The Dragon Waiting by John M Ford (Gollancz)

This is a reprint of the classic Ford fantasy as part of Gollancz’ Ultimate Fantasies Sequence.

There are eight books in the series with beautifully designed matching covers.

For any lover of fantasy, this is the perfect gift – the classics in a matched set.

The Dragon Waiting is set in an alternative history world with Edward IV on the English throne but a Vampire Duke running Milan.

The Byzantine Empire is threatening Europe and magic sits side-by-side with machines and medicine.

Wars abound and machinations between Lorenzo de Medici and other rulers are trying to save Italy from the Byzantines.

Caught up in the plot are three players who have skills that will be needed to protect Europe – Cynthia Ricci, a practicing doctor in Florence; Dimitrios, last descendant of the Roman Emperors and Hywel, a Welsh lad with a touch of power.

The story winds from Italy to England, from court to court and eventually brings the three together.

This is a fully-realised world, with fascinating characters and clever connections to our own history.

The Dragon Waiting, like all the books in the Ultimate Fantasies Sequence, is quality fantasy literature.

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