Product Description

It is 1274 and in the fortified city of Acre, the last major stronghold of the Crusaders in Palestine, an epic conflict is beginning.

Will Campbell is a Templar Knight, trained for war, but as a member of the mysterious group known as the Brethren, he is also a man of peace. After years of bloodshed, the Brethren have helped to create a truce between the Christians and Muslims. But Will now fears they have been betrayed. King Edward of England has promised the Pope that he will lead a new Crusade, while in Acre itself, a ruthless cabal of Western merchants, profiteering from slaves and armaments, is plotting to reignite hostilities in the Holy Land.

Meanwhile, in Egypt, Sultan Baybars is caught in a power struggle. His son and heir has become involved in the dangerous designs of the insidious soothsayer, Khadir. While Baybars wants to take on the mighty Mongol empire, Khadir and others want to destroy the Christians once and for all.

As war looms, Will is torn between his oath as a Templar, his secret role in the Brethren and his duty to Elwen, the woman he loves but is forbidden to marry. He is caught at the centre of a web of deception and destruction, as he and all those around him rush headlong towards one of the most dramatic moments in history.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9498 in Books
• Published on: 2008-02-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 650 pages

Review
'Crusade is a sweeping historical adventure as well as a cracking sequel' --Financial Times

'Intricate but wonderfully written, a romp of a read and an exhilarating ride' --Birmingham Post

Review
'Crusade is a sweeping historical adventure as well as a cracking sequel' (Financial Times 20060627)

'One of the best historical debuts in recent memory. Exciting and enthralling, it gripped me from the first page and left me waiting anxiously for the next instalment' (John Connolly on BRETHREN )

'Tipped to be the next Da Vinci Code' (Elle on BRETHREN )

'Wonderful... loaded with atmosphere, action, and intrigue. The Crusades come alive' (Steve Berry on BRETHREN )

'El Cid meets The Da Vinci Code! Exciting, page-turning fiction' (Simon Mayo's book panel, BBC Radio Five Live on BRETHREN )

'If you love the Templars, the Crusades, and the Middle Ages, this is the book for you. Robyn Young is an exciting new voice' (Sharon Penman on BRETHREN )

'A sweeping historical adventure with strong characters and serious verve...Can't wait for the next two volumes!' (Sarah Weinman on BRETHREN )

'Richly worked and captivating...an epic story of war, intrigue and heroism' (Good Book Guide on BRETHREN )

'Swords clash in the first sentence...and go on clashing throughout...plenty of action...pacy dialogue. Equally enjoyable is the description of everyday life' (The Times )

Synopsis
It is 1274 and in the fortified city of Acre, the last major stronghold of the Crusaders in Palestine, an epic conflict is beginning.Will Campbell is a Templar Knight, trained for war, but as a member of the mysterious group known as the Brethren, he is also a man of peace. After years of bloodshed, the Brethren have helped to create a truce between the Christians and Muslims. But Will now fears they have been betrayed. King Edward of England has promised the Pope that he will lead a new Crusade, while in Acre itself, a ruthless cabal of Western merchants, profiteering from slaves and armaments, is plotting to reignite hostilities in the Holy Land.Meanwhile, in Egypt, Sultan Baybars is caught in a power struggle. His son and heir has become involved in the dangerous designs of the insidious soothsayer, Khadir. While Baybars wants to take on the mighty Mongol empire, Khadir and others want to destroy the Christians once and for all.As war looms, Will is torn between his oath as a Templar, his secret role in the Brethren and his duty to Elwen, the woman he loves but is forbidden to marry.He is caught at the centre of a web of deception and destruction, as he and all those around him rush headlong towards one of the most dramatic moments in history.

Customer Reviews

An interesting read
This book was interesting from the depth of research about the period he was writing about would almost be a 5/5.

Unfortunately for me, the book was let down by its story line. The characters were poorly developed, at times aspect of the story line was fantastical, and bore minimal regard to realitiy and a lack of depth. A little staid the story is 3/5.

It didn't captivate. A shame, as it was set in an intersting time, with lots to play with :(

A border line 4/5 only for the historical aspects.

Patchy Characterisation
A passable read, but less than compelling. The books biggest fault (aside from a penchant for Christian baiting and pro-Islam) is the lead characters. Young's villains and many supporting players are interestingly drawn (esp. Garin), but her hero and heroine are so sacharine and wholesome, I fell the urge to vomit just to purge myself.

The tale has its moments, but like the first in the series, is deeply flawed.

Fantastic!
I have to say, this is much better than the first book. While the focus was more on the Christian side in Brethren, Crusade was much more balanced on both sides. Readers (myself included) are taken into the political chaos that was the Temple and the inner circle of the Mamluk bigwigs. I am myself quite familiar historically with the fall of Acre and it was pleasant to see Robyn weaving fact and fiction beautifully such that the story plot flows without any problems. Bring on Requiem!