Simon Levack grew up in a small town in England. He was trained in the legal profession, but now writes full time. He has had a long-standing interest in Mesoamerican history, especially the Aztecs, triggered by reading Inga Clendinnen's book Aztecs: An Interpretation. He is the author of books including The Demon of the Air and Shadow of the Lords. He lives in London with his wife and son.