What do you think?
Rate this book
Beloved Pilgrim
2nd Edition
At the time of the earliest Crusades, young noblewoman Elisabeth longs to be the person she’s always known is hidden inside. When her twin brother perishes from a fever, Elisabeth takes his identity to live as a man, a knight. As Elias, he travels to the Holy Land, to adventure, passion, death, and a lesson that honor is sometimes found in unexpected places.
Elias must pass among knights and soldiers, survive furious battle, deadly privations, moral uncertainty, and treachery if he’ll have any chance of returning to his newfound love in the magnificent city of Constantinople.
1st edition by Nan Hawthorne published by Shieldwall Books, February 2011.
At the time of the earliest Crusades, young noblewoman Elisabeth longs to be the person she’s always known is hidden inside. When her twin brother perishes from a fever, Elisabeth takes his identity to live as a man, a knight. As Elias, he travels to the Holy Land, to adventure, passion, death, and a lesson that honor is sometimes found in unexpected places.
Elias must pass among knights and soldiers, survive furious battle, deadly privations, moral uncertainty, and treachery if he’ll have any chance of returning to his newfound love in the magnificent city of Constantinople.
1st edition by Nan Hawthorne published by Shieldwall Books, February 2011.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 22, 2014
2 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Hawthorne Moss
9 books26 followersKit wrote his first short story when he was seven years old. When summer camp friend Laura and he started their florid medieval saga they called "The Story" Kit became a regular writer, with mostly wry humorous stories written with like-minded friends.
Kit had a stint writing copy for web sites, and he published a nonfiction work in 1991 titles LOVING THE GODDESS WITHIN.
Kit had been participating in a collaborative writing group called Ghostletters on Yahoogroups, at one point starting to rewrite "The Story" from an adult perspective. He realized he had a novel in all these tales and published it as AN INVOLUNTARY KING which he published independently in 2008. It was such a successful experience he decided to make historical novel writing a career.
Since that book he has continued to write stories, articles, reviews, and more novels, most recently with GLBT themes. He is devoted to using historical fiction to solve the erasure of GLBT history. He became the editor of OUr Story: GLBTQ Historical Fiction for GLBT Bookshelf.
Kit is transgender (FTM) and plans to apply the same plans to transgender fiction.
He lives in the Seattle area with his husband and their doted upon cats.
Kit had a stint writing copy for web sites, and he published a nonfiction work in 1991 titles LOVING THE GODDESS WITHIN.
Kit had been participating in a collaborative writing group called Ghostletters on Yahoogroups, at one point starting to rewrite "The Story" from an adult perspective. He realized he had a novel in all these tales and published it as AN INVOLUNTARY KING which he published independently in 2008. It was such a successful experience he decided to make historical novel writing a career.
Since that book he has continued to write stories, articles, reviews, and more novels, most recently with GLBT themes. He is devoted to using historical fiction to solve the erasure of GLBT history. He became the editor of OUr Story: GLBTQ Historical Fiction for GLBT Bookshelf.
Kit is transgender (FTM) and plans to apply the same plans to transgender fiction.
He lives in the Seattle area with his husband and their doted upon cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 22, 2014
Christopher Hawthorne Moss can easily hold his own with some of the best historical fiction authors out there. I don't make that assertion lightly. I've read a LOT of historical fiction over the years, from the classic Jean Plaidy to the 'fluffier' Phillippa Gregory and know what makes a story/historical events come alive. Moss has brought the medieval world to life--the Crusades, the egos of the nobility and clergy, the stench of massive columns of pilgrims trying to make their way to Jerusalem, as well as the circumscribed lives of medieval women.
Elisabeth of Winterkirsch knows she's different. She knows deep inside that she's not meant to be female. Not just on a superficial level, but in her soul. This novel is his journey. Elisabeth's journey to becoming Elias (Elisabeth took on the name of her twin brother who passed away), as well as Elias' journey to becoming a man in deed as well as truth. It is also brutal, bloody yet filled with amazing characters and lasting friendship. My only issue was the rather abrupt happy ending. BELOVED PILGRIM could easily be a longer novel.
Elisabeth of Winterkirsch knows she's different. She knows deep inside that she's not meant to be female. Not just on a superficial level, but in her soul. This novel is his journey. Elisabeth's journey to becoming Elias (Elisabeth took on the name of her twin brother who passed away), as well as Elias' journey to becoming a man in deed as well as truth. It is also brutal, bloody yet filled with amazing characters and lasting friendship. My only issue was the rather abrupt happy ending. BELOVED PILGRIM could easily be a longer novel.
July 18, 2014
A gripping war tale, well written, expressive and inclusive of the middle ages era with descriptive battle scenes and how lives were lead during those brutal times. Love is lost, taken by death, and new love is found, oaths are taken as pledges are broken, beliefs born anew as hopes are shredded.
Eliasbeth/Elias with all her heart knows she is, who he is, and when his twin perishes an opportunity presents itself, he takes charge of it with his all. Elias’ follows the path set; he adjusts to wearing the weight of the armour and the ways of men, fairly confidently and with determination to find news of their father. Some hiding is necessary, with the risk to his identity being compromised, which Elias resolves with the much needed help and support from his Squire Albrecht.
I feel in love with Elias, his discovering the beauty and love of women. Finding a woman to love him as he does her, heart and soul. Elias' so sort after freedom does come but with determination and defeat, defending his people and those who travelled the gruelling journey to Jerusalem, the challenges he took on. Keeping his honour and his promises as best he could. There are moments of naivety, as Elias grows learning of life beyond his childhood.
I found Elias was brave but afraid, fearful for those he loved, very often placing himself in danger to save comrades and those he felt were too vulnerable to protect themselves. Elias is not particularly a heroic character, but admirable for sure, he makes valiant attempts after he becomes aware of the consequences for another, caused by his fears. I loved that he believed in who he was and would redeem himself where possible, honest where he could be. Other knights took notice they gave him respect, and despite his youth they considered Elias to be the man he claimed to be.
Albrecht the ever loyal, remarkable squire to Elias, he is a beautiful young man with strength of the heart and mind. Albrecht serves and sacrifices much for Elias, protecting and knowing Elias' secret, as Elias keeps Albrecht's own secret locked tight to his chest. The pair make the pilgrimage, swear fealty to each other, much of Elias' survival is due to the service and teaching of Albrecht. Both young men experience and share guilt, shame, longing, grief and uncertainty.
There is a love theme; the love is displayed in many ways throughout the story from camaraderie and friendships to new lovers and experiences. The love scenes are delicate and well thought out, although romantic episodes are short they are effective.
For those readers who have a fondness for horses, throughout Gauner, Elias’ horse is remarkable. A brave war horse which served his master with a steadfast and courageous spirit.
A definite addition to my to be read again shelf! Overall a well written historical tale, giving to the possibilities of transgender men taking part in a war, homosexuality and Transgender nonacceptance in the Middle ages, the story also includes marital abuse, brutality and exploitation of women and children, along with pilfering and rape.
Reviewed by Teddy
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
Eliasbeth/Elias with all her heart knows she is, who he is, and when his twin perishes an opportunity presents itself, he takes charge of it with his all. Elias’ follows the path set; he adjusts to wearing the weight of the armour and the ways of men, fairly confidently and with determination to find news of their father. Some hiding is necessary, with the risk to his identity being compromised, which Elias resolves with the much needed help and support from his Squire Albrecht.
I feel in love with Elias, his discovering the beauty and love of women. Finding a woman to love him as he does her, heart and soul. Elias' so sort after freedom does come but with determination and defeat, defending his people and those who travelled the gruelling journey to Jerusalem, the challenges he took on. Keeping his honour and his promises as best he could. There are moments of naivety, as Elias grows learning of life beyond his childhood.
“Maliha, I love you. I will try to come back. But I have to warn them. I cannot be responsible for their deaths if I can stop it. I owe you and Tacetin that.” ‘I owe myself’ - Elias
I found Elias was brave but afraid, fearful for those he loved, very often placing himself in danger to save comrades and those he felt were too vulnerable to protect themselves. Elias is not particularly a heroic character, but admirable for sure, he makes valiant attempts after he becomes aware of the consequences for another, caused by his fears. I loved that he believed in who he was and would redeem himself where possible, honest where he could be. Other knights took notice they gave him respect, and despite his youth they considered Elias to be the man he claimed to be.
Albrecht the ever loyal, remarkable squire to Elias, he is a beautiful young man with strength of the heart and mind. Albrecht serves and sacrifices much for Elias, protecting and knowing Elias' secret, as Elias keeps Albrecht's own secret locked tight to his chest. The pair make the pilgrimage, swear fealty to each other, much of Elias' survival is due to the service and teaching of Albrecht. Both young men experience and share guilt, shame, longing, grief and uncertainty.
There is a love theme; the love is displayed in many ways throughout the story from camaraderie and friendships to new lovers and experiences. The love scenes are delicate and well thought out, although romantic episodes are short they are effective.
For those readers who have a fondness for horses, throughout Gauner, Elias’ horse is remarkable. A brave war horse which served his master with a steadfast and courageous spirit.
A definite addition to my to be read again shelf! Overall a well written historical tale, giving to the possibilities of transgender men taking part in a war, homosexuality and Transgender nonacceptance in the Middle ages, the story also includes marital abuse, brutality and exploitation of women and children, along with pilfering and rape.
Reviewed by Teddy
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
November 23, 2014
The idea of a woman masquerading as a knight has been done countless times before, but rarely with the drive of trans identity (as opposed to convenience or opportunity). This was an exciting story, well-paced, with solid writing throughout.
March 22, 2015
I’ve been interested in the Crusades since reading a book referencing it some time ago so jumped at the chance to read and review Christopher Hawthorne Moss’ book, 'Beloved Pilgrim'. It’s also the first Harmony Ink title and transgender story I’ve read.
One of the things I loved about 'Beloved Pilgrim' is that it doesn’t whitewash the horrors of the Crusades. As Elias loses his misconceptions about the ‘glory’ of all of it, so does the reader. It’s not written so that it hits the reader over the head, but it’s a gradual process which makes it more realistic. It’s not only the Elias’ journey from Elisabeth to the man he becomes but it’s deeper than that.
It wasn’t only Elias who sucked me into the story but also Albrecht. Like Elias, he has his own journey, starting off as lover to Elisabeth/Elias’ brother, accompanying Elias as his squire as they head off to the crusades, and finally finding his own happy ending.
'Beloved Pilgrim' is written with much attention to detail, although isn’t bogged down with it. The location and time period comes alive on the pages, but it doesn’t pull punches with the difficulties Elias faces with how to hide, while in the company of men, that his body is that of a woman’s. Despite living as a man, he still has to deal with a woman’s biology, and I liked the way the author didn’t skip around that.
A thoroughly enjoyable 5 star read, which I’d recommend to anyone wanting to read a story set during the crusades. I also found it a very thoughtful, intelligent and sensitive portrayal of a young man in a woman’s body—there is a need to books like this in the YA section of the library.
One of the things I loved about 'Beloved Pilgrim' is that it doesn’t whitewash the horrors of the Crusades. As Elias loses his misconceptions about the ‘glory’ of all of it, so does the reader. It’s not written so that it hits the reader over the head, but it’s a gradual process which makes it more realistic. It’s not only the Elias’ journey from Elisabeth to the man he becomes but it’s deeper than that.
It wasn’t only Elias who sucked me into the story but also Albrecht. Like Elias, he has his own journey, starting off as lover to Elisabeth/Elias’ brother, accompanying Elias as his squire as they head off to the crusades, and finally finding his own happy ending.
'Beloved Pilgrim' is written with much attention to detail, although isn’t bogged down with it. The location and time period comes alive on the pages, but it doesn’t pull punches with the difficulties Elias faces with how to hide, while in the company of men, that his body is that of a woman’s. Despite living as a man, he still has to deal with a woman’s biology, and I liked the way the author didn’t skip around that.
A thoroughly enjoyable 5 star read, which I’d recommend to anyone wanting to read a story set during the crusades. I also found it a very thoughtful, intelligent and sensitive portrayal of a young man in a woman’s body—there is a need to books like this in the YA section of the library.
July 22, 2014
Elias, born Elizabeth, has never felt comfortable in the body he has, and he comes to believe he's a man in his heart and mind. After the death of his beloved twin brother, he puts on his armor, mounts his war horse, and dons the pilgrim's tunic with its red cross.
We go along with Elias to the Crusades, and learn along with him that it's not pretty or honorable or holy. Men are led into situations everyone is clearly unprepared for, including the leaders they follow. They're betrayed by those men, who abandon them to the mercies of the paynim, leaving them to die or be taken as slaves.
Elias and Albrecht find friendship and love, but will they survive to return to their loved ones?
I swear I could feel the heat, suffer thirst and hunger along with Elias and Albrecht, smell the unwashed bodies of men whose desire to reach the Holy Land has more to do with glory and returning home with spoils than with freeing Jerusalem.
We go along with Elias to the Crusades, and learn along with him that it's not pretty or honorable or holy. Men are led into situations everyone is clearly unprepared for, including the leaders they follow. They're betrayed by those men, who abandon them to the mercies of the paynim, leaving them to die or be taken as slaves.
Elias and Albrecht find friendship and love, but will they survive to return to their loved ones?
I swear I could feel the heat, suffer thirst and hunger along with Elias and Albrecht, smell the unwashed bodies of men whose desire to reach the Holy Land has more to do with glory and returning home with spoils than with freeing Jerusalem.
October 13, 2014
"BELOVED PILGRIM BY CHRISTOPHER HAWTHORNE MOSS.
A wonderful story set during the crusades with the main character, a set of fraternal twins, boy and she-boy. A story of what does/can happen in this world, whether the crusades or in our modern world.
Read this story to understand that true meaning of gender is not always about the body parts, but what is in the mind and soul. A wonderful story to read and make you think about all the differences in each of us, that makes us perfect in GOD'S sight!
I recommend this as A+++ and a wonderful read for those with an open mind to ponder what is and what can/could be!
A wonderful story set during the crusades with the main character, a set of fraternal twins, boy and she-boy. A story of what does/can happen in this world, whether the crusades or in our modern world.
Read this story to understand that true meaning of gender is not always about the body parts, but what is in the mind and soul. A wonderful story to read and make you think about all the differences in each of us, that makes us perfect in GOD'S sight!
I recommend this as A+++ and a wonderful read for those with an open mind to ponder what is and what can/could be!
October 15, 2014
I'm the author.. needless to say I oved it.
lurking-in-kindleland
September 17, 2014Chosen as a prize as part of the M/M group's birthday celebration
December 6, 2015
2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
January 26, 2016
3.5
For sure well researched and well written, maybe a bit long winded. And the romance is a bit sudden.
For sure well researched and well written, maybe a bit long winded. And the romance is a bit sudden.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews