A collection of short stories set in a world where Islam never came into existence. It’s the fourteenth century, and both the Byzantine and Persian Empires are flourishing. The short stories deal with certain technological advancements coming into existence earlier than in our world, and representing a potentially destabilizing effect on the Byzantine Empire. The protagonist of these stories, soldier and spy Basil Argyros, deals with these threats as the titular character.

Those who enjoy the alternate history genre. As always, Harry Turtledove never disappoints.

The book is organized in the same way Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories were written, and are just as enjoyable.

Read more Hurry Turtledove

Upbeat, as I usually am after reading a well thought out adventurous yarn.

Harry Turtledove is an American author who is best known for his work in the genres of alternate history, historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, and mystery fiction. He is a student of history and completed his PhD in Byzantine history. His dissertation was on the period 565–582.

It’s a great example of the What If genre.

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