What do you think?
Rate this book
Knights Templar #2
The Last Emir
Risk everything; fight to the last: a taut and intense historical thriller from master author S.J.A. Turney
The relics of Christendom have been plundered during the long Moorish conquest of the Iberian peninsula. Newly minted Templar Sergeant Arnau de Vallbona must recover one of the most elusive to save his priory at Rourell in Spain.
Travelling to Majorca on a stealth mission to retrieve the bones of St Stephen, Arnau soon discovers the raid is more complex than it first appears: the mighty Almohad dynasty has laid claim to the island, and will fight them every step of the way.
Along with his companion, the aged warrior Balthesar, Arnau is in desperate straits. Surrounded on all sides by hostile forces, it will take all their cunning and strength to escape with their prize – and their lives....
A thrilling and unexplored account of the Knights Templar, grounded in extraordinary research, The Last Emir is perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, K.M. Ashman and C.F. Iggulden.318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2018
308 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
S.J.A. Turney
95 books503 followersSimon lives with his wife and children and a menagerie of animals in rural North Yorkshire, where he sits in an office, wired on coffee and digestive biscuits, and attempts to spin engrossing tales out of strands of imagination while his children drive toys across his desk and two dogs howl as they try to share a brain cell.
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
A born and bred Yorkshireman with a love of country, history and architecture, Simon spends most of his rare free time travelling around ancient sites, writing, researching the ancient world and reading voraciously.
Following an arcane and eclectic career path that wound through everything from sheep to Microsoft networks and from paint to car sales, Simon wrote Marius’ Mules and, with help and support, made a success of it. Now, with in excess of 20 novels under his belt, Simon writes full time and is represented by MMB Creative literary agents.
Simon writes Roman military novels in the form of the bestselling Marius’ Mules series based on Julius Caesar’s campaigns, Roman thrillers in the Praetorian series, set during the troubled reign of Commodus, medieval adventures in the Ottoman Cycle, following a young Greek thief around the 15th century world, and a series of Historical Fantasy novels with a Roman flavour, called the Tales of the Empire.
Simon can be found on Twitter as @SJATurney and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SJATurney/ as well as on his website http://www.sjaturney.co.uk
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 6, 2019
The first book in this series - Daughter of War - introduced us to Arnau de Vallbona, a Spanish knight who ended up as a sergeant in the Knights Templar. By the end of that volume, Rourell, the priory he has joined is in a sorry state. It's lands and buildings damaged, it's income much diminished.
One of the remaining Brothers - Balthazar - believes he has a way to improve the situation. Relics are a lucrative business; religious sites who possess them can attract pilgrims; and their money. So Arnau sets out with Brother Balthazar to recover a relic of St Stephen last heard of many years ago on Majorca.
Travelling in disguise, they reach the island. The Almohads who control all of Moorish Spain have not yet reached this last independent Emirate, but they are keen to take it over. Almost as soon as they reach their destination they discover that a small group of Almohad warriors are already there, led by a man called Abd al-Aziz. He and Balthazar have a long history, but the brother is initially reluctant to reveal it.
It soon emerges that the whereabouts of the bones will not be easy to ascertain, and wherever they go, the seem to find al-Aziz or his soldiers. The search becomes more and more difficult, and when they meet the current Emir, he offers his help in return for their helping him. The island has been relatively tolerant of different peoples, be they Christian, Muslim or Jewish, but that time appears to be coming to an end.
Arnau continues to learn his craft. Although he had been a competent knight before joining the Templars, he has had to re-learn everything, and now he finds himself surrounded by the unknown and with potential enemies everywhere. He has to learn from the elderly Balthazar that fighting is not the only option. Brains are needed as well as brawn.
The search for the relic is tortuous and difficult, and the twists and turns are well-plotted and make you think. Balthazar is an interesting character, and as we gradually learn more about him, his history is fascinating as well. Al-Aziz is also a well drawn opponent; a zealot, but here also with vengeance on his mind.
However, this volume was not for me quite as convincing as the first. There were rather too many miraculous escapes and questionable events allowing the two heroes to move on in their quest. The story moved at a good pace, and I did want to know the outcome, but it didn't hold my attention as strongly as many of the author's other books. It will be interesting to see how the story continues in the next book. I will definitely read it, but hope for a little more realism.
One of the remaining Brothers - Balthazar - believes he has a way to improve the situation. Relics are a lucrative business; religious sites who possess them can attract pilgrims; and their money. So Arnau sets out with Brother Balthazar to recover a relic of St Stephen last heard of many years ago on Majorca.
