The Pearl of the Orient

In this historical adventure tale, a Christian missionary named Behaine visits Prince Nguyen Phuc Anh, King of Vietnam, and asks his permission to present Anh’s young son Canh to King Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette as a symbol of Christian “friendship,” in the hopes that the French will send ships to aid in Anh’s war against the Trinhs of the north. Part historical fiction, part fairy tale, *The Pearl of the Orient* follows Behaine and Canh as they sail from Vietnam to France, are bewitched by Jesuits in Pondicherry, and celebrated by royalty at Versailles. In this politically tense period of the 18th century, Behaine must secure a treaty with France in time to save Anh’s kingdom, or he and the boy risk returning home to a kingdom conquered, once and for all, by the enemy.

Danielle Trussoni is the author of the *New York Times* bestselling *Angelology* series, including the novels *Angelology* and *Angelopolis* , which have been published in more than 30 countries. Her memoir, *Falling Through the Earth* , was selected as one of the Ten Best Books of 2006 by *The New York Times* Book Review. She lives in New York City. You can follow her on twitter @danitrussoni and visit her website here:

Cover design by Kerry Ellis.