What do you think?
Rate this book
The Ottoman Cycle #1
The Thief's Tale
Istanbul, 1481. The once great city of Constantine that now forms the heart of the Ottoman empire is a strange mix of Christian, Turk and Jew. Despite the benevolent reign of the Sultan Bayezid II, the conquest is still a recent memory, and emotions run high among the inhabitants, with danger never far beneath the surface.
Skiouros and Lykaion, the sons of a Greek country farmer, are conscripted into the ranks of the famous Janissary guards and taken to Istanbul where they will play a pivotal, if unsung, role in the history of the new regime. As Skiouros escapes into the Greek quarter and vanishes among its streets to survive on his wits alone, Lykaion remains with the slave chain to fulfill his destiny and become an Islamic convert and a guard of the Imperial palace. Brothers they remain, though standing to either side of an unimaginable divide.
On a fateful day in late autumn 1490, Skiouros picks the wrong pocket and begins to unravel a plot that reaches to the very highest peaks of Imperial power. He and his brother are about to be left with the most difficult decision faced by a conquered Greek: whether the rule of the Ottoman Sultan is worth saving.
Skiouros and Lykaion, the sons of a Greek country farmer, are conscripted into the ranks of the famous Janissary guards and taken to Istanbul where they will play a pivotal, if unsung, role in the history of the new regime. As Skiouros escapes into the Greek quarter and vanishes among its streets to survive on his wits alone, Lykaion remains with the slave chain to fulfill his destiny and become an Islamic convert and a guard of the Imperial palace. Brothers they remain, though standing to either side of an unimaginable divide.
On a fateful day in late autumn 1490, Skiouros picks the wrong pocket and begins to unravel a plot that reaches to the very highest peaks of Imperial power. He and his brother are about to be left with the most difficult decision faced by a conquered Greek: whether the rule of the Ottoman Sultan is worth saving.
350 pages, ebook
First published February 25, 2013
111 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
S.J.A. Turney
93 books498 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 21, 2020
Nope
Hope not something I would ever read. Just didn't hold my interest an I couldn't wait till I was done!!!!
Hope not something I would ever read. Just didn't hold my interest an I couldn't wait till I was done!!!!
February 20, 2016
An excellent examination of both the time and the feel of the period; a deep appreciation of all the cultures, of the tangled politics, and the eccentricities and personalities and the thin divide that separated 'right' from 'wrong.' Also good fun. What more do you want in a book? Reeks of authenticity...
February 26, 2013
Review
This latest title from the fantastic SJA Turney felt like a bit of a double edged sword to begin with. I don't read very many books set in
that part of history, there is just to much religion for my liking. That part of history and its events mainly controlled by the church or religion. But I'm starting to change that opinion, finally some writers are making it different. Jack Hight, Simon Scarrow
and now SJA Turney.
The Thief's Tale follows the trials and tribulations of two Greek brothers, brothers caught up in the compulsory conscription of the Ottoman Janissary's. Their lives take a dramatic divergent difference on entering the great city of Istanbul/ Constantinople. Skiouros the youngest, vanishing into the underbelly of the city to become live by his wits and speed. His brother Lykaion conditioned into one of the deadly Janissary's that helped make the Ottoman Empire one of the biggest the world had seen.
The 2 brothers find themselves through a singular incident caught up in the power play for the empire and their lives are soon under threat. Can they run fast enough? should they run, where do they go? what do they do?
Simon Turney once again weaves a fantastic fast paced well researched atmospheric tale that sucks the reader back in time into the mix of the dirty streets and dangerous politics. His skill is always in educating whilst entertaining and this book does it in spades.
I'm very much impatient for book 2 and shall be haranguing him to get it written (once he finishes Marius Mules 5. If you have not read that series you have 4 amazing books awaiting you.)
Highly Recommended.
(Parm... Yes as in Capt Parmenio... read the book you will see. and it still makes me smile now writing this review)
full author Q&A on my blog
www.parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/2013...
This latest title from the fantastic SJA Turney felt like a bit of a double edged sword to begin with. I don't read very many books set in
that part of history, there is just to much religion for my liking. That part of history and its events mainly controlled by the church or religion. But I'm starting to change that opinion, finally some writers are making it different. Jack Hight, Simon Scarrow
and now SJA Turney.
