From the author of Slow Journey South and Sahara comes the first in an epic series spanning the fall of Visigothic Spain and rise of Arabic Al Andalus. Spain, AD 687 In the southern province of Granada, three children form an unlikely friendship. A despicable act by the king's bastard son changes their destinies forever. As adults, their decisions will determine the fate of a crumbling kingdom. Yosef is preparing to leave Granada on a trading mission to the East. His friend, wild, silent Laelia, is unsure of her betrothal to the aristocratic Theo.Then Oppa, scheming son of the new Visigoth king, comes south, hungry for riches and for blood.The fate of their country hangs in the balance. Only loyalty can save them. But when corruption is king, friendship is fragile - and loyalty a choice. The Votive Crown takes the reader from the medieval nation of Visigothic Spain to the early Byzantine wars. From Saharan sands to Mediterranean naval battles, pagan caves to Zoroastrian temples, here is a journey into the complexities of a world on the cusp of change. Perfect for those who love well researched historical fiction, real life characters, and beautifully drawn detail.