Book 2 in The Chosen Man Trilogy by award-winning historical crime writer J.G. Harlond An 'amazing story that simply blew me away' – Readers' Favorite 5* review If you enjoy Wilbur Smith, you'll love this tale. Ludo da Portovenere, one time corsair, sometime merchant, secret agent of monarchs, servant of none. From the trading colony of Goa to the royal courts of England and Spain, Ludo da Portovenere completes perilous secret commissions on his own terms and for his own reasons. But as these tasks bring him closer to personal success, Ludo is forced to confront secrets of his own. While Ludo pursues a delicate mission for the English queen in the Spanish royal court, Alina, Baroness Metherall, faces new challenges, including what it means to be married to one person and love another. Ultimately, Ludo and Alina must decide who they really are, and to what extent their shared past should influence their future. "Ms. Harlond details a credible, intricate world of deals and alliances, threats and opportunities, uncertainty and trust, in which her hero, the wily Genoese merchant Ludo da Portovenere, must tread with extreme caution. Let's hear yet more of him!" Antoine Vanner, author of the Dawlish Chronicles series. "Harlond's brilliantly realized portrait of the sea-trade in 17th century is a gem...Ludo is a great character with wit, intelligence and daring. Exploiting his position as an envoy between Charles I and the Spanish court results in a seafaring novel of danger and double-dealing. Highly recommended." Deborah Swift, author of A Divided Inheritance