The Lion of St. Mark (Venetians Trilogy) - Tapa dura

Quinn introduces his new series chronicling a family feud set in Renaissance Venice. As conflict churns within and between the noble Soranzo and Ziani clans, Venice itself is threatened by a possible invasion of Ottoman Turks. Though Giovanni Soranzo vows revenge against Antonio Ziani, the man he holds responsible for the death of his brother, the two must join forces in an epic maritime battle against the infidel Turks. In an ironic twist of fate, the avowed enemies end up saving each other from certain death as they unite in a common cause. Although everything looks rosy at the end, the stage is cleverly set for the next chapter in this multigenerational quarrel. Chock-full of the type of political and personal intrigue that characterized life in the Venetian city-state, this seafaring saga is drenched in local color and accurate historical detailing.--Flanagan, Margaret "Booklist "

"Lion Of St. Mark" tells of the enduring conflict between two powerful Venetian noble families. Ruthless and brave, naval Captain Giovanni Soranzo thirsts for revenge as he wages a vendetta against Antonio Ziam, a proud volunteer marine commander. Their struggle is set during Venice's epic war against the powerful Ottoman Turks, who are intent on conquering Venetian lands, possessing her riches, and utterly destroying the city forever. And so it is that these two patricians, both patriots, must temper their personal actions in the conflict with their devotion and loyalty to their beloved republic. But in a threatened city where two honors reign - that of family, and that of Venice - only one war can be fought: that for the survival of the city itself.