Tweezle Reads

It is obvious from the beginning of this book that Rosanne Lortz loves history. She brought to life the Crusades, but not the "popular" Third Crusade with Richard Coeur de Lion, but instead, starts at the beginning with the First Crusade. This rare treat gives the reader a look at the beginning and the reasons many joined to fight, and because of extensive research that is apparent, also allows the reader to become familiar with Godfrey of Bouillon, Peter the Hermit, and of course main character, Bohemond who was the son of Robert Guiscard. and his nephew Tancred.

Rich with history, this tale is told with a prose that will keep the reader captivated throughout the story, transporting them back to the late 1090's. A time when knight and farmer fought for what they believed in. Some were fighting for God and the Church while others were looking for forgiveness and still others for riches in both wealth and political gain.

With that said, I found this take refreshing. Lortz did not focus so much on the gore of fighting, although there were fights, but on the trek, the lives and survival of large amounts of knights and soldiers. I never fully comprehend the extent these men traveled and what they endured while getting place to place, and then being fit or healthy enough to fight when they were enduring the elements and trying to cope with the lack of food. She created a story that was realistic both in setting and characters. Some, like Tancred, I have grown quite fond of, and was sad to see this book end. I will be impatiently waiting for the for the next book in the series: Flower of the Desert to be published.

Truly a brilliant novel, this book would appeal to both the historical fiction lover as well as the reader that just wants a good story about a flawed hero.With no sex and minimal gore, this book would be a great resource for home school high school students.