When a deadly plague seizes the walled town of Avignon, young Marius is determined to save his townsfolk from the raging pestilence. While leading the effort to combat the Black Death, Marius is distracted by a liaison with the mysterious Alice. Meanwhile, Pope Clément harbors a burning desire for vengeance on the boy’s father. As death sweeps through the city, can Marius reconcile his passion with a duty to his wife, and his responsibility to the townsfolk? Praise: ★★★★★ - "A gripping, stirring and at times moving insight into the 14th century." ★★★★★ - "An i mmaculately researched novel of the effects of the Black Death." ★★★★★ - "W ell-written historical fiction set in 14th century France."