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William Marshal #6
Templar Silks
To save his soul William Marshal takes the perilous road to Jerusalem, but the greatest danger he faces there is losing his heart. England, 1219 Lying on his deathbed, William Marshal, England's greatest knight, sends a trusted servant to bring to him the silk Templar burial shrouds that returned with him from the Holy Land thirty years ago. It is time to fulfil his vow to the Templars and become a monk of their order for eternity. As he waits for the shrouds' return, he looks back upon his long-ago pilgrimage with his brother Ancel, and the sacred mission entrusted to them - to bear the cloak of their dead young lord to Jerusalem and lay it on Christ's tomb in the church of the Holy Sepulchre. Jerusalem, 1183 In the holiest of all cities, the brothers become embroiled in the deadly politics, devious scheming and lusts of the powerful men and women who rule the kingdom. Entangled with the dangerous, mercurial Paschia de Riveri, concubine of the highest churchman in the land, William sets on a path so perilous that there seems no way back for him, or for his brother. Both will pay a terrible price and their only chance to see home again will be dependent on the Templar shrouds. In this glorious adventure, bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick sweeps the reader to medieval Jerusalem in a story perfect for fans of Ken Follett and Philippa Gregory. Author BiographyMuch of Elizabeth Chadwick's research is carried out as a member of Regia Anglorum, an early mediaeval re-enactment society with emphasis on accurately re-creating the past. She also tutors in the skill of writing historial and romantic fiction. She won a Betty Trask Award for The Wild Hunt and has been shortlisted for the RNA Awards four times. - Templar Silks By Elizabeth Chadwick (Paperback)
496 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2018
326 people are currently reading
1391 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Chadwick
48 books3,260 followersBest selling historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick won a Betty Trask Award for her first novel The Wild Hunt. She has been shortlisted for the UK's mainstream Best Romantic Novel of the Year Award 4 times and longlisted twice. Her novel The Scarlet Lion about the great William Marshal and his wife Isabelle de Clare, has been selected by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society as one of the landmark historical novels of the last ten years.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
May 4, 2019
When Elizabeth Chadwick writes historical fiction, you know you can expect a great read and this book is no exception. I picked it up at every waking moment and did not want it to end. Fully emerged in the world of kings, queens and crusades I devoured every sentence. Well crafted, fast paced, intriguing and exciting are just a few words that come to mind.
Late 12th century. We follow the Great Knight William Marshal and his men on a pilgrimage from France to Jerusalem, doing penance for losing king Henry's son in a raid. The journey takes us through different cultures, different religions, harsh landscapes and rough situations before finally arriving in The Holy City of Jerusalem. Here we attend court, the scheming ladies, the jealous men, the love affairs and the battles with the Muslim army.
Throughout the book there's a great presence of the Templar Knights, which intrigued me most. Their total dedication to God, fight to the death without question, their support for the lesser man in society, their protection of the pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. Magnificent!
In between the long chapters are short interludes with William in the year 1219, on his deathbed at Caversham Manor in England, his memories from the past years playing tricks with him while under the influence of a poppy draft. His family is nearby as he slowly succumbs to his last breath. A beautiful way to keep the reader in awe of this Great Knight.
Templar Silks is superb historical fiction that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended!
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebook Landmark for the ARC.
Late 12th century. We follow the Great Knight William Marshal and his men on a pilgrimage from France to Jerusalem, doing penance for losing king Henry's son in a raid. The journey takes us through different cultures, different religions, harsh landscapes and rough situations before finally arriving in The Holy City of Jerusalem. Here we attend court, the scheming ladies, the jealous men, the love affairs and the battles with the Muslim army.
Throughout the book there's a great presence of the Templar Knights, which intrigued me most. Their total dedication to God, fight to the death without question, their support for the lesser man in society, their protection of the pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. Magnificent!
In between the long chapters are short interludes with William in the year 1219, on his deathbed at Caversham Manor in England, his memories from the past years playing tricks with him while under the influence of a poppy draft. His family is nearby as he slowly succumbs to his last breath. A beautiful way to keep the reader in awe of this Great Knight.
Templar Silks is superb historical fiction that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended!
Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebook Landmark for the ARC.
June 23, 2019
3.5 stars, good but not my favorite from my favorite author.
But beyond winter came spring. He had served in every season and would continue to do so.
I have been a fan for years, of all of this author's books and especially the books on William Marshal. I was excited to see that she filled in the story before The Greatest Knight began. Trying not to spoil, but known history might be spoilers for some not familiar with Marshal's life.
As much as I love this author and how she pulls me into the historical period (I was a fan before she was *cool*), this one just didn't rock my world. I have been in a horrible reading slump, so that may be part of it, but the story got a bit dry at times and I found myself skimming a bit.
Still, a huge plus to have some of the unknowns filled in and fleshed out, and while we don't know what is real and not, a huge thanks to the author for the notes at the end clarifying all for the reader.
Kindle copy via library loan.
But beyond winter came spring. He had served in every season and would continue to do so.
I have been a fan for years, of all of this author's books and especially the books on William Marshal. I was excited to see that she filled in the story before The Greatest Knight began. Trying not to spoil, but known history might be spoilers for some not familiar with Marshal's life.
As much as I love this author and how she pulls me into the historical period (I was a fan before she was *cool*), this one just didn't rock my world. I have been in a horrible reading slump, so that may be part of it, but the story got a bit dry at times and I found myself skimming a bit.
Still, a huge plus to have some of the unknowns filled in and fleshed out, and while we don't know what is real and not, a huge thanks to the author for the notes at the end clarifying all for the reader.
Kindle copy via library loan.
March 8, 2018
I recently read one of Chadwick's Autumn Throne and loved it and it was recommended that I pick up the William Marshal books to read. Before I had chance to do that this latest book showed up on netgalley so in typical style I'm reading everything back to front. However with this story it doesn't matter.
It's quite a self contained story that flits between Marshal's last days and memories of a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. I really enjoyed the love story embedded within this both of William and the one of his brother Ancel. I enjoyed the relationships of William and his brother. All of it just really worked for me.
There's a lot of action; it was a turbulent time. It's very easy to immerse yourself into the time and place and imagine everything as was back then. The present day moments broke the story up really well.
Overall this is a great book and now I really do need to go back and read the rest
It's quite a self contained story that flits between Marshal's last days and memories of a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. I really enjoyed the love story embedded within this both of William and the one of his brother Ancel. I enjoyed the relationships of William and his brother. All of it just really worked for me.
There's a lot of action; it was a turbulent time. It's very easy to immerse yourself into the time and place and imagine everything as was back then. The present day moments broke the story up really well.
Overall this is a great book and now I really do need to go back and read the rest
January 6, 2018
So good to see Elizabeth Chadwick return to the subject of William Marshal, the Greatest Knight. Here William looks back on his perilous pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Action and romance combine with a fantastic sense of time and place. Elizabeth Chadwick writes like few others. She always makes me feel like I'm observing the past with my own eyes.
October 2, 2019
Based on 15%: The style of writing is descriptive. I could not get into this story to be able to continue with this book.
June 25, 2019
Not a good version of the “Marshal”
*** May contain some spoilers ****
I understand that there has been little or no historical record at all that detailed William Marshall’s life during his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. So I understand that his stories in this book are purely the author’s imagination. And I don’t quite like what she has imagined at all.
William Marshal, the honourable, honest knight we knew in “The Greatest Knight” is a gullible man easily seduced by and fell in love (he even offers her marriage) with a highly sexed, manipulative concubine while supposedly doing his pilgrimage to cleanse his soul in the holy lands? And all this while knowing very well this woman is dangerous, using him only to satisfy her lust, only chooses to live with men of wealth and is loyal to one of his greatest enemies? How could the author imagine he could have been that stupid. And the author uses this particular imagined sordid affair as the reason that leads to him doing penance, surrenders himself to the Templar order and thus earns him the sacred silks. But apparently his regret has not been for committing the affair but for his failure to persuade the woman to be his wife. Here in this book Ms Chadwick has really ruined William Marshal’s image for me.
No, while Ms Chadwick’s writing is as good as ever I cannot say I enjoy reading her Marshall’s story this time. It makes me sad that this book has “tainted” the Marshall’s image for me. I think I’ll have to go reread “The Greatest Knight” to cleanse my palate” of this unbelievable version of William Marshall’s character.
*** May contain some spoilers ****
I understand that there has been little or no historical record at all that detailed William Marshall’s life during his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. So I understand that his stories in this book are purely the author’s imagination. And I don’t quite like what she has imagined at all.
William Marshal, the honourable, honest knight we knew in “The Greatest Knight” is a gullible man easily seduced by and fell in love (he even offers her marriage) with a highly sexed, manipulative concubine while supposedly doing his pilgrimage to cleanse his soul in the holy lands? And all this while knowing very well this woman is dangerous, using him only to satisfy her lust, only chooses to live with men of wealth and is loyal to one of his greatest enemies? How could the author imagine he could have been that stupid. And the author uses this particular imagined sordid affair as the reason that leads to him doing penance, surrenders himself to the Templar order and thus earns him the sacred silks. But apparently his regret has not been for committing the affair but for his failure to persuade the woman to be his wife. Here in this book Ms Chadwick has really ruined William Marshal’s image for me.
No, while Ms Chadwick’s writing is as good as ever I cannot say I enjoy reading her Marshall’s story this time. It makes me sad that this book has “tainted” the Marshall’s image for me. I think I’ll have to go reread “The Greatest Knight” to cleanse my palate” of this unbelievable version of William Marshall’s character.
March 25, 2018
‘It is something I need to remember, but not something you need to know .’
In April 1219, at his Manor of Caversham near Reading in Berkshire, William Marshal’s life is nearing its end. Marshal, Regent of England and one of England’s greatest knights, served four English kings during his long and eventful life. Marshal has sent one of his knights to Striguil in Wales to collect the silks he brought home from his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. These are what he intends to be buried in. As he lies in his bed, shifting between consciousness and unconsciousness, between pain and relief, his thoughts turn to that pilgrimage. On his deathbed, Henry, the Young King, eldest son and heir of Henry II asked William Marshal to swear an oath to undertake a pilgrimage to Jerusalem on his behalf:
‘I want you to go to Jerusalem and lay my cloak on the tomb of Christ at the Holy Sepulchre .
In 1183, William Marshal was still a landless knight. Unattached, unmarried and dependent upon the patronage of others, there was no barrier to his undertaking the pilgrimage. And now, over thirty years later, he remembers the journey, the adventures, the people he met.
‘I was dreaming’, he said. ‘I was not in this time and place .’
William Marshal spent three years on this pilgrimage, but little is known about this period of his life. This lack of detail has enabled Ms Chadwick (who has written several novels about William Marshal and his family) to imagine how that time was spent. In this novel, William Marshal’s trip to Jerusalem took him via Constantinople, to the court of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem (the Leper King), febrile with internal intrigue and threatened by Saladin. We meet the Patriarch of Jerusalem and his mistress, Paschia de Riveri. And amongst these historical figures, Ms Chadwick weaves a romance for William Marshal, and a possible explanation for decisions he makes.
I’ve fallen in love with the William Marshal of Ms Chadwick’s novels, and I enjoyed this novel as well. We know that William Marshal survived the pilgrimage, but I had to remind myself of this a couple of times.
For those who enjoyed Ms Chadwick’s novels about William Marshal as much as I did, this is a terrific read. As the novel alternates between William Marshal’s deathbed and the experiences of his pilgrimage, past and present move together.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In April 1219, at his Manor of Caversham near Reading in Berkshire, William Marshal’s life is nearing its end. Marshal, Regent of England and one of England’s greatest knights, served four English kings during his long and eventful life. Marshal has sent one of his knights to Striguil in Wales to collect the silks he brought home from his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. These are what he intends to be buried in. As he lies in his bed, shifting between consciousness and unconsciousness, between pain and relief, his thoughts turn to that pilgrimage. On his deathbed, Henry, the Young King, eldest son and heir of Henry II asked William Marshal to swear an oath to undertake a pilgrimage to Jerusalem on his behalf:
‘I want you to go to Jerusalem and lay my cloak on the tomb of Christ at the Holy Sepulchre .
In 1183, William Marshal was still a landless knight. Unattached, unmarried and dependent upon the patronage of others, there was no barrier to his undertaking the pilgrimage. And now, over thirty years later, he remembers the journey, the adventures, the people he met.
‘I was dreaming’, he said. ‘I was not in this time and place .’
William Marshal spent three years on this pilgrimage, but little is known about this period of his life. This lack of detail has enabled Ms Chadwick (who has written several novels about William Marshal and his family) to imagine how that time was spent. In this novel, William Marshal’s trip to Jerusalem took him via Constantinople, to the court of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem (the Leper King), febrile with internal intrigue and threatened by Saladin. We meet the Patriarch of Jerusalem and his mistress, Paschia de Riveri. And amongst these historical figures, Ms Chadwick weaves a romance for William Marshal, and a possible explanation for decisions he makes.
I’ve fallen in love with the William Marshal of Ms Chadwick’s novels, and I enjoyed this novel as well. We know that William Marshal survived the pilgrimage, but I had to remind myself of this a couple of times.
For those who enjoyed Ms Chadwick’s novels about William Marshal as much as I did, this is a terrific read. As the novel alternates between William Marshal’s deathbed and the experiences of his pilgrimage, past and present move together.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
June 23, 2019
There is no doubt in my mind that Elizabeth Chadwick is the queen of historical fiction (don't even think to fight me on this, lol). There's just something about her novels that feel like I'm immersed in her medieval world. She knows how to weave fact and fiction into a seamless tapestry. Her characters, based on real people, leap out of the dusty past and into brilliant life. And no more so than The Greatest Knight, William Marshal. Why none of her books have been optioned for a miniseries is downright criminal. Nothing against Hilary Mantel because I loved Wolf Hall, but seriously, Chadwick's novels would be great on film.
Yes, I did read this book in a day. That's how amazing it was. How quickly I was pulled back into the pageantry, political intrigue, adventure and forbidden romance of Templar Silks. It was also a bittersweet time spent with William, older and laying in his deathbed, recalling his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. I'll miss him, but I'm sure Chadwick has plenty of stories about his children.
Yes, I did read this book in a day. That's how amazing it was. How quickly I was pulled back into the pageantry, political intrigue, adventure and forbidden romance of Templar Silks. It was also a bittersweet time spent with William, older and laying in his deathbed, recalling his pilgrimage to Jerusalem. I'll miss him, but I'm sure Chadwick has plenty of stories about his children.
August 15, 2024
I've read all of Elizabeth Chadwick's books about William Marshal and I have decided that he is my medieval hero! This particular book was not my favorite of all of them but was certainly educational and interesting. I've not read much about Jerusalem or this particular revolution that occurred. I've visited the Temple Church in London and it's interesting to learn more about how William Marshal became a Templar night. If you enjoy Elizabeth Chadwick's books I recommend reading this.
April 23, 2018
Some books I read in a day or two, other take weeks. The ones that take weeks normally are either academic tomes that need serious digestion, or fiction that is only worthy of being a time filler as they have not grabbed my attention. So, why did it take a week to read Templar Silks? The problem was not just that my week was filled with other distractions, but also that I did not want to finish reading it. It was a book to savour rather than gulp down.
I first came across Elizabeth Chadwick when a late Aunt gave me The Conquest as a birthday present. I was not not overly impressed as I felt it was a love story that could have been fitted into any historical period. Also, given my own views, I felt the heroine should have poised the food she gave the Norman rather than become his lover and follow him to the northern land holding he had been given after the slaughter of its English owner seeing as he had been involved in the battle that killed her two brothers and belonged to the race that had killed her husband. However, a chance purchase of another Chadwick novel at a book fair shewed that she was a better historical fiction writer than I had first thought. Over the past few years I have bought all her historical novels, and at full price, I hasten to add. Templar Silks is Chadwick’s latest novel and her increased maturity as a writer is so very apparent and is indicative of the wisdom she has shewn in now using historical figures to write her tales around rather than fictitious ones.
Templar Silks tells the story of William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, during his time on pilgrimage and crusade in the Holy Land – a period of his life about which little is known. William, surrounded by family and comrades, lies dying and the story flicks between his death bed and his life in the Holy Land. Whilst recalling the past in his dreams Marshall hangs on to life long enough for the silk shrouds he was given when he became a secular Templar Knight to be brought to his manor at Caversham from their hiding place in Wales.
As the fly cover says of the Hold Land at the time the book is full of: “deadly politics, devious scheming, and lusts of powerful men and women who rule the kingdom”.
Elizabeth Chadwick is well known for her meticulous research and is well respected by all who know their history, but what impressed me most with this novel is her insight into the spiritual and religiousness not just of the period, but of William Marshall, the greatest knight, a man who made the move from secular to full Templar Knight just before he died. This novel makes understanding his total loyalty, commitment and integrity to the four Kings of England that he served so much clearer and why he came to be trusted by all he had dealings with.
I first came across Elizabeth Chadwick when a late Aunt gave me The Conquest as a birthday present. I was not not overly impressed as I felt it was a love story that could have been fitted into any historical period. Also, given my own views, I felt the heroine should have poised the food she gave the Norman rather than become his lover and follow him to the northern land holding he had been given after the slaughter of its English owner seeing as he had been involved in the battle that killed her two brothers and belonged to the race that had killed her husband. However, a chance purchase of another Chadwick novel at a book fair shewed that she was a better historical fiction writer than I had first thought. Over the past few years I have bought all her historical novels, and at full price, I hasten to add. Templar Silks is Chadwick’s latest novel and her increased maturity as a writer is so very apparent and is indicative of the wisdom she has shewn in now using historical figures to write her tales around rather than fictitious ones.
Templar Silks tells the story of William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, during his time on pilgrimage and crusade in the Holy Land – a period of his life about which little is known. William, surrounded by family and comrades, lies dying and the story flicks between his death bed and his life in the Holy Land. Whilst recalling the past in his dreams Marshall hangs on to life long enough for the silk shrouds he was given when he became a secular Templar Knight to be brought to his manor at Caversham from their hiding place in Wales.
As the fly cover says of the Hold Land at the time the book is full of: “deadly politics, devious scheming, and lusts of powerful men and women who rule the kingdom”.
Elizabeth Chadwick is well known for her meticulous research and is well respected by all who know their history, but what impressed me most with this novel is her insight into the spiritual and religiousness not just of the period, but of William Marshall, the greatest knight, a man who made the move from secular to full Templar Knight just before he died. This novel makes understanding his total loyalty, commitment and integrity to the four Kings of England that he served so much clearer and why he came to be trusted by all he had dealings with.
June 4, 2019
I was lucky I got this book from Netgalley because I have not had much luck with many good books I've wanted to read. Those on the wish list never come my way so this was one was a really good break for me.
Told in two different time lines though in the lifetime of one person - William - the story delves into the personal and political life of both the Kings of England the political strife of Jerusalem and the difficulty in holding on to it in the face of Saladin.
Descriptive in detail from both the workings of households in both states, to the journey itself. Perilous, facing brigands and treacherous weather it was a pilgrimage in adverse conditions and from which many did not return alive. It was also no ordinary turn around journey William and his group spent several years in Jerusalem, lived there under the patronage of eminent folk, he became a secular Templar and this added another dimension to the story.
The telling of his story towards the end of his life when death was around the corner was poignant and far sighted. A life story of great interest, the story thrown back to decades before when William was in his prime was out of a fantasy. Overcoming odds, making decisions which were vital for the groups survival were all mind blowing. I loved the juxtaposition of both history and personal melding together very well into a whole.
Ancient history told in a way to capture the interest of any modern reader.
Told in two different time lines though in the lifetime of one person - William - the story delves into the personal and political life of both the Kings of England the political strife of Jerusalem and the difficulty in holding on to it in the face of Saladin.
Descriptive in detail from both the workings of households in both states, to the journey itself. Perilous, facing brigands and treacherous weather it was a pilgrimage in adverse conditions and from which many did not return alive. It was also no ordinary turn around journey William and his group spent several years in Jerusalem, lived there under the patronage of eminent folk, he became a secular Templar and this added another dimension to the story.
The telling of his story towards the end of his life when death was around the corner was poignant and far sighted. A life story of great interest, the story thrown back to decades before when William was in his prime was out of a fantasy. Overcoming odds, making decisions which were vital for the groups survival were all mind blowing. I loved the juxtaposition of both history and personal melding together very well into a whole.
Ancient history told in a way to capture the interest of any modern reader.
March 26, 2018
This novel fills in the gap in time in the William Marshal novels after Young King Harry dies and before William starts gaining influence and fortune. For those who have forgotten or haven't read the previous books, we get a recap of the sacrilegious pillaging William was reluctantly involved in and which sent him on a pilgrimage to Outremer.
It's a nice visit back to the William Marshal books but in the late-Chadwick style, meaning we know people are getting down and dirty but we're not getting every juicy detail like we would have gotten in her earlier novels. Having said that, the boy-meets-girl aspect of this novel did seem to go on a bit too long and I would have preferred those pages be filled with more information about the Templars and the overall picture of the Holy Land of the time. We learn a fair bit about the political turmoil in Jerusalem but the overall picture could have been better painted. I did like how she portrayed his relationship with religion and pilgrimage.
Overall, another good yarn. Recommended.
It's a nice visit back to the William Marshal books but in the late-Chadwick style, meaning we know people are getting down and dirty but we're not getting every juicy detail like we would have gotten in her earlier novels. Having said that, the boy-meets-girl aspect of this novel did seem to go on a bit too long and I would have preferred those pages be filled with more information about the Templars and the overall picture of the Holy Land of the time. We learn a fair bit about the political turmoil in Jerusalem but the overall picture could have been better painted. I did like how she portrayed his relationship with religion and pilgrimage.
Overall, another good yarn. Recommended.
September 10, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Elizabeth Chadwick recreates for us another time and place and makes it all come alive"
shortlisted for Book of the Month
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Elizabeth Chadwick recreates for us another time and place and makes it all come alive"
shortlisted for Book of the Month
March 6, 2019
In this historical fiction Ms. Chardwick sweeps us to medieval Jerusalem where William Marshal will go to save his soul but the greatest danger he will faces there is losing his heart.
The story moves back in forth between England, 1219, with William Marshal lying on his death bed looking back upon his long-ago pilgrimage with his brother Ancel to the Holy Land then it smoothly switches to Jerusalem, 1183, where the brothers get embroiled in deadly politics, devious scheming and lusts of the powerful people ruling the kingdom. Back and forth we go.
Although this is a glossed account of the time spent in Jerusalem during the calm before the death of King Baldwin, the author’s stunning grasp of historical details of this particular period of time has definitely helped to virtually fill the gaps in a time nothing is actually known. “Templar Silks” is probably more a fiction than anything else but is richly and brilliantly written nonetheless.
The style is formal but in modern English and to be authentic to the era and the court the author leaves the names of people and place in their original French. The factual and factious elements sit together with ease giving the feel that what you read has actually happened. Although this book is set during the Holy Wars, the story is not filled with battles but more with small personal ones. Religion at that time was the backbone of Marshal’s world and he truly believes he will be damned for his actions. He needs to atone for his sins and find his path for the future….this is his final story, he died at age 72. The author is at her best describing Marshal himself and his relationship with his brother, in the ways she depicts the Templar as men of God, how she sets the political situation and plunges her protagonist in a dangerous romance…..
“The Templar Silks” is well said but I found it to be long and the many repetitive scenes did not move the narrative forward…..much too slow for my taste but an excellent read nevertheless.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalleys for this ARC.
This title was previously released by Sphere (Feb.27,2018)
The story moves back in forth between England, 1219, with William Marshal lying on his death bed looking back upon his long-ago pilgrimage with his brother Ancel to the Holy Land then it smoothly switches to Jerusalem, 1183, where the brothers get embroiled in deadly politics, devious scheming and lusts of the powerful people ruling the kingdom. Back and forth we go.
Although this is a glossed account of the time spent in Jerusalem during the calm before the death of King Baldwin, the author’s stunning grasp of historical details of this particular period of time has definitely helped to virtually fill the gaps in a time nothing is actually known. “Templar Silks” is probably more a fiction than anything else but is richly and brilliantly written nonetheless.
The style is formal but in modern English and to be authentic to the era and the court the author leaves the names of people and place in their original French. The factual and factious elements sit together with ease giving the feel that what you read has actually happened. Although this book is set during the Holy Wars, the story is not filled with battles but more with small personal ones. Religion at that time was the backbone of Marshal’s world and he truly believes he will be damned for his actions. He needs to atone for his sins and find his path for the future….this is his final story, he died at age 72. The author is at her best describing Marshal himself and his relationship with his brother, in the ways she depicts the Templar as men of God, how she sets the political situation and plunges her protagonist in a dangerous romance…..
“The Templar Silks” is well said but I found it to be long and the many repetitive scenes did not move the narrative forward…..much too slow for my taste but an excellent read nevertheless.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalleys for this ARC.
This title was previously released by Sphere (Feb.27,2018)
November 26, 2018
What can I say? My most loved historical writer always transports me from the present to the past so effortlessly that you seem to dwell in the other place she has conjured for you for the duration of the book. I am in awe as usual.
January 26, 2019
3.5 -4 stars.
March 27, 2019
For a time, numerous years ago, I read many, many Historical Fiction novels focused on the Kings, Queens, and nobility of old England. Enjoying them all.
This was a wonderful opportunity to visit the period and topic. I really enjoyed learning more about the Templars and Jerusalem in the 1100s.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you Netgalley and publisher..
This was a wonderful opportunity to visit the period and topic. I really enjoyed learning more about the Templars and Jerusalem in the 1100s.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you Netgalley and publisher..
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July 10, 2018Review to follow...
July 27, 2022
An Elizabeth Chadwick is to be released, and I contact my bookshop to have it reserved. As soon as I get a copy it moves to the top(almost) of the to be read pile.
Especially the book about William Marshall and his years in Outremer. This is the part of William's life not covered by the chronicles in detail, and without primary documents to confirm fully dates of events. So in this case the book is less filling in the aspects and helping flesh out the dates, but more thinking what may have happened.
I love the way that Elizabeth constructs her sentences, paragraphs and passages for they enable be to create scenic pictures well. I also love most of the story, in the complexity of politics of the area, the difficulty for newcomers working to be accepted and considered worthy to be part of the decision making.
Alternating chapters from a present where William is dying and a past where thanks to making an oath to his dying young king, William has to travel to Jerusalem and there makes his services and the services of his group available to the Primate of Jerusalem and the King of Jerusalem.
The only downside in the book for me was my annoyance with the love story that was contained,not because it was not well written, nor because it was not possible, but for my annoyance at the way it developed, and the consequences it left. Still you may well read the book, and totally disagree with me and enjoy the love story.
Do. I recommend reading this book, absolutely, every story written by Elizabeth allows you to travel in your mind and share the lives of those that went before, real and not real.
I enjoyed a reread! I could remember what was coming, but still got carried away in the description and imagery!
I listened on Audio book and loved it. The love story played better, but still annoyed me a bit. Yet listening to the words was very evocative, and I found it well developed.
Especially the book about William Marshall and his years in Outremer. This is the part of William's life not covered by the chronicles in detail, and without primary documents to confirm fully dates of events. So in this case the book is less filling in the aspects and helping flesh out the dates, but more thinking what may have happened.
I love the way that Elizabeth constructs her sentences, paragraphs and passages for they enable be to create scenic pictures well. I also love most of the story, in the complexity of politics of the area, the difficulty for newcomers working to be accepted and considered worthy to be part of the decision making.
Alternating chapters from a present where William is dying and a past where thanks to making an oath to his dying young king, William has to travel to Jerusalem and there makes his services and the services of his group available to the Primate of Jerusalem and the King of Jerusalem.
The only downside in the book for me was my annoyance with the love story that was contained,not because it was not well written, nor because it was not possible, but for my annoyance at the way it developed, and the consequences it left. Still you may well read the book, and totally disagree with me and enjoy the love story.
Do. I recommend reading this book, absolutely, every story written by Elizabeth allows you to travel in your mind and share the lives of those that went before, real and not real.
I enjoyed a reread! I could remember what was coming, but still got carried away in the description and imagery!
I listened on Audio book and loved it. The love story played better, but still annoyed me a bit. Yet listening to the words was very evocative, and I found it well developed.
May 21, 2018
I've always enjoyed Elizabeth Chadwick's portrayal of William Marshal and this book was no exception!
March 14, 2019
Not my favorite of this author, very bland
March 26, 2019
I love historical fiction. I enjoy reading about people who had a place in history. As the author stated in her notes, "... the reasons historical fiction exists - to explore the 'what if' and "who knows' ". The story of William Marshall's time in Jerusalem adds another layer of intrigue to his life and the events that occurred during his service to the King of England. The trials and tribulations that he faced in an effort to fulfill a holy vow were an everyday challenge. William is a godly man who feels the weight of his sins and shortcomings in a deep way. He finds conflict in an effort to serve God, serve his King, and avoid the machinations of King Baldwin's court. I will definitely read the other books in this series..
This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2019
I've read many books about William Marshal but this is the first one I have read that discussed his time in Outremer, the Holy Land. Having visited Jerusalem myself, I could clearly picture the places that he went to, which was pretty awesome. An easy read, I would highly recommend this book as well as the Audible version which was read by Jonathan Keeble, one of my favorite Audible narrators.
February 1, 2024
Another wonderfully vivid book from Chadwick, with well researched characters and a wonderfully engaging storyline. It's authors like Chadwick who make me dive into books again and again, they transport you across time and space, and leave you almost brokenhearted when the book is finished - like losing a friend. Fortunately, there are plenty of Chadwick's books to read "on the rebound".
January 17, 2021
Excellent! Quite a slow paced book to begin with but definitely picked up the pace towards the end. Very interesting. Really liked the alternate chapters of past and present. Vivid chapters in Jerusalem that brought the story alive.
I knew i would like this because it’s about William Marshal!
❤️
I knew i would like this because it’s about William Marshal!
❤️
March 30, 2020
God I love William Marshal stories. Seeing what 'happened' to him in Outreamer was great.
May 6, 2024
Jonathan Keeble really brings the story to life.
Want to read
November 17, 2025Book group choice
November 24, 2022
Elizabeth Chadwick takes you to the time and places of her story...pulls you in...you're there
June 6, 2018
In her latest novel, Templar Silks, Elizabeth Chadwick returns to the hero of her earlier books The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion: William Marshal, knight, soldier, statesman and adviser to kings of England. Unlike those other two books, which took us right through William’s life and career, from youth to death, Templar Silks concentrates on one specific episode – William’s journey to the Holy Land – which was mentioned only briefly in The Greatest Knight.
The novel opens in April 1219 with William on his deathbed, surrounded by family and friends at his home in England, Caversham Manor. Before he dies, he asks his squire to bring him the silk burial shrouds he was given by the Templars in the Holy Land thirty years ago. As he waits the arrival of the silks, he looks back on the long-ago adventure that shaped the rest of his life.
In 1183, William was in the service of Henry II’s eldest son, known as the Young King. In need of money to pay his soldiers, the Young King gives orders to raid the shrine of Rocamadour, but falls ill with dysentery shortly afterwards. Aware of the sacrilege he has committed, his dying wish is for William to atone for his sins by taking his cloak to Jerusalem and placing it on Christ’s tomb. Still unmarried at this point and free from the greater responsibilities he will hold in later life, William is happy to undertake the pilgrimage, but the journey proves to be even more eventful and dramatic than he had expected.
William spent three years on his pilgrimage but historians know very little about what actually happened during this period of his life. This allows Elizabeth Chadwick to use her imagination to create William’s story – and with her own knowledge of the medieval world and the political situation in 12th century Jerusalem, she is able to make his actions feel plausible and realistic.
William is accompanied on his journey by a small party of fellow knights and squires, two Templar Knights who act as guides, and his younger brother Ancel. There is no historical evidence that Ancel took part in the pilgrimage – in fact, he is barely mentioned in historical records at all – but the relationship between the brothers was one of my favourite aspects of the book. Ancel and William are very different people, with Ancel depicted as more sensitive, more cautious, and not as quick to learn when it comes to fighting, jousting and other knightly pursuits. There are times when they become frustrated with each other, but the love and loyalty between them is always plain to see.
And William needs all the loyal friends he can find if he is going to survive this difficult mission. After a traumatic experience in Constantinople, he and his men arrive in Jerusalem to find this most holy of cities approaching a moment of crisis. King Baldwin is dying of leprosy and his nephew, his only heir, is too young to rule. Baldwin’s brother-in-law, Guy de Lusignan, is the next most logical contender, but Guy has many rivals and Jerusalem desperately needs strong, united leadership to deal with the threat of Saladin. William has more reason than most to dislike Guy, who was responsible for his uncle’s death several years earlier, but choosing to support another claimant could lead him into even more danger.
Due to the nature of the story, the setting and the focus on politics and the military, most of the main characters in this particular novel are male, but there is one female character who has a large role to play during William’s time in Jerusalem. She is Paschia de Riveri, the beautiful concubine of the Patriarch Heraclius. It is never very clear what Paschia’s motives are or how she truly feels, but as William became more entangled in her schemes, I couldn’t help thinking that it would all end unhappily for him – while hoping, for his sake, that I was wrong.
I enjoyed Templar Silks, with all of its adventure and intrigue, but it does feel a bit different from Elizabeth Chadwick’s other recent novels such as her Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy and Lady of the English, which are more biographical and cover much longer time periods. It seems that Chadwick is not ready to leave the Marshals behind just yet; her next novel, The Irish Princess, is going to be about the parents of William’s wife, Isabelle de Clare.
The novel opens in April 1219 with William on his deathbed, surrounded by family and friends at his home in England, Caversham Manor. Before he dies, he asks his squire to bring him the silk burial shrouds he was given by the Templars in the Holy Land thirty years ago. As he waits the arrival of the silks, he looks back on the long-ago adventure that shaped the rest of his life.
In 1183, William was in the service of Henry II’s eldest son, known as the Young King. In need of money to pay his soldiers, the Young King gives orders to raid the shrine of Rocamadour, but falls ill with dysentery shortly afterwards. Aware of the sacrilege he has committed, his dying wish is for William to atone for his sins by taking his cloak to Jerusalem and placing it on Christ’s tomb. Still unmarried at this point and free from the greater responsibilities he will hold in later life, William is happy to undertake the pilgrimage, but the journey proves to be even more eventful and dramatic than he had expected.
William spent three years on his pilgrimage but historians know very little about what actually happened during this period of his life. This allows Elizabeth Chadwick to use her imagination to create William’s story – and with her own knowledge of the medieval world and the political situation in 12th century Jerusalem, she is able to make his actions feel plausible and realistic.
William is accompanied on his journey by a small party of fellow knights and squires, two Templar Knights who act as guides, and his younger brother Ancel. There is no historical evidence that Ancel took part in the pilgrimage – in fact, he is barely mentioned in historical records at all – but the relationship between the brothers was one of my favourite aspects of the book. Ancel and William are very different people, with Ancel depicted as more sensitive, more cautious, and not as quick to learn when it comes to fighting, jousting and other knightly pursuits. There are times when they become frustrated with each other, but the love and loyalty between them is always plain to see.
And William needs all the loyal friends he can find if he is going to survive this difficult mission. After a traumatic experience in Constantinople, he and his men arrive in Jerusalem to find this most holy of cities approaching a moment of crisis. King Baldwin is dying of leprosy and his nephew, his only heir, is too young to rule. Baldwin’s brother-in-law, Guy de Lusignan, is the next most logical contender, but Guy has many rivals and Jerusalem desperately needs strong, united leadership to deal with the threat of Saladin. William has more reason than most to dislike Guy, who was responsible for his uncle’s death several years earlier, but choosing to support another claimant could lead him into even more danger.
Due to the nature of the story, the setting and the focus on politics and the military, most of the main characters in this particular novel are male, but there is one female character who has a large role to play during William’s time in Jerusalem. She is Paschia de Riveri, the beautiful concubine of the Patriarch Heraclius. It is never very clear what Paschia’s motives are or how she truly feels, but as William became more entangled in her schemes, I couldn’t help thinking that it would all end unhappily for him – while hoping, for his sake, that I was wrong.
I enjoyed Templar Silks, with all of its adventure and intrigue, but it does feel a bit different from Elizabeth Chadwick’s other recent novels such as her Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy and Lady of the English, which are more biographical and cover much longer time periods. It seems that Chadwick is not ready to leave the Marshals behind just yet; her next novel, The Irish Princess, is going to be about the parents of William’s wife, Isabelle de Clare.
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