Joan Lluís Ivars Companys (Barcelona, 1957) completed publicity and audiovisual studies as well as a master in scriptwriting for television and film in the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. After his early years in politics, he was a founding partner of Ibis Broadcast and Arkhé advertising agencies, and had interest in catering companies. For family reasons, he moved to the UK, where he gave Spanish classes in various community centres and at Leicester University. At the same time, his interest in the Caliphate of Córdoba, sparked when he did his military service there, increased. On his return to Barcelona, he worked as a translator, and a copywriter for advertising. He persisted in his love for the history of Córdoba, obtaining the diploma of Expert in Islamic Culture, Civilisation and Religión from the UNED. Combining his professional experience with his passion for the Andalusian Caliphate, his new novel takes place in tenth century Córdoba, combining mystery and history in a fascinating story.