able to see and feel the anguish he encounters in his bid for vengeance. The supporting cast are also well written, good guys and the never ending supply of baddies. I read a lot of historical fiction and it is the baddies that make these tales interesting and hard to put down. Hassan Ecti rates as one of top five baddies I've encountered.
Descriptive and full of intrigue and surprises, The Priest's Tale takes the reader on a wonderful ride with a host of great characters and a most entertaining ending that leads into volume three, The Assassin's Tale. The author has, in my own humble opinion, created yet another masterful, hard to put down glimpse into the past. Well done, Mr. Turney, keep on writing as I am not yet sated.
April 7, 2019
Skiouros is on the hunt...for the last of the killers responsible for his brother’s murder. From Crete, his quest takes him across the Mediterranean in a fast-paced adventure similar to Voltaire’s Candide. Fate takes many twists and turns as Skiouros employs his skills as a thief and a trickster with the assistance of three other characters all thrown together by chance. A rich background of local colour gives this narrative a compelling momentum, involving Greek, Turkey she and Spanish customs and cultures.
January 4, 2018
Admirable Writing
Tourney is a good writer and a good story teller. His writing is precise, with few errors, good descriptions, good dialogue, and an admirable vocabulary. His stories are believable, with fast paced plots and interesting characters. He creates tension and interest in the historical aspects and integrates the fiction with believable smoothness.
Tourney is a good writer and a good story teller. His writing is precise, with few errors, good descriptions, good dialogue, and an admirable vocabulary. His stories are believable, with fast paced plots and interesting characters. He creates tension and interest in the historical aspects and integrates the fiction with believable smoothness.
April 30, 2018
What a lovely surprise. Thoroughly enjoyed this adventurous tale of a young Greek looking for vengeance for his deceased brother. I did not realise that this is a series of books and that I had plopped down right in the middle of them. I need to find the first and the last for catching up. And another lovely surprise the author has written many other books which I believe I might like.
July 9, 2019
The tale continues compelling
I am thoroughly enjoying this tale. It covers every emotion and keeps things interesting. It gives some insight into conquering in the name of God. The conquerors shift between Catholics, Christians, Muslim/Ottomans etc. And one young boy who is caught in the middle.
I am thoroughly enjoying this tale. It covers every emotion and keeps things interesting. It gives some insight into conquering in the name of God. The conquerors shift between Catholics, Christians, Muslim/Ottomans etc. And one young boy who is caught in the middle.
April 21, 2023
The Priest's Tale
The tale of the continued daunting journey of a young Greek lad seeking justice even though he thinks it is revenge.
I loved the book most because of the outstanding descriptions Mr. Turney provides of places he has traveled.
A tale of brotherly love and true justice.
The tale of the continued daunting journey of a young Greek lad seeking justice even though he thinks it is revenge.
I loved the book most because of the outstanding descriptions Mr. Turney provides of places he has traveled.
A tale of brotherly love and true justice.
March 25, 2025
Still not a bad series. Enjoyed book 1, and book 2 almost as good.
One thing though:
Loose gunpowder doesn't explode
While loose gunpowder burns rapidly, it's the confinement of the burning gases that can lead to a more forceful, potentially explosive reaction.
So sorry, the "explosion" in the slave market...not.
One thing though:
Loose gunpowder doesn't explode
While loose gunpowder burns rapidly, it's the confinement of the burning gases that can lead to a more forceful, potentially explosive reaction.
So sorry, the "explosion" in the slave market...not.
June 30, 2018
This is a great adventure story, lots of places, action, escapes, danger etc. I like how this author creates detailed and alive and plausible acton scenes. I like that the hero is good but no paragon. Skilled but not genius.
May 27, 2018
History and Fun - a good combination.
Another great fast paced yet full of history and geography based on fact. I continue to enjoy all of S. J. A. Turney's books.
Another great fast paced yet full of history and geography based on fact. I continue to enjoy all of S. J. A. Turney's books.
November 4, 2024
Third book in the Ottoman Cycle series. Exciting book full of close calls and danger.
October 13, 2015
This series keeps getting better!
I love all the plot turns and twists! Never know what is going to happen next,yet it always makes sense; not just random things to try and keep it interesting. If you read this series you owe it to yourself to read SJA Turney's other books.
I love all the plot turns and twists! Never know what is going to happen next,yet it always makes sense; not just random things to try and keep it interesting. If you read this series you owe it to yourself to read SJA Turney's other books.
February 20, 2016
Another excellent outing in Turney's adventures set in the Renaissance Mediterranean. Great authenticity, a knowledge fo culture and terrain, combined with rollicking stories. Fantastic!
March 24, 2017
Read it!
A great adventure with many twists and turns in the plot. Well written and fun to read. You won't be disappointed.
A great adventure with many twists and turns in the plot. Well written and fun to read. You won't be disappointed.
Read
November 21, 2018Trilogy
Good trilogy . A good read and one to be considered for a light holiday read. I will consider this author in the future.
Good trilogy . A good read and one to be considered for a light holiday read. I will consider this author in the future.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews