Lantern Across the Sea: The Genoese Arbalester

by Michael A. Ponzio

In 1277, Genoese sailor and crossbowman, Ponzio Bastone, sets out on a trading expedition across the Mediterranean. He departs Genoa, arranged to be married to a woman of the most powerful family in the city, but on the voyage becomes enthralled with Esmeray, the daughter of a Greek fisherman.
He travels across the expansive Genoese trading empire, using the commercial venture to conceal his prime mission. Charles of Anjou is massing his fleets, proclaiming he will lead a crusade to free Jerusalem from the Muslims, hiding his actual goal of attacking Christian Constantinople. At each port of call, Bastone secretly meets with state leaders from Constantinople to Sicily to Spain, as a part of the conspiracy to thwart the king’s attack.
Bastone and Esmeray, amid a chaotic and dangerous world of pirates, assassins, slave traders, and hostile family prejudice, must together prevent a history-changing catastrophe.

Genres: Historical Fiction

297 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2022

Reviews

[Susan Coryell · Rating 5 out of 5]

LANTERN ACROSS THE SEA by Michael Ponzio – reviewed by Susan Coryell

Lantern Across the Sea: The Genoese Arbalester, by Michael Ponzio, is an exciting and engaging
novel that takes place almost exclusively at sea as the protagonist, Bastone Ponzio, Genoese
arbalester (crossbow man), travels on a trading expedition across the Mediterranean Sea in the
year 1279.
Although Bastone is promised in an arranged marriage to a woman from the most powerful
family in the city, he is struck by the courage and sailing skill of Esmeray, daughter of a Greek
fisherman. The reader encounters action and conflict through many close encounters along the
journey.
Author Michael Ponzio covers the history, life and enterprise of the late 13th century along the
Mediterranean Sea with fascinating detail, including many actual historical figures. Readers
learn about crossbows, sailing, the making of pitch and the mastica trade, to name a few.
Helpful period maps chart the journey and ports of call where Bastone secretly meets with
powerful leaders from Sicily to Spain, amid pirates, assassinations, kidnapping and attacks.
Lantern Across the Sea is highly recommended, especially for history buffs and those who are drawn to sea adventures.

[Mirabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Love Story Set Against a Chaotic World
Batstone and Esme ray absolutely stole my heart. Their romance feels natural, fragile, and powerful all at once. The cultural and family tensions surrounding them made their bond feel even more meaningful. I loved watching them fight side by side against forces far bigger than themselves.

[Mark Brandenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Ponzio's best novel so far! The story catches you right away and never lets go. I love the way Ponzio weaves history into the fictional story. While enjoying a thrilling story, you learn about the history of that time and what it was like living back then. I highly recommend this novel.

[Carla Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good!

I enjoyed this story for the most part although I did get tired of so much dialogue. The plot was good and I enjoyed the historical aspect.