In an environment of intrigues, conspiracies, and machinations, where friendship, love, and loyalty interchange without hesitation with enmity, betrayal, and espionage, Emperor Justinian II emerges simultaneously as both perpetrator and victim, beloved leader and societal outcast, managing to return to the throne of his ancestors, powerful and vengeful, despite being mutilated.

The strength of human character and the deadly obsession with the fierce pursuit of power are the focus of this latest thrilling novel by Justinian II Rhinotmetus, the award-winning author George Leonardos, who has also received the State Novel Award, bringing to light many largely unknown pages of history, while also unfolding aspects of social, political, economic, and religious daily life in the Byzantine Empire.