"Exciting medieval romance"
When Ciaran Tamberlane joined the Crusaders, he believed
that he was doing something noble for God. He lost his
faith in King Richard the Lionhearted when the royal
ordered the mass genocide of Saracen prisoners. Still he
fought on because the thought he was on God's side until
he watched a brother knight about to kill an injured woman
and her baby. His faith in God's goodness died that day.
He now lives on his English estate with no ties to the
aristocracy or the church, caring for the peasants who
toil on his land. Knights burn down a nearby village slaughtering without
regard. Ciaran and his squire kill the marauders. He
takes an injured woman, who wants to die, to his castle.
As Amaranth de Langois heals, she feels guilty that she
caused the massacre by hiding in the village from her
abusive spouse. Her husband demands that Tamberlane
return his wife to him, but instead Ciaran vows to protect
Amie even if the King is on the side of the spouse. As
they wait for the confrontation, Ciaran and Amie fall in
love, but defying duty may lead to the executioner's sword
for him and his beloved. This exciting medieval romance paints quite a different
timely perspective of the Crusades, as atrocities in the
name of God are part of the war. The action packed story
line is character driven; readers will cherish the
courageous Ciaran who refuses to go along even when God
and King are invoked if he feels it is wrong. Sub-genre
fans will appreciate this delightful historical tale
starring two honorable individuals. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted June 6, 2004
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