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Hospitaller Saga #2
Mamluk
Only the port city of Acre remains in the hands of the Crusaders. The boys in Brother Foulques de Villaret’s Hospitaller Army of Children are approaching manhood, but their training is far from complete. Foulques needs more time. The Hospitallers, Templars, and Teutonics all need more time. Before preparations can be made, the Mamluks are at the gates of Acre. And in their midst, is a man Foulques knows only too well: a terrifying Mamluk warrior named Badru Hashim, the Northman.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 10, 2025
I read the first in the series, ACRE, and thought it was a fair attempt at describing the horrors of the Christian rout from Acre. But in following the series I just became rather disgusted with so much violence and the endless slaughter that filled every page. I know the time in history is exactly how it's presented here with only one or two minor differences in fact vs fiction but by the 4th chapter I'd had enough. There's no question that religion is anything other than the basis for violence, hate, extremism and immoral behavior. Anyone who believes any of the world's religions has it's basis in peace and love has to be blind, deaf and stupid. None of the recognized religions have ever been founded on a bedrock of love or tolerance. I am totally without any religious proclivity of any sort. I reject each and every one of them as the violent and depraved concepts they are. Religion has done more to keep mankind ignorant and intolerant than any other form of obsession or control. It's basis is greed, power, money and overriding belief in a personal singular superiority. BS.
But this is thinly disguised fictional propaganda. I didn't find it entertaining or enlightening in any way. I found it tiring and endlessly repetitive. The theme of violence is woven so deeply into the narrative it's hard to keep reading, looking for the value.
I'm not a foolish Pollyanna type, I've spent my entire career in the horrifying world of trauma medicine, so I know firsthand what violence looks like. I know what people are capable of doing to fellow humans.
I just don't find it interesting to turn page after page, looking and hoping for any one redeeming portion of a book but never finding anything that comes close to being an example of human kindness or empathy.
Yes, of course this is factual historical representation but for me, enough violence lurks in the parking lot of the local grocery store, so I just can't bring myself to keep reading about the beginning of world wide struggle as a choice.
Some readers might like it, but it's just not to my taste at all.
Sorry.
One star. Not recommended.
But this is thinly disguised fictional propaganda. I didn't find it entertaining or enlightening in any way. I found it tiring and endlessly repetitive. The theme of violence is woven so deeply into the narrative it's hard to keep reading, looking for the value.
I'm not a foolish Pollyanna type, I've spent my entire career in the horrifying world of trauma medicine, so I know firsthand what violence looks like. I know what people are capable of doing to fellow humans.
I just don't find it interesting to turn page after page, looking and hoping for any one redeeming portion of a book but never finding anything that comes close to being an example of human kindness or empathy.
Yes, of course this is factual historical representation but for me, enough violence lurks in the parking lot of the local grocery store, so I just can't bring myself to keep reading about the beginning of world wide struggle as a choice.
Some readers might like it, but it's just not to my taste at all.
Sorry.
One star. Not recommended.
January 24, 2022
One Star for Questionable History
Use of the word ‘invaders’ for Christian fighters in the Epilogue earn this exceedingly poor mark.
Jerusalem and the Holy Land (Asia Minor down to the Red Sea minus the deep desert of the Arabian Peninsula) and was Christian and Hebrew for more than 500 years prior to The birth of Islam. Since pre-0000 CE the area was primarily ruled by Rome & Byzantium (Orthodox Christian) governments.
It was in 1087 that Jerusalem was attacked and fell to Islamic forces. The First crusade in 1091 took Jerusalem and the Holy Land back from the Muslims.
To say the Mamelukes hated the Christian infidels because they’d ‘invaded 200 years before the novel’s timeframe, is a perversion of history.
As a power mad killer of the 20th century oft repeated, ‘history can be rewritten by the winner’…even if it’s rewritten 900 years later - that is the perversion.
Use of the word ‘invaders’ for Christian fighters in the Epilogue earn this exceedingly poor mark.
Jerusalem and the Holy Land (Asia Minor down to the Red Sea minus the deep desert of the Arabian Peninsula) and was Christian and Hebrew for more than 500 years prior to The birth of Islam. Since pre-0000 CE the area was primarily ruled by Rome & Byzantium (Orthodox Christian) governments.
It was in 1087 that Jerusalem was attacked and fell to Islamic forces. The First crusade in 1091 took Jerusalem and the Holy Land back from the Muslims.
To say the Mamelukes hated the Christian infidels because they’d ‘invaded 200 years before the novel’s timeframe, is a perversion of history.
As a power mad killer of the 20th century oft repeated, ‘history can be rewritten by the winner’…even if it’s rewritten 900 years later - that is the perversion.
October 30, 2024
An Echo from the Past
The writing of this series demonstrates a profound understanding of the history surrounding the fall of the Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem. The narrative showcases the author's deep knowledge of this critical period in Middle Eastern history.
The Mamluk assault and the subsequent fall of Acre have had lasting effects on the Middle East that are still felt today. The author skillfully weaves intricate details into the story, allowing the characters to drive the narrative forward.
"Mamluk," as a work of historical fiction, brings to life an important chapter in history that continues to influence the region. The ongoing conflicts in the area remain unresolved, leaving various factions unsatisfied.
I eagerly anticipate the next installment of this captivating story.
The writing of this series demonstrates a profound understanding of the history surrounding the fall of the Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem. The narrative showcases the author's deep knowledge of this critical period in Middle Eastern history.
The Mamluk assault and the subsequent fall of Acre have had lasting effects on the Middle East that are still felt today. The author skillfully weaves intricate details into the story, allowing the characters to drive the narrative forward.
"Mamluk," as a work of historical fiction, brings to life an important chapter in history that continues to influence the region. The ongoing conflicts in the area remain unresolved, leaving various factions unsatisfied.
I eagerly anticipate the next installment of this captivating story.
April 10, 2018
Well balanced
Very good read , good history, good action, good story. This is book 2, read one first or you'll miss another good read.
Very good read , good history, good action, good story. This is book 2, read one first or you'll miss another good read.
October 28, 2018
Excellent follow up to Acre
My interest in the hospitallers lead me to reading this series. This 2nd book has not disappointed. I'm looking forward to the 3rd.
My interest in the hospitallers lead me to reading this series. This 2nd book has not disappointed. I'm looking forward to the 3rd.
October 23, 2021
Awesome book
Absolutely great read that is hard to put down from start to finish. Highly recommend. If you enjoy reading about crusader times try this one, doesn't disappoint.
Absolutely great read that is hard to put down from start to finish. Highly recommend. If you enjoy reading about crusader times try this one, doesn't disappoint.
April 21, 2022
Graphic war violence. Tangled destinies and conflicting religions. A mild soap opera as secrets are revealed. Bring on book 3!
January 12, 2025
Outstanding
The first time i have read about the fall of Acre ..absolutely absorbing characters and storyline..moving on to book 3 now with high hopes! Well done!
The first time i have read about the fall of Acre ..absolutely absorbing characters and storyline..moving on to book 3 now with high hopes! Well done!
August 8, 2022
Excellent! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The first on the series (Acre) sets the story in motion and this one grabs it and runs with it. Most of the book revolves around the epic 40 odd day siege of Acre and the resulting collapse of the city. Without spoiling the story, the action is amazing and really sets the scene and does justice to the Hospitallers, Templars and everyone else involved in the battle. I can't wait to read the next one!
December 23, 2021
I found Mamluk to be a bit better than its prequel -- but I always seem to enjoy the frenetic energy and fatality that frequently accompany siege dramas. This one involves the fall of Acre to the Mamluks, which more or less ended 200 years of Christian crusades into the Holy Land. I thought the rivalry between Foulques de Villaret and Badru the Northman was a bit unnecessary, at least until just before the end.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews