What do you think?
Rate this book
The Brotherhood #1
Templar Steel
AD 1177 The threat of war sweeps across the Holy Land and the kingdom of Jerusalem is at imminent risk of invasion from the massed armies of Saladin. Reports of Saracen patrols devastating towns and villages cause panic throughout the Outremer, and Baldwin, the teenage king beset with leprosy, tries desperately to counter the threat. But nobody knows where the enemy forces are and the Christian forces are stretched thinly.With the king’s army campaigning in the north and the feared Templar knights defending the border far to the south, only one man has even the slightest chance of finding out Saladin’s true intentions, a Templar Sergeant named Thomas Cronin. With time running out and the odds stacked heavily against him, Cronin needs to find the Saracen army and relay the information back to the leper king in time to prevent the fall of Jerusalem, and indeed, the Holy Land itself!
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2018
485 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Ashman
52 books227 followersKevin Ashman is the author of twenty-six novels including the best-selling Roman Chronicles and highly ranked Medieval Sagas.
Always pushing the boundaries he found further success with the India Sommers Mysteries as well as three other stand-alone projects, Vampire, Savage Eden and the dystopian horror story, The Last Citadel. These cross-genre books have now been added to by the two Sci-fi novels, The Legacy Protocol and The Seventh God.
Kevin was born and raised in Wales in the United Kingdom and now writes full time having been signed by a major publishing company. He is married with four grown children and enjoys cycling, swimming and watching rugby as his hobbies.
Recent works include the Blood of Kings trilogy and the follow-up books, Warrior Princess and The Blade Bearer.
The most recent project is a five-book series about the Templars during the 12th century. Templar Steel, Templar Stone, Templar Blood and Templar Fury are already on sale and Templar Glory is due for release in Oct 2021.
An exciting project is also underway, a three-book series chronicling the years leading up to and beyond the Battle of Hastings.
Always pushing the boundaries he found further success with the India Sommers Mysteries as well as three other stand-alone projects, Vampire, Savage Eden and the dystopian horror story, The Last Citadel. These cross-genre books have now been added to by the two Sci-fi novels, The Legacy Protocol and The Seventh God.
Kevin was born and raised in Wales in the United Kingdom and now writes full time having been signed by a major publishing company. He is married with four grown children and enjoys cycling, swimming and watching rugby as his hobbies.
Recent works include the Blood of Kings trilogy and the follow-up books, Warrior Princess and The Blade Bearer.
The most recent project is a five-book series about the Templars during the 12th century. Templar Steel, Templar Stone, Templar Blood and Templar Fury are already on sale and Templar Glory is due for release in Oct 2021.
An exciting project is also underway, a three-book series chronicling the years leading up to and beyond the Battle of Hastings.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 3, 2021
Disappointing
The Distinct tone I get from the author is that these Saracens were always in Israel. And that the western people, the Christians, we're invaders. That is so far from the truth it is astounding, but it follows the woke attitude of people, Especially the left and those who are duped by the lefts agenda and policies.
Jerusalem had been Christian for over 1,000 years and these Saracens invaded and took over Jerusalem. They slaughtered thousands and desecrated the Christian churches. Then they built their mosques on top of the foundations of the destroyed churches, and that's how they stand today.
This book ignores all of history.
The Distinct tone I get from the author is that these Saracens were always in Israel. And that the western people, the Christians, we're invaders. That is so far from the truth it is astounding, but it follows the woke attitude of people, Especially the left and those who are duped by the lefts agenda and policies.
Jerusalem had been Christian for over 1,000 years and these Saracens invaded and took over Jerusalem. They slaughtered thousands and desecrated the Christian churches. Then they built their mosques on top of the foundations of the destroyed churches, and that's how they stand today.
This book ignores all of history.
October 7, 2019
A brilliant story of the Crusades.
This brilliant story of honour and courage of these few Knights Templer is a fascinating read of caring do. The story is based on actual deeds during the Crusades in the Holy Land. A story of hardship, of death and serious injury. A story of heroism and victory. To the Christian forces. In some respects we are still fighting Saladin's ancestors today, although the names are different we are still fighting the members of the Muslim religion. Who knows if it will ever stop.??
