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Will Richard the Lionheart reclaim his throne in this epic historical adventure of the Crusader Knights
It is winter in England, 1192. Richard Coeur de Lion, the battle-hardened warrior-king, has been captured and imprisoned returning from the Crusades – after spending only a few months in the land he is supposed to rule.

As the winter snow melts, England pays the price of being a kingdom without a king. For Richard’s jealous and spiteful brother John, not content with robbing his brother’s subjects of all they have, plans insurrection to wrest the throne itself…

But then a second message comes, one which chills even John’s thin blood: ‘Le diable étoit déchaîné,’ ‘The devil is loose!’ The game is on, and everything is to play for.

The fourth exciting instalment of The Crusader Knights Cycle is perfect for fans of Griff Hosker, Jonathan Lunn and Conn Iggulden.

‘Vivid and engaging’ Scotsman

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1973

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About the author

Graham Shelby

14 books9 followers
Graham Shelby (born 1939) is a British historical novelist. He worked as a copywriter and book-reviewer before embarking on a series of historical novels, mainly set in the twelfth century.

Chronological list of works:
The Knights of Dark Renown (1969), set in the Kingdom of Jerusalem during the reigns of Baldwin IV, Baldwin V and Queen Sibylla, majoring on the real-life knight Raynald of Châtillon and his arch-enemy Saladin.

The Kings of Vain Intent (1970), sequel to the above, dealing with the Third Crusade, depicting Conrad of Montferrat as the villain: the US edition contains an additional chapter.

The Villains of the Piece (1972) (published in the US as The Oath and the Sword), about the conflict between King Stephen and Queen Matilda. (standalone novel)

The Devil is Loose (1974), a sequel to The Kings of Vain Intent, following the later career of Richard I of England.

The Wolf at the Door (1975), sequel to the above, about John of England.

The Cannaways (1978), a story of a fictional eighteenth-century family.

The Cannaway Concern (1980), sequel to the above.

The Edge of the Blade (1986). (standalone novel)

Demand the World (1990), based on the life of Eliza Lynch. (standalone novel)

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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for Chrisl.
607 reviews85 followers
December 8, 2015
Entertaining, informative, but not deep coverage of the characters and events, rather a "Cliff Notes" version. Shelby casts John as obnoxious, a despicable "Softsword."

Will likely re-re-read Myself As Witness and some of the Penman books for perspective.
Myself as Witness
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