About the book: 1996 / First half of the 16th century, the great confrontation between East and West, crescent and cross, war on land and the struggle for supremacy at sea, religious wars in Europe, Suleiman's campaigns against Vienna and Persia, Charles V's attempts to conquer the coast of North Africa - this is the time and place of action of Mika Waltari's next novel. Mikael el-Hakim, the Sultan's slave, and his wife Julia, a famous fortune teller, are making a dizzying career in the seraglio; even Sultana Hurrem, the famous Roksolana, takes into account their opinion, who in a brutal struggle for power uses all the means available to her; insidious intrigues and conspiracies, bloody revenge, terrible murders, torture and executions are just the background for everyday life in the seraglio, where special orders and morals reign, violation of which is punishable by death. Mikael, advisor to the Grand Vizier, accompanies his master on military campaigns in Europe, Africa and Asia. Carrying out his secret orders, he becomes a witness and participant in major events, which M. Valtari presents with deep historical accuracy. The incredible adventures of the heroes, many of whom are real historical figures, captivate the reader, and little-known details arouse genuine interest in a bygone era..