num_pages: 398
description: In the sixteenth century, the mysterious and isolated empire of the Russias is ruled by Ivan IV, better known as Ivan the Terrible. In a violent fit of rage, he has just murdered his oldest son. Now driven nearly insane by guilt, Ivan is obsessed with the mystical properties of the jewels he prays can relieve his conscience. But while Ivan goes mad, the Russian court is in an uproar, and neighboring lands fear for their own security.Into this maelstrom of intrigue, treachery, fear, and superstition, King Stephan Bathory of Poland has sent as his personal envoy none other than the Count Saint-Germain. Only Saint-Germain’s alchemical skills can provide Ivan with the unearthly jewels he craves, and only a being with Saint-Germain’s infinite experience and wisdom can hope to negotiate the dangerous undercurrents running within Ivan’s court. But the one thing this ageless vampire never expected to find in old Moscovy is love and passion with the beautiful Xenya Evgeneiva—the woman who would become his wife.
language: English
title: Darker Jewels
titlecomplete: Darker Jewels (Saint-Germain, #7)
characters: Francesco Ragoczy de San Germano
genres: Russia, Romance, Fiction, Horror, Historical Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Vampires, Fantasy, Historical, Paranormal
ratings_count: 444
places: Russia
series: Saint-Germain
publisher: Tor Books