Books with author Michael Winik

Burma was wild and exotic, with a rich landscape and tempestuous weather. Frank was quickly introduced to the world of rubies abounding in the country, especially the very expensive “Pigeon blood ruby.” However, this beautiful and distant world had a dark side; its villagers were poor, uneducated, and the victims of slave and prostitution ring leaders. While being initiated to the world of weapons and rubies trade, Frank met with a young and very intelligent boy by the name of Phirrot. The boy, who spoke very little English, opened the doors to a culture Frank was dying to discover. But shortly after their meeting, the only Burmese friend Frank had was snatched one night while his village was being burned down. Grabbing the only opportunity, he had to chase after Alex; Frank, with the help of a few willing monks, went on a mission to rescue Phirrot. After a first failed attempt, Frank met with the beautiful Paula (an international investigator for child abuse) and together they were able to rescue the stolen children. Soon after, he was faced by Khun Sa himself who tried to make an example out of Frank by executing the monks who offered to help him. While running away from the general, Frank faced another great challenge; the powerful monsoon rains, which literally drowned him and the kids he was trying to save. The challenges confronting him, forced Frank to face his real enemies buried inside his soul; rooting from his own devastated childhood, with an abusive father who did nothing but bring him down. Frank finally understood that his dedication to saving Phirrot was actually an indirect attempt at saving himself. Fortunately, Frank survived and was approached by Paula’s group who trained and sent him to Brazil where he was about to face the evil men operating the shameful trade. In order to infiltrate the international ring, Frank had to pose as a customer preying on the very same kids he was trying to save. His mission will take him to a “Kill scene” where Frank only had seconds to save two children from a tragic end. The ringleaders now captured, Frank returned to his daughters with the great feeling of having found redemption.

In a panoramic novel against a backdrop of violence and political turbulence in the eleventh century, Ivar, a Danish orphan is enslaved to the most successful and experienced soldier of the age. He eventually becomes one of the elite bodyguard of the Emperor of Turkey. Meanwhile his distant relative, Torkil, the grandson of an Anglo Norse thayne, advances his military career in the service of Harold Godwinson. History dictates that one day the two warriors, caught up in the maelstrom of treachery, carnage, greed, lust and loyalty, will meet. When they do, there are devastating results for one of them, his king and his country. The crown of England was the most contested in all Europe; on the death of Edward the Confessor, Harold Godwinsson took possession of it. In 1066 two other claimants to the throne, a Norwegian and a Norman tried to wrest it from him. This is the story of Ivar, Torkil and the three kings they served.