Italy, 1502
Fleeing from the murderous brigand Sandino, the boy Matteo is rescued from drowning by the companions of Leonardo da Vinci, and taken into his household.
And so Matteo is at the Maestro's side as he carries out his work - work which ranges from the painting of magnificant frescos to experiments with flight and the dissection of cadavers.
But, at this time Leonardo da Vinci is employed by Cesare borgia. Cruel and ruthless, the Borgia punishes without mercy any who stand in his way. As Da Vinci and Matteo travel across Italy on the Borgia's business, murder, deceit and revenge follow in their trail. For Matteo carries with him a secret that both the Borgia and the Medici families would kill to obtain.
A gloriously rich and authentic story from Carnegie Medal-winning author Theresa Breslin
'A superb historical thriller . . . an enchanting novel about genius, and a gift to an enquring mind'
The Times
'A richly drawn and fascinating look at 16th-century Italy'
The Bookseller
Jacket design www.blacksheep-uk.com
Sheet image (cover) Getty Images