The Thief's Tale follows the trials and tribulations of two Greek brothers, brothers caught up in the compulsory conscription of the Ottoman Janissary's. Their lives take a dramatic divergent difference on entering the great city of Istanbul/ Constantinople. Skiouros the youngest, vanishing into the underbelly of the city to become live by his wits and speed. His brother Lykaion conditioned into one of the deadly Janissary's that helped make the Ottoman Empire one of the biggest the world had seen.
The 2 brothers find themselves through a singular incident caught up in the power play for the empire and their lives are soon under threat. Can they run fast enough? should they run, where do they go? what do they do?
Simon Turney once again weaves a fantastic fast paced well researched atmospheric tale that sucks the reader back in time into the mix of the dirty streets and dangerous politics. His skill is always in educating whilst entertaining and this book does it in spades.
I'm very much impatient for book 2 and shall be haranguing him to get it written (once he finishes Marius Mules 5. If you have not read that series you have 4 amazing books awaiting you.)
Highly Recommended.
(Parm... Yes as in Capt Parmenio... read the book you will see. and it still makes me smile now writing this review)
full author Q&A on my blog
www.parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/2013...
August 29, 2018
Great historical fiction. Fun learning about Istanbul under the Ottoman Turks. Really evoked the feeling of the city very well.
July 22, 2013
I read a lot of historical fiction and because of my interest in ancient Greece and Rome most of my reading is from those genres. So it was with some trepidation that I ventured out of my interest zone and picked up SJA Turney’s The Thief’s Tale, a tale that takes place in 15th century Istanbul. This trepidation was tempered by the fact that I have read other books by Mr. Turney; most notably the Marius Mules series, and was confident that he could write an excellent story no matter the historical time frame involved.
The story is a fictional account of a power struggle between two brothers vying for control of The Ottoman Empire and how another pair of brothers, one of them a Muslim Janissary, the other a Christian(at least nominally) street thief who find themselves irrevocably involved in a plot to assassinate the current ruling brother. The characters, both main and ancillary, are meticulously crafted as the author has done his research on not only the time period but also of Constantinople/Istanbul. The story flows seamlessly to its exciting climax which ironically involves a true historical fact; a lightning strike that hit Istanbul in 1491.
One of the major story lines reflects one of our foremost contemporary problems, the religious or ethnic intolerance between Muslim, Christian and Jew. Istanbul in 1491 could easily be Teheran or Jerusalem in 2013. The thief often finds himself dwelling on the paradox of three religions that worship the same God and yet are continually at each other’s throats competing for supremacy. The author, while offering no insight or solution to this worldwide threatening issue does inject the story with enough ironic situations that made me once again ask the question, why?
As with any good story that has sequels in mind, The Thief’s Tale leaves the reader turning the last page and hoping that the sequel has already been written. The Thief’s Tale is well worth leaving your genre comfort zone.
The story is a fictional account of a power struggle between two brothers vying for control of The Ottoman Empire and how another pair of brothers, one of them a Muslim Janissary, the other a Christian(at least nominally) street thief who find themselves irrevocably involved in a plot to assassinate the current ruling brother. The characters, both main and ancillary, are meticulously crafted as the author has done his research on not only the time period but also of Constantinople/Istanbul. The story flows seamlessly to its exciting climax which ironically involves a true historical fact; a lightning strike that hit Istanbul in 1491.
One of the major story lines reflects one of our foremost contemporary problems, the religious or ethnic intolerance between Muslim, Christian and Jew. Istanbul in 1491 could easily be Teheran or Jerusalem in 2013. The thief often finds himself dwelling on the paradox of three religions that worship the same God and yet are continually at each other’s throats competing for supremacy. The author, while offering no insight or solution to this worldwide threatening issue does inject the story with enough ironic situations that made me once again ask the question, why?
As with any good story that has sequels in mind, The Thief’s Tale leaves the reader turning the last page and hoping that the sequel has already been written. The Thief’s Tale is well worth leaving your genre comfort zone.
