Although this is book four of a series it is easy to follow as a stand alone book. I haven't read any of the others but really enjoyed this story. It follows Nicholas Selby and his wife Bianca on their journey to Padua after Nicholas is faced with a charge of treason. They leave Rose and Ned behind to look after the rebuilding of jackdaw tavern for when they can hopefully return. After Nicholas witnesses a murder they befriend Hella who has predictions of an impending apocalypse. As you follow their journey there seems to be more danger and trouble than the pursuing English and who is the strange man that seems to be following them. Ned is also trying to find out who accused Nicholas back in England to clear his name. This book was brilliantly written that you feel drawn into their lives and their journey. I now want to read the others in the series