I bought this from the Book Sale in Clifton Library, York this morning because I'm fascinated by the Templars and because I appreciate this author's writing style, having already enjoyed many of his novels.

From the Amazon Editorial Review: " . . .journey with Paul Doherty to 1095 and experience the founding of the Templar Order in all its epic and brutal detail. 1095 and crusading fervour has swept Europe. Christ's fief of Jerusalem has been seized by the Infidels. The Frankish Knights of the West are to march east to liberate the Holy City. Hugh de Payens and Godefroi of St Omer, the soon-to-be founders of the Templar Order, and Hugh's younger sister, Eleanor, leave the security of their homes in Burgundy, France, with a plan to join Count Raymond of Toulouse's army, and march across the known world to Jerusalem. Follow the crusaders as they march through Europe into the glories of Byzantium and onto Syria. Witness the hardships, bloodshed and trickery on their treacherous travels to the Holy Land and know that though the crusaders' journey, and this novel, will end with their entry into the Holy City, the Crusades have yet to begin in earnest."

I've discovered that I read the sequel to this The Templar Magician some six years ago!

I find it difficult to think myself back over the best part of a thousand years to enter the mindset of those who would leave everything they knew to answer the call to free Jerusalem! Why would they? It's quite alien to me . . . .
Having said that, PD is a master storyteller and it takes little imagination to get caught up in the adventure and excitement of his tale!

To Deltic when OldKnees and I met him and MrsD for coffee and cake in the Tiled Cafe, Leeds this afternoon. Good to see you! Hope we don't leave it so long next time :-)

It was great to meet up with you both yesterday. Looking forward to this Paul Doherty book. Always a good read.

Thoroughly "enjoyed" if you can use that word about a book on this subject. This book read like an actual historical account, which is of course what the author wanted to achieve. Really gruesome at times with both sides believing they are fighting in the name of God. As Eleanor de Payens says several times "How can any War be a just war. A fascinating novel about a fascinating time that still has repercussions today.

For a Bookcrossing friend.
Happy Christmas!

What a lovely surprise I look forward to reading it. Thanks for sharing.

I'm a great fan of historical fiction and like many am fascinated by the tales of the Templars often portrayed in the movies, so approached this book with a good deal of excitement. It is obvious that the author has done his research and undoubtedly some of the fighting scenes are barbaric but the fact that the action is seen from Eleanor's point of view rather than a really active participant means that it lacked some of its verve IMHO and often read more like a documentary than a full-blooded novel.

Unfortunately I found this book interesting but a little wanting overall which is a real shame, I did find myself caught up in the action but feel that the myths and legends behind the facts really should have leant themselves a more fascinating reading experience than I actually got.

Hopefully the next reader will enjoy it more.

Left in the waiting room for hopefully someone else to enjoy.

I enjoyed this book. It is the first time i have read a historical fiction book. I know little of the period, and having read it, feel i know more. This writer knows how to tell a story.