Super Short Summary

In Sailing to Sarantium by Guy Gavriel Kay, mosaicist Caius “Crispin” Crispus is summoned to the Sarantine Empire to assist in decorating the Great Sanctuary. During his journey, Crispin encounters political intrigue, religious themes, and other dangers, while a mechanical bird named Linon guides him. With newfound friends, Crispin navigates palace politics and rediscovery his will to live, aiming to achieve artistic greatness. The story includes themes of grief, violence, and existential crises.