April 4, 2013
Superb 'tale' filled with heartstopping pace and adventure and lead characters to whom you form ready attachments. Setting brilliantly depicted and not a foot out of line. Heartily and highly recommended now that I have got my breath back. Because Goodreads doesn't have a facility for 4.95 stars, I have to give this book 4 stars - not because it isn't excellent (it is WONDERFUL) but because Dunnett is my 5 star measure iconic measure. Please rest assured that this is not a markdown for Turney's book, but rather an indicator that he is very close to reaching perfect status.
October 20, 2018
I loved this story! I bought it almost by mistake because I was after something with a similar name but it wasn't too expensive so I didn't mind in case this turned out to not be a good pick.
I enjoyed it hugely! Skiourous is an intriguing character and I loved his skills set and intelligence. I am not keen on plots where the good guys come off as victims and the kind of goodie-two-shoes who can't get anything right.
I am so glad that Skiourous has a lot more going for him than those stereotypical beings in the not terribly great books. I loved that he managed to slip away from what could have been easy traps and that he got caught out when he had done his best, i.e. not just because he was being silly and hapless.
I do love it when characters have gumption, cleverness and all kinds of thing going for them. It makes to totally worthwhile rooting for them.
There is one very sad happening in the story that I didn't see coming at all. It was a shame. But on the other hand it has an impact on the story and on the main character - it sharpens his fate a bit and drives him forward.
I also liked the deft touch on history, architecture and the little touches of local customs, it all made me feel in very good hands with this author. The historical context felt very authentic and that gives a book more substance and heft. If the context were to go a bit wonky, that lets the characters down because they would be settled in an unreliable frame. There is no worry about this here! I can't even imagine how much research the author must have done - this is all set in 1490! Wow.
I really loved this book, I loved it so much that I went and bought all three of the other books in the Ottoman series so I've got them whenever I want to read them. Bliss.
Recommended!
I enjoyed it hugely! Skiourous is an intriguing character and I loved his skills set and intelligence. I am not keen on plots where the good guys come off as victims and the kind of goodie-two-shoes who can't get anything right.
I am so glad that Skiourous has a lot more going for him than those stereotypical beings in the not terribly great books. I loved that he managed to slip away from what could have been easy traps and that he got caught out when he had done his best, i.e. not just because he was being silly and hapless.
I do love it when characters have gumption, cleverness and all kinds of thing going for them. It makes to totally worthwhile rooting for them.
There is one very sad happening in the story that I didn't see coming at all. It was a shame. But on the other hand it has an impact on the story and on the main character - it sharpens his fate a bit and drives him forward.
I also liked the deft touch on history, architecture and the little touches of local customs, it all made me feel in very good hands with this author. The historical context felt very authentic and that gives a book more substance and heft. If the context were to go a bit wonky, that lets the characters down because they would be settled in an unreliable frame. There is no worry about this here! I can't even imagine how much research the author must have done - this is all set in 1490! Wow.
I really loved this book, I loved it so much that I went and bought all three of the other books in the Ottoman series so I've got them whenever I want to read them. Bliss.
Recommended!
April 27, 2018
With the exception of a painful plot twist, I enjoyed this historical mystery very much.
The book is set in 1490 Constantinople. The setting is wonderful and the author’s descriptions are top-notch. Pacing was excellent, too; the story includes a lot of hiding, running, and waiting, and, with the exception of a few sections of duplication, Turney keeps the ball rolling.
This isn't a mystery with a big reveal, but an entertaining story set in a fascinating time. This period of history in this part of the world was an interesting amalgam of politics and culture, violence and art. I applaud the author for the authenticity of the setting and for including the limitations set on the characters.
The plot involves a pair of brothers who led very different lives after being conscripted by the Ottomans. The younger brother, Skiorous, becomes a thief and lives by his wits on the streets, while the older brother, Lykaion, completes his training to become a Jannisary, the foreign-born guards of the Sultan. They believe in different gods and live in different cultures, and that part of the plot was excellent.
Having praised the book, I must admit that the suddenness of one of the plot twists was so off-putting that I kept waiting for it to be revealed as a scam. Was the author just playing with me? I was invested in the situation and it just didn’t resolve itself as it should have. Without any spoilers, I will only say that I was disappointed and felt a little cheated, honestly.
There is plenty of violence in this story but few sexual references. I don’t remember any foul language. Highly recommended for historical novel and historical mystery lovers.
The book is set in 1490 Constantinople. The setting is wonderful and the author’s descriptions are top-notch. Pacing was excellent, too; the story includes a lot of hiding, running, and waiting, and, with the exception of a few sections of duplication, Turney keeps the ball rolling.
This isn't a mystery with a big reveal, but an entertaining story set in a fascinating time. This period of history in this part of the world was an interesting amalgam of politics and culture, violence and art. I applaud the author for the authenticity of the setting and for including the limitations set on the characters.
The plot involves a pair of brothers who led very different lives after being conscripted by the Ottomans. The younger brother, Skiorous, becomes a thief and lives by his wits on the streets, while the older brother, Lykaion, completes his training to become a Jannisary, the foreign-born guards of the Sultan. They believe in different gods and live in different cultures, and that part of the plot was excellent.
Having praised the book, I must admit that the suddenness of one of the plot twists was so off-putting that I kept waiting for it to be revealed as a scam. Was the author just playing with me? I was invested in the situation and it just didn’t resolve itself as it should have. Without any spoilers, I will only say that I was disappointed and felt a little cheated, honestly.
There is plenty of violence in this story but few sexual references. I don’t remember any foul language. Highly recommended for historical novel and historical mystery lovers.
December 31, 2018
As a new reader of SJA Turney's work I was looking forward to this after reading all the positive feedback and I wasn't disappointed. Like some in the reviews, I'm not well versed with the Ottoman Empire but that wasn't going to stop me from delving into the world Turney has built by powerful description. Turney has done a wonderful job in keeping this story engaging and thrilling and I will most certainly be picking up the 2nd book, well probably all of them now as I found the main character Skiouris to be brilliantly crafted and just all around bad ass.
October 28, 2024
First book in the series the Ottoman’s Cycle.by SJA Turney. This is the first book I have read by this author. I enjoyed the story of the two Greek brothers conscripted by the Turkish army to become soldiers in the Sultan’s guard or slaves. They are taken to Istanbul where the younger one escapes into the Greek part of the city and becomes a thief. The older one is trained and becomes a soldier.
They become gain knowledge of a plot to kill the Sultan so his hard line brother can become Sultan. One dies and the other seeks revenge.
They become gain knowledge of a plot to kill the Sultan so his hard line brother can become Sultan. One dies and the other seeks revenge.
December 30, 2017
Very Good Story
Well-written tale that catches the imagination of the reader with an excellent plot, good descriptions, and good dialogue. Although I haven't been to Istanbul, I think the author has done a good job using the ancient buildings for settings. The period of the story reflects reality of the time and the historical conflicts. Looking forward to the next volume....................
Well-written tale that catches the imagination of the reader with an excellent plot, good descriptions, and good dialogue. Although I haven't been to Istanbul, I think the author has done a good job using the ancient buildings for settings. The period of the story reflects reality of the time and the historical conflicts. Looking forward to the next volume....................
April 1, 2019
A medieval thriller, full of the colour and vibrancy of the Ottoman and Byzantine empire. Istanbul is a centre of trade, politics and intrigue. Two brothers Skiouros and Lykaion find themselves in a hash world where each has a different way to survive. Skiouros’ search for truth and justice brings him into dangerous conflict with the establishment.....and results in tragic consequences. The storyline is quite thin in places but the pace of the narrative is compulsive!
May 7, 2018
So now I have the history to book 2 which I started first. While it was just as interesting as book 2 which had been a nice surprise to me, I was a little put off by some of the language terms which I know would not have existed back in the 1400s. If you are going to write history, make it as authentic as possible. Hence the three star rating.
March 9, 2023
The Thief's Tale
I loved the book. Have not studied that period of time and really had thought little about how the people lived and must have been treated by the Muslims or what happened to the grand churches.
The earthquakes hit while I was reading the book and that impacted my soul. Well worth the reading.
I loved the book. Have not studied that period of time and really had thought little about how the people lived and must have been treated by the Muslims or what happened to the grand churches.
The earthquakes hit while I was reading the book and that impacted my soul. Well worth the reading.
March 25, 2025
Ah I love a good thieves tale.
This one, set in Instanbul, starts with 2 brothers, captured by the Janissaries, one becomes one and the other, our hero becomes a thief when e escapes.
But does he stay a thief? According to a Romani witch he meets 3 times....well you will have to read it to see.
