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The Knight's Pledge: Will Bowman, Book 2
**Buy Die for a King, the latest thrilling novel in the Will Bowman series, out now!**
READERS LOVE SCOTT MARIANI's Will Bowman series
'Could not put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Can't wait for the next one' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Historical fiction at its best' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Totally hooked . . . Scott Mariani never fails' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1191.
Will Bowman, now fully entangled in Richard Lionheart's crusade, has reached the Holy Land. However, just as he and his crew are about to touch down in Acre, they are drawn into an intense battle at sea, where they are faced with the dreaded Byzantine Greek Fire.
Barely escaping with his life, Will gains the trust of Richard Lionheart, moving into his service. But as the siege of Acre continues, and Richard's campaign grows ever more brutal and barbaric, Will begins to wonder just how safe his new position is.
And when the King sends him on a seemingly doomed mission, Will must ask who exactly is he fighting for?
READERS LOVE SCOTT MARIANI's Will Bowman series
'Could not put it down' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Can't wait for the next one' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Historical fiction at its best' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Totally hooked . . . Scott Mariani never fails' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1191.
Will Bowman, now fully entangled in Richard Lionheart's crusade, has reached the Holy Land. However, just as he and his crew are about to touch down in Acre, they are drawn into an intense battle at sea, where they are faced with the dreaded Byzantine Greek Fire.
Barely escaping with his life, Will gains the trust of Richard Lionheart, moving into his service. But as the siege of Acre continues, and Richard's campaign grows ever more brutal and barbaric, Will begins to wonder just how safe his new position is.
And when the King sends him on a seemingly doomed mission, Will must ask who exactly is he fighting for?
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Published November 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 15, 2025
Eager to delve into the latest novel by Scott Mariani, I turned to the second novel in this series. It's 1191 and Will Bowman is fully committed to the Holy Land crusade of Richard Lionheart. Setting sail for the region, Will and his crew can see Acre in the distance, but are suddenly engaged in a war at sea. While they fight, Will sees the dreaded Byzantine Greek Fire, a weapon like no other. Will is able to dodge death and finds ways to connect with Richard, earning favour with his king and returns to the battlefield for new, violent attacks. However, Will soon wonders if all this fighting is worth it, as he learns more about his apparent enemies. As Will's eyes are opened, he discovers truths about which he knew nothing beforehand and wonders if the bloodshed will lead to anything worthwhile. Scott Mariani delivers another great piece, tapping into history to shape the foundation of this novel.
Scott Mariani has often penned novels well worth my time with his wonderful story ideas. The narrative introduces a busy story plucked from history that places the reader in the middle of all that is taking place. Momentum builds as the chapters pass, forcing the reader to hang on while developments link together, sometimes joyful but also with much violence. Mariani never shies away from educating the reader as he fills the pages of his books with action and entertainment, making him an author on my radar for his various thrillers and pieces of historical fiction.
Characters develop easily, keeping the reader eager to learn more about many of them. Will Bowman returns as a great protagonist, with significant backstory to offer. This sets the scene for what is to come in the story and contrasts nicely with others who grace the pages of the book. Many characters have their own struggles and successes, with history tossing in additional impediments. Mariani has always created great characters and this novel is no exception. Readers familiar with Mariani's work will likely want to delve deeper into the series’ characters as additional novels emerge.
The plot points of the book develop intensely as the story becomes clearer. Mariani balances known history with some great thrills to create surprises for all. Many of these twists keep the reader on the edge of their seat from the opening pages until the final sentence. I liked the fast-paced nature of the story, which still takes time for the reader to absorb it all. I am eager to see what Scott Mariani has in store for readers with this series and his other publications.
Kudos, Mr. Mariani, for an epic journey into the past while keeping things fresh in the present.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Scott Mariani has often penned novels well worth my time with his wonderful story ideas. The narrative introduces a busy story plucked from history that places the reader in the middle of all that is taking place. Momentum builds as the chapters pass, forcing the reader to hang on while developments link together, sometimes joyful but also with much violence. Mariani never shies away from educating the reader as he fills the pages of his books with action and entertainment, making him an author on my radar for his various thrillers and pieces of historical fiction.
Characters develop easily, keeping the reader eager to learn more about many of them. Will Bowman returns as a great protagonist, with significant backstory to offer. This sets the scene for what is to come in the story and contrasts nicely with others who grace the pages of the book. Many characters have their own struggles and successes, with history tossing in additional impediments. Mariani has always created great characters and this novel is no exception. Readers familiar with Mariani's work will likely want to delve deeper into the series’ characters as additional novels emerge.
The plot points of the book develop intensely as the story becomes clearer. Mariani balances known history with some great thrills to create surprises for all. Many of these twists keep the reader on the edge of their seat from the opening pages until the final sentence. I liked the fast-paced nature of the story, which still takes time for the reader to absorb it all. I am eager to see what Scott Mariani has in store for readers with this series and his other publications.
Kudos, Mr. Mariani, for an epic journey into the past while keeping things fresh in the present.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 15, 2026
This is the 2nd book in the Will Bowman series and enjoyed reading it. I thought it wasn't quite as good as the 1st, possibly because of the sanctimonious way that the main character is (or is not) dealing with the loss of his wife in the 1st book; With all that's going on around him I think he should be 'getting on' with his life a bit more. That said, the book is an enjoyable yarn with the group of friends living out their adventures throughout the Holy Land.
It's well worth a read!
It's well worth a read!
September 2, 2026
Review: Scott Mariani’s The Knight's Pledge
⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: This review contains full plot spoilers for Scott Mariani’s "The Knight's Pledge."
*Reading from the Dark in Tripoli..!
I’m writing this review from Tripoli, Libya, while living through severe, daily load shedding. For those fortunate enough never to experience it, load shedding means being cut off from electricity selectively for long, hot hours in the dark. But every dark cloud has a silver lining: it gave me uninterrupted downtime to power through my reading stack. I picked up Scott’s The Knight's Pledge, which I had set aside earlier after getting caught up with the World Cup, and I dove right back in.
*Perspective of a "Saracen":
I step into this book as a "Saracen" mysel! I don't get easily offended, nor was there anything in this book to offend me. But I do come at it from a very different lens. Where many of my Western friends learned about the Crusades from one historical angle, I learned about them in Libyan public schools, where Sultan Saladin is revered as a noble hero of Islam.
I didn't expect Scott to write a sanitized, "woke," or politically correct story—nor should he. War is brutal, and authors naturally reflect the history and heroes of their own heritage. I got the book knowing full well what I was getting into, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and sympathized with many of its characters.
*Historical Authenticity:
The story opens right where its predecessor left off: the arrival of the English and French fleets in the Holy Land, kicking off with an explosive naval battle in the harbor. As I read, I cross-referenced the narrative with my personal benchmark on the era—Stanley Lane-Poole’s Saladin and the Fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. I was deeply impressed by Scott's research. From the naval skirmishes to the fierce battle speech King Richard bellows to his troops, Scott clearly did his homework.
His prose is atmospheric and cinematic. During the long, grueling Siege of Acre, you feel the slow burn of passing days, the gnawing hunger, and the desperation on both sides—the Crusaders digging in outside and the garrison trapped within the walls.
*Ideological Debates & Moral Honor:
One of the narrative's greatest strengths is the balance of perspectives exchanged around campfires. You have Falcone, the Pisan knight whose vulgar, period-accurate anti-Islamic views reflect the rampant misconceptions of the time, countered by the well-read, nuanced Gabriel. Sitting in the middle is Will—learning, processing, and growing.
Will’s character arc shines brightest when he and Gabriel stand against an angry mob after a night raid, demanding that captured Muslim assassins face a fair trial rather than immediate execution. Even though the mob slaughters them anyway, Will and Gabriel prove themselves to be noble, principled adversaries who earn total respect regardless of which side you root for.
*Sophia Valena: The Femme Fatale:
Then there is Sophia Valena—the "lady in green." She is a breathtaking character: fierce, courageous, cunning, and beautiful. She’s a classic femme fatale, and I found myself falling for her character before Will even did. The only bittersweet realization was listening to her deep-seated hatred for "Saracens," knowing that in real life, she probably would have despised me!
*A Theological Reflection: The Chess Game:
My single critique of the novel comes during the chess match between Will and the Muslim Emir—the primary positive Muslim figure in the story. During their dialogue, there is a subtle implication that "Allah" and "God" are two distinct deities, with Will offering to "pray to both."
In Islamic theology—and as written in the Quran—Allah is simply the Arabic word for God (used by Arab Christians and Muslims alike) referring to the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe:
"Our God and your God is One; and to Him we submit."
— Surah Al-Ankabut (29:46)
It isn't a matter of two different gods, but rather two languages describing the exact same Almighty Creator.
*The Pivot Point: Al-Ayyadieh:
The turning point of the novel occurs during the Massacre of Al-Ayyadieh, when King Richard orders the slaughter of 3,000 bound Muslim prisoners on a hill in full view of Saladin's army. Will's refusal to participate in the butcher's work earns him the King's wrath, landing him, Gabriel, and Samson in chains. This moment cemented Will as a hero of absolute integrity who refuses to commit atrocities against the helpless.
*The "Suicide Squad" Trek:
From there, the pacing shifts gears into a high-octane thriller reminiscent of DC's Suicide Squad. The King's Chamberlain forces the imprisoned companions into an unwilling commando unit sent deep into the Levant to retrieve a lost treasure. The trek across the desert made the pages fly by, making me temporarily forget the heat in my own room.
The journey is packed with classic adventure hazards: crocodile attacks, internal betrayals (including their Saracen guide turning them over to Zayn al-Hakari), and encounters with wild lions.
After saving a young child from a lion attack, Will earns the trust of the Pullani—a unique community of European descendants indigenous to the land. Guided by the child's father, Henri, they navigate toward the ancient treasure caves. This leads into a brutal ambush by Zayn al-Hakari’s forces, resulting in heavy companion casualties before a dramatic, last-minute rescue by the Knights Hospitaller.
*The Resolution & A Heartbreaking Farewell:
The squad ultimately retrieves the true treasure: ancient scrolls from prophets who once walked the land. But it is the final emotional beat that leaves a lasting impression.
Instead of turning back immediately, Will takes a detour to the port of Jaffa to safely board Sophia onto a ship bound for Constantinople. I found myself deeply disappointed by Will's decision to stay behind. After fulfilling their pledge to a cruel king who held their lives in contempt, Will, Gabriel, and Samson had every reason to walk away from the Crusades entirely. Starting a new life with Sophia in Constantinople—or leaving her in safety among the Pullani—would have been a far better ending than watching her ship shrink into the distant horizon.
Without having read the third book yet, I can only hope their paths cross again. But as that ship vanished into the blue, it certainly pulled on the heartstrings.
⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: This review contains full plot spoilers for Scott Mariani’s "The Knight's Pledge."
*Reading from the Dark in Tripoli..!
I’m writing this review from Tripoli, Libya, while living through severe, daily load shedding. For those fortunate enough never to experience it, load shedding means being cut off from electricity selectively for long, hot hours in the dark. But every dark cloud has a silver lining: it gave me uninterrupted downtime to power through my reading stack. I picked up Scott’s The Knight's Pledge, which I had set aside earlier after getting caught up with the World Cup, and I dove right back in.
*Perspective of a "Saracen":
I step into this book as a "Saracen" mysel! I don't get easily offended, nor was there anything in this book to offend me. But I do come at it from a very different lens. Where many of my Western friends learned about the Crusades from one historical angle, I learned about them in Libyan public schools, where Sultan Saladin is revered as a noble hero of Islam.
I didn't expect Scott to write a sanitized, "woke," or politically correct story—nor should he. War is brutal, and authors naturally reflect the history and heroes of their own heritage. I got the book knowing full well what I was getting into, and I thoroughly enjoyed the story and sympathized with many of its characters.
*Historical Authenticity:
The story opens right where its predecessor left off: the arrival of the English and French fleets in the Holy Land, kicking off with an explosive naval battle in the harbor. As I read, I cross-referenced the narrative with my personal benchmark on the era—Stanley Lane-Poole’s Saladin and the Fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. I was deeply impressed by Scott's research. From the naval skirmishes to the fierce battle speech King Richard bellows to his troops, Scott clearly did his homework.
His prose is atmospheric and cinematic. During the long, grueling Siege of Acre, you feel the slow burn of passing days, the gnawing hunger, and the desperation on both sides—the Crusaders digging in outside and the garrison trapped within the walls.
*Ideological Debates & Moral Honor:
One of the narrative's greatest strengths is the balance of perspectives exchanged around campfires. You have Falcone, the Pisan knight whose vulgar, period-accurate anti-Islamic views reflect the rampant misconceptions of the time, countered by the well-read, nuanced Gabriel. Sitting in the middle is Will—learning, processing, and growing.
Will’s character arc shines brightest when he and Gabriel stand against an angry mob after a night raid, demanding that captured Muslim assassins face a fair trial rather than immediate execution. Even though the mob slaughters them anyway, Will and Gabriel prove themselves to be noble, principled adversaries who earn total respect regardless of which side you root for.
*Sophia Valena: The Femme Fatale:
Then there is Sophia Valena—the "lady in green." She is a breathtaking character: fierce, courageous, cunning, and beautiful. She’s a classic femme fatale, and I found myself falling for her character before Will even did. The only bittersweet realization was listening to her deep-seated hatred for "Saracens," knowing that in real life, she probably would have despised me!
*A Theological Reflection: The Chess Game:
My single critique of the novel comes during the chess match between Will and the Muslim Emir—the primary positive Muslim figure in the story. During their dialogue, there is a subtle implication that "Allah" and "God" are two distinct deities, with Will offering to "pray to both."
In Islamic theology—and as written in the Quran—Allah is simply the Arabic word for God (used by Arab Christians and Muslims alike) referring to the sole Creator and Sustainer of the universe:
"Our God and your God is One; and to Him we submit."
— Surah Al-Ankabut (29:46)
It isn't a matter of two different gods, but rather two languages describing the exact same Almighty Creator.
*The Pivot Point: Al-Ayyadieh:
The turning point of the novel occurs during the Massacre of Al-Ayyadieh, when King Richard orders the slaughter of 3,000 bound Muslim prisoners on a hill in full view of Saladin's army. Will's refusal to participate in the butcher's work earns him the King's wrath, landing him, Gabriel, and Samson in chains. This moment cemented Will as a hero of absolute integrity who refuses to commit atrocities against the helpless.
*The "Suicide Squad" Trek:
From there, the pacing shifts gears into a high-octane thriller reminiscent of DC's Suicide Squad. The King's Chamberlain forces the imprisoned companions into an unwilling commando unit sent deep into the Levant to retrieve a lost treasure. The trek across the desert made the pages fly by, making me temporarily forget the heat in my own room.
The journey is packed with classic adventure hazards: crocodile attacks, internal betrayals (including their Saracen guide turning them over to Zayn al-Hakari), and encounters with wild lions.
After saving a young child from a lion attack, Will earns the trust of the Pullani—a unique community of European descendants indigenous to the land. Guided by the child's father, Henri, they navigate toward the ancient treasure caves. This leads into a brutal ambush by Zayn al-Hakari’s forces, resulting in heavy companion casualties before a dramatic, last-minute rescue by the Knights Hospitaller.
*The Resolution & A Heartbreaking Farewell:
The squad ultimately retrieves the true treasure: ancient scrolls from prophets who once walked the land. But it is the final emotional beat that leaves a lasting impression.
Instead of turning back immediately, Will takes a detour to the port of Jaffa to safely board Sophia onto a ship bound for Constantinople. I found myself deeply disappointed by Will's decision to stay behind. After fulfilling their pledge to a cruel king who held their lives in contempt, Will, Gabriel, and Samson had every reason to walk away from the Crusades entirely. Starting a new life with Sophia in Constantinople—or leaving her in safety among the Pullani—would have been a far better ending than watching her ship shrink into the distant horizon.
Without having read the third book yet, I can only hope their paths cross again. But as that ship vanished into the blue, it certainly pulled on the heartstrings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2026
A Sharper, Stronger Sequel
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scott Mariani tightens everything that worked in the first Will Bowman novel and delivers a sequel with more momentum, more grit, and a clearer emotional through‑line. The historical detail feels richer this time, and Bowman himself steps into sharper focus — still flawed, still stubborn, but undeniably compelling.
The pacing occasionally sprints when it could stroll, but that urgency suits the story’s stakes. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a solid, satisfying adventure, and it succeeds on those terms. A strong continuation that leaves you ready for the next oath, the next battle, the next impossible choice.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Scott Mariani tightens everything that worked in the first Will Bowman novel and delivers a sequel with more momentum, more grit, and a clearer emotional through‑line. The historical detail feels richer this time, and Bowman himself steps into sharper focus — still flawed, still stubborn, but undeniably compelling.
The pacing occasionally sprints when it could stroll, but that urgency suits the story’s stakes. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a solid, satisfying adventure, and it succeeds on those terms. A strong continuation that leaves you ready for the next oath, the next battle, the next impossible choice.
May 10, 2026
The Knight's Pledge continues in very much the same vein as Mariani's previous Will Bowman novel. An entertaining and fast pace historical fiction but with little to offer below the surface level.
My criticisms remain the same, the history leans more to set dressing than world building and the cast are pretty one dimensional. It's classic 'plot-armour' hero fiction.
Regardless it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the jumping from one action scene to the next as I read the whole thing in a day!
My criticisms remain the same, the history leans more to set dressing than world building and the cast are pretty one dimensional. It's classic 'plot-armour' hero fiction.
Regardless it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the jumping from one action scene to the next as I read the whole thing in a day!
January 24, 2026
An excellent follow up to #1, a story with intrique and plenety of battles, friends made, friends lost.
Could have done with 1 more chapter to get the King's reaction to a mission, but bar that a very well reseached (even comes with 'historical notes' at the end) and enthralling read. Looking forward to the next in the series, if one is forthcoming.
Could have done with 1 more chapter to get the King's reaction to a mission, but bar that a very well reseached (even comes with 'historical notes' at the end) and enthralling read. Looking forward to the next in the series, if one is forthcoming.
April 12, 2026
I do like a good adventure, and book two of the Will Bowman series is certainly that.
Will Bowman, is now entrenched fully into the crusades, the rich history entwined round the story, gives you a flavour
Of what the crusades were like. The characters are good, and the story is fast paced, I really enjoyed it, but then I have really enjoyed all his books.
Bring on book three!
Will Bowman, is now entrenched fully into the crusades, the rich history entwined round the story, gives you a flavour
Of what the crusades were like. The characters are good, and the story is fast paced, I really enjoyed it, but then I have really enjoyed all his books.
Bring on book three!
December 17, 2025
a good read some decent fights in it
February 4, 2026
So easy to read, such a great author. They come out nicely every time I go on holiday. Well maybe not that next one I go on 🤔
February 7, 2026
A Medieval take on the road trip trope. Not as good as the first and quite predictable, really. I guess it passed the time
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews