Book excerpt: The Old World. the world of sin. The world of death. Italy, 1493: As the inquisition takes hold in Spain and the Vatican seethes under the rule of the Borgias, Skiouros finally sets his mind to his ultimate mission since leaving the great city of Istanbul: 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 Assassin's Tale grips like steel, and is the ideal read for fans of David Gilman, Giles Kristian and C. R. May.