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The Crusader #1
The Crusader
The Crusader is a fantasy novella about Aaron, a once-idealistic knight on a Crusade to rid the Holy Land of unbelievers and their sorcerers has become disillusioned about the war. In a final mission, Aaron faces the massacre of his companions and a betrayal by his own commander. In order to survive, he must face a terrifying assassin and face the truth of the Crusade. Will he find redemption and rediscover his Honor? To do so, he must decide between losing himself and losing his soul.
- GenresFantasy
82 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
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8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 18, 2014
An exciting adventure!
The Crusader takes the reader into the dark underbelly of the Crusades. The protagonist Aaron rides with the “Dark Men” carrying out special covert missions meant to hamper the enemy. These missions are far removed from the battlefield charge, and instead are carried out in darkness to kill all the heathens they encounter. The time Aaron has spent serving among the Dark Men seriously alters his previously held ideas of honor and glory on the battlefield. Yet, by undertaking these missions, Aaron and his companions have been given the promise of absolution for their many sins, and a place in the kingdom of God.
Rayfe the Darkstalker is a vicious killer, who also happens to be the man Aaron must follow on a dangerous mission against an equally deadly adversary. This mission will put both his martial training and his loyalty to the test.
Wilder delivers believable characters, exciting battle scenes and a solid story all around. This was a fast read that held my interest from beginning to end and left me eager for the next book.
- Travis Ludvigson, author of the Nephilim Chronicles (Yare’ Darkness Bound and Iron Song)
The Crusader takes the reader into the dark underbelly of the Crusades. The protagonist Aaron rides with the “Dark Men” carrying out special covert missions meant to hamper the enemy. These missions are far removed from the battlefield charge, and instead are carried out in darkness to kill all the heathens they encounter. The time Aaron has spent serving among the Dark Men seriously alters his previously held ideas of honor and glory on the battlefield. Yet, by undertaking these missions, Aaron and his companions have been given the promise of absolution for their many sins, and a place in the kingdom of God.
Rayfe the Darkstalker is a vicious killer, who also happens to be the man Aaron must follow on a dangerous mission against an equally deadly adversary. This mission will put both his martial training and his loyalty to the test.
Wilder delivers believable characters, exciting battle scenes and a solid story all around. This was a fast read that held my interest from beginning to end and left me eager for the next book.
- Travis Ludvigson, author of the Nephilim Chronicles (Yare’ Darkness Bound and Iron Song)
August 28, 2015
The Crusader by JP Wilder - 5 out of 5 stars
I actually downloaded the entirety of this book believing it to be the sample. I read the ‘sample’, enjoyed it, and was going to buy the book before I realised I already had read it all.
The story is 11,000 words, and I was very impressed. It read like a fantasy of the crusades. I particularly liked the heathen sorcery and Dark Men (assassins) aspects of this short story. I found it to be a twist that the Dark Men fought for the Crusaders and not the Saracens.
The story has a lot of fighting and a bit of betrayal. The action was fun to read, and I liked how it ended.
This book was free when I downloaded it from Smashwords. My only annoyance is that I felt I would have to download another book to read the continuation of this story.
Overall, if you like fantasy or the crusades then give this an immediate read!
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
I actually downloaded the entirety of this book believing it to be the sample. I read the ‘sample’, enjoyed it, and was going to buy the book before I realised I already had read it all.
The story is 11,000 words, and I was very impressed. It read like a fantasy of the crusades. I particularly liked the heathen sorcery and Dark Men (assassins) aspects of this short story. I found it to be a twist that the Dark Men fought for the Crusaders and not the Saracens.
The story has a lot of fighting and a bit of betrayal. The action was fun to read, and I liked how it ended.
This book was free when I downloaded it from Smashwords. My only annoyance is that I felt I would have to download another book to read the continuation of this story.
Overall, if you like fantasy or the crusades then give this an immediate read!
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
September 11, 2024
A good story. A warrior finds that war in the name of God isn't what he believed. Recommended reading.
May 20, 2014
I enjoyed The Crusader quite a lot, only downside was the length, but good thing Mr. wilder has the sequel coming shortly.
The action is well paced and gripping, and I especially enjoyed understanding Aaron's (The Crusader) drive and motivation at his bloody vocation. This really puts you in the thick of the intrigue and drama.
This promises to be the beginning of a great series.
The action is well paced and gripping, and I especially enjoyed understanding Aaron's (The Crusader) drive and motivation at his bloody vocation. This really puts you in the thick of the intrigue and drama.
This promises to be the beginning of a great series.
October 20, 2015
Although well-written, this main character and story did not hold my interest. Fans of military fiction should love it, though.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews