IT IS 1567, AND EUROPE IS IN MORTAL DANGER The Ottoman Empire is feverishly building its army, vowing to fly the Crescent Moon of Islam over Rome - once it annihilates the Venetian navy. However, working for the Jesuit order is former Swiss Guard-turned-spy Marlo Gobeli, who has uncovered the Emperor's plans. He is sent to Spain to attempt to discover vital information desperately needed by the Pope to persuade the Spanish King to come to Venice's aid before the Ottoman horde devours Christendom. While in Spain, Marlo uncovers yet another threat that will make Europe's fall even more certain. Now, Marlo and his new companion, Don John of Austria, must struggle to save Europe and thwart the rising Islamic menace while there is still a Christian Europe. The Rising Storm is the opening salvo of The Lepanto Cycle trilogy, bringing the reader into the Pope Pius V's desperate struggle to protect and defend the integrity of Europe. - See more at: http://www.lepantocycle.com/#sthash.DGD604pB.dpuf