This brilliant story of honour and courage of these few Knights Templer is a fascinating read of caring do. The story is based on actual deeds during the Crusades in the Holy Land. A story of hardship, of death and serious injury. A story of heroism and victory. To the Christian forces. In some respects we are still fighting Saladin's ancestors today, although the names are different we are still fighting the members of the Muslim religion. Who knows if it will ever stop.??
September 25, 2021
I bought this as I was interested interested in the era. That side is good. Perhaps the book deserves more than 3 stars, I am not sure as I have given up half way through. I may go back to it one day, but I became so disenchanted by the crusaders I couldn't read anymore. They were horrendous religious zealots with no respect for anyone who thought differently to themselves. Other cultures and beliefs were just wrong and in their minds they were justified in killing anyone different. I also didn't realise that they were celibate. I have no tolerance for this. We are biological creatures and yes all of us are often celibate for all kinds of reasons, but to deny such a basic instinct does not create a balanced human. We have had plenty of evidence to show this in recent years as decades of horrendous abuse by so-called religious men who were attracted by the power and trust of such an honoured position have been revealed. To be celibate as a force of will leads only too often to crime. And don't get me started on men who attack woman in anger at being celibate and proclaim that they hate women. I do wonder if they can add 2 and 2?
August 6, 2023
K.M. Ashman continues to be one of my favorite authors.
This is a great start to a promising series. Ashman does a masterful job of weaving the stories of multiple characters into the real history of the Crusades culminating with the Battle of Montgisard. There's a great deal of suspense as the characters frantically try to deduce the true intentions of Saladin and his overwhelming army before it's too late. I was particularly taken by the true story of King Baldwin, a mere teenager stricken with leprosy who must stand and fight against incredible odds despite his constant pain and torment.
The final battle is breathtaking in true Ashman fashion. There are satisfying conclusions to several storylines and a great setup for the next novel. If this series is anything like his Roman Chronicles, Medival Sagas, or Blood of Kings series; all of which I have read, The Brotherhood looks to be another fantastic series.
This is a great start to a promising series. Ashman does a masterful job of weaving the stories of multiple characters into the real history of the Crusades culminating with the Battle of Montgisard. There's a great deal of suspense as the characters frantically try to deduce the true intentions of Saladin and his overwhelming army before it's too late. I was particularly taken by the true story of King Baldwin, a mere teenager stricken with leprosy who must stand and fight against incredible odds despite his constant pain and torment.
The final battle is breathtaking in true Ashman fashion. There are satisfying conclusions to several storylines and a great setup for the next novel. If this series is anything like his Roman Chronicles, Medival Sagas, or Blood of Kings series; all of which I have read, The Brotherhood looks to be another fantastic series.
July 20, 2021
Mr. Ashman does an excellent job in bringing information together to create a story that feels as though it has been recorded this way and handed down through time. This first book in the Templar series deals with the battle of Montgisard. New Templars arrive into the Holy Land to protect Christian pilgrims on their routes to the holy places. But Saladin hopes to chase out the Christian Knights and take back Jerusalem. This battle occurs during the Reign of King Baldwin III, the Leper King. We are introduced to many interesting historical figures that participated in this campaign. The knights are under the impression that the sites that Saladin is questing towards are to secure his eventual attempt to take Jerusalem, but feint upon feint is employed to keep everyone guessing. The tale is well made with many surprising outcomes.
August 19, 2025
Questo romanzo storico è ispirato a fatti reali accaduti in Terra Santa durante la Prima Crociata durante il regno di Baldovino I allora sedicenne il quale era affetto da lebbra.
Il libro narra di vicende realmente accadute, personaggi realmente esistiti.
L’autore ci tiene a sottolineare nelle note finali che, se da un lato la storia è ancorata a persone e eventi autentici, la trama è romanzata e si prende alcune licenze poetiche.
Personalmente ammetto che durante la lettura del libro talvolta mi sono smarrito tra i nomi e i luoghi, anche nelle fasi più intense dello scontro tra Saladino e l’esercito Cristiano guidato da Baldovino I non sono riuscito ad entrare completamente nell’ambientazione.
Avvertenza spoiler:
dal finale mi pare plausibile pensare che ci sarà un seguito.
Il libro narra di vicende realmente accadute, personaggi realmente esistiti.
L’autore ci tiene a sottolineare nelle note finali che, se da un lato la storia è ancorata a persone e eventi autentici, la trama è romanzata e si prende alcune licenze poetiche.
Personalmente ammetto che durante la lettura del libro talvolta mi sono smarrito tra i nomi e i luoghi, anche nelle fasi più intense dello scontro tra Saladino e l’esercito Cristiano guidato da Baldovino I non sono riuscito ad entrare completamente nell’ambientazione.
Avvertenza spoiler:
dal finale mi pare plausibile pensare che ci sarà un seguito.
November 28, 2022
Templar Steel by K. M. Ashman
I have always been intrigued by anything Templar, so I was excited to dive in to this book. The history provided was excellent. Th suspense and action also excellent. The main characters, Cronin and Hassan, wary of each other at first, but bonded through all their adventures. They both broke rules and should have been punished, but instead were given tasks to prove themselves instead. I would have given the book 5 stars, because I thoroughly enjoyed the book! And I really look forward to the next book in the series. However, there were a multitude of grammatical and punctuation errors that distracted from the story. I can only hope the editors have done a better job with the next books!
I have always been intrigued by anything Templar, so I was excited to dive in to this book. The history provided was excellent. Th suspense and action also excellent. The main characters, Cronin and Hassan, wary of each other at first, but bonded through all their adventures. They both broke rules and should have been punished, but instead were given tasks to prove themselves instead. I would have given the book 5 stars, because I thoroughly enjoyed the book! And I really look forward to the next book in the series. However, there were a multitude of grammatical and punctuation errors that distracted from the story. I can only hope the editors have done a better job with the next books!
July 3, 2025
I really enjoyed the story and the battle scenes and the braveness of the templars and other soldiers as well as the saracens, all fighting under some extreme conditions. Like one of the other people that commented, I read it as a story, not gospel truth, and did not take what was stated as the exact truth of the wars and crusades from either a Christian or Saracen perspective. If you can get that out of your mind I believe it’s a good read.
October 25, 2019
A great read.
Based on known history of the crusaders & Templars in the Holy Land, this is a fictional account of events leading up to & the battle between Christians & Saracens for Jerusalem. It is an interesting book that should make one wonder if there really was any 'glory' to any God in the midst of all the gory.
Based on known history of the crusaders & Templars in the Holy Land, this is a fictional account of events leading up to & the battle between Christians & Saracens for Jerusalem. It is an interesting book that should make one wonder if there really was any 'glory' to any God in the midst of all the gory.
March 9, 2022
Great history
Cronin, Hunter, and De Mailly. I will be looking forward to your adventures. KM has done justice to the Knights Templars. Today, Americans create sensationalism and conspiracy theories because all their woes must come from evil forces. These men weren't evil, but warriors. Cant wait for the next book.
Cronin, Hunter, and De Mailly. I will be looking forward to your adventures. KM has done justice to the Knights Templars. Today, Americans create sensationalism and conspiracy theories because all their woes must come from evil forces. These men weren't evil, but warriors. Cant wait for the next book.
August 23, 2024
Excellent story,I have already started the second book. This was a really exciting and engrossing story that once you start you won't be able to put down, you will push your self to see what happens next. I would really recommend this if you are at all interested in the knights templars and what they may have been like.
October 9, 2019
Great mix of history and " human" characters
I found this an extremely readable book and the mixture of history and believable blended characters fascinating To my mind a page turner
I found this an extremely readable book and the mixture of history and believable blended characters fascinating To my mind a page turner
October 27, 2019
For fans of Scarrow and Conn Iguldon
Lots of twists and turns. Interesting characters.
If you liked the film kingdom of heaven, you'll not be disappointed!
Can't wait for the next book 😊
Lots of twists and turns. Interesting characters.
If you liked the film kingdom of heaven, you'll not be disappointed!
Can't wait for the next book 😊
October 29, 2019
Insight into the Knights Templer and a Crusade.
I have read many books about various crusades, and this one kept my interest and meshed with information I have gathered elsewhere. Interesting characters , presented well. I look forward to the net in series.
I have read many books about various crusades, and this one kept my interest and meshed with information I have gathered elsewhere. Interesting characters , presented well. I look forward to the net in series.
February 11, 2020
Great book
If you like Templar books you will love this, a great read and hard to put down. Great for the journey home, on holiday and to read over and over again, very much a favourite read.
If you like Templar books you will love this, a great read and hard to put down. Great for the journey home, on holiday and to read over and over again, very much a favourite read.
Read
March 1, 2020A good book
An interesting, rather than enthralling novel. Some strong characters gathered to fight Saladin in a terrible environment. But the same old problem, the West taking control of someone else's country for themselves.
An interesting, rather than enthralling novel. Some strong characters gathered to fight Saladin in a terrible environment. But the same old problem, the West taking control of someone else's country for themselves.
May 9, 2020
Well written, great pace and description through out. Enjoyed the short chapters.
Recommended. Kept me picking this book up. Finished very quickly due to the fast pace story. Onto the next book.
Recommended. Kept me picking this book up. Finished very quickly due to the fast pace story. Onto the next book.
November 5, 2020
Historically accurate.
The author has insured that historical and military accuracy is maintained. Unlike many historical fiction authors, Ashman provides supporting historical evidence as to the history of his story.
The author has insured that historical and military accuracy is maintained. Unlike many historical fiction authors, Ashman provides supporting historical evidence as to the history of his story.
January 13, 2021
Interesting read about out tener and the crusades
Interesting and fairly captivating story especially about the battle of month heard. Recommend this book and probably the whole series.
Interesting and fairly captivating story especially about the battle of month heard. Recommend this book and probably the whole series.
April 17, 2021
Story was interesting as well as bringing history back to life! The templars and their history is one of many interesting facts, sacrifices as well as human cruelty I guess. Will start book II. Thank you Mr. Ashman.
July 2, 2021
Never a poor book
As an avid reader of all things historical especially the medieval years, I have read numerous Templar centric books. Ashman's books are far more refreshing and involving. Well researched, good realistic characters and well paced. Can't wait for the next book
As an avid reader of all things historical especially the medieval years, I have read numerous Templar centric books. Ashman's books are far more refreshing and involving. Well researched, good realistic characters and well paced. Can't wait for the next book
February 6, 2023
Good
I liked learning the history of this period. Have read a little of the Templar Knights and wanted to learnn more. I realize it is historical fiction, but appreciate the historical facts of the story.
I liked learning the history of this period. Have read a little of the Templar Knights and wanted to learnn more. I realize it is historical fiction, but appreciate the historical facts of the story.
February 5, 2024
A new author for me
This is the first book by Kevin Ashman that I’ve read and I was very impressed. There’s lots of action, well-drawn characters and the story flows well. A very enjoyable read that is well-researched. I’m off now to the read the next book in the series.
This is the first book by Kevin Ashman that I’ve read and I was very impressed. There’s lots of action, well-drawn characters and the story flows well. A very enjoyable read that is well-researched. I’m off now to the read the next book in the series.
Read
April 1, 2024Excellent story
Another great story by Ashman, fascinating adventure with well.explored characters. Well researched history blended i to a story with an ending leaving you wanting to start the next.
Another great story by Ashman, fascinating adventure with well.explored characters. Well researched history blended i to a story with an ending leaving you wanting to start the next.
July 12, 2025
Book 1
Book 1 was okay overall and had errors throughout. The book was the retelling of the Templar Knight and the battle for Jerusalem. It was okay but it was a bit slow. I did like the characters and might read book 2.
Book 1 was okay overall and had errors throughout. The book was the retelling of the Templar Knight and the battle for Jerusalem. It was okay but it was a bit slow. I did like the characters and might read book 2.
October 14, 2019
Good
I do not want to review as what I might like it not like might not be what people want so read and make your own mind up
I do not want to review as what I might like it not like might not be what people want so read and make your own mind up
November 30, 2020
Ashman paints a portrait with his prose. This whole series is a sweeping epic tale.
June 13, 2021
Templar Steel
A well written account of king Baldwin and knights Templar defending the holy city and of brave men in their individual battles for survival , brilliant
A well written account of king Baldwin and knights Templar defending the holy city and of brave men in their individual battles for survival , brilliant
June 11, 2023
Exciting good read
Great character development while continuing to move the story forward. Felt the heat of the desert, adrenaline of a coming battle and struggle of warriors.
Great character development while continuing to move the story forward. Felt the heat of the desert, adrenaline of a coming battle and struggle of warriors.
June 28, 2024
Not a bad read. But I think I hit a bit of a wall myself with reading so it unfortunately affected my enjoyment of the book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews