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Templars #1
The Templar (Templars, Book 1): A gripping medieval mystery of crusades and adventure
As the Crusades take hold, one man's legacy is yet to be determined...Journey with Paul Doherty to 1095 and experience the founding of the Templar Order in all its epic and brutal detail in his gripping novel, The Templar. Perfect for fans of Michael Jecks and Robin Hobb. 1095, and crusading fervour has swept Europe. Christ's fief of Jerusalem has been seized by the Infidels. The Frankish Knights of the West are to march east to liberate the Holy City. Hugh de Payens and Godefroi of St Omer, the soon-to-be founders of the Templar Order, and Hugh's younger sister, Eleanor, 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. Follow the crusaders as they march through Europe into the glories of Byzantium and onto Syria. Witness the hardships, bloodshed and trickery on their treacherous travels to the Holy Land and know that though the crusaders' journey, and this novel, will end with their entry into the Holy City, the Crusades have yet to begin in earnest.What readers are saying about the Templar 'A masterful work of history-based fiction''A fun book and a good bit of light escapism''A page turner'
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
48 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
236 books606 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 21, 2021
Read this book in 2008, and its the 1st of a so far 2 part mini-series featuring the Templars, Hugh de Payens and Godefroi of St Omer, the soon-to-be-founders of the Templar Order .
Set at first in AD 1095/1096, and we see that Hugh and Godefroi, with Hugh's younger sister, Eleanor, leave their homes in Burgundy, France, and joining Count Raymond of Toulouse's army for his and their Crusade towards Holy Jerusalem.
During this Crusade they will meet at lot of hardship, bloodshed and treachery on their travels though Europe and Syria, before they reach the Holy Land and their destination the Holy City.
Reaching the Holy City their true Crusade has really begun, and now will come the moment to establish a base for the Christians to settle and rule the Holy Land.
Immaculately researched by the author, this is a wonderful of the Crusades that took place and that will show us the hardships and rivalry between different Christian factions, and where our two main figures of Hugh de Payens ans Godefroid of St Omer will play a very important role in the whole affair.
Very much recommended, for this is a very entertaining start of this Crusader mini-series, and that's why I like to call this 1st episode: "A Very Satisfying Templar Begin"!
Set at first in AD 1095/1096, and we see that Hugh and Godefroi, with Hugh's younger sister, Eleanor, leave their homes in Burgundy, France, and joining Count Raymond of Toulouse's army for his and their Crusade towards Holy Jerusalem.
During this Crusade they will meet at lot of hardship, bloodshed and treachery on their travels though Europe and Syria, before they reach the Holy Land and their destination the Holy City.
Reaching the Holy City their true Crusade has really begun, and now will come the moment to establish a base for the Christians to settle and rule the Holy Land.
Immaculately researched by the author, this is a wonderful of the Crusades that took place and that will show us the hardships and rivalry between different Christian factions, and where our two main figures of Hugh de Payens ans Godefroid of St Omer will play a very important role in the whole affair.
Very much recommended, for this is a very entertaining start of this Crusader mini-series, and that's why I like to call this 1st episode: "A Very Satisfying Templar Begin"!
July 10, 2023
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 than I actually got.
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 than I actually got.
August 26, 2010
As many of you know (or maybe you don't), I am a big fan of all things medieval. When I saw this novel about the First Crusade, I was pretty excited. I have also wanted to try this author out so it was a great excuse to dive write in.
The tale kicks off in 1095 with Pope Urban II's appeal to Christians across Europe for those willing to step forward and repel the Muslim "infidels" from the Holy Lands. Two of the men who step forward to answer the call are the Frankish knights Hugh de Payans and Godefroi of St. Omer. Historians will recognizes these names as being two of the founding members of the Knights Templar, and this series is supposed to tell the tale of that organization.
The story is actually told from the perspective of Hugh's sister Eleanor. They, along with an army of more than 70,000 set off for the Holy Land in 1096. Readers join her and the rest of the Crusaders as they drive across Europe, stopping at Constantinople, fighting major battles in Turkish strongholds such as Marrat and Antioch, and reaching Jerusalem itself. Along the way, they are confronted with traitors, famine, illness, and the harsh realities of the region's environment.
Eleanor also builds a strong friendship with a Jewess named Imogene and a servant named Simeon. She also finds love with Theodore, one of the nights serving in the Army of God with Hugh de Payans and Godefroi of St. Omer.
There is no question that Doherty has done an amazing job with research the people, locations, and events presented in the book. His Author's Note carefully details the primary documents he drew upon to place a sense of reality on the history he is writing about. These include documents, early histories, and chronicles/journals/diaries of some of the real life characters he is writing about.
This high level of research has helped him create an honest and realistic presentation of the true horrors of Medieval battles and the harsh and surprisingly un-religious behavior of many of the Crusaders. Lying, cheating, and murder were not rare among the faithful in the Army of God. In fact, often times, they treated Turks and others not of the Western Church's faith with disdain and even abuse or murder.
With all of these great historical characters and interesting storylines, one would expect the reader to be able to connect well with the primary personalities in the book, particularly with Eleanor. Unfortunately, that really doesn't happen. It may just be in the overwhelming level of description provided for just about everything. The battles are vividly drawn, but seemed rushed. The characters are given little opportunity to do anything other than react to what is going on around them with little consideration made to their past or what things might mean for the future.
Eleanor herself does find herself even questioning her faith because of the horrors she sees on the battlefield and among the ranks of the Army of God, but there does not really seem to be a full exploration of this. Similarly, her developing relationship with with Theodore is just there with the reader not really seeing them interact much other than in passing. It is really only in the relationship with Imogene that there is any real feeling evident, making the reader see the characters as more than historical figures presented on the page, but rather living, breathing, feeling human beings.
I will probably give the next book in the series a chance, though. I can't pass up a book about the time period. From what I hear, though, I might be better off to just look to Doherty's other books and series because they are supposedly much better.
The tale kicks off in 1095 with Pope Urban II's appeal to Christians across Europe for those willing to step forward and repel the Muslim "infidels" from the Holy Lands. Two of the men who step forward to answer the call are the Frankish knights Hugh de Payans and Godefroi of St. Omer. Historians will recognizes these names as being two of the founding members of the Knights Templar, and this series is supposed to tell the tale of that organization.
The story is actually told from the perspective of Hugh's sister Eleanor. They, along with an army of more than 70,000 set off for the Holy Land in 1096. Readers join her and the rest of the Crusaders as they drive across Europe, stopping at Constantinople, fighting major battles in Turkish strongholds such as Marrat and Antioch, and reaching Jerusalem itself. Along the way, they are confronted with traitors, famine, illness, and the harsh realities of the region's environment.
Eleanor also builds a strong friendship with a Jewess named Imogene and a servant named Simeon. She also finds love with Theodore, one of the nights serving in the Army of God with Hugh de Payans and Godefroi of St. Omer.
There is no question that Doherty has done an amazing job with research the people, locations, and events presented in the book. His Author's Note carefully details the primary documents he drew upon to place a sense of reality on the history he is writing about. These include documents, early histories, and chronicles/journals/diaries of some of the real life characters he is writing about.
This high level of research has helped him create an honest and realistic presentation of the true horrors of Medieval battles and the harsh and surprisingly un-religious behavior of many of the Crusaders. Lying, cheating, and murder were not rare among the faithful in the Army of God. In fact, often times, they treated Turks and others not of the Western Church's faith with disdain and even abuse or murder.
With all of these great historical characters and interesting storylines, one would expect the reader to be able to connect well with the primary personalities in the book, particularly with Eleanor. Unfortunately, that really doesn't happen. It may just be in the overwhelming level of description provided for just about everything. The battles are vividly drawn, but seemed rushed. The characters are given little opportunity to do anything other than react to what is going on around them with little consideration made to their past or what things might mean for the future.
Eleanor herself does find herself even questioning her faith because of the horrors she sees on the battlefield and among the ranks of the Army of God, but there does not really seem to be a full exploration of this. Similarly, her developing relationship with with Theodore is just there with the reader not really seeing them interact much other than in passing. It is really only in the relationship with Imogene that there is any real feeling evident, making the reader see the characters as more than historical figures presented on the page, but rather living, breathing, feeling human beings.
I will probably give the next book in the series a chance, though. I can't pass up a book about the time period. From what I hear, though, I might be better off to just look to Doherty's other books and series because they are supposedly much better.
February 25, 2011
Hugh and Godefroi, and Hugh's younger sister, Eleanor, leave France, to join Count Raymond's army, and march to Jerusalem to free it from the infidels.
This book is interesting due to the historical aspects if the story but the narrative wasn't engaging. I found that it grew repetitive, the place might change but the actions are the same - the crusaders breach the wall surrounding a town/city somehow, murder, pillage, rape, and destroy, live there for awhile until the resources are used up and then continue on their journey to Jerusalem. Very accurate I'm sure but, for me, it got old.
It takes place in 1095, and the reader learns a great deal about the life of the Crusaders and the reasons for marching to Jerusalem. The horrors that they bring to villages and that are visited upon the crusaders by the armies and people whose lands they march through are atrocious and described in gory detail.
Not to generalize, but this might be a good suggestion for a reluctant reader who is interested in history. The graphic nature of the descriptions would lead me to talk with the parents before putting the book into a student's hands.
This book is interesting due to the historical aspects if the story but the narrative wasn't engaging. I found that it grew repetitive, the place might change but the actions are the same - the crusaders breach the wall surrounding a town/city somehow, murder, pillage, rape, and destroy, live there for awhile until the resources are used up and then continue on their journey to Jerusalem. Very accurate I'm sure but, for me, it got old.
It takes place in 1095, and the reader learns a great deal about the life of the Crusaders and the reasons for marching to Jerusalem. The horrors that they bring to villages and that are visited upon the crusaders by the armies and people whose lands they march through are atrocious and described in gory detail.
Not to generalize, but this might be a good suggestion for a reluctant reader who is interested in history. The graphic nature of the descriptions would lead me to talk with the parents before putting the book into a student's hands.
February 25, 2023
I confess to being somewhat of a Templar Junkie! Also, I enjoy historical fiction books and was looking forward to reading this one ~ “The Templar” set during the Crusades. I could see where the author Paul Doherty had done considerable research for this book. Unfortunately, on the whole, it was just dry and dragged at times.
“The Templar” does provide a non-romantic view of the Crusades that took place and that will reveal to us the hardships and rivalry of the actual journey and also between different Christian factions. There is conflict between our two main figures of Hugh de Payens and Godefroid of St Omer that will play a very important role in the whole affair.
Sadly, the best I can give this book is a solid ‘3’ Stars ~ no more. Since this book is based on historical fact, our main characters shockingly engage in looting, duplicity, slaughter, bigotry, and intolerance. At other times, they digress into some nice debates on the nature of morality. Eleanor, who in many ways becomes our protagonist, avoids doing anything directly reprehensible - unless you count joining a crusade to kill total strangers for the crime of living in Jerusalem (and Antioch and the Middle East in general). I had great hopes that dragged into some trouble getting through the book. However, the second half did speed up!
“The Templar” does provide a non-romantic view of the Crusades that took place and that will reveal to us the hardships and rivalry of the actual journey and also between different Christian factions. There is conflict between our two main figures of Hugh de Payens and Godefroid of St Omer that will play a very important role in the whole affair.
Sadly, the best I can give this book is a solid ‘3’ Stars ~ no more. Since this book is based on historical fact, our main characters shockingly engage in looting, duplicity, slaughter, bigotry, and intolerance. At other times, they digress into some nice debates on the nature of morality. Eleanor, who in many ways becomes our protagonist, avoids doing anything directly reprehensible - unless you count joining a crusade to kill total strangers for the crime of living in Jerusalem (and Antioch and the Middle East in general). I had great hopes that dragged into some trouble getting through the book. However, the second half did speed up!
March 26, 2018
2.5* Separate elements of this were ok, but did not work as a whole book. I enjoyed learning about the hardships of the first crusade, but I never connected with any characters -- they were all so empty. The Templars played little to no role in the actual book -- their motivations were only hinted and felt like an abandoned plot line.
June 10, 2018
I did not enjoy it and had to drag myself through to the end. I've read other books by Doherty and enjoyed them very much but this was not up to his usual standard. There is another in the series but I think I will likely give it a miss.
June 14, 2018
I enjoy historical fiction books and was looking forward to reading this one set during the Crusades. Unfortunately, it was just dry and boring. I gave up after about 30 pages.
April 28, 2022
A bit boring, with too many historic details and to little storyline. Expected better, considering mr Doherty's past medieval mysterie novels.
September 19, 2016
Na een paar boeken, waarover ik weinig enthousiast was, nu een boek gekozen, dat ik niet eens uit kon lezen.Wat een vervelende historische roman.
In korte zinnetjes beschrijft Doherty, wie aan de kruistochten mee ging doen en waarom. Paus Urbanus had een oproep gedaan in Clermont, bij St. Nectaire, om Jeruzalem te bevrijden en de schatten veilig te stellen. Van alle kanten stroomden de kruisvaarders toe.
Het aantal namen dat genoemd werd, met iets over hun achtergrond, was zo groot, dat je al gauw niet meer wist wie wie was. Zeker: Hugh, oprichter van de Orde van Tempeliers (later) en zijn zuster Eleanor, spelen een prominente rol. Maar alles blijft zo vaag en warrig, dat ik na ruim honderd bladzijden ben gestopt. Geen touw aan vast te knopen
In korte zinnetjes beschrijft Doherty, wie aan de kruistochten mee ging doen en waarom. Paus Urbanus had een oproep gedaan in Clermont, bij St. Nectaire, om Jeruzalem te bevrijden en de schatten veilig te stellen. Van alle kanten stroomden de kruisvaarders toe.
Het aantal namen dat genoemd werd, met iets over hun achtergrond, was zo groot, dat je al gauw niet meer wist wie wie was. Zeker: Hugh, oprichter van de Orde van Tempeliers (later) en zijn zuster Eleanor, spelen een prominente rol. Maar alles blijft zo vaag en warrig, dat ik na ruim honderd bladzijden ben gestopt. Geen touw aan vast te knopen
December 6, 2014
I love mystery books by Paul Doherty - the intrigue he creates in historical settings. I like the strong female characters he creates.
This is story of first Crusade set in 1096-1099, when 50, 000 men and women travel to Jerusalem to free it from the clutches of infidels. It is tale of arduous journey, bloodshed and treachery, where millions lose their lives. At one hand one admires the courage of people who mounted for such a difficult journey in the name of religion, motivated by their own personal reasons, on the other one is forced to observe that with so much pillaging, murdering and rape, there was nothing Holy about war on both sides.
Doherty also sets up the beginning of the Templars, and how eventually women came to be excluded to 'purge the army of the sins'.
The words used in the novel intrigue me: lavarium, catamites, manogonels, mantlets and so on.
Book features the famous historical characters of the time: Firuz, Magus, Khebhoga, Raymond of Toulouse and Hugh de Pyens, Godefroi of St Omer - founders of Templars.
Unlike Paul Doherty's mystery books, there was no suspense or thrill involved in this one. It was a bit tedious reading about entire journey from ancient cities (Scalovenia, Constantinpole, Antioch etc) to Jerusalem.
This is story of first Crusade set in 1096-1099, when 50, 000 men and women travel to Jerusalem to free it from the clutches of infidels. It is tale of arduous journey, bloodshed and treachery, where millions lose their lives. At one hand one admires the courage of people who mounted for such a difficult journey in the name of religion, motivated by their own personal reasons, on the other one is forced to observe that with so much pillaging, murdering and rape, there was nothing Holy about war on both sides.
Doherty also sets up the beginning of the Templars, and how eventually women came to be excluded to 'purge the army of the sins'.
The words used in the novel intrigue me: lavarium, catamites, manogonels, mantlets and so on.
Book features the famous historical characters of the time: Firuz, Magus, Khebhoga, Raymond of Toulouse and Hugh de Pyens, Godefroi of St Omer - founders of Templars.
Unlike Paul Doherty's mystery books, there was no suspense or thrill involved in this one. It was a bit tedious reading about entire journey from ancient cities (Scalovenia, Constantinpole, Antioch etc) to Jerusalem.
December 15, 2011
I was a history major in unviersity and I absolutely love historical fiction, so I'll read just about anything that is remotely historical, even if it isn't all that entertaining. I only made it about 150 pages into this book and I was so utterly bored I had to put it down. I very rarely do that, and I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn't possibly push myself to finish this book... Let's put it this way; I managed push through the first Twilight book when it was all the rage, which was ABYSMAL! I just couldn't finish this one, and what's worse, I have two other books by Mr. Doherty, that I am now dreading to start!
September 29, 2024
Why change a winning formula? I have been enjoying Paul Doherty's "historical crime fiction" books where he combined historically accurate stories with typical crime mystery elements to provide an exciting combination to the reader.
In his latest series about the Crusades and Templars, he has reduced the mystery element to almost zero and provides a fictional account of the Crusades and the origins of the Templar Knights. Boring and trivial....
In his latest series about the Crusades and Templars, he has reduced the mystery element to almost zero and provides a fictional account of the Crusades and the origins of the Templar Knights. Boring and trivial....
Read
October 21, 2010This is my first venture into Doherty's books (my goodness, he wrote a lot of them!) But, this is not my first venture into Templar fiction. I have a great interest in the period of history, and think they were the "cowboys" of the 10th and 11th Centuries. It's was a digrace when the church turned against them. But, then the church had PR for quite awhile!
May 4, 2013
This book is very rich with historical context and terminology. It was tough to get into. The author switches from telling the story from the characters perspective to summarizing many years in narrative. If your a historical fiction fan this book is your dish. If your just dipping your toe into the genre then you may want to check out Angus Donald's Outlaw
March 15, 2011
starts very slow and is written in somewhat archaic language to make it seem more period for a historical fiction. Nothing grabbed me right away, and since I have a pile of books on the night stand, I moved on. I may try again some other time. Who knows, it may be really good...
July 13, 2011
This was a little different than the others I've read. The characters are a little more developed.
The historical detail seemed right on the mark. As a perpetual student of both history, geography and Christianity...I found it a satisfying read.
The historical detail seemed right on the mark. As a perpetual student of both history, geography and Christianity...I found it a satisfying read.
Read
October 22, 2010Actually, I am reading an English language edition, not a Spanish edition.
January 9, 2015
Meh. Two and half stars rounded up. Tom Harper's novels involving many of the same events were a better read.
December 19, 2010
Book #112 for the 2010 52 Books in 52 Week Ravelry Challenge.
This book was fiction, but it gave me some insight on how the Templar's came into being.
This book was fiction, but it gave me some insight on how the Templar's came into being.
April 17, 2011
I really struggled with this book. I was so disinterested in the characters that I could not even follow, and did not even finish.
November 18, 2013
Lo dejé de leer......... no me agarró para nada.
October 28, 2011
Not as exciting as most of Paul Doherty's novels,although it is interesting as there are a lot of historical detail.
March 13, 2012
There have been many novels written featuring the Templars and Mr. Doherty manages to come up with a different approach which I found quite enjoyable.
April 2, 2014
My first Paul Doherty book and I'm hooked.I'm definitely going searching for his other Historical mysteries
January 20, 2017
This was a fantastic book. Very interesting read.
August 6, 2020
Awful I could not finish this book. I tried.
September 25, 2010
I found it dry and not that very good.
June 8, 2014
just not good...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews