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Sixteenth century Istanbul - a city of wonder and danger. When a young boy, Jahan, arrives with a gift for the Sultan - a rare white elephant called Chota - the pair are sent to the palace's prized menagerie. There they learn to guard against the scheming of animal tamers, gypsies, deceitful courtiers and the beautiful, mischievous Princess Mihrimah. Welcomed into this strange, beguiling land, Jahan and Chota travel to the furthest corners of the Sultan's kingdom - and to war. But when one day Jahan meets the royal architect, Sinan, he is given the chance to rise in court. To accept is to the enter marble halls walked by Princess Mihrimah, where the treacherous also plot - a true place of wonders and dangers . . . 'Fascinating. A vigorous evocation of the Ottoman Empire at the height of its power.' Sunday Times 'Intricate, multi-layered, resplendent, vividly evoked, beautifully written.' Observer 'Sumptuous, absorbing, moving.' Independent on Sunday