The Day of Atonement - (Benjamin Weaver) by David Liss (Paperback)

About the Book

In 1755 on a mission of revenge, and in the guise of English businessman Sebastian Foxx, exiled Sebastia o Raposa returns to Lisbon, stalking the ruthless Inquisitor priest Pedro Azinheiro who imprisoned his parents ten years earlier. When a twist of fate turns his carefully laid plans to chaos, he will be forced to choose between surrendering to bloodlust or serving the cause of mercy.

Book Synopsis

"Enthralling . . . [a] sly, rich and swift novel of vengeance and rough justice."--The Seattle Times

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY LIBRARY JOURNAL

Sebastião Raposa is only thirteen when his parents are unjustly imprisoned by the Inquisition, and he is forced to flee Portugal or face the same fate. But a decade in exile only whets his appetite for vengeance--transforming a once frightened boy into a dangerous man, determined to right unforgivable wrongs with unrelenting fury.

Well schooled by his benefactor, bounty hunter Benjamin Weaver, in the use of wits and fists alike, Sebastião returns to Lisbon--in the guise of English businessman Sebastian Foxx--to stalk the ruthless Inquisitor priest Pedro Azinheiro. But in a city ruled by terror and treachery, no enemy can be underestimated, nor any ally trusted. As Foxx is drawn into the struggles of old friends, confronted by new foes, and forced to play a game of deception, he finds himself befriended, betrayed, tempted by desire, and tormented by personal turmoil. And when a twist of fate turns his plans to chaos, he must choose between surrendering to bloodlust or serving the cause of mercy.

Praise for The Day of Atonement

"One of the masters of the historical thriller, Liss is back with yet another highly entertaining novel. . . . [The Day of Atonement] paints a vivid picture of the waning days of the Inquisition, and of the truly evil religious leaders who led it. One of Liss's best books."--Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Foxx is reminiscent of Lee Child's Jack Reacher: a man with his own moral code who takes on multiple adversaries simultaneously. . . . Liss has the start of another solidly researched, action-packed historical series here."--Booklist (starred review)

"[An] action-packed novel."--The Wall Street Journal

"Snappy dialogue and convincing atmosphere . . . The plot moves swiftly to a shattering climax."--The Washington Post

"Another intriguing thriller set against historical events for Liss, who has a knack for period detail, breakneck plots and characters we want to root for."--San Antonio Express-News

"Fans of [David] Liss know well his mix of dark arts and historical detail."--New York Daily News

Review Quotes

"Enthralling . . . [a] sly, rich and swift novel of vengeance and rough justice."--The Seattle Times

"One of the masters of the historical thriller, [David] Liss is back with yet another highly entertaining novel. . . . [The Day of Atonement] paints a vivid picture of the waning days of the Inquisition, and of the truly evil religious leaders who led it. One of Liss's best books."--Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Foxx is reminiscent of Lee Child's Jack Reacher: a man with his own moral code who takes on multiple adversaries simultaneously. . . . Liss has the start of another solidly researched, action-packed historical series here."--Booklist (starred review)

"[An] action-packed novel."--The Wall Street Journal

"Snappy dialogue and convincing atmosphere . . . The plot moves swiftly to a shattering climax."--The Washington Post

"Another intriguing thriller set against historical events for Liss, who has a knack for period detail, breakneck plots and characters we want to root for."--San Antonio Express-News

"Fans of [David] Liss know well his mix of dark arts and historical detail."--New York Daily News

"In his latest historical thriller, Liss portrays eighteenth-century Lisbon in vivid detail, leading up to the great earthquake of 1755. The history is well researched and furnishes an excellent portrait of Portugal under the ever-looming shadow of the Inquisition. A compelling story of obsession and revenge, the novel is also ultimately a tale of redemption. Liss fans and aficionados of intelligent, well-written historical fiction will be eager for this title."--Library Journal (starred review)

About the Author

David Liss is the author of The Day of Atonement, The Twelfth Enchantment, The Devil's Company, The Whiskey Rebels, The Ethical Assassin, A Spectacle of Corruption, The Coffee Trader, and A Conspiracy of Paper, winner of the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. He lives in San Antonio with his wife and children.