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Saladin #2
Kingdom
1164. The young warrior Saladin joins a Saracen army headed for Egypt. He finds there a land of wonders - from the ancient pyramids and the towering lighthouse of Alexandria, to the caliph's luxurious palace - but also a land of unparalleled danger. In Egypt, no one can be trusted, not even his family. Saladin is surrounded by enemies and haunted by a secret that threatens to destroy him. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, Saladin's closest friend, the former crusader John of Tatewic, has been branded traitor. Spared execution on condition that he serves King Amalric, he soon finds himself embroiled in court intrigue. Dark forces within Jerusalem conspire to seize the throne. As John confronts them, his loyalty to Amalric, and to his old friend Saladin, is put to the test.
432 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
About the author
Jack Hight
13 books49 followersJack is a trained historian with a PhD from the University of Chicago. His first novel, SIEGE, explored the intrigues, romances, and epic battles behind the fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453. He is currently working on a trilogy about the Crusades.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 14, 2021
Read this book in 2012, and its the 2nd wonderful volume of the amazing "Saladin" trilogy.
This story at the year AD 1164, and we find Saladin joining a Saracen army heading for Egypt, and what he will find there are riches in culture, but also secrets that will haunt him, until he settles some scores to be rid of these dangers to his life.
Meanwhile in Jerusalem, John of Tatewic is accused of treason, and he's spared execution on the condition that he will serve King Amalric.
At the court of this King Amalric, john will encounter court intrigue, where dark forces are conspiring to seize the throne.
What is to follow are intriguing and thrilling encounters for both Saladin and John, and in this world of deceit and death they must somehow seem to survive, and by using their wits and being resolute will they be able to live for another day and fight on for glory.
Highly recommended, for this is a wonderful addition to this great trilogy, and that's why I like to call this 2nd episode: "A Fantastic Saladin Sequel"!
This story at the year AD 1164, and we find Saladin joining a Saracen army heading for Egypt, and what he will find there are riches in culture, but also secrets that will haunt him, until he settles some scores to be rid of these dangers to his life.
Meanwhile in Jerusalem, John of Tatewic is accused of treason, and he's spared execution on the condition that he will serve King Amalric.
At the court of this King Amalric, john will encounter court intrigue, where dark forces are conspiring to seize the throne.
What is to follow are intriguing and thrilling encounters for both Saladin and John, and in this world of deceit and death they must somehow seem to survive, and by using their wits and being resolute will they be able to live for another day and fight on for glory.
Highly recommended, for this is a wonderful addition to this great trilogy, and that's why I like to call this 2nd episode: "A Fantastic Saladin Sequel"!
July 25, 2014
*WARNING* - This is a rubbish review.
Kingdom lives up to its predecessor. John has survived and found himself torn between loyalties, loyalty to Yusuf aka Saladin and of the King Amarlic. He turns to the priesthood so he never has to remarry after his love for Zimat. Obviously this produces a rift between himself and Yusuf - his friendship is sorely tested as he takes a oath to protect the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Whereas before he was fighting for Yusuf. You can gather the problems that might ensue.
I particularly enjoyed reading about Prince Baldwin, the leper king. John is spared execution at the last minute at the hands of Herailcus, a nasty priest who enjoys torturing infidels. Life becomes complex when Agnes, a lovely conniving lady uses John to her own means - i.e. seeing that Baldwin takes his rightful place as King. Another well known brute is Reynald who is views the Saracens as barbarians - he survives in captivity and soon begins a well documented (historical) purge of Saracens. His hatred for John flairs and their lives become entwined when King Amarlic dies. Baldwin takes his place as King but under his mother's influence. Meanwhile Yusuf finds himself heading over to Egypt to take the country and unite the kingdom with Syria. This is where the majority of his story takes place.
Jack Hight has a real flair with dialogue, where he makes the characters believable - from both a historical and fictional angle. He moulds the two together which makes the characters sing off the page. Kingdom is also a much more sedate affair, there is much action going on. It's much more of a political mystery novel. John's days of fighting are done, as it is forbidden for a priest to draw blood. Yusuf is involved heavily within a plot where he is threatened with exposure if he doesn't do what the eunuch tells him to do. The exposure of his love affair with Zimat - the woman that John also loves. Oh who'd be a man!
