1095 and a crusading fervour has swept Europe. Jerusalem has been seized by the Infidels and an enraged Pope Urban II has called upon the Knights of the West to march east to liberate the Holy City in the name of Christendom. Thousands heed the call. Hugh de Payens and Godefroi of St Omer and Hugh's younger sister, Eleanor are among them. Caught up in the great swirl of religious fervour they 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. But that's before they know the depths of hardships, treachery and bloodshed they will have to endure along the way. Hugh de Payens and Godefroi of St Omer are the soon-to-be founders of the Templar Order, meaning that this novel depicts not only what is now known as the first Crusade but also the birth of the Templars.

Now 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, The myths and legends behind the facts really should have leant themselves a more fascinating reading experience. ( )

Erudite but unengaging novel of the First Crusade. ( )