A good adventure tale.
This one, set in Instanbul, starts with 2 brothers, captured by the Janissaries, one becomes one and the other, our hero becomes a thief when e escapes.
But does he stay a thief? According to a Romani witch he meets 3 times....well you will have to read it to see.
A good adventure tale.
April 23, 2018
Loved the word Rollicking in another review and it is the perfect word for all SJTurner books. Pacing, twists and turns, character development, original stories all describe his story-telling. Love them all
May 13, 2018
Especially entertaining to a visitor to Istanbul
As a frequent traveler to and through Istanbul, this tale winds history, fiction and the geography of the city together in a way that makes the reader want to travel there and do some exploring.
As a frequent traveler to and through Istanbul, this tale winds history, fiction and the geography of the city together in a way that makes the reader want to travel there and do some exploring.
October 20, 2021
Challenging
If you enjoy wandering the alleys of old Istanbul and have considerably more patience than me, you may well enjoy this story. I didn't! I found it a challenge to persist to its ending and now a challenge to comment positively. The language and editing are excellent.
If you enjoy wandering the alleys of old Istanbul and have considerably more patience than me, you may well enjoy this story. I didn't! I found it a challenge to persist to its ending and now a challenge to comment positively. The language and editing are excellent.
May 1, 2025
Interesting read
Been about a thief I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it but the book gives a good feel of what it would have been like living in late 15 century instanbul. The story itself was reasonably well paced and interesting the entire way through.
Been about a thief I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it but the book gives a good feel of what it would have been like living in late 15 century instanbul. The story itself was reasonably well paced and interesting the entire way through.
October 27, 2018
Good read
If you like light reading with just a little history thrown in ,then these stories are for you.fast and furious
If you like light reading with just a little history thrown in ,then these stories are for you.fast and furious
October 1, 2021
I hate loathe and detest stories about Islam or “Allah,” or those sorts of “folks.”
June 7, 2024
Brilliant! Hooked from start to finish. I felt as if I was following in the steps of both brothers and their individual battles.
July 1, 2015
This book is almost a case study of how an author is allowed to create his own rules within his own work, as long as they are consistent (unless, of course, he builds inconsistency in as a rule). The book is built on a couple of real historical events and around historical buildings of Istanbul, but the main plot and the main characters are all fictional. Also, so consistently built that a reader can assume the events might as well have taken place. And with this, Simon might give future historians a headache, as once a book that does that reaches classical status it becomes much better at entering the collective memory than a scholastic work. It doesn't even matter that the author himself puts a disclaimer at the end.
And Skiouros, our hero, is likable enough. He's innocent and mostly open and honest about his intentions, while it's also got plenty of flaws that make it easy for the reader to feel a connection: he's a thief, lowlife, without any ambitions or goals. He's a drifter, basically, though a drifter no older than 24, though likely quite a bit younger than that. And Skiouros story will take him throughout the city of Istanbul where he's spent the last eight years of his life and where, in the space of a week in 1490, the circumstances will take him in close proximity of some of the most powerful men of the day and will transform his life forever. Skiourous' story is fascinating enough, but the way Simon creates situations and twists makes this book a proper thriller, with twists and new developments coming in fast and thick, guaranteed to lose the reader some sleep.
And because Simon is not tied to a real historical narrative, we are completely in the dark, never knowing what's going to happen next. I feared for Skiouros' life quite a few times and I was surprised at the sudden brutality with which Simon disposes of some people, It's like he suddenly found his inner George R.R. Martin.
I will say this more: the end surprised me quite a bit. This being the Ottoman Cycle, I expected to be introduced to a hero and see life in Istanbul through his eyes over the course of four years. This does not happen and to a reader this unknown course of events and surprising turns are a rich reward.
If I was to correct anything, I would say Simon is too in love with the historical Istanbul and some pages are going towards talking about that: streets, period colouring, buildings, buildings' interiors, clothing, the looks of food stalls and the like. They're very useful, very educational and provide a sometimes necessary respite, though at times, specially when we know our heroes are in a place of bother, talking about a building's defective staircase is playing on out nerves a bit.
But the one big conclusion to be drawn for this book is that Simon proves he is a multi-faceted writer, able to switch between periods and styles, between the big epic and the individual story while keeping the ingredients that make his books such a good read: the fast-paced action, the suspense, the insane level of documentation.
And Skiouros, our hero, is likable enough. He's innocent and mostly open and honest about his intentions, while it's also got plenty of flaws that make it easy for the reader to feel a connection: he's a thief, lowlife, without any ambitions or goals. He's a drifter, basically, though a drifter no older than 24, though likely quite a bit younger than that. And Skiouros story will take him throughout the city of Istanbul where he's spent the last eight years of his life and where, in the space of a week in 1490, the circumstances will take him in close proximity of some of the most powerful men of the day and will transform his life forever. Skiourous' story is fascinating enough, but the way Simon creates situations and twists makes this book a proper thriller, with twists and new developments coming in fast and thick, guaranteed to lose the reader some sleep.
And because Simon is not tied to a real historical narrative, we are completely in the dark, never knowing what's going to happen next. I feared for Skiouros' life quite a few times and I was surprised at the sudden brutality with which Simon disposes of some people, It's like he suddenly found his inner George R.R. Martin.
I will say this more: the end surprised me quite a bit. This being the Ottoman Cycle, I expected to be introduced to a hero and see life in Istanbul through his eyes over the course of four years. This does not happen and to a reader this unknown course of events and surprising turns are a rich reward.
If I was to correct anything, I would say Simon is too in love with the historical Istanbul and some pages are going towards talking about that: streets, period colouring, buildings, buildings' interiors, clothing, the looks of food stalls and the like. They're very useful, very educational and provide a sometimes necessary respite, though at times, specially when we know our heroes are in a place of bother, talking about a building's defective staircase is playing on out nerves a bit.
But the one big conclusion to be drawn for this book is that Simon proves he is a multi-faceted writer, able to switch between periods and styles, between the big epic and the individual story while keeping the ingredients that make his books such a good read: the fast-paced action, the suspense, the insane level of documentation.
April 14, 2015
Istanbul, 1481. The once great city of Constantine that now forms the heart of the Ottoman empire is a strange mix of Christian, Turk and Jew. Despite the benevolent reign of the Sultan Bayezid II, the conquest is still a recent memory, and emotions run high among the inhabitants, with danger never far beneath the surface.
Skiouros and Lykaion, the sons of a Greek country farmer, are conscripted into the ranks of the famous Janissary guards and taken to Istanbul where they will play a pivotal, if unsung, role in the history of the new regime. As Skiouros escapes into the Greek quarter and vanishes among its streets to survive on his wits alone, Lykaion remains with the slave chain to fulfill his destiny and become an Islamic convert and a guard of the Imperial palace. Brothers they remain, though standing to either side of an unimaginable divide.
On a fateful day in late autumn 1490, Skiouros picks the wrong pocket and begins to unravel a plot that reaches to the very highest peaks of Imperial power. He and his brother are about to be left with the most difficult decision faced by a conquered Greek: whether the rule of the Ottoman Sultan is worth saving.
This novel, the first in a series called the Ottoman Cycle, is from a period of history I’m unfamiliar with. I turned to it largely because of a previous work by Turney that I’d read and enjoyed, the Roman based Marius’ Mules and, although this is quite a different beast (no pun intended), I’ve no regrets in doing so.
The basis of this story is the interplay between the two brothers living in a place they’re not intended to be. Skiouros takes up the life of a petty thief, living off his wits, whereas Lykaion take his conscription seriously and becomes an earnest soldier, one that believes in the law so the pair are completely at odds.
However Skiouros’ thievery throws both of them together again. It seems Skiouros has stumbled upon some plot that threatens the melting pot that threatens the empire. A vizier is found murdered and he reports it to his brother who in turn takes it to his command structure. But Lykaion is accused of the murder and he has to run, with only Skiouros to help him.
Marius’ Mules is war based - full of battles, army life and tactics, whereas The Thief’s Tale is more intrigue and mystery related. It’s interesting to see the author willing and able to switch between these two very different styles and times in history. Overall it works well. The pace is steadier and builds with each twist and intrigue. The interplay between the brothers is key, their similar past but very different present is interesting.
All in all a very enjoyable historical fiction from a little known period.
**Originally reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received free review copy.**
Skiouros and Lykaion, the sons of a Greek country farmer, are conscripted into the ranks of the famous Janissary guards and taken to Istanbul where they will play a pivotal, if unsung, role in the history of the new regime. As Skiouros escapes into the Greek quarter and vanishes among its streets to survive on his wits alone, Lykaion remains with the slave chain to fulfill his destiny and become an Islamic convert and a guard of the Imperial palace. Brothers they remain, though standing to either side of an unimaginable divide.
On a fateful day in late autumn 1490, Skiouros picks the wrong pocket and begins to unravel a plot that reaches to the very highest peaks of Imperial power. He and his brother are about to be left with the most difficult decision faced by a conquered Greek: whether the rule of the Ottoman Sultan is worth saving.
This novel, the first in a series called the Ottoman Cycle, is from a period of history I’m unfamiliar with. I turned to it largely because of a previous work by Turney that I’d read and enjoyed, the Roman based Marius’ Mules and, although this is quite a different beast (no pun intended), I’ve no regrets in doing so.
The basis of this story is the interplay between the two brothers living in a place they’re not intended to be. Skiouros takes up the life of a petty thief, living off his wits, whereas Lykaion take his conscription seriously and becomes an earnest soldier, one that believes in the law so the pair are completely at odds.
However Skiouros’ thievery throws both of them together again. It seems Skiouros has stumbled upon some plot that threatens the melting pot that threatens the empire. A vizier is found murdered and he reports it to his brother who in turn takes it to his command structure. But Lykaion is accused of the murder and he has to run, with only Skiouros to help him.
Marius’ Mules is war based - full of battles, army life and tactics, whereas The Thief’s Tale is more intrigue and mystery related. It’s interesting to see the author willing and able to switch between these two very different styles and times in history. Overall it works well. The pace is steadier and builds with each twist and intrigue. The interplay between the brothers is key, their similar past but very different present is interesting.
All in all a very enjoyable historical fiction from a little known period.
**Originally reviewed for Books & Pals blog. May have received free review copy.**
December 12, 2024
A bonbon of a book. A pleasurable page-turner, lots of excitement, hero-thief, a little over 200 pages, the imp destroys a posse of murderous bad guys through guile and cunning, and sails into the sunset to return in another installment. Long on fiction, very short on history, this is a one-time treat.
n the first of an extraordinary series from bestseller S.J.A. Turney, the fate of Empire hangs in the balance…
Istanbul, 1481: The once great city of Constantine, a strange mix of Christians, Turks and Jews, now forms the heart of the Ottoman empire. The conquest, still a recent memory, means emotions run high; danger is never far away.
Skiouros and Lykaion, sons of a Greek farmer, are conscripted into the infamous Janissary guards and taken to Istanbul. As Skiouros escapes into the Greek quarter, Lykaion remains with the slave chain, becomes an Islamic convert and guards the Imperial palace.
But one fateful day Skiouros picks the wrong pocket and begins to unravel a plot reaching to the highest peaks of Imperial power... He and his brother are left with the most difficult decision faced by a conquered Greek: is the rule of the Ottoman Sultan is worth saving?
n the first of an extraordinary series from bestseller S.J.A. Turney, the fate of Empire hangs in the balance…
Istanbul, 1481: The once great city of Constantine, a strange mix of Christians, Turks and Jews, now forms the heart of the Ottoman empire. The conquest, still a recent memory, means emotions run high; danger is never far away.
Skiouros and Lykaion, sons of a Greek farmer, are conscripted into the infamous Janissary guards and taken to Istanbul. As Skiouros escapes into the Greek quarter, Lykaion remains with the slave chain, becomes an Islamic convert and guards the Imperial palace.
But one fateful day Skiouros picks the wrong pocket and begins to unravel a plot reaching to the highest peaks of Imperial power... He and his brother are left with the most difficult decision faced by a conquered Greek: is the rule of the Ottoman Sultan is worth saving?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2016
Reasonable read set in a period of time I have read little about till date. The imagery was okay, the plot reasonable, though somewhat predictable at times. I found the character development could have had more depth. it was worth the first read, though I wouldn't read it for a second time.
November 4, 2013
Enjoyed this book immensely! Excited to be in SJA TURNEY's Constantinople. Looking forward to the next installment
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews