Tim Murgatroyd was brought up in Yorkshire. He read English at Hertford College, Oxford University, and now lives with his family in York. Tim became fascinated with Ancient China when he discovered a slim volume of Chinese poetry in a second hand bookshop. His first novel, 'Taming Poison Dragons' set in 12th Century China, has been described as 'a captivatingly original and unforgettable story of tragedy and enduring love'. The sequel, 'Breaking Bamboo', is the second instalment of a trilogy charting the trials and adventures of the Yun clan during the Mongol invasion of China. He is currently working on the third part of his trilogy, set during the brutal Mongol occupation of China.