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Warriors and Monks: Pons, Abbot of Cluny
Pons, born to a noble family in the south of France in 1075, is given to the Church at the age of four. He becomes a Benedictine monk and thrives in the monastery as a devotee of the Order’s rules, working, praying, and studying.
Reaching adulthood, he falls in love with Primavera, a woman in the nearby village, but the Church’s renewed enforcement of celibacy endangers their relationship.
It is a lawless time when people of the land are threatened with violence as they cultivate their fields or travel on pilgrimage. The monks are compelled to become warriors, defending themselves with farm tools and walking staves.
Pons is elected as Abbot of Cluny Monastery. He is torn amidst his sense of duty as the powerful leader of Cluny, rivaling the Pope, his love for Primavera, and the calling to join the crusade to save Jerusalem.
Reaching adulthood, he falls in love with Primavera, a woman in the nearby village, but the Church’s renewed enforcement of celibacy endangers their relationship.
It is a lawless time when people of the land are threatened with violence as they cultivate their fields or travel on pilgrimage. The monks are compelled to become warriors, defending themselves with farm tools and walking staves.
Pons is elected as Abbot of Cluny Monastery. He is torn amidst his sense of duty as the powerful leader of Cluny, rivaling the Pope, his love for Primavera, and the calling to join the crusade to save Jerusalem.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2020
13 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 8, 2024
I have read a bit about the Cluny Abby and its influential network of abbeys throughout Europe so I thought this book might be interesting. I've also read some about Pons's much married grandmother, Almodis de la Marche, and was pleasantly surprised to see that he was related to her.
This novel was good at telling the known outlines of Abbot Pons's life. My biggest issue with it, though, was that the author portrayed Pons as a traditionalist abbot who was undercut by more secular brothers, resulting in his expulsion. That may have been the case, but I doubt that a traditionalist abbot would have kept a paramour on the side, much less drunkenly falling into bed with a Spanish queen. I expect the author thought the romance would appeal to secular modern readers. However, my preference is for historical accuracy, which this didn't appear to be.
The book could also have used an editor. There were a few plot holes and having the island of Cyprus spelled "Cypress" multiple times got irritating.
If you want to learn a little about Cluny Abbey, this book could be a start. Just don't take the romance part seriously.
This novel was good at telling the known outlines of Abbot Pons's life. My biggest issue with it, though, was that the author portrayed Pons as a traditionalist abbot who was undercut by more secular brothers, resulting in his expulsion. That may have been the case, but I doubt that a traditionalist abbot would have kept a paramour on the side, much less drunkenly falling into bed with a Spanish queen. I expect the author thought the romance would appeal to secular modern readers. However, my preference is for historical accuracy, which this didn't appear to be.
The book could also have used an editor. There were a few plot holes and having the island of Cyprus spelled "Cypress" multiple times got irritating.
If you want to learn a little about Cluny Abbey, this book could be a start. Just don't take the romance part seriously.
December 7, 2025
Reading some of the reviews (after I had finished the book), I found myself wondering if I was indeed reading the same book - fastpaced??? cliffhangers?? Not my copy.
This is a slow, plodding, historical novel on the life of Pons, Abbot of Cluny. Yes, there is warriors, monks, action, adventure and romance - but there it ended for me. I found the subject at hand - Pons - a considerable odds with himself. Here was a man who strictly followed the Benedictine Rule (and sought to impose it upon others), and yet succumbed to earthly desires at the first sight of a fluttered eyelid or shapely ankle - and with a queen to boot. I guess the tome would have been rather boring otherwise - but this left me less than impressed.
Checking out the titles of the author's other books, I get the impression that all novels to date revolve around the author's surname and possible ancestry links.
This is a slow, plodding, historical novel on the life of Pons, Abbot of Cluny. Yes, there is warriors, monks, action, adventure and romance - but there it ended for me. I found the subject at hand - Pons - a considerable odds with himself. Here was a man who strictly followed the Benedictine Rule (and sought to impose it upon others), and yet succumbed to earthly desires at the first sight of a fluttered eyelid or shapely ankle - and with a queen to boot. I guess the tome would have been rather boring otherwise - but this left me less than impressed.
Checking out the titles of the author's other books, I get the impression that all novels to date revolve around the author's surname and possible ancestry links.
June 12, 2021
Tales of Adventure, Conflict, and Suspense!
If you enjoy history but also like to be surprised by the creative expression exhibited within the realm of historic fiction, this story is for you! Michael Ponzio's novel, Warriors and Monks, boasts tales of adventure on the open road, fighting scenes, humor when appropriate, just the right amount of romance, and digestible historical facts. This book takes you back in history almost 1,000 years during the Crusades! It is an easy read and I was delighted by the diversity of conflict and suspense that the author effectively weaves throughout his storytelling.
This book reminds us to be tolerant of one another's diverse views, treat others with respect, and be a good neighbor.
If you enjoy history but also like to be surprised by the creative expression exhibited within the realm of historic fiction, this story is for you! Michael Ponzio's novel, Warriors and Monks, boasts tales of adventure on the open road, fighting scenes, humor when appropriate, just the right amount of romance, and digestible historical facts. This book takes you back in history almost 1,000 years during the Crusades! It is an easy read and I was delighted by the diversity of conflict and suspense that the author effectively weaves throughout his storytelling.
This book reminds us to be tolerant of one another's diverse views, treat others with respect, and be a good neighbor.
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June 17, 2025I just finished Warriors and Monks. Michael Ponzio is a friend of mine and so I have read most of his books. I have enjoyed seeing his development as an author of historical fiction. This book is his best so far. The writing is fluid, he provides interesting historical detail and the dialogue is well done. If you like historical fiction, try it.
December 17, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I learned so much about the history of the crusades and the sacrifices of Benedictine monks, like Pons. This novel is filled with adventure, forbidden love, and powerful warriors. Will recommend this series to friends and family.
December 15, 2020
Following Pons in his journeys was laborious at times. Almost quit many times but made it to the end. Good book if you are interested in learning more about a monk's life and the Crusades. Well written and well researched. This is just not my interest.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews