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Knightfall #1
Knightfall: The Infinite Deep: The Knightfall Series, book 1
The first official Knightfall tie-in novel, charting the Templars' adventures after the Fall of Acre
Following the Fall of Acre, Landry, Godfrey and the other survivors of the siege flee in a sailboat across the Mediterranean. Drifting for weeks, they try to land on Cyprus only to run into a dangerous Mamluk detachment. Running dangerously low on supplies, they are forced to take to the seas once more. Trying to land on the coastline of Turkey, they are ambushed by pirates and taken captive. Incarcerated on a remote island compound, Landry, Godfrey and the other Templars must plan their escape before all hope is lost.
Following the Fall of Acre, Landry, Godfrey and the other survivors of the siege flee in a sailboat across the Mediterranean. Drifting for weeks, they try to land on Cyprus only to run into a dangerous Mamluk detachment. Running dangerously low on supplies, they are forced to take to the seas once more. Trying to land on the coastline of Turkey, they are ambushed by pirates and taken captive. Incarcerated on a remote island compound, Landry, Godfrey and the other Templars must plan their escape before all hope is lost.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published March 5, 2019
21 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
David B. Coe
66 books260 followersDavid B. Coe is an author of fantasy novels and short stories. He lives with his wife, Nancy Berner, and their two daughters on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee.
He has begun writing a new historical fantasy series under the pen name D.B. Jackson. The first one is titled Thieftaker, published in 2012.
He has begun writing a new historical fantasy series under the pen name D.B. Jackson. The first one is titled Thieftaker, published in 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
October 14, 2024
Audiobook narrated by
James Langton
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was not for me.
James Langton
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was not for me.
October 15, 2023
The Infinite Deep is easily the best thing to come out of Knightfall, the short-lived History Channel TV show.
Plot-wise, this novel fits between the opening of Episode 1 in Acre and the rest of the series, tracking the Templars as they head back to France where the series is set. So while it's not a prequel to the entire show, it's still basically a prequel -- with all the drawbacks and advantages inherent in them. For example, we know the fates of the majority of the protagonists based on their status at the beginning of the show, so it's more a "how will they get out of this" than a "what will happen to them" sort of main drive to the story. But we also get a nice look at the characters before the interpersonal drama of the series, fighting as a cohesive unit. There are some new side characters too, but it's Simon and Adelina -- Acre Jewish refugees and side characters from the show -- who we really learn the most about here.
The Infinite Deep can basically be split into two parts. The first is tonally more similar to the first season of Knightfall. It's a rousing adventure across the sea, dodging pirates and Saracens while trying to get home to France. I enjoyed the first season significantly more than the second (although it was nothing spectacular), so I'm not surprised that I enjoyed this part of the book more too. The second part sees the Templars captured and trying to escape from a prison (it's not a spoiler; it's on the back cover of the book). It's still better than the show, but it drags on a bit, ends abruptly, and focuses on torture and violence in a way that feels more in line with the absolutely awful, grim, gory, and gloomy second season.
While my eyes started to glaze over at the descriptions of sword-fights, the rest of The Infinite Deep kept me hooked. This isn't a literary masterpiece, but it's a very solid and engaging story that fills a legitimate gap in the plot of the series. Maybe it's just that there are more good TV shows than tie-in books, but this novel stands apart in my mind as one of the best tie-ins I've read in recent memory. And even if you just want a straightforward Templar action-adventure novel, The Infinite Deep doesn't require you to watch the show to enjoy it. I just wish the rest of the tie-in plans for Knightfall had been fulfilled because as it stands, this novel is the only part of the series that I can honestly recommend.
Plot-wise, this novel fits between the opening of Episode 1 in Acre and the rest of the series, tracking the Templars as they head back to France where the series is set. So while it's not a prequel to the entire show, it's still basically a prequel -- with all the drawbacks and advantages inherent in them. For example, we know the fates of the majority of the protagonists based on their status at the beginning of the show, so it's more a "how will they get out of this" than a "what will happen to them" sort of main drive to the story. But we also get a nice look at the characters before the interpersonal drama of the series, fighting as a cohesive unit. There are some new side characters too, but it's Simon and Adelina -- Acre Jewish refugees and side characters from the show -- who we really learn the most about here.
The Infinite Deep can basically be split into two parts. The first is tonally more similar to the first season of Knightfall. It's a rousing adventure across the sea, dodging pirates and Saracens while trying to get home to France. I enjoyed the first season significantly more than the second (although it was nothing spectacular), so I'm not surprised that I enjoyed this part of the book more too. The second part sees the Templars captured and trying to escape from a prison (it's not a spoiler; it's on the back cover of the book). It's still better than the show, but it drags on a bit, ends abruptly, and focuses on torture and violence in a way that feels more in line with the absolutely awful, grim, gory, and gloomy second season.
While my eyes started to glaze over at the descriptions of sword-fights, the rest of The Infinite Deep kept me hooked. This isn't a literary masterpiece, but it's a very solid and engaging story that fills a legitimate gap in the plot of the series. Maybe it's just that there are more good TV shows than tie-in books, but this novel stands apart in my mind as one of the best tie-ins I've read in recent memory. And even if you just want a straightforward Templar action-adventure novel, The Infinite Deep doesn't require you to watch the show to enjoy it. I just wish the rest of the tie-in plans for Knightfall had been fulfilled because as it stands, this novel is the only part of the series that I can honestly recommend.
January 27, 2022
This was actually a remarkably good book. It is set shortly after the fall of Acre (c 1291) and so more than a decade before the events of the Series "Knightfall".
The young Landry, as well as a few of his companions who survive the massacre set out to sea in a small boat. The Infinite Deep covers their adventures and misadventures as they try to get back to France.
I have to say that in the Knightfall series I didn't particularly warm to Landry. I think it was the whole (spoiler alert) affair with Queen Joan plotline. This novel shows a younger Landry, long before he became the Master of the Paris Temple under the leadership of Master Godfrey.
He does emerge as a more sympathetic character here, although he struggles to keep faith amidst all the hardships they face, Godfrey reminds him of what they believe in and are fighting for. Tancrede de Hauteville is still my favourite character though.
We also get to "see" a young Adelina, remember the Jewish woman from the series who Landry and his fellows save from vigilante attacks in the last couple of episodes?
There were a few historical howlers, like the pirate (female) captain using a Spyglass--- i.e a telescope, which werent't invented until Centuries after this is set, and some of the plot was a bit cheesy and contrived.
It wasn't a bad tie in though, some of the needless violence notwithstanding. I do believe there was meant to be a sequel, but I'm not sure what happened to it.
The young Landry, as well as a few of his companions who survive the massacre set out to sea in a small boat. The Infinite Deep covers their adventures and misadventures as they try to get back to France.
I have to say that in the Knightfall series I didn't particularly warm to Landry. I think it was the whole (spoiler alert) affair with Queen Joan plotline. This novel shows a younger Landry, long before he became the Master of the Paris Temple under the leadership of Master Godfrey.
He does emerge as a more sympathetic character here, although he struggles to keep faith amidst all the hardships they face, Godfrey reminds him of what they believe in and are fighting for. Tancrede de Hauteville is still my favourite character though.
We also get to "see" a young Adelina, remember the Jewish woman from the series who Landry and his fellows save from vigilante attacks in the last couple of episodes?
There were a few historical howlers, like the pirate (female) captain using a Spyglass--- i.e a telescope, which werent't invented until Centuries after this is set, and some of the plot was a bit cheesy and contrived.
It wasn't a bad tie in though, some of the needless violence notwithstanding. I do believe there was meant to be a sequel, but I'm not sure what happened to it.
February 14, 2020
Normally, I'm not a big fan of books based on a TV series, but I got it for free and had a plane to catch, so I thought I would give it a try.
The plot was interesting - the Templar stronghold in the city of Acre has just fallen to the Saracens and a small group of Templars has to flee the city a step ahead of enemy troops.
With only time to grab essentials and a few people also fleeing the city, the group is on a sailing ship without oars that is at the mercy of the sea. However, they are rescued by a ship that some would call good-hearted pirates that take pity on the Templars and feed and see them to shore. However, every good deed as a price.
One of the non-Templars was caught stealing food and in revenge for a beating by a female pirate, he sells out the Templars and their rescues before being dispatched himself.
The Templars are taken hostage and despite being tortured, managed to hold up and eventually do battle with their oppressor, who surprisingly is a former Templar knight himself.
I have to say that this was a fairly simple read, which was good for those in between moments. However, the plot was a bit predictable and with most things TV-related, you know the good guys will win in the end, it is just a matter of how.
Overall, it was an okay book that is a good time-waster if you have nothing more serious to read.
The plot was interesting - the Templar stronghold in the city of Acre has just fallen to the Saracens and a small group of Templars has to flee the city a step ahead of enemy troops.
With only time to grab essentials and a few people also fleeing the city, the group is on a sailing ship without oars that is at the mercy of the sea. However, they are rescued by a ship that some would call good-hearted pirates that take pity on the Templars and feed and see them to shore. However, every good deed as a price.
One of the non-Templars was caught stealing food and in revenge for a beating by a female pirate, he sells out the Templars and their rescues before being dispatched himself.
The Templars are taken hostage and despite being tortured, managed to hold up and eventually do battle with their oppressor, who surprisingly is a former Templar knight himself.
I have to say that this was a fairly simple read, which was good for those in between moments. However, the plot was a bit predictable and with most things TV-related, you know the good guys will win in the end, it is just a matter of how.
Overall, it was an okay book that is a good time-waster if you have nothing more serious to read.
May 28, 2019
The Infinite Deep (title inspiration unknown...) begins shortly after the prelude to the TV show Knightfall ends. The entirety of the book occurs then the TV show picks back up with the Templar's in France. I've only watched the first 2 episodes, so I didn't fully remember all the characters when I read the book.
The story is about the Templar's fleeing Acre as the city falls. They are on a boat, with other non-combatants who fled for their lives. Now, they must come together and help one another as none of them are particularly good at sailing.
Over the course of the following weeks, the group must deal with weather, internal conflict and pirates, all while trying to keep everyone fed, safe and returned to their homeland.
I found the novel to be very good, with believable characters and events for the time. The Novel leaves off implying the group will get to France, but they aren't in France yet, so this could open the door for another prequel to the TV show detailing 'part 2' of their journey.
The story is about the Templar's fleeing Acre as the city falls. They are on a boat, with other non-combatants who fled for their lives. Now, they must come together and help one another as none of them are particularly good at sailing.
Over the course of the following weeks, the group must deal with weather, internal conflict and pirates, all while trying to keep everyone fed, safe and returned to their homeland.
I found the novel to be very good, with believable characters and events for the time. The Novel leaves off implying the group will get to France, but they aren't in France yet, so this could open the door for another prequel to the TV show detailing 'part 2' of their journey.
December 8, 2020
This was a... interesting book. It was a good Knights Templar story that I felt would've fit better into its own series with original characters than trying to shoehorn it into the Knightfall series.
It seems like the author only watched the first 10 minutes of the first episode, the bit that this book was supposed to immediately follow, than the whole first season, as characters felt drastically different than they did in the show -- even from the beginning part at the fall of Acre.
Also, if I never have to read "he dipped his chin" again in my life, it'll truly be a blessing.
It seems like the author only watched the first 10 minutes of the first episode, the bit that this book was supposed to immediately follow, than the whole first season, as characters felt drastically different than they did in the show -- even from the beginning part at the fall of Acre.
Also, if I never have to read "he dipped his chin" again in my life, it'll truly be a blessing.
August 28, 2025
strong 4.75!
An excellent and well researched story!
You can tell the author did some research about criminality during the crusades and its connections to the Templars.
we have pirates, Mamluks, slavery and a very fast paced addictive criminal plot!
I did not expect this book to be as fast paced or as good as it was. very much enjoyed this side story and I blew through it in under twenty four hours. i am sad.This is the only installment in the side series.
An excellent and well researched story!
You can tell the author did some research about criminality during the crusades and its connections to the Templars.
we have pirates, Mamluks, slavery and a very fast paced addictive criminal plot!
I did not expect this book to be as fast paced or as good as it was. very much enjoyed this side story and I blew through it in under twenty four hours. i am sad.This is the only installment in the side series.
March 23, 2019
Extremely Good Read
If you love the series or just a fan of pirates or.templar lore - you will enjoy this novel deeply. It is extremely fast paced, has unexpected twists and keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning pages. Surprisingly, it does a great job of demonstrating the deep Faith required of templars and their unyielding trust in God.
If you love the series or just a fan of pirates or.templar lore - you will enjoy this novel deeply. It is extremely fast paced, has unexpected twists and keeps you on the edge of your seat and turning pages. Surprisingly, it does a great job of demonstrating the deep Faith required of templars and their unyielding trust in God.
March 11, 2020
David B. Coe is one of those writers I'll always enjoy the way they write. He may not have stories I enjoy, but his writing is wonderful.
I haven't seen the series yet, but I enjoyed this so much I'll check it out now. Kept me interested and was great read.
I haven't seen the series yet, but I enjoyed this so much I'll check it out now. Kept me interested and was great read.
November 5, 2020
Laundry e i suoi compagni templari fuggono da Acri conquistata dai nemici,
In mare verranno travolti da una tempesta, assaliti e fatti e prigionieri dai pirati e penseranno di non farcela ad arrivare vivi a Parigi.
In mare verranno travolti da una tempesta, assaliti e fatti e prigionieri dai pirati e penseranno di non farcela ad arrivare vivi a Parigi.
July 17, 2022
Medieval Knights and pirates what's not to like? Action both on sea and on land.
It had mild blood and gore, virtually no sex or nudity, and I don't remember any bad words? Probably a good read for a young reader also.
It had mild blood and gore, virtually no sex or nudity, and I don't remember any bad words? Probably a good read for a young reader also.
January 3, 2023
If you liked the Tv series on Netflix you’d like this book. It’s like the missing piece from the first season of what happened between Acre falling and them appearing in France afterwards. A great read of historical fiction
February 18, 2023
After reading some really great historical fiction from Ben Kane and Christian Cameron, this was brutal to finish. The plot was mediocre a best. The characters were ridiculously unbelievable and the dialogues just silly. I found myself getting through it as fast as I could just to be done with it.
March 17, 2019
Another amazing adventure from David B. Coe. Well worth the time!
April 1, 2019
Very good adventure,
May 16, 2019
I enjoyed this story.
July 21, 2020
Brilliant little book lots of excitement and tension throughout
December 9, 2021
What a surprise this was!
A really good and enjoyable story from the TV series with plenty to admire.
Well worth a read or a listen either way I enjoyed it.
A really good and enjoyable story from the TV series with plenty to admire.
Well worth a read or a listen either way I enjoyed it.
May 19, 2023
Intense historical fiction set entirely in and around the ocean. It’s all about the moral strength of the main characters.
February 13, 2025
Good,and the series is even better
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews