Tim Murgatroyd plonge dans le monde de la Chine ancienne, inspiré par un volume de poésie d'occasion, ce qui l'a conduit à écrire ses vastes romans historiques. Son œuvre, souvent située à des périodes historiques charnières, explore les thèmes de la tragédie, de l'amour durable et de la résilience humaine face aux invasions et aux occupations. Murgatroyd navigue avec aisance entre les décors historiques et contemporains, sa plume témoignant d'une fascination pour l'histoire ancienne comme pour l'histoire récente.
In the 22nd century, humanity is dying. It's a time of plague; a time of cruelty; a time when a genetically-modified elite maintains discipline over humankind by way of murderous drones. When they threaten to destroy Baytown for failing to bend to their will, community leader Michael Pilgrim wages battle to save all he holds dear from annihilation.
"Western China, 1196. Yun Cai, once a handsome and adored young poet, is now exiled to his family estates to suffer a bitter old age and the irritations of his feckless heir and shrewish daughter-in-law. But 'poison dragons' of cruel ambition sweep away Yun Cai's dull existence when a band of rebel horsemen terrorise his village. He also fears a debt of honour: to save his oldest friend, P'ei Ti, now the rebels' most valuable hostage in a hellish prison. Throughout these ordeals, Yun Cai is drawn to memories of his glittering yet perilous youth in the imperial capital, and a reckless love for the beautiful singing girl, Su Lin, that cost his freedom and almost his life. Yun Cai must now rediscover his old wit and courage to confront the ruthless warlord General An-Shu and his beautiful but cruel consort, the Lady Ta-Chi."--Publisher description.
Set in 22nd century Yorkshire, the narrative follows Michael Pilgrim, the Protector of the North, as he navigates the fragile peace in Baytown amidst looming threats. A new plague endangers the immortal Overlords of the Five Cities, challenging their perceived superiority. As rumors of unrest spread, Michael and his allies confront the moral dilemma of sacrifice for immortality. Their quest to liberate humanity from the oppressive Five Cities hinges on a slim chance and a mysterious pearl of power, pushing them against overwhelming odds.
Central China, 1264. When Mongol armies storm into the Middle Kingdom, the descendents of Yun Cai (Taming Poison Dragons) are trapped in a desperate siege that will determine the fate of the Empire.
Hou-ming, city of ghosts, central China, 1304. In a vast graveyard created by Mongol slaughter, three children forge a friendship that will determine their destinies. As the years pass they find different paths. Yun Shu, rejected by her father for refusing to bind her feet, seeks solace as a Daoist nun. Hsiung, enslaved by Mongols as a boy, becomes a ruthless rebel warlord. Teng, artist and scholar, last son of a family ruined by the new Mongol dynasty, risks his life to preserve his culture. To come together, they must endure war, treachery and abuse of power. To win honor and unexpected love they must overcome dangerous enemies and their own conflicts. Each of them must earn the Mandate of Heaven.
The Netherlands, Spring 1943. When her glittering career as a ballerina is cut short by a dancing injury, Elise Van Thooft-Noman, rebellious daughter of a powerful Dutch Nazi, flees to an isolated island off the coast of Holland. Here she meets Pieter Goedhart, reluctant village schoolmaster and Resistance fighter.