The characters in the story are well established by now; Yusuf and John I've mentioned. King Amarlic is a warrior king, though readily influenced by men who want war. Not a good combination. Agnes is the succubus of the story - readily to take advantage of men's weakness, there weakness for a beautiful woman. She evens ends up manipulating her own son - a lovely lady. Prince Baldwin is possibly the most interesting character of the story, the leper king. We get to read about how he grows into a man, where he is taught Arabic and of the Saracen people by John. Worst to come is both Reynald and Heralicus. Reynald was a butcher, breaking the truce with Saladin by slaying innocent women and children. In historical terms he also murdered Saladin's sister, but it doesn't occur in this story. Heralicus is the sort of priest who reminds me of the inquisition - deluded by his own power he commits acts of murder and torture that made me cringe at times.
As I said, there isn't much action in this story - it's more of a political intrigue tale. This isn't a bad thing, as Kingdom is all about how Yusuf aka Saladin brings the kingdoms of Egypt and Syria together. The Franks by now believe they are strong, but King Baldwin knows better - they need peace. Life isn't always so simple, especially when religion is involved (something Jack Hight handles with great delicacy). Very much enjoyed this story.
Kingdom lives up to its predecessor. John has survived and found himself torn between loyalties, loyalty to Yusuf aka Saladin and of the King Amarlic. He turns to the priesthood so he never has to remarry after his love for Zimat. Obviously this produces a rift between himself and Yusuf - his friendship is sorely tested as he takes a oath to protect the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Whereas before he was fighting for Yusuf. You can gather the problems that might ensue.
I particularly enjoyed reading about Prince Baldwin, the leper king. John is spared execution at the last minute at the hands of Herailcus, a nasty priest who enjoys torturing infidels. Life becomes complex when Agnes, a lovely conniving lady uses John to her own means - i.e. seeing that Baldwin takes his rightful place as King. Another well known brute is Reynald who is views the Saracens as barbarians - he survives in captivity and soon begins a well documented (historical) purge of Saracens. His hatred for John flairs and their lives become entwined when King Amarlic dies. Baldwin takes his place as King but under his mother's influence. Meanwhile Yusuf finds himself heading over to Egypt to take the country and unite the kingdom with Syria. This is where the majority of his story takes place.
Jack Hight has a real flair with dialogue, where he makes the characters believable - from both a historical and fictional angle. He moulds the two together which makes the characters sing off the page. Kingdom is also a much more sedate affair, there is much action going on. It's much more of a political mystery novel. John's days of fighting are done, as it is forbidden for a priest to draw blood. Yusuf is involved heavily within a plot where he is threatened with exposure if he doesn't do what the eunuch tells him to do. The exposure of his love affair with Zimat - the woman that John also loves. Oh who'd be a man!
The characters in the story are well established by now; Yusuf and John I've mentioned. King Amarlic is a warrior king, though readily influenced by men who want war. Not a good combination. Agnes is the succubus of the story - readily to take advantage of men's weakness, there weakness for a beautiful woman. She evens ends up manipulating her own son - a lovely lady. Prince Baldwin is possibly the most interesting character of the story, the leper king. We get to read about how he grows into a man, where he is taught Arabic and of the Saracen people by John. Worst to come is both Reynald and Heralicus. Reynald was a butcher, breaking the truce with Saladin by slaying innocent women and children. In historical terms he also murdered Saladin's sister, but it doesn't occur in this story. Heralicus is the sort of priest who reminds me of the inquisition - deluded by his own power he commits acts of murder and torture that made me cringe at times.
As I said, there isn't much action in this story - it's more of a political intrigue tale. This isn't a bad thing, as Kingdom is all about how Yusuf aka Saladin brings the kingdoms of Egypt and Syria together. The Franks by now believe they are strong, but King Baldwin knows better - they need peace. Life isn't always so simple, especially when religion is involved (something Jack Hight handles with great delicacy). Very much enjoyed this story.
April 19, 2017
The first book, Eagle, had a rather disappointing depiction of Salahud-din, making him prepared o betray his lord and commit crimes most muslims would not commit in such an environment. This second book, however, is much more accurate as to what Salahud-din actually thought of the world around him, the Franks, the Emirs and the muslim cause against the crusades.
It has come to my attention that the Franks and the Saracens were not always fighting willingly. They had many times sought a lasting peace that would benefit them both. Kingdom was an excellent read where I got to see Yusuf's character develop into the great man we today know as Salahud-din.
It has come to my attention that the Franks and the Saracens were not always fighting willingly. They had many times sought a lasting peace that would benefit them both. Kingdom was an excellent read where I got to see Yusuf's character develop into the great man we today know as Salahud-din.
November 8, 2012
I just finished a back-to-back read of the first two books in Jack Hight's Saladin series - Eagle and Kingdom, so this is very much a review of both.
The story follows the youth and growth of the young Yusuf, from his childhood when he is considered weak and unworthy through to becoming the legendar character that is Salah Ad Din, scourge of the crusaders.
The first thing that struck me about these books (and I would say is still the outstanding review factor after book 2 ends) is the fresh perspective Hight has written from. The crusading era is not uncommon for writers of Historical Fiction, and Hight's offering might easily have become run of the mill, despite his obvious knowledge and talent, had he not done something different to stand out. Eagle and Kingdom are both written largely from the Arabic Saracen perspective, though seen often through the eyes of a westerner (John of Tatewic), which gives it relevance to a western reader. The main characters are generally Saracen, and that people are portrayed, unusually in this milieu, as an honourable, ethical, family-oriented, pious, friendly and likeable people. That fact alone could have driven me through the series.
Couple that with High's clear knowledge of the era of the Second Crusade and the world in which the future Saladin grew up, and also his understanding and presentation of Islam and the Islamic peoples of the time, and it creates a story that is not only fresh and interesting, but also informative and revealing. I'm no expert on the time, but I do have a grounding in the early crusades from schooling and private reading and, while the author makes a couple of small tweaks or takes a tiny liberty with direct fact for the sake of story (which all such authors do and without which Historical Fiction would simply be non-fiction) everything seems to fall perfectly into place with geography and timelines.
The story follows a general arc of personal growth, mirrored in the growth of Saracen power in the Middle East.
The first book follows how young Yusuf, in the shadow of his brutal brother, comes across John, a Christian knight, after a battle at Damascus following which he is taken prisoner. Yusuf buys John as a slave and a bond slowly begins to form between the two, granting John more freedom and hope than a man in his position should ever wish for, but teaching young Yusuf everything he needs to become the man he is destined to be. The interplay between the two characters of totally different cultures and the interplay as they learn from each other is lovely and makes the book an easy read.
The second book moves more into the world of politics and intrigue, and takes us to Egypt and into a world of internecine warfare. In the meantime, John is having troubles of his own in Jerusalem. The interplay between the characters is still there when it can be, but by necessity the series has grown and moved on in the second book and there is more of a focus on the activities of the two friends (Yusuf and John) as individuals than there was in the first book. This is, of course, wholly appropriate for the plot arc, as is the warfare that is becoming more and more prevalent and central as the story progresses.
I look forward the the conclusion of the trilogy and what it means for the friendship between John and Saladin.
The story follows the youth and growth of the young Yusuf, from his childhood when he is considered weak and unworthy through to becoming the legendar character that is Salah Ad Din, scourge of the crusaders.
The first thing that struck me about these books (and I would say is still the outstanding review factor after book 2 ends) is the fresh perspective Hight has written from. The crusading era is not uncommon for writers of Historical Fiction, and Hight's offering might easily have become run of the mill, despite his obvious knowledge and talent, had he not done something different to stand out. Eagle and Kingdom are both written largely from the Arabic Saracen perspective, though seen often through the eyes of a westerner (John of Tatewic), which gives it relevance to a western reader. The main characters are generally Saracen, and that people are portrayed, unusually in this milieu, as an honourable, ethical, family-oriented, pious, friendly and likeable people. That fact alone could have driven me through the series.
Couple that with High's clear knowledge of the era of the Second Crusade and the world in which the future Saladin grew up, and also his understanding and presentation of Islam and the Islamic peoples of the time, and it creates a story that is not only fresh and interesting, but also informative and revealing. I'm no expert on the time, but I do have a grounding in the early crusades from schooling and private reading and, while the author makes a couple of small tweaks or takes a tiny liberty with direct fact for the sake of story (which all such authors do and without which Historical Fiction would simply be non-fiction) everything seems to fall perfectly into place with geography and timelines.
The story follows a general arc of personal growth, mirrored in the growth of Saracen power in the Middle East.
The first book follows how young Yusuf, in the shadow of his brutal brother, comes across John, a Christian knight, after a battle at Damascus following which he is taken prisoner. Yusuf buys John as a slave and a bond slowly begins to form between the two, granting John more freedom and hope than a man in his position should ever wish for, but teaching young Yusuf everything he needs to become the man he is destined to be. The interplay between the two characters of totally different cultures and the interplay as they learn from each other is lovely and makes the book an easy read.
The second book moves more into the world of politics and intrigue, and takes us to Egypt and into a world of internecine warfare. In the meantime, John is having troubles of his own in Jerusalem. The interplay between the characters is still there when it can be, but by necessity the series has grown and moved on in the second book and there is more of a focus on the activities of the two friends (Yusuf and John) as individuals than there was in the first book. This is, of course, wholly appropriate for the plot arc, as is the warfare that is becoming more and more prevalent and central as the story progresses.
I look forward the the conclusion of the trilogy and what it means for the friendship between John and Saladin.
January 1, 2018
"He had wanted peace but war had found him."
My first read of 2018 and I couldn't have chosen a better book for that.
The adventure continued and it very much felt like it would bring the end with it, despite the fact that it is only the middle of a trilogy (and that the actual Saladin's biography still goes on).
I really, really love the occurring Arabic words and expressions, it makes it all the more realistic. The author did a fantastic job by mixing historical facts with fiction (I'm pretty sure I mentioned the same at the previous novel's review, but still, Jack Hight deserves the praise for his incredible work.)
And now I'm torn between wanting to reach the end and wanting to read on. The characters grew really close on me.
Read
March 21, 2024Kingdom
A warrior comes of age
Book Two of the Saladin Trilogy
Publisher John Murray
Page 337
Type Historical Fiction
I knew that the second book would be more breathtaking. At the beginning of the story, while saving the life of Yusuf, the prisoner John was accused of being an accomplice of the Saracens and faced severe torture. The judgment sat before the king's court in Jerusalem. Some fanatics condemned him to be crucified and burned at the stake. John challenged the judgement on the advice of William the Tyre. The rule is that those who make judgments must engage in direct combat with the accused. The Grand Master of the Knights Templar among with the king's chief advisory council , as well as King Amalric himself, who falls in his honor in the fight. What a strange anecdote of a time. Above all, an unprecedented timeline of courage and heroism. John was later restored to life by the grace of King Amalric. In return, Prince Baldwin was tasked with teaching Arabic etiquette.
Meanwhile, Saladin and Shirku marched towards Egypt. There, Saladin's rise to power began with the foiling of Egypt's treacherous vizier. First from patriarch Shirkur's second in command to Egypt's vizier, then to Egypt's ruler means sky is the limit to him. He met a beautiful gracious woman. Later, Shamsa got the status of his wife.
Saladin besieged Alexandria. At that time, John saved his friend's life. They meet again. But in the mean time, John has become a man of the opposite camp in the urge of life.
The immense love between John and his sister Jimaat increases the tension between them, although John chose to live as a monk because he would not accept any other woman as his wife. As a prisoner of Saladin, he first met his own child. His son is growing up in the identity of another man. He hates the Franks in his heart.
Not only Saladin or Richard the Lionheart, if you judge the mind set up of the rulers of Jerusalem at that time, it will be seen that they were no less in terms of greatness and magnanimity. John developed a relationship with Almaric's ex-wife Agnes of Courtenay. John becomes intimate with her despite of William the Tire caution. A full pacced classic intrigue, murder-conspiracy game centered around the throne of Jerusalem. On the other hand, the distance between Nur Ad Din and Saladin increases. War conspiracies, assassination, intrigue, human and inhuman characters move between them. Historical events have been followed as usual by the author, only the year and date have been slightly adjusted for the needs of the story.
I realized many surprising things while reading the book. During the Crusades in the 12th century, the King of England's language was French. It is natural that the language of the rulers who left Normandy in France would be French. Although there were differences between Orthodox Christians and Catholics, they were quite united in the interests of the Crusades. King Amalric was married to the sister of King Manuel of Constantinople. Manuel was quite active in sending fleets and paying ransoms. Compared to that, Shias and Sunnis were in a very poor condition. There were two Caliphs. Shia caliph in Egypt and Sunni in Baghdad. The Shias again had a group of assassins called the Hasasin. Whose tyranny even the Great Saladin was disoriented at one point. There is an amazing story of how everything went well in this second episode. These Assassins were unstoppable killers from which the word and sect Assassin and Assassination comes. At the end of the second episode we see a transformed Saladin. Bookish boy Yusuf seems to disappear under the cover of a devout Muslim who has earned the title of 'righteous in faith'. To whom Allah's will is everything.
A warrior comes of age
Book Two of the Saladin Trilogy
Publisher John Murray
Page 337
Type Historical Fiction
I knew that the second book would be more breathtaking. At the beginning of the story, while saving the life of Yusuf, the prisoner John was accused of being an accomplice of the Saracens and faced severe torture. The judgment sat before the king's court in Jerusalem. Some fanatics condemned him to be crucified and burned at the stake. John challenged the judgement on the advice of William the Tyre. The rule is that those who make judgments must engage in direct combat with the accused. The Grand Master of the Knights Templar among with the king's chief advisory council , as well as King Amalric himself, who falls in his honor in the fight. What a strange anecdote of a time. Above all, an unprecedented timeline of courage and heroism. John was later restored to life by the grace of King Amalric. In return, Prince Baldwin was tasked with teaching Arabic etiquette.
Meanwhile, Saladin and Shirku marched towards Egypt. There, Saladin's rise to power began with the foiling of Egypt's treacherous vizier. First from patriarch Shirkur's second in command to Egypt's vizier, then to Egypt's ruler means sky is the limit to him. He met a beautiful gracious woman. Later, Shamsa got the status of his wife.
Saladin besieged Alexandria. At that time, John saved his friend's life. They meet again. But in the mean time, John has become a man of the opposite camp in the urge of life.
The immense love between John and his sister Jimaat increases the tension between them, although John chose to live as a monk because he would not accept any other woman as his wife. As a prisoner of Saladin, he first met his own child. His son is growing up in the identity of another man. He hates the Franks in his heart.
Not only Saladin or Richard the Lionheart, if you judge the mind set up of the rulers of Jerusalem at that time, it will be seen that they were no less in terms of greatness and magnanimity. John developed a relationship with Almaric's ex-wife Agnes of Courtenay. John becomes intimate with her despite of William the Tire caution. A full pacced classic intrigue, murder-conspiracy game centered around the throne of Jerusalem. On the other hand, the distance between Nur Ad Din and Saladin increases. War conspiracies, assassination, intrigue, human and inhuman characters move between them. Historical events have been followed as usual by the author, only the year and date have been slightly adjusted for the needs of the story.
I realized many surprising things while reading the book. During the Crusades in the 12th century, the King of England's language was French. It is natural that the language of the rulers who left Normandy in France would be French. Although there were differences between Orthodox Christians and Catholics, they were quite united in the interests of the Crusades. King Amalric was married to the sister of King Manuel of Constantinople. Manuel was quite active in sending fleets and paying ransoms. Compared to that, Shias and Sunnis were in a very poor condition. There were two Caliphs. Shia caliph in Egypt and Sunni in Baghdad. The Shias again had a group of assassins called the Hasasin. Whose tyranny even the Great Saladin was disoriented at one point. There is an amazing story of how everything went well in this second episode. These Assassins were unstoppable killers from which the word and sect Assassin and Assassination comes. At the end of the second episode we see a transformed Saladin. Bookish boy Yusuf seems to disappear under the cover of a devout Muslim who has earned the title of 'righteous in faith'. To whom Allah's will is everything.
February 27, 2024
A decent continuation from the first book in the trilogy, ‘Eagle’. Again, historical events are accurately portrayed in an immersive way, bringing us deep into the intrigue, politics and war of the Crusades.
The action is interesting, coming with quite a few twists and shocks. However, John’s side of the story is almost entirely plot-driven. I found myself often wanting to get back to Yusuf’s perspective again during his sections at the court of Jerusalem.
Also, some key characters from this time period who I was eagerly anticipating were not as impactful or exiting when they were introduced.
However, I wouldn’t skip this one as there are some very important events that occur that cannot be ignored- including some life-defining moments for our hero.
I’m hoping that the final book, Holy War, will depict all these characters at their very best and I’m eager to meet The Lionheart and see Saladin at his zenith of power.
The action is interesting, coming with quite a few twists and shocks. However, John’s side of the story is almost entirely plot-driven. I found myself often wanting to get back to Yusuf’s perspective again during his sections at the court of Jerusalem.
Also, some key characters from this time period who I was eagerly anticipating were not as impactful or exiting when they were introduced.
However, I wouldn’t skip this one as there are some very important events that occur that cannot be ignored- including some life-defining moments for our hero.
I’m hoping that the final book, Holy War, will depict all these characters at their very best and I’m eager to meet The Lionheart and see Saladin at his zenith of power.
March 18, 2019
Doesn’t disappoint... the continuation in this trilogy is excellent. Now for the final book in this trilogy
October 16, 2021
A very good story, looking forward to the final book in the trilogy
October 17, 2021
I love history and this is written very good.
May 12, 2023
Interesting story, but first book was better
August 17, 2014
This, the second installment in Hight's trilogy on that much reknowned icon of history Saladin, is very much as the second half of the opening salvo, 'Eagle'.
The first installment was a bud of a book, beginning with rich, personal characterisation and empathisable characters following them as they developed into adults and leaders of men. The second half of the book however seemed to suffocate itself trying to ram in as many details and battles as possible, leaving the characterisation feeling very much secondary and minorly neglected.
The trouble with this follow-up installment is that unfortunately it's that same problem which plagues this book. As all the characters personalities, loyalties and traits were already pretty much established and solidified in the previous book, though there are elements of alluding to exploring a characters motivations and feelings, it's all secondary to the action and political machinations going on at the time.
You can't really fault the author for this as there is a lot, and I mean a LOT, of history, battles and intrigue that went on in the years covered. It is just that it is this attempt to try and traverse as many years and battles as possible that makes it feel like pretty average historical fiction by numbers rather than the rich fascinating invigoration that comes when Hight slows down and gives individual clashes, battles or political intrigues the rich complexity that he does so well.
Overall I'm hoping that this falls into the fairly regular pattern of being the saggy middle in an otherwise exciting trilogy - you know the kind, good solid opening book to endear you to the characters, okay middle installment to get all the facts & key events out of the way, and the amazing spine-tingling final installment that makes it all so worth while.
If anyone reading this is thinking of picking it up without having already read Eagle, I would advise against it as it doesn't particularly work as a standalone novel.
The first installment was a bud of a book, beginning with rich, personal characterisation and empathisable characters following them as they developed into adults and leaders of men. The second half of the book however seemed to suffocate itself trying to ram in as many details and battles as possible, leaving the characterisation feeling very much secondary and minorly neglected.
The trouble with this follow-up installment is that unfortunately it's that same problem which plagues this book. As all the characters personalities, loyalties and traits were already pretty much established and solidified in the previous book, though there are elements of alluding to exploring a characters motivations and feelings, it's all secondary to the action and political machinations going on at the time.
You can't really fault the author for this as there is a lot, and I mean a LOT, of history, battles and intrigue that went on in the years covered. It is just that it is this attempt to try and traverse as many years and battles as possible that makes it feel like pretty average historical fiction by numbers rather than the rich fascinating invigoration that comes when Hight slows down and gives individual clashes, battles or political intrigues the rich complexity that he does so well.
Overall I'm hoping that this falls into the fairly regular pattern of being the saggy middle in an otherwise exciting trilogy - you know the kind, good solid opening book to endear you to the characters, okay middle installment to get all the facts & key events out of the way, and the amazing spine-tingling final installment that makes it all so worth while.
If anyone reading this is thinking of picking it up without having already read Eagle, I would advise against it as it doesn't particularly work as a standalone novel.
February 24, 2014
After reading Eagle (book one in the Saladin trilogy) I was looking forward to reading this. Unlike the first book where I hadn't quite realised that it really was a book of fiction, this one I approached very differently.
I was no longer trying to gain any knowledge about Salahuddin, rather just enjoy reading the next stage in fictional Saladins life. I felt rather disappointed in Saladin in this book. He changed in my mind from a likeable honour bound young man to a more manipulated man whose honour seemed to get lost along the way.
Some of the things he did were unthinkable, yet at least he had the decency to feel remorseful about it. I did still feel sorry for him at times and could see how circumstances had changed him. I also knew that if he had made different choice along the way maybe he wouldn't have succeeded as well, but at least he could have kept his integrity.
I suppose I felt disappointed in him, especially at the end of the book. All I can hope is that when I read about the real Salahuddin he will be a more faithful man.
Its a good book and I am glad to be reading the last book 'Holy War'.
I have to admit though that I wouldn't read a fictional account of a real mans life again. It is just too confusing for me. Probably if I didn't know Salahuddin was real I would have enjoyed these books a lot more.
I was no longer trying to gain any knowledge about Salahuddin, rather just enjoy reading the next stage in fictional Saladins life. I felt rather disappointed in Saladin in this book. He changed in my mind from a likeable honour bound young man to a more manipulated man whose honour seemed to get lost along the way.
Some of the things he did were unthinkable, yet at least he had the decency to feel remorseful about it. I did still feel sorry for him at times and could see how circumstances had changed him. I also knew that if he had made different choice along the way maybe he wouldn't have succeeded as well, but at least he could have kept his integrity.
I suppose I felt disappointed in him, especially at the end of the book. All I can hope is that when I read about the real Salahuddin he will be a more faithful man.
Its a good book and I am glad to be reading the last book 'Holy War'.
I have to admit though that I wouldn't read a fictional account of a real mans life again. It is just too confusing for me. Probably if I didn't know Salahuddin was real I would have enjoyed these books a lot more.
September 16, 2016
This chapter, which should depict the rise of one of the greatest heroes born from the Crusader conflict in the Holy Land, attempts to cover a lot of ground and ends up coming up as rather bland. However, that doesn't mean the book is without merit, nor are the plot and characters stalled. In truth, there is genuine development through the story for the young emir who would be the greatest king Islam ever knew, though a lot of it feels rushed. Indeed it touches in quite a few of the key moments of his life, which only serves to make the character of John, again, rather unnecessary. Saladin is a fascinating enough figure on his own without the need for an European deuteragonist appeasing Western sensibilities. This is not some Age of Empires campaign, after all, but a historical novel about a great hero of the Middle-East. This should be his story and his alone. Despite these shortcomings, it remains a fun, if at times slow, read, and makes for an entertaining introduction to anyone interested in this period of history and its major players.
July 17, 2014
the second part in Jack Hights Saladin trilogy. For my review of the first one see here. In this second part the two main characters find themselves on opposite sides during the crusades. This part focuses primarily on Saladin's rise to power and the growing up and becoming a leader of the Christian king of Jerusalem.
In my first review you can see what I thought were the strong and weak points in the writing, and even though Hights did not make massive leaps on his weak points, he has become aware of them and writes to his strengths. So this book has a bit more action, and less dialogue then the previous one.
I enjoyed this, and I already bought the third book. So he must be doing something good.
In my first review you can see what I thought were the strong and weak points in the writing, and even though Hights did not make massive leaps on his weak points, he has become aware of them and writes to his strengths. So this book has a bit more action, and less dialogue then the previous one.
I enjoyed this, and I already bought the third book. So he must be doing something good.
November 25, 2016
It's a solid but standard historical fiction. If you enjoyed the first book then you'll enjoy this as stylistically it's exactly the same.
I'm carrying over my complaint from the first book about the terrible depiction of female characters as manipulative sex crazed harpies. There are less women in this book so perhaps you could say it is better?
I'm carrying over my complaint from the first book about the terrible depiction of female characters as manipulative sex crazed harpies. There are less women in this book so perhaps you could say it is better?
March 17, 2013
Well illustration of the different perspective of the west and the east in politics and culture. This series portrays a variety of leadership style. A good build up from the first book, however not as gripping.
August 10, 2016
Excellent storytelling
An excellent historical novel bringing the turbulent times of the crusades to life. Great characterisation, believable, and told from both sides of, the conflict.
Looking forward to the third in this trilogy.
An excellent historical novel bringing the turbulent times of the crusades to life. Great characterisation, believable, and told from both sides of, the conflict.
Looking forward to the third in this trilogy.
July 17, 2014
Saladin's history and his rise continues in this series, which is quite not as compelling as expected. Neverthless, the storytelling is simple without major flourishes.
November 26, 2016
Not bad, paints a decent picture of both sides of the conflict during the Crusades but has a major "part two of three" feel about it.
April 11, 2017
Kingdom continues to document the rise of Saladin. Saladin becomes the lord of both Egypt and Syria but is defeated by the Frankish army, led by Baldwin IV, in Montgisard when he tries to take Jerusalem. It is said that he wanted peace in Middle East, and that something in him broke after he was lost in the desert, after which he became fanatical. The next book in the series would chronicle the events that took place after the Battle of Montisgard. There is plenty of court intrigue, backstabbing, assassinations, battles and sieges in this book. Agnes de Courtenay and Baldwin are a wonderful additions to the list of characters. It was a relief to see that friendship between Yusuf and John continues to hold, despite John's duty to Baldwin. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
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