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A Quest for God and Spices
"A grand historical joyride through the medieval world." -David R. Gillham, New York Times bestselling author of City of Women
A Quest for God and Spices begins an epic journey across the ancient world. In the year AD 1200, a new pope agitates for a renewed crusade to reconquer Muslim-controlled Jerusalem. European monarchs largely ignore his call, too involved with squabbles among themselves. The pope chooses two men-Brother Mauro, an older monk, and Nicolo, a young, striving merchant-to traverse the treacherous political, religious, and mercantile terrain of medieval Europe and the Byzantine Empire to seek out the powerful Presbyter John, a mysterious king in the Far East who has promised to put his wealth and vast armies to the service of the pope's crusade.
Nicolo's task is to guide Mauro, but a corrupt cardinal has secretly charged the young man with finding the source of the precious spices that ensure the Venetian and Arab trade monopoly. Nicolo's youthful exuberance, carelessness, and desire to be important jeopardizes their mission, while Mauro's knowledge of scripture and pagan works has not prepared him for the schemes of doges and emirs, clergymen and kings.
A Quest for God and Spices begins an epic journey across the ancient world. In the year AD 1200, a new pope agitates for a renewed crusade to reconquer Muslim-controlled Jerusalem. European monarchs largely ignore his call, too involved with squabbles among themselves. The pope chooses two men-Brother Mauro, an older monk, and Nicolo, a young, striving merchant-to traverse the treacherous political, religious, and mercantile terrain of medieval Europe and the Byzantine Empire to seek out the powerful Presbyter John, a mysterious king in the Far East who has promised to put his wealth and vast armies to the service of the pope's crusade.
Nicolo's task is to guide Mauro, but a corrupt cardinal has secretly charged the young man with finding the source of the precious spices that ensure the Venetian and Arab trade monopoly. Nicolo's youthful exuberance, carelessness, and desire to be important jeopardizes their mission, while Mauro's knowledge of scripture and pagan works has not prepared him for the schemes of doges and emirs, clergymen and kings.
314 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 22, 2024
A Quest for God and Spices follows two main characters - Brother Mauro (a Roman Catholic priest) and a young man called Nicolo (a merchant trying to make a name for himself independently of his older brothers' reputation). This is set during the pre-amble to yet another Crusade in a turbulent time, and provides a fascinating insight into the world within which the characters are set. In the background, many different threads are pulled to weave together a number of interests, and naturally, conflicts. Worth noting: this is the first book in a series, and as such not all of these conflicts gather a resolution.
The characters in this book felt quite distinct from one another; juxtapositioning the perspectives and personalities of the intellectual and contemplative Mauro to the young and ambitious Nicolo created an interesting dynamic. However, this felt somewhat underexplored until about half way through the book, with the remaining time feeling as though they were two individual characters in the same universe. Each have their own reasons for acting and pursuing the mission which was placed upon them and this felt like a wise move to keep the story going. Background characters were provided with a lot more depth than is ordinarily awarded, providing a richer narrative.
This book is very historically and theologically driven, with many debates on matters surrounding the Schism between the Orthodox and Catholic churches. Arguably, the political intrigue is also enhanced by the brutality of the world within which the characters traverse. Without going into depth, the author is able to bring us to the harsh and unfair surroundings the events take place in.
As a fictional account, I will say a lot of emphasis is given to background events and context, potentially beyond their usefulness. However, I would say this is (despite my personal interest in this matter) part of the reason I have not given this a higher rating. It felt incredibly information heavy in ways which sometimes felt excessive to what was demanded by the narrative. Perhaps a personal preference, but slightly more character driven action would create a stronger cohesion of the two fellow travelers and we would see the bonding, rather than simply being told it had occurred.
In spite of the above constructive critique, it is truly a wonderful book to sink your teeth into and I would say this book would be thoroughly enjoyable for those interested in historical fiction, theological history, medieval historical fiction, and Roman/Byzantine history. Some of those loose threads I am hopeful will be covered in future books in the series as a lot has been set up, so looking forward to that!
I was provided with a complimentary ARC of this book via Reedsy in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily.
The characters in this book felt quite distinct from one another; juxtapositioning the perspectives and personalities of the intellectual and contemplative Mauro to the young and ambitious Nicolo created an interesting dynamic. However, this felt somewhat underexplored until about half way through the book, with the remaining time feeling as though they were two individual characters in the same universe. Each have their own reasons for acting and pursuing the mission which was placed upon them and this felt like a wise move to keep the story going. Background characters were provided with a lot more depth than is ordinarily awarded, providing a richer narrative.
This book is very historically and theologically driven, with many debates on matters surrounding the Schism between the Orthodox and Catholic churches. Arguably, the political intrigue is also enhanced by the brutality of the world within which the characters traverse. Without going into depth, the author is able to bring us to the harsh and unfair surroundings the events take place in.
As a fictional account, I will say a lot of emphasis is given to background events and context, potentially beyond their usefulness. However, I would say this is (despite my personal interest in this matter) part of the reason I have not given this a higher rating. It felt incredibly information heavy in ways which sometimes felt excessive to what was demanded by the narrative. Perhaps a personal preference, but slightly more character driven action would create a stronger cohesion of the two fellow travelers and we would see the bonding, rather than simply being told it had occurred.
In spite of the above constructive critique, it is truly a wonderful book to sink your teeth into and I would say this book would be thoroughly enjoyable for those interested in historical fiction, theological history, medieval historical fiction, and Roman/Byzantine history. Some of those loose threads I am hopeful will be covered in future books in the series as a lot has been set up, so looking forward to that!
I was provided with a complimentary ARC of this book via Reedsy in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily.
March 15, 2025
I received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you!
Rating of 3.5 rounded up.
Part of this book's title implies it is the first of a series, which is obvious in the reading. There are numerous characters, places, and events that are interconnected and flow from West (Italy) to East (Constantinople). Taking place during the middle of the Crusades after Richard the Lionhearted, the themes revolve around the search for the source of spices and the wresting of Jerusalem from the Muslims.
The story simmers along at a good pace, with adventures, casual violence, and intrigue at every turn. I am sure that lovers of buddy stories and historical fiction will be greatly entertained.
I am also sure that I came across at least one anachronism. This is a big pet peeve of mine, so I cannot fully endorse the story. Also, there were too many characters to keep it all straight. I don't think I will wait impatiently for the sequels.
Rating of 3.5 rounded up.
Part of this book's title implies it is the first of a series, which is obvious in the reading. There are numerous characters, places, and events that are interconnected and flow from West (Italy) to East (Constantinople). Taking place during the middle of the Crusades after Richard the Lionhearted, the themes revolve around the search for the source of spices and the wresting of Jerusalem from the Muslims.
The story simmers along at a good pace, with adventures, casual violence, and intrigue at every turn. I am sure that lovers of buddy stories and historical fiction will be greatly entertained.
I am also sure that I came across at least one anachronism. This is a big pet peeve of mine, so I cannot fully endorse the story. Also, there were too many characters to keep it all straight. I don't think I will wait impatiently for the sequels.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews