In his new, epochal novel set in the 13th century, Frank Schätzing paints a picture of a society in turmoil. Against the backdrop of huge upheavals, in which the Renaissance and modern times already loom on the horizon, in the eternal tension between power and morality, Schätzing sends his hero Jacop on a hellish ride through history.
1263: Jacop the Fox is in trouble - big time. Just like three years ago when the lovable vagabond accidentally got caught up in the power struggle between Cologne's wealthy merchants and the church, only narrowly escaping death. After that, his fate took a promising turn. He became honourable, turning from thief to merchant's apprentice with the help of his mentor Jasper, a cunning priest with an interest in science. But once again he has to run, fight and swim for his life, chased by ghosts of the past, Scottish mercenaries and the terrifying Blonde Witch.
Thrown into a storm that engulfs all of Europe, triggered by English barons who plan nothing less than to oust their king and abolish the absolute monarchy, Jacop is caught up in international intrigues while at the same time trying to solve his own family-secrets and winning the woman that he loves. If only he had stayed in Cologne with his friends. But even there, the power struggles come to a dramatic head...
