The Ottoman Cycle Book Reviews

The Ottoman Cycle by S.J.A. Turney Book Summary

Adventure to the four corners of the Ottoman Empire. Includes all four books in The Ottoman Cycle series; The Thief’s Tale, The Priest’s Tale, The Assassin’s Tale and The Pasha’s Tale.

The Thief’s Tale: Istanbul, 1481. The once-great city of Constantine, with a mix of Christians, Turks and Jews, now forms the heart of the Ottoman empire. The conquest, still a recent memory, means emotions run high and 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 worth saving?

The Priest’s Tale: 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. With his life at stake, Skiouros must confront unpleasant truths about his past…

The Assassin’s Tale: Italy, 1493. As the inquisition takes hold in Spain and the Vatican seethes under the rule of the Borgias, Skiouros embarks on a mission to discover the truth about the death of the usurper sultan, Cem. Gathering old friends and new, Skiouros travels the length of Italy in his quest for vengeance and the quieting of his brother's restless soul. But on his dreadful quest he will face more than just physical danger… For beneath all his strength, does Skiouros have a heart black enough to commit murder in the name of revenge?

The Pasha’s Tale: It’s been five years since Skiouros left the city of Constantine. He has come to understand the dreadful price exacted by vengeance. Saved from the French authorities by Dragi – the Romani crewman of a Turkish galley – he and his friend Parmenio are once again bound for the east. But Dragi’s aid comes with a price… In the Ottoman capital, the populace prepares for a great festival; for the first time in years the Sultan’s three sons are all to be present. But a sect of disenfranchised Romani are plotting a deadly coup. Can Skiouros thwart the mysterious Kingbreaker and save the Sultan’s sons?

A riveting historical adventure, perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell.

Praise for S.J.A. Turney

‘If you enjoy a fast paced, action packed read, you can't go wrong with these books.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘Simon Turney has become one of my favourite historical novelists; he certainly does his research, but is a master storyteller too.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘An excellent series… well told and fast paced with ample betrayal and intrigue. A must read.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘I rarely give 5 stars, but I can't help it. This was a fabulous, well written, well researched series. which gets better with each book.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

‘It is easy to see why S.J.A. Turney is top of the pile in ancient historical fiction… the narrative pulls you along easily so you become part of the story. Superbly done, plenty of action and suspense. Highly recommended historical fiction.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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The Ottoman Cycle (S.J.A. Turney) Book Reviews 2024

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