https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F4LTSXD9/
Editorial Review For A
Measure of Justice
The story follows Nicollo Moro, a Venetian noble fallen on hard times who
turns to trade after losing his footing in politics. He arrives in
Constantinople with his cargo, only to find himself in the shadow of an empire
about to fall. The wheel of fortune is never kind for long, and Moro learns
this the hard way as he is pulled into intrigue, suspicion of treason, and
choices that echo between loyalty, profit, and survival. The book captures a
city at the edge of catastrophe and a man caught between his past as a
magistrate and his present as a merchant.
The strongest element here is the way the narrative balances personal
downfall with the larger sweep of history. Moro’s voice feels grounded, and the
scenes of Venetian politics and Constantinople’s decay are tightly drawn. The
meetings with figures like naval hero Alvise Contarini and Governor Minotto
give the book both weight and movement. It is history told through lived
experience, not through dry recounting, and that is what makes it engaging.
Even the quieter moments, such as Moro staring at Hagia Sophia or reflecting on
Fortuna’s wheel, keep the tension alive.
This work sits firmly in the tradition of historical fiction set during
pivotal shifts in power. Readers of maritime and Renaissance-era stories will
recognize the familiar backdrop of trade, politics, and looming Ottoman
conquest. The book also joins the recent wave of historical novels that focus
less on kings and generals and more on those who hover near the edges of power,
making it more relatable while still steeped in historical drama.
Readers who enjoy detailed settings, political maneuvering, and characters
who straddle honor and pragmatism will find a lot here. Those fascinated by
Venice, Constantinople, or the rise of the Ottoman Empire will feel right at
home. If you are waiting for swashbuckling pirates, though, you may have to
settle for sharp-tongued Venetians instead.
In the end, A Measure of Justice succeeds
in giving history a human face. It takes you into the courts, the taverns, and
the crumbling streets of Constantinople without losing sight of the personal
stakes. If you like your history with a touch of cynicism and more than a hint
of irony about the so-called glories of Venice, this book deserves a place on
your shelf.