In the novel "The Poison of the Empire," Nadezhda Saltanova immerses readers in the atmosphere of Byzantium and tells the story of a medieval healer. The main heroine, Nina Koriaris, has unique skills in preparing medicinal remedies, which even the emperor’s palace uses. But her reputation is tested when a poisoned boy is found in the city, and every finger points to apothecaries—including Nina. Now she will have to find the real criminal to clear her name.