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Crusader King
A new historical novel about the unusual life of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, the leper crusader king who - despite ascending to the throne at only 13, his early death at 24 and his debilitating disease - performed great and heroic deeds in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Teenagers and avid readers of all ages will be amazed at this story and be inspired by a faith that accomplished the impossible! 190 pgs, P
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2004
21 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Susan Peek
28 books153 followersSusan Peek is a widow, mother, grandmother, and Third Order Franciscan. Her passion is writing stories of little-known saints and heroes. She's a member of the Catholic Writers' Guild and one of the founding authors of CatholicTeenBooks.com.
All of her young adult novels have been implemented into Catholic school curricula not only across the nation, but in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as well. "Saint Magnus, The Last Viking" and "The King's Prey" were both Amazon #1 Sellers among Catholic books, and "Crusader King" was featured as one of the 50 Most Popular Catholic Homeschooling Books in 2013.
Susan lives in northeastern Kansas, where she is busy working on her new novel.
All of her young adult novels have been implemented into Catholic school curricula not only across the nation, but in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as well. "Saint Magnus, The Last Viking" and "The King's Prey" were both Amazon #1 Sellers among Catholic books, and "Crusader King" was featured as one of the 50 Most Popular Catholic Homeschooling Books in 2013.
Susan lives in northeastern Kansas, where she is busy working on her new novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 18, 2012
Found this book as I was combing my shelves one night. Very different perspective from the distorted history usually portrayed about the Crusades and specifically by the movie, Kingdom of Heaven.
In Susan Peek’s book King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem was the last hereditary and crusading monarch of that city to actually reign over it before it was reclaimed by Saladin. Baldwin was also a leper who died at 24. Although his sister’s husband and his minor nephew were to follow him in succession, theirs were weak, brief and ineffective periods of rule.
In the movie, Kingdom of Heaven, the leprous Baldwin is covered with a mask, gloves and long-sleeved clothing. Peek tells us what it was really like to live and die the horrifically slow torture of being consumed alive by leprosy, including losing sight, hearing and finally the ability to speak or eat. If even half of what Peek tells about Baldwin in Crusader King is true, he was a living saint.
I want to learn more about this Crusader. Would that he was better known.
In Susan Peek’s book King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem was the last hereditary and crusading monarch of that city to actually reign over it before it was reclaimed by Saladin. Baldwin was also a leper who died at 24. Although his sister’s husband and his minor nephew were to follow him in succession, theirs were weak, brief and ineffective periods of rule.
In the movie, Kingdom of Heaven, the leprous Baldwin is covered with a mask, gloves and long-sleeved clothing. Peek tells us what it was really like to live and die the horrifically slow torture of being consumed alive by leprosy, including losing sight, hearing and finally the ability to speak or eat. If even half of what Peek tells about Baldwin in Crusader King is true, he was a living saint.
I want to learn more about this Crusader. Would that he was better known.
May 8, 2019
A novel about King Baldwin the IV. I rather enjoyed it. Of course, there were some twists from history -- but I liked them. A good read :) I read the book in one night.
February 11, 2016
Crusader King by Susan Peek caught my eye the first time I saw its cover. In the first place, as a cradle Catholic I've heard a lot about the Crusades but never remember studying them in detail even at Georgetown University. So Susan had me hooked before I even opened the book.
At the beginning of the book, I quickly discovered that much of the book was factual, based on actual people who lived when the author said they did and did what she claims. So now, I could barely put the book down--I'm just a historical fiction junkie when the author goes to the trouble to bring the main characters to life--3-dimensionly and believably. Ms. Peek did just that and for the next 10 days I had to sneak in a chapter or two while still taking care of all my other duties and responsibilities as a husband, father, and grandfather.
The main thing I liked about Crusader King is that her two heroes are credible and highly likable. I couldn't help but root for them harder with each new page. Moreover, her villains left me seething with anger because from the beginning they posed huge problems for the main characters, and they became more and more hateful as the book progressed.
The book is a great read, and I highly recommend it for youth and adult readers. Not only is it entertaining, but it explains a lot about a part of history about which many of us have little or no understanding.
At the beginning of the book, I quickly discovered that much of the book was factual, based on actual people who lived when the author said they did and did what she claims. So now, I could barely put the book down--I'm just a historical fiction junkie when the author goes to the trouble to bring the main characters to life--3-dimensionly and believably. Ms. Peek did just that and for the next 10 days I had to sneak in a chapter or two while still taking care of all my other duties and responsibilities as a husband, father, and grandfather.
The main thing I liked about Crusader King is that her two heroes are credible and highly likable. I couldn't help but root for them harder with each new page. Moreover, her villains left me seething with anger because from the beginning they posed huge problems for the main characters, and they became more and more hateful as the book progressed.
The book is a great read, and I highly recommend it for youth and adult readers. Not only is it entertaining, but it explains a lot about a part of history about which many of us have little or no understanding.
January 24, 2013
I really loved this book! The story was very well written, and I loved the characters! Baldwin is such an inspiration when we think of all he had to suffer, which he peacefully accepted despite his fear, all for love of God. I really liked how it switched back and forth between Theo and Baldwin, and how the whole story was told, start to finish. I would definitely reread this book, and/or suggest it to anyone who is studying this time period in school, likes to read about the crusades, loves a true hero's story, or all of the above. very, very good :)
May 9, 2017
This review is from my 14-year-old son. "I really like Susan Peek's writing style. I read the book in one day, then read it several times over the next few weeks. The way Baldwin perseveres despite his illness and struggles makes me want to imitate his example. This was an intriguing novel that I just couldn't put down."
May 5, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed Crusader King and I’m sure I will read it again, which always says a lot about a book. Peek draws her characters very well, making them memorable and distinct whilst still credibly historical. It’s the main character who really steals the show, though: Baldwin IV of Jerusalem. I knew almost nothing about him before reading the book, but he’s such a lovely character, and so holy – in such an appealing way – that I spent much of the book wondering why he was never canonised.
Having finished the book, I remained fixated on this question for some time, coming to two possible explanations:
Explanation 1) Since Peek is writing for young people, she may justifiably have down-played any negative aspects of Baldwin’s character and emphasised all the positive ones. As a friend of mine once put it - historical fiction remains fiction, if you want pure history, go read a textbook.
Explanation 2) Baldwin really was that holy and good, but since the people with power and money (the nobles) spent his life waiting for him to die so they could seize his throne, they probably weren’t going to feel like spending money trying to get him canonised; whilst the people who loved him (the common people) had no power or money. And both nobles and common people were all too soon after his death conquered by the Saracens, after which they had no freedom to pursue anyone’s canonisation and probably did well to remain Christians themselves.
I certainly hope the reason Baldwin IV isn’t a canonised saint is the second reason, not the first. But either way, the book is a fantastic read. Though I did keep wishing a certain fictional friend had actually existed in real life, and had actually done the thing Baldwin asks him to do. How different the history of the Middle East might have been! If you want to make sense of that spoiler-free comment, you’ll have to read the book!
My one major niggle was that as an adult reader, I would have liked more detail at times. The book passes very quickly over great swathes of events in Baldwin's life, especially in the later part, and I would have been perfectly happy with a much longer and more detailed book. However, Peek is writing for young people, not for adults, so whilst I hope she might one day write a full, detailed, adult version, this cannot really stand as an actual criticism since she does what she sets out to do well.
Off to look for more books about Baldwin IV, though I doubt I will find anything more satisfying than this one!
[I received a free copy of the book whilst acting as a reviewer for the Catholic Writer’s Guild. ‘Crusader King’ subsequently received their Seal of Approval.]
Edit: To add information received from the author (below)
Susan Peek says: "To answer your question, Baldwin's cause for canonization was indeed introduced, and he is considered Blessed in France, but not universally. The French version of his name is Beaudoin, and many boys are named after him. I am not exactly sure why his cause was halted. He truly was very holy; even non-Christians acknowledge his great sanctity."
Lovely to know!
Having finished the book, I remained fixated on this question for some time, coming to two possible explanations:
Explanation 1) Since Peek is writing for young people, she may justifiably have down-played any negative aspects of Baldwin’s character and emphasised all the positive ones. As a friend of mine once put it - historical fiction remains fiction, if you want pure history, go read a textbook.
Explanation 2) Baldwin really was that holy and good, but since the people with power and money (the nobles) spent his life waiting for him to die so they could seize his throne, they probably weren’t going to feel like spending money trying to get him canonised; whilst the people who loved him (the common people) had no power or money. And both nobles and common people were all too soon after his death conquered by the Saracens, after which they had no freedom to pursue anyone’s canonisation and probably did well to remain Christians themselves.
I certainly hope the reason Baldwin IV isn’t a canonised saint is the second reason, not the first. But either way, the book is a fantastic read. Though I did keep wishing a certain fictional friend had actually existed in real life, and had actually done the thing Baldwin asks him to do. How different the history of the Middle East might have been! If you want to make sense of that spoiler-free comment, you’ll have to read the book!
My one major niggle was that as an adult reader, I would have liked more detail at times. The book passes very quickly over great swathes of events in Baldwin's life, especially in the later part, and I would have been perfectly happy with a much longer and more detailed book. However, Peek is writing for young people, not for adults, so whilst I hope she might one day write a full, detailed, adult version, this cannot really stand as an actual criticism since she does what she sets out to do well.
Off to look for more books about Baldwin IV, though I doubt I will find anything more satisfying than this one!
[I received a free copy of the book whilst acting as a reviewer for the Catholic Writer’s Guild. ‘Crusader King’ subsequently received their Seal of Approval.]
Edit: To add information received from the author (below)
Susan Peek says: "To answer your question, Baldwin's cause for canonization was indeed introduced, and he is considered Blessed in France, but not universally. The French version of his name is Beaudoin, and many boys are named after him. I am not exactly sure why his cause was halted. He truly was very holy; even non-Christians acknowledge his great sanctity."
Lovely to know!
July 24, 2017
This was the third book I have read by Susan Peek over the last few months. I have been greatly impressed by them all. I loved Saint Magnus The Last Viking, and found it very well written. And her handling of mental illness and especially PTSD in The King's Prey: Saint Dymphna of Ireland was incredible. But this book was incredible. I could barely put it down. I devoured it in two sittings on the same day. And I must admit I went to bed much later than I should have for my alarm goes off at 5am to get up and ready for work. There was not a lot of sleep the night I finished this book!
I found it hard to categorize this book. It is historical fiction. So I count it as a fiction book. But so much actual history is woven into this book and it is so masterfully written I wish I could just call it history. This is the story of the “unusual life of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, the leper crusader king who - despite ascending to the throne at only 13, his early death at 24 and his debilitating disease - performed great and heroic deeds in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.” It is the story of faith, a story of friendship, and a story of how Christianity loses its way when corruption spreads within its ranks. From my university church history courses I was familiar with the basics of this story. But most of all it is the story of a man who sought to do God’s will no matter the personal cost and no matter the odds. For Baldwin IV obedience, trust, faith, and courage were the hallmarks of his life and his reign.
This book is published as teen fiction, but I know many adults who would love to read this book. The facts in this story will remind us that with faith and obedience we can accomplish the impossible. As mentioned this book is very very well written. I average over 100 books a year and this was one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read. It is right up there with Jack Whyte’s Sky Stone series a retelling of King Arthur, and Taylor R. Marshall’s Sword and the Serpent a retelling of Saint George’s life. This is masterful writing and any fan of history, historical fiction or even just great fiction reads will love this book. My only concern is that there are not a lot of Peek’s books left for me to read, I can only hope she publishes more for us to read soon.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Susan Peek.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
I found it hard to categorize this book. It is historical fiction. So I count it as a fiction book. But so much actual history is woven into this book and it is so masterfully written I wish I could just call it history. This is the story of the “unusual life of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, the leper crusader king who - despite ascending to the throne at only 13, his early death at 24 and his debilitating disease - performed great and heroic deeds in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.” It is the story of faith, a story of friendship, and a story of how Christianity loses its way when corruption spreads within its ranks. From my university church history courses I was familiar with the basics of this story. But most of all it is the story of a man who sought to do God’s will no matter the personal cost and no matter the odds. For Baldwin IV obedience, trust, faith, and courage were the hallmarks of his life and his reign.
This book is published as teen fiction, but I know many adults who would love to read this book. The facts in this story will remind us that with faith and obedience we can accomplish the impossible. As mentioned this book is very very well written. I average over 100 books a year and this was one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read. It is right up there with Jack Whyte’s Sky Stone series a retelling of King Arthur, and Taylor R. Marshall’s Sword and the Serpent a retelling of Saint George’s life. This is masterful writing and any fan of history, historical fiction or even just great fiction reads will love this book. My only concern is that there are not a lot of Peek’s books left for me to read, I can only hope she publishes more for us to read soon.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Susan Peek.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
August 26, 2015
Crusader King: A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades, by Susan Peek is an extremely powerful and breathtaking historical novel. I read the entire book within twenty-four hours because it was that good! I literally couldn't put it down and read the first half in one sitting.
In this tremendously moving story, young Baldwin IV shoulders more responsibility at age 13 than most do in a lifetime when he becomes King of Jerusalem in the year 1174. Besides facing enemies in the form of vicious Turks and calculating usurpers to his throne, Baldwin faces the incurable and horrifying affliction of leprosy.
But together with his loyal friend Theo, Baldwin learns that true bravery isn't about not being afraid, but doing the right thing even when you are, and trusting in God. Both young men discover incredible courage, fortitude, faith, devotion, and sacrifice as they grow with zeal in the face of frightening adversity and battles.
And what battles! The heart-pounding suspense and intensity sweep readers right onto the battlefield. Impressive as it is, the fighting is never glorified for its own sake, but seen in the proper perspective of fighting for what is good and holy. Battle scenes are tempered with entertaining and enlightening scenes of characters and kingdom life. Readers are given a fascinating glimpse into the ways of the Knights Templar, as well as treated to a stunning plot twist!
I'm in awe of the author's ability to infuse the characters with such life and vigor. She works the various viewpoints to perfection—keeping the story rolling and captivating. Teens and adults alike will enjoy this book and will cheer and weep for both Baldwin and Theo as they soldier on through remarkable odds.
Crusader King is a most worthy read in the truest sense, sure to grip your mind, heart, and soul—and send you searching for more of Ms. Peek’s books!
Reviewed by:
Therese Heckenkamp
Catholic author of Past Suspicion and Frozen Footprints
In this tremendously moving story, young Baldwin IV shoulders more responsibility at age 13 than most do in a lifetime when he becomes King of Jerusalem in the year 1174. Besides facing enemies in the form of vicious Turks and calculating usurpers to his throne, Baldwin faces the incurable and horrifying affliction of leprosy.
But together with his loyal friend Theo, Baldwin learns that true bravery isn't about not being afraid, but doing the right thing even when you are, and trusting in God. Both young men discover incredible courage, fortitude, faith, devotion, and sacrifice as they grow with zeal in the face of frightening adversity and battles.
And what battles! The heart-pounding suspense and intensity sweep readers right onto the battlefield. Impressive as it is, the fighting is never glorified for its own sake, but seen in the proper perspective of fighting for what is good and holy. Battle scenes are tempered with entertaining and enlightening scenes of characters and kingdom life. Readers are given a fascinating glimpse into the ways of the Knights Templar, as well as treated to a stunning plot twist!
I'm in awe of the author's ability to infuse the characters with such life and vigor. She works the various viewpoints to perfection—keeping the story rolling and captivating. Teens and adults alike will enjoy this book and will cheer and weep for both Baldwin and Theo as they soldier on through remarkable odds.
Crusader King is a most worthy read in the truest sense, sure to grip your mind, heart, and soul—and send you searching for more of Ms. Peek’s books!
Reviewed by:
Therese Heckenkamp
Catholic author of Past Suspicion and Frozen Footprints
February 11, 2025
I enjoyed this book. King Baldwin IV is my favorite historical figure. His bravery and courage despite his personal suffering is incredibly admirable. I aspire to match his level of bravery and heroism in the midst of great suffering. There were some historically inaccurate moments and the way in which some characters are written, felt a bit flat. The writing is simple, but having read it, it’s probably for a younger audience. I must admit, I felt incredibly horrified at how leprosy must have impacted the king. It was so heartbreaking and depressing to read how the king couldn’t feel anything nor could he see or hear. While Theo wasn’t a real person (as far as I’m aware) reading about him, especially at the end is so sad. The whole ending of the book was very emotional, especially Peek writing that the Kingdom of Jerusalem has been lost to today and finding out that Theo got infected with leprosy.
This book, while for young boys (of which I am not 😂) still inspires me to be brave and to suffer well. It also inspires me to be a good friend since that was Theo’s role, and I think he’s example of loyalty and devotion is worth analysis. Most of all, in the midst of all circumstances, this book inspires me to pray and to yield myself to the will of the Lord.
If you read my review thank you for taking the time to, and may God bless you.
This book, while for young boys (of which I am not 😂) still inspires me to be brave and to suffer well. It also inspires me to be a good friend since that was Theo’s role, and I think he’s example of loyalty and devotion is worth analysis. Most of all, in the midst of all circumstances, this book inspires me to pray and to yield myself to the will of the Lord.
If you read my review thank you for taking the time to, and may God bless you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2017
If you haven’t read one of Susan Peek’s books, you’re really missing out. She has a series of teen novels based on little known saints with the tag-line, “God’s Forgotten Friends: Because the saints weren’t boring, and neither should their stories be”. This encompasses her books perfectly. I’ve read all four of her books and have thoroughly enjoyed each of them. She writes fast-paced, action-packed novels that are incredibly engaging as well as informative. While they are written with modern language, which makes them easy to read and relatable to teens, these fact-based tales transport the reader back in time.
I’d never heard of Baldwin IV. But what an amazing person he was. He became the ruler of Jerusalem at the young age of 13. He was a devout Catholic trying to protect his kingdom during the tumultuous Crusades from foreign enemies, as well as some closer to home, all while battling a horrific disease. Not only did I learn a lot about this period in history but was captivated by Baldwin’s personal struggles and inspired by his unwavering faith. Another amazing novel by this very talented writer.
I’d never heard of Baldwin IV. But what an amazing person he was. He became the ruler of Jerusalem at the young age of 13. He was a devout Catholic trying to protect his kingdom during the tumultuous Crusades from foreign enemies, as well as some closer to home, all while battling a horrific disease. Not only did I learn a lot about this period in history but was captivated by Baldwin’s personal struggles and inspired by his unwavering faith. Another amazing novel by this very talented writer.
April 21, 2017
4.5 stars for a compelling story about an inspiring young king during a turbulent time and place in history. Made king at age 13, surrounded by enemies without as well as within his kingdom, and dealing with the unimaginable effects of leprosy, this young man's steadfast faith in God and his inspirational courage have left an indelible mark on my heart. King Baldwin's best friend, Theodore, and the Templar Sir Geoffrey were also well done, so well done, in fact, that two final scenes brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't unreservedly give this book 5 stars, though, because a few instances of slang and modern words pulled me out of the 12th century with a bit of a jar. Young readers will find this book fascinating, fast-paced, and unforgettable.
July 16, 2017
This is a book nobody should miss. Baldwin IV was a true hero, fighting for his faith and the Holy Land while literally dying. I was amazed to read of how courageous he was, and how tenacious. While suffering from leprosy, which at that time had no cure, Baldwin still led his men and fought beside them instead of taking advantage of his status as King and being cared for through his illness. This is the story of a good example.
September 8, 2020
A fascinating account of the life of the leper-king of Jerusalem in the 1170s, written as an accessible narrative story for tweens and teens. Susie Peek conveys critical historical events in the compelling life story of Baldwin IV, detailing the intrigue and personal struggles of this amazing young man who battled against leprosy, enemies, and pretenders to the throne. Well done and very educational!
August 13, 2013
Natalie (age 13): It was really exciting and suspenseful, and I was never bored. Some of the character personalities were a little weak, but the main characters were really good! The book had a very good ending, too. ...You know, now I want to read that book again!
January 22, 2017
This story based on real people and real events covered a number of topics I'd always been interested in knowing more about: the Crusades, Jerusalem in the Middle Ages, and leprosy. The author and I are acquainted with each other through a writers guild.
September 8, 2025
I read this book several years ago and read it again while waiting to give a copy to a friend. I loved it the second time through just as much and probably even more than the first. Crusader King tells the story of Saint Baldwin IV as he ascends the throne of Jerusalem at age 13. He navigates tricky politics involving corrupt members of court including his own mother and sister, continuous warfare, and, unknown to many, the incredible trials of leprosy.
Susan Peek writes saint biographies about "forgotten saints". She was motivated to begin writing when she observed that many saint biographies are dry and wanted more engaging books to give to her children. This book and her others are animated and hard to put down once you start. They are intended for teenagers which makes it an easier read, and I believe that many adults would find this a great book as well.
Susan Peek writes saint biographies about "forgotten saints". She was motivated to begin writing when she observed that many saint biographies are dry and wanted more engaging books to give to her children. This book and her others are animated and hard to put down once you start. They are intended for teenagers which makes it an easier read, and I believe that many adults would find this a great book as well.
November 9, 2025
Our young pastor dressed up as a Templar knight for Halloween and my boys didn't know what he was. They don't know what The Crusades were, either, so when I saw "Crusader King" in TAN Books $5 sale for November (2025), I added it to my cart. I then noticed it was a "new" novel, written in 2003, so I borrowed it on Hoopla through my library to make sure it was good; and I read it in just a few days. I was not disappointed. I found it to be interesting and hope my boys will read this independently, but I would not mind reading it again as a read-aloud.
August 23, 2025
Do not be mistaken, this is a young adult/children’s book.
However, after recently watching Kingdom of Heaven, this crusade period peaked my interest, specifically King Baldwin IV.
Overall I thought the book was enjoyable. It’s an easy, quick read and gives the reader a little more information about the hostilities surrounding Jerusalem during this period of time.
You can probably read this in a day or two, but I had several going at once.
Deus Vult!
However, after recently watching Kingdom of Heaven, this crusade period peaked my interest, specifically King Baldwin IV.
Overall I thought the book was enjoyable. It’s an easy, quick read and gives the reader a little more information about the hostilities surrounding Jerusalem during this period of time.
You can probably read this in a day or two, but I had several going at once.
Deus Vult!
February 7, 2025
I love reading Susan Peek's novels. I usually read them in one sitting on the first reading and then return to them occasionally. This one is my favorite. I return to it either annually or every other year. I have read it to my daughter and bought a copy for a friend's son. We have all three liked it. She writes for teens and up, and her novels are suspenseful. This one also has a good deal of humor sprinkled throughout it. It's the whole life of the young king as king, so expect his death. She just really puts flesh and bones on these long ago characters and makes you feel right there with them, rooting for them. My favorite way to learn history is through hagiography or Catholic memoirs. This one is a gem.
April 25, 2024
Read aloud with boys. The boys really enjoyed this story of King Baldwin! A page turner and very moving. A good book to introduce youth to the Crusades. In modern day, when history is “rewritten” and many significant events are turned into propaganda against Christians… parents need to be diligent to preserve truth.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and plan to add more of her writing to my bookshelves for the upcoming school year!
It was interesting to Google the “characters” in this book after-the-fact to find out exactly which parts were historical and which parts were fiction. We were somewhat heartbroken to find out that Theo was not real. He was so lovable and really added dimension to the story which would have been hard to illustrate without his perspective.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and plan to add more of her writing to my bookshelves for the upcoming school year!
It was interesting to Google the “characters” in this book after-the-fact to find out exactly which parts were historical and which parts were fiction. We were somewhat heartbroken to find out that Theo was not real. He was so lovable and really added dimension to the story which would have been hard to illustrate without his perspective.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2019
A tale of adventure, intrigue, and heroism during a controversial time in a contested land. This book is short, poignant, and thought-provoking.
September 14, 2021
Crusader King was an amazingly fantastic book that would appeal to all ages, both girls and boys! This novel is a true story about a young leopard King, Baldwin the 4th. He ascended the throne when he was only 13 in 1174 and died soon after that at the age of 24. Even though his life was short, he did more good and extraordinary things than most people can even dream of doing in their lifetime. Though he was King, he lived a simple, holy, and kind life, always trying to do God's will. His life is so inspiring, the way he goes to battle even when struggling with leprosy and then thanking God for every victory. Even though I've been going to Catholic School my entire life, I never learned a lot about the Crusaders or what they did or even what period they were in. By reading Crusader King, I learned a lot about Catholic history and some of the battles we fought. Amazingly, there were entire armies just for Catholics defending the people's Catholic lands and faith.
Crusader King had many great characters but also a lot of evil ones. My favorite character was Baldwin for the obvious reasons I said above, but my second favorite character was his best friend, Theodore. Theodore became a monk in the Knights Templar and was just as faithful and holy as Baldwin. Theo struggled to watch his best friend dying before him over a long period, knowing there was nothing he could do for him. Reading Crusader King made me think a lot about the day we all will die and how we will all be judged on the sins we have committed. Even when Baldwin was dying, he was worried that he might have done too many sins to get to heaven. We never know the day or the hour that we might die, so we must always be prepared by doing God's will and praying daily. Reading this book makes me want to become a better person, which I believe makes this book unique!
I did not realize how much I was going to like this book until I started reading it. I thought it would be interesting but not very compelling and would appeal to boys who like action-packed books. Now that I read it, I would recommend Crusader King to anyone who likes a good story. It was entertaining and fast-paced and an incredible Catholic book about the Crusaders. I will be reading more books by Susan Peek and can't wait until I can get started!
Things to Mention: There are many battles, and people die, but there are few gory details. Baldwin has leprosy, and because of that, his body and face become warped and deformed. There is some other minor violence.
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Crusader King had many great characters but also a lot of evil ones. My favorite character was Baldwin for the obvious reasons I said above, but my second favorite character was his best friend, Theodore. Theodore became a monk in the Knights Templar and was just as faithful and holy as Baldwin. Theo struggled to watch his best friend dying before him over a long period, knowing there was nothing he could do for him. Reading Crusader King made me think a lot about the day we all will die and how we will all be judged on the sins we have committed. Even when Baldwin was dying, he was worried that he might have done too many sins to get to heaven. We never know the day or the hour that we might die, so we must always be prepared by doing God's will and praying daily. Reading this book makes me want to become a better person, which I believe makes this book unique!
I did not realize how much I was going to like this book until I started reading it. I thought it would be interesting but not very compelling and would appeal to boys who like action-packed books. Now that I read it, I would recommend Crusader King to anyone who likes a good story. It was entertaining and fast-paced and an incredible Catholic book about the Crusaders. I will be reading more books by Susan Peek and can't wait until I can get started!
Things to Mention: There are many battles, and people die, but there are few gory details. Baldwin has leprosy, and because of that, his body and face become warped and deformed. There is some other minor violence.
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July 5, 2024
While the characters are sympathetic (I certainly sympathize with the historical Baldwin IV), this story romanticizes the crusades and does not interrogate the faulty assumptions behind them. Mainly, I see a real romanticization of martyrdom. It is simply messed up to show the crusading pursuit of martyrdom to gain sainthood/eternal life as something admirable. It's not admirable, it's sad. The author, Susan Peek, according to her bio, is a devout Catholic that writes books that are used in Catholic schools. Everything then made sense for me. This is sanitized Catholic propaganda of the crusades.
Dear Catholics, do yourself a favor and understand that you are not the same as twelfth century Latin crusaders. The crusaders are compelling figures, but they are not the same type of Catholic as you.
Dear Catholics, do yourself a favor and understand that you are not the same as twelfth century Latin crusaders. The crusaders are compelling figures, but they are not the same type of Catholic as you.
May 31, 2020
Probably one of the worst books I've ever read, as I should probably have expected from Christian-pulp. The chapters are at most 3 or 4 pages long and serve in length only to frustrate. It's plagued with historical inaccuracies and bias. The only part of the book that didn't fill me with disgust was the subject matter.
Don't bother, there's apparently another historical fiction about Baldwin IV out there and there isn't a chance on hell it's worse.
Don't bother, there's apparently another historical fiction about Baldwin IV out there and there isn't a chance on hell it's worse.
January 15, 2021
This was my fourth novel that I've read by Susan Peek. Get ready for some action and adventure! At just age 13, Baldwin IV becomes King and shows true royalty to God. My favorite characters were defiantly Baldwin and his friend Theo, but Peek also makes the enemies come alive. I had never heard of Baldwin IV before this book, and it was a great read!
September 8, 2024
Not for me.
Historical inaccuracies, female historical figures reduced to cartoonish villains, shallow writing.
The only part I liked was the last chapter, I found the description of Baldwin IV’s final moments incredibly visceral and sad.
Historical inaccuracies, female historical figures reduced to cartoonish villains, shallow writing.
The only part I liked was the last chapter, I found the description of Baldwin IV’s final moments incredibly visceral and sad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2020
One of the best books I have ever read, and one that I still enjoy today.
August 23, 2023
This... was bad. Will not even bother with discussing why it's bad. I had high hopes.
May 14, 2025
King Baldwin IV is an extraordinary figure. This novel does do him justice.
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