Travelling in disguise, they reach the island. The Almohads who control all of Moorish Spain have not yet reached this last independent Emirate, but they are keen to take it over. Almost as soon as they reach their destination they discover that a small group of Almohad warriors are already there, led by a man called Abd al-Aziz. He and Balthazar have a long history, but the brother is initially reluctant to reveal it.
It soon emerges that the whereabouts of the bones will not be easy to ascertain, and wherever they go, the seem to find al-Aziz or his soldiers. The search becomes more and more difficult, and when they meet the current Emir, he offers his help in return for their helping him. The island has been relatively tolerant of different peoples, be they Christian, Muslim or Jewish, but that time appears to be coming to an end.
Arnau continues to learn his craft. Although he had been a competent knight before joining the Templars, he has had to re-learn everything, and now he finds himself surrounded by the unknown and with potential enemies everywhere. He has to learn from the elderly Balthazar that fighting is not the only option. Brains are needed as well as brawn.
The search for the relic is tortuous and difficult, and the twists and turns are well-plotted and make you think. Balthazar is an interesting character, and as we gradually learn more about him, his history is fascinating as well. Al-Aziz is also a well drawn opponent; a zealot, but here also with vengeance on his mind.
However, this volume was not for me quite as convincing as the first. There were rather too many miraculous escapes and questionable events allowing the two heroes to move on in their quest. The story moved at a good pace, and I did want to know the outcome, but it didn't hold my attention as strongly as many of the author's other books. It will be interesting to see how the story continues in the next book. I will definitely read it, but hope for a little more realism.
November 21, 2018
4 stars
It is the year of 1199 in Spain.
The Priory of Rourell is in trouble. They don’t have a good reputation, even among other Templar strongholds. They are recently unable to attract many recruits which puts the order in trouble of disbanding or even disappearing altogether.
Sergeant Arnau de Vallbona and his trusty, but elderly, sidekick Balthesar are sent on a secret mission to Majorca to retrieve a holy relic – the bones of St. Stephen. However, the island at present is being held by the enemy, the Almohads.
What follows is an exciting and action-packed drama with Arnau and Balthesar trying to complete their mission – and stay alive. Besieged on all sides, it looks rather grim for our intrepid heroes. Balthesar disappears and Arnau narrowly escapes the keep on the island.
This is a very well written novel. It has some great poetry in it as well. The story is exciting, thrilling and it flows well. The transitions are smooth and well thought out. I enjoyed this book very much. I liked Arnau and Balthesar and admire their courage and skill in attempting to complete their mission. (I certainly couldn’t live in those times. I don’t have the strength or courage to do so.) This is my first S.J.A. Turney book and I immediately went to Amazon to look for other books by this author.
I want to thank NetGalley and Canelo for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
It is the year of 1199 in Spain.
The Priory of Rourell is in trouble. They don’t have a good reputation, even among other Templar strongholds. They are recently unable to attract many recruits which puts the order in trouble of disbanding or even disappearing altogether.
Sergeant Arnau de Vallbona and his trusty, but elderly, sidekick Balthesar are sent on a secret mission to Majorca to retrieve a holy relic – the bones of St. Stephen. However, the island at present is being held by the enemy, the Almohads.
What follows is an exciting and action-packed drama with Arnau and Balthesar trying to complete their mission – and stay alive. Besieged on all sides, it looks rather grim for our intrepid heroes. Balthesar disappears and Arnau narrowly escapes the keep on the island.
This is a very well written novel. It has some great poetry in it as well. The story is exciting, thrilling and it flows well. The transitions are smooth and well thought out. I enjoyed this book very much. I liked Arnau and Balthesar and admire their courage and skill in attempting to complete their mission. (I certainly couldn’t live in those times. I don’t have the strength or courage to do so.) This is my first S.J.A. Turney book and I immediately went to Amazon to look for other books by this author.
I want to thank NetGalley and Canelo for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
January 7, 2019
Maybe I missed something or it was the lack of reading the First book in the series, but I just couldn’t get into this book at all. I felt no enjoyment or interest at all throughout this book. I just didn’t connect with the characters and I felt that the story was very bland. While a lot seemed to happen, I felt like nothing really happened.
Thanks to SJA Turney and Canelo Adventure for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
Thanks to SJA Turney and Canelo Adventure for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
May 20, 2019
BLURB
Risk everything; fight to the last: a taut and intense historical thriller from master author S.J.A. Turney
The relics of Christendom have been plundered during the long Moorish conquest of the Iberian peninsula. Newly minted Templar Sergeant Arnau de Vallbona must recover one of the most elusive to save his priory at Rourell in Spain.
Travelling to Majorca on a stealth mission to retrieve the bones of St Stephen, Arnau soon discovers the raid is more complex than it first appears: the mighty Almohad dynasty has laid claim to the island, and will fight them every step of the way.
Along with his companion, the aged warrior Balthesar, Arnau is in desperate straits. Surrounded on all sides by hostile forces, it will take all their cunning and strength to escape with their prize – and their lives....
A thrilling and unexplored account of the Knights Templar, grounded in extraordinary research, The Last Emir is perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, K.M. Ashman and C.F. Iggulden.
REVIEW
Arnau is not a very complex man...steadfast, loyal, unerring in his devotion to the Order and to God. However, in The Last Emir, complexities are the name of the game, and Arnau will either adapt or he will die. While the story line revolves around the search for a long lost relic, the plot soon encompasses the fight of good versus evil, the age old story of revenge, and the irony of one's faith being tested and used in a much broader understanding of God and men. The author has given the reader a heart pounding tale with his usual flair for drama making it hard to put the book down. Meticulously researched, the reader is drawn into a time and place of religious turmoil, and the seeking of power and dominion over heathens and infidels. The story, entertaining as it is, also has the quality to make one think about how things in the world could be without the religious intolerance we have been subjected to for millennia. As a reader, The Last Emir, is a pleasure to enjoy. As a member of the human race, The Last Emir, is a hopeful glance at how Christian, Muslim, and Jew can coexist. 5 Stars
Risk everything; fight to the last: a taut and intense historical thriller from master author S.J.A. Turney
The relics of Christendom have been plundered during the long Moorish conquest of the Iberian peninsula. Newly minted Templar Sergeant Arnau de Vallbona must recover one of the most elusive to save his priory at Rourell in Spain.
Travelling to Majorca on a stealth mission to retrieve the bones of St Stephen, Arnau soon discovers the raid is more complex than it first appears: the mighty Almohad dynasty has laid claim to the island, and will fight them every step of the way.
Along with his companion, the aged warrior Balthesar, Arnau is in desperate straits. Surrounded on all sides by hostile forces, it will take all their cunning and strength to escape with their prize – and their lives....
A thrilling and unexplored account of the Knights Templar, grounded in extraordinary research, The Last Emir is perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, K.M. Ashman and C.F. Iggulden.
REVIEW
Arnau is not a very complex man...steadfast, loyal, unerring in his devotion to the Order and to God. However, in The Last Emir, complexities are the name of the game, and Arnau will either adapt or he will die. While the story line revolves around the search for a long lost relic, the plot soon encompasses the fight of good versus evil, the age old story of revenge, and the irony of one's faith being tested and used in a much broader understanding of God and men. The author has given the reader a heart pounding tale with his usual flair for drama making it hard to put the book down. Meticulously researched, the reader is drawn into a time and place of religious turmoil, and the seeking of power and dominion over heathens and infidels. The story, entertaining as it is, also has the quality to make one think about how things in the world could be without the religious intolerance we have been subjected to for millennia. As a reader, The Last Emir, is a pleasure to enjoy. As a member of the human race, The Last Emir, is a hopeful glance at how Christian, Muslim, and Jew can coexist. 5 Stars
July 15, 2020
The Last Emir was a very enjoyable read, continuing the adventures of our hero, Arnau of Valbona, a sometime Spanish knight who joins a small Templar Preceptory (run by a woman!) That was in the last book, in this one he and Brother Balthesar go to Majorca in search of a relic lost nearly a century before.
As more details about his companion's past come to light, Arnau and Baltesar get caught up the the vicissitudes of politics and war during a fascinating period in the history of the Mediterranean. 'The Last Emir' in this book referes to the last independent Moorish ruler of the island, before it fell to the control of the Almavorids. Who were not popular with anyone, Muslim or Christian, it appears.
The novel has character development, and nearing the end, plenty of danger and action. Whilst you came to really care for the character of Arnua, and others who only played a minor role but showed great courage I did have a couple of minor niggles with this story. The character's attitudes didn't always ring totally true for the time period.
Also, I don't think Christians had any particular aversion to baths, or bathhouses. Charlemagne is said to have been quite fond of bathing in a large pool. and that was 400 years before this.
Turney's Templar novels are nevertheless a good read, bringing to life little known places and historical incidents. I look forward to following the story of Arnua in the subsequent titles in this series.
Thanks to Caneo for approving me request for this title. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
As more details about his companion's past come to light, Arnau and Baltesar get caught up the the vicissitudes of politics and war during a fascinating period in the history of the Mediterranean. 'The Last Emir' in this book referes to the last independent Moorish ruler of the island, before it fell to the control of the Almavorids. Who were not popular with anyone, Muslim or Christian, it appears.
The novel has character development, and nearing the end, plenty of danger and action. Whilst you came to really care for the character of Arnua, and others who only played a minor role but showed great courage I did have a couple of minor niggles with this story. The character's attitudes didn't always ring totally true for the time period.
Also, I don't think Christians had any particular aversion to baths, or bathhouses. Charlemagne is said to have been quite fond of bathing in a large pool. and that was 400 years before this.
Turney's Templar novels are nevertheless a good read, bringing to life little known places and historical incidents. I look forward to following the story of Arnua in the subsequent titles in this series.
Thanks to Caneo for approving me request for this title. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
January 20, 2019
MY REVIEW
Set the year 1199 in Spain.
The Priory of Rourell has a poor reputation, which is something what compared to other Templar establishments. Due to this they are unable to get new ‘recruits’ and may disappear into obscurity.
So, Vallbona and his companion, Balthesar are sent on a mission to collect/steal a holy relic from the Island of Majorca, which is currently held by some Almohad, the enemy.
This is an exciting, life or death, will they won’t they drama with plenty of action and the author has created likeable characters in Valbona and Balthasar. A real blood and gore, gripping page turner.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
Set the year 1199 in Spain.
The Priory of Rourell has a poor reputation, which is something what compared to other Templar establishments. Due to this they are unable to get new ‘recruits’ and may disappear into obscurity.
So, Vallbona and his companion, Balthesar are sent on a mission to collect/steal a holy relic from the Island of Majorca, which is currently held by some Almohad, the enemy.
This is an exciting, life or death, will they won’t they drama with plenty of action and the author has created likeable characters in Valbona and Balthasar. A real blood and gore, gripping page turner.
I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
March 27, 2019
A fast moving story following the adventures of two knights in their efforts to rescue an ancient relic and to restore the fortunes of the priory at Rourrel. The tension on the island between the knights, the Almohads and the supporters of the Emir is palpable. Descriptions of landscapes are evocative. Details of fights and conflicts are full of exhaustive detail, evidence of the detailed research carried out by the author. Tension comes to an inevitable climax at the end. A narrative full of colour and details of a little known episode in Iberian history.
July 26, 2020
Unanswered Questions
I really am enjoying this series and find that I flew through the first two books. However, two niggling occurrences gave me pause.
First, what exactly was the object Arnau found on the site of Lucas's church ruins, and why did he not mention his discovery to his fellow knight?
Second, exactly what "thought occurred" to Arnau after the Lion of Alarcos's demise?
Finally, why did Arnau scramble to the parapet from which The Lion fell when the Emir appeared?
Very irritating omissions.
I really am enjoying this series and find that I flew through the first two books. However, two niggling occurrences gave me pause.
First, what exactly was the object Arnau found on the site of Lucas's church ruins, and why did he not mention his discovery to his fellow knight?
Second, exactly what "thought occurred" to Arnau after the Lion of Alarcos's demise?
Finally, why did Arnau scramble to the parapet from which The Lion fell when the Emir appeared?
Very irritating omissions.
January 16, 2023
This is the second in the series Knights Templar. Our hero, Arnau of Valbona is on a quest with a senior member of the Templars, Balthesar, to find a relic which they hope will bring good fortune to their monastery. Although there is not as much action in this novel as there was in the first, the descriptions of Muslim Spain in the 12th. century are fascinating. I liked this book for its honest appraisal of both sides in the conflict between Christian and Muslim Spain. Turney points out that there is no black and white in that conflict, only many shades of grey.
April 20, 2024
The suspense is building
A great adventure action book involving the history of the islands off Spain (Palma). I do like the way the story is told and is forever building into an epic ending. Even from the start as the story is building it is never boring and keeps you wanting more. The only criticism is the plasms drive you insane but they are generally easy enough to skip over without missing anything, but in saying that, it is a book about Christian templar knights so it's probably fitting for the story.
A great adventure action book involving the history of the islands off Spain (Palma). I do like the way the story is told and is forever building into an epic ending. Even from the start as the story is building it is never boring and keeps you wanting more. The only criticism is the plasms drive you insane but they are generally easy enough to skip over without missing anything, but in saying that, it is a book about Christian templar knights so it's probably fitting for the story.
December 13, 2020
For Enthusiasts Only
A mixed bag in this tale, the spice of action mixing poorly with the tedium of overmuch historical travelogue. A propensity for biblical quotes also overdone and I found that more distracting than engaging. Overall a disjointed string of historical facts loosely strung together in a tale which starts from nothing and ends nowhere.
A mixed bag in this tale, the spice of action mixing poorly with the tedium of overmuch historical travelogue. A propensity for biblical quotes also overdone and I found that more distracting than engaging. Overall a disjointed string of historical facts loosely strung together in a tale which starts from nothing and ends nowhere.
March 28, 2019
Religious accommodation with moral purpose in ascent
Interesting moment in the “Dark Ages” supported by historically reasonably accurate interpretations. The author in the afterword gives a sense of perspective useful even in modern society. Worthwhile read.
Interesting moment in the “Dark Ages” supported by historically reasonably accurate interpretations. The author in the afterword gives a sense of perspective useful even in modern society. Worthwhile read.
April 20, 2019
A great follow up
A great follow on tale about the young novice templar knight who, as in book 1, continues his journey of education from another side old master. An intriguing insight in Moorish held Iberia and the islands of spain.
A great follow on tale about the young novice templar knight who, as in book 1, continues his journey of education from another side old master. An intriguing insight in Moorish held Iberia and the islands of spain.
October 11, 2019
Great second book in de Knights Templar series that gives yet more insight in the crusades. I love how the writer has taken a different angle, rather than just continuing where the first book left off.
June 8, 2020
Warming up to this series
I enjoyed the first book of this series, and very much appreciated the in-depth look at Balthazar with his more complex history. Vallbona remains an immature character, but a necessary figure. I will be jumping into the third instalment shortly
I enjoyed the first book of this series, and very much appreciated the in-depth look at Balthazar with his more complex history. Vallbona remains an immature character, but a necessary figure. I will be jumping into the third instalment shortly
February 10, 2022
Another page turner
Following first book but quite different in the storyline our hero finds more to learn from his new teacher and that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Fast paced there are parts of the book you just can't out down.
Following first book but quite different in the storyline our hero finds more to learn from his new teacher and that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Fast paced there are parts of the book you just can't out down.
August 11, 2022
War, Strife, and Faith
Simon Turney's book The Last Emir is not only a book of War but of the tenants of faith. A search for a forgotten relic turns into a search for truth and honor.
Simon Turney's book The Last Emir is not only a book of War but of the tenants of faith. A search for a forgotten relic turns into a search for truth and honor.
April 6, 2025
Faith
The first two books of The Knights Templar while they are exceedingly excellently written were not what I was expecting.. The action was fascinating and the storyline with the historical Bible references was fascinating.
The first two books of The Knights Templar while they are exceedingly excellently written were not what I was expecting.. The action was fascinating and the storyline with the historical Bible references was fascinating.
April 19, 2019
I enjoyed the story , although found it to be quite predictable. Historical details are lacking for me or I would have rated it higher. All in all it was a good read
January 26, 2020
The value for me in this book was the peek into life in the 12th century in Spain, the Christians, Moors, Jews, and how they interacted and the descriptions of buildings and life at that time.
June 12, 2020
Really stirring historical fiction.
A great clash of cultures with sword-yielding adventure to match.
A great clash of cultures with sword-yielding adventure to match.
Read
July 30, 2020Fun bog good til regnvejrs dage.
Good book to sit I. You Sommer house when raining and wind is making outside troublesome. Help me to a nice holliday
Good book to sit I. You Sommer house when raining and wind is making outside troublesome. Help me to a nice holliday
October 13, 2020
I preferred the 1st book in the series but its still a very good read and insightful into the islands and the Moors.
February 9, 2021
Good read
Not as exciting as the 1st but still a good book. With a deeper look into two of the characters
Not as exciting as the 1st but still a good book. With a deeper look into two of the characters
June 22, 2021
Excellent read and good followup to the Series
Excellent read good to follow up on the history of the island of minorca and myorca also the history of the Templer Nights
Excellent read good to follow up on the history of the island of minorca and myorca also the history of the Templer Nights
June 3, 2023
Richly described adventure book that stays true to the history of the Templars.
June 3, 2023
A great series; I'm bingeing!
February 16, 2024
A quest of faith becomes a political/military 'good versus evil' of unlikely allies.
February 17, 2025
Book 2
This book just did not grab my attention the way the first book. Its a part of history that makes a good story.
This book just did not grab my attention the way the first book. Its a part of history that makes a good story.
June 14, 2025
Slash and defend
Gr8
Enjoyed the story woven over the steel of fact, and rapprochement of people of good will everywhere
Thx Simon
Gr8
Enjoyed the story woven over the steel of fact, and rapprochement of people of good will everywhere
Thx Simon
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews