Anatomy of a Heretic

Two assassins, Nicolaes de Pelgrom and Jeronimus Cornelisz, are on a perilous voyage to the Indies in 1628, where they will clash in a deadly game of revenge and ambition. Reviews for Mark's books are positive, with one calling him the king of grimy historical crime and another describing him as a wonderfully descriptive writer.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Head of Zeus

A thrilling historical adventure unfolds, where two assassins, Nicolaes de Pelgrom and Jeronimus Cornelisz, set sail on a perilous voyage to the Indies, driven by their own motives and destinies. Nicolaes, a skilled assassin and devoted servant of George Villiers, embarks on a mission of revenge against a grieving widow, willing to endure any danger to exact her justice. Meanwhile, Jeronimus, an apothecary with a cunning mind, seeks to escape the clutches of poverty and achieve wealth beyond his wildest dreams. Hired by a criminal mastermind to escort precious cargo to the Indies, he becomes embroiled in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, where his every move is calculated to outmaneuver his rivals and secure his fortune. As these assassins cross paths, their missions intertwine, and it becomes clear that one cannot succeed without eliminating the other. In this deadly game of chess, who will emerge victorious, and at what cost? Are they the only players in this intricate dance of death and deception?

David Mark's historical adventure is a captivating tale that delves into the depths of human ambition and the consequences of one's choices. With his meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Mark transports readers to the turbulent world of 17th-century London, where the clash of cultures, politics, and personal vendettas creates a backdrop for a suspenseful and morally complex narrative.

Nicolaes de Pelgrom, the loyal assassin, is a fascinating character who embodies the complexities of loyalty and devotion. Despite his unquestioning service to George Villiers, his motives are driven by a personal desire for vengeance and justice. His journey to the Indies is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his master's cause, even as he confronts the moral dilemmas that arise from his actions.

Jeronimus Cornelisz, on the other hand, is a scheming apothecary with a thirst for power and wealth. His transformation from a lowly street pharmacist to a wealthy merchant is a testament to his cunning and determination. His association with a criminal mastermind adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story, as he navigates the treacherous waters of the underworld, all the while keeping his own secrets hidden.

The clash between Nicolaes and Jeronimus is a thrilling and suspenseful centerpiece of the novel. Their paths cross when they are both hired to escort precious cargo to the Indies. As they navigate the perilous seas, their missions intertwine, and it becomes clear that their goals are mutually exclusive. The tension between them builds as they each attempt to outmaneuver the other, and the reader is kept on the edge of their seats as they race against time to complete their tasks.

What sets David Mark's historical adventure apart is his ability to create fully realized characters that are both complex and relatable. Nicolaes and Jeronimus are not one-dimensional villains or heroes; they are human beings with their own motivations, flaws, and fears. Their interactions with each other and the other characters in the story add depth and dimension to the narrative, making it a rich and immersive experience.

The historical setting of 17th-century London is also meticulously researched and brought to life by Mark. The social, political, and cultural dynamics of the time are vividly portrayed, creating a sense of authenticity and immersion that adds to the story's appeal. The reader is transported back to a world of intrigue, corruption, and power struggles, where every decision has consequences and every character has a hidden agenda.

In conclusion, David Mark's historical adventure, "The Assassins' Game," is a thrilling and captivating tale that explores the depths of human ambition, loyalty, and revenge. With his meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and well-developed characters, Mark transports readers to a world of intrigue and danger, where the line between right and wrong is blurred, and every move has consequences. This is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted and suspenseful story.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 198 x 130 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801105316