This tale of epic proportion takes place during the final days of Constantinople, 1453; 7,000 inhabitants defend against an army of over 100,000. The historical value of this book does well to inform the reader as to the way in which the siege came to be successful, and how the defenders held their position so heroically. The characters of fictional value provide great momentum and interest to the story, doing justice to history, never for an instant depriving it of substance.