About this book
The Royal Pawn of Venice by Lawrence Turnbull sweeps you into the luminous and treacherous world of 15th-century Cyprus and the Venetian ambitions that sought to tame it. Turnbull’s historical fiction paints a vivid tableau of the Mediterranean: sun-drenched harbors, fragrant vineyards, and the glittering courts where dynastic politics and personal passions collide.
Set in the latter half of the fifteenth century, the novel dramatizes Venice’s efforts to control the “happy isle” of Cyprus and the human cost of empire—love, loyalty, betrayal, and the fate of rulers caught between duty and desire. Rich period detail and evocative descriptions bring to life the island’s ancient temples, Venetian palaces, and the tangled loyalties of Greek, Venetian, and Latin characters. Turnbull blends romance and political intrigue, offering both sweeping historical panorama and intimate emotional stakes without sacrificing narrative momentum.
A compelling choice for listeners who enjoy historical fiction, literary romance, or tales of Mediterranean intrigue, this audiobook appeals to fans of atmospheric period novels and anyone intrigued by Venice’s imperial past. Listen for lush imagery, courtly drama, and a timeless exploration of power and passion.
