Calaf and Ishmael are two friends thrust into a world of clashing empires in 3rd century CE Rome and Persia. Growing up in the court of the brutal Kushan emperor Timur, Calaf is Timur's son and heir, and Ishmael is the son of a scribe. They are inseparable, with ties of love and devotion that stretch back to births days apart and shrouded in mystery.
When Calaf nearly dies saving Ishmael, his father is furious that he would risk his life for a servant, and does all that he can to separate the friends. The fall of Timur's empire flings the two young men across the ancient world, and they must struggle against deceit, betrayal, and cruelty to find each other again.
After enduring years of separation and adversity, they reunite and face one last trial in the court of the merciless Princess Turandot. Calaf must choose. Reclaim his father's throne or condemn Ishmael to certain death.
With a deep cast of characters moving through a vivid and unforgiving world, this historical tale, inspired by Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot, affirms that great loss can only be redeemed by love willing to sacrifice all.
About the Author: Author, mosaic artist, and photographer Deak Wooten is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and has studied creative writing at Stanford University. He began writing fiction after retiring from a career in health care benefits consulting.
Giacomo Puccini's Turandot, a favorite opera, and his interest in ancient Roman and Persian history came together to inspire his second novel Calaf and Ishmael. His first, Eyes of the Stag, was published in 2011. His various projects are described at www.deakwooten.com.
Deak lives near Palm Springs in California's Coachella Valley with his husband, Paul.
