The Last True Templar

Tales of the Lawless Land #2

by Boyd Morrison, Beth Morrison

Una ricerca pericolosa
Un’eredità mortale

Italia, 1351. L’arciera Willa e il cavaliere Gerard Fox, compagni e avventurieri inglesi, sono in viaggio attraverso l’Europa lacerata dalle guerre, nella speranza di riconciliarsi con il loro difficile passato. Nei pressi di un paesino toscano, i due vengono coinvolti nell’imboscata di un gruppo di banditi ai danni della nobildonna Luciana Corosi. Gli inglesi riescono a salvarla e vengono così ospitati nella sua magnifica villa. Qui, Gerard e Willa scoprono la triste storia della donna, una storia fatta di perdite e inganni.
Conoscono anche suo marito, che ben presto si rivela il mandante dell’imboscata ai danni della moglie. Ma perché Corosi vuole liberarsi di Luciana? C’entra forse qualcosa il fatto che, a quanto si dice, la nobildonna conoscerebbe il luogo segreto in cui è nascosto il favoloso tesoro dei cavalieri templari? Willa, Gerard e Luciana decidono di fuggire e di mettersi alla ricerca del tesoro. Una ricerca che si snoda attraverso intricati enigmi e pericoli sempre maggiori...

Azione, intrigo e avventura nell’Italia del Trecento, alla ricerca dell’oro dei templari.

Boyd Morrison
È un autore bestseller del «New York Times». Ha scritto una dozzina di romanzi thriller, di cui sei assieme a Clive Cussler.

Beth Morrison
Ha conseguito un dottorato in Storia dell’arte alla Cornell University. Attualmente lavora come curatrice di manoscritti presso il J. Paul Getty Museum.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Action, Audiobook, Adventure

492 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 14, 2023

About the author

Boyd Morrison is an author, actor, engineer, and Jeopardy! champion. He started his career working on NASA's space station project at Johnson Space Center, where he got the opportunity to fly on the Vomit Comet, the same plane used to train astronauts for zero gravity. After earning a PhD in engineering from Virginia Tech, he used his training to develop eleven US patents at Thomson/RCA. Boyd then managed a video game testing group in Microsoft's Xbox division before becoming a full-time writer. For non-fiction thrills, he enjoys white water rafting, skiing, scuba diving, and bungee jumping. Boyd is also a professional actor, appearing in films, commercials, and stage plays. In 2003 he fulfilled a lifelong dream and became a Jeopardy! champion. He currently lives in Seattle with his wife.

Reviews

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother and sister writing team, Boyd & Beth Morrison, have teamed up again in Book 2 of their Tales of the Lawless Land series to give us a rousing romp through Medieval Italy in search of the lost treasure of the Knights Templar! As with Book 1 we follow the exploits of excommunicated English Knight Gerard Fox and his girlfriend/companion, Willa, after their wanderings take them to a small village in Tuscany where they help a wealthy lady who is under attack from marauders. The lady is Luciana Corosi whose husband is one of the wealthiest and most unscrupulous bankers in Florence. After saving her from near death they escort Luciana to the family castle, and while there they learn of plots to kill Luciana. Oh boy! The action heats up, and lo and behold this is all about finding the Templars lost treasure as clues have been hidden in letters that have just surfaced. Once again escaping death the three begin a cross-Italy race to find the hidden clues to the location of the treasure. They are in a race against Luciana's husband, his own English Knight and his evil mistress. Good stuff.
We get a travelogue of central Italy, as the clues take us to Siena, Florence, and Venice. It is filled with well described action scenes, and there are surprises galore in this book. This book kept me reading until I finished it, and it certainly appears that things are set up for Book 3 of this series. If you have not read the first book of the series that is no problem since one easily catches up the few main issues from Book 1 that carry over into Book 2. An additional plus about this book is the marvelous Afterword written by Beth that adds wonderful historical details as to the background of the plot.
History? Historical Fiction? Mystery? Action/Adventure? Travelogue? Who knows how to categorize this book, but one thing I can tell you that it is a fast paced, well written book that kept me on the edge of my seat from page 1 until the very end. An enthusiastic 5***** rating for this book!!!

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm usually quite wary when I read the world "Templar" in a title of blurb. This was an excellent adventure that kept entertained and hooked.
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Paul Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last True Templar by @boydmorrisonwriter and @bethmorrisonwriter is a triumph in historical adventure fiction! The second book of The Lawless Land series picks up immediately after the first one ends and has our heroes, Gerard and Willa becoming embroiled in a quest for the lost treasure of the Knights Templar.

This novel feels like it could have been an historical prequel to the National Treasure movies. Wonderful pacing, witty characters, history lessons that grab your attention, and a true sense of adventure make this book (and series) a must read.

This was pure entertainment at its best that left me wishing the next book was already out. If you are looking for an easy, engaging read that is suitable for young adults and adults alike, jump into this series. You won’t regret it!

[Jackiesreadingcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, I absolutely love this series, I received an advance copy of book 2 but I hate reading things out of order so read book one first which again was brilliant it meant I got to know the two main characters that follow on in book 2 Sir Gerard Fox an excommunicated knight and Willa his girlfriend/partner.

This book will have you sitting in the edge of your seat with its fast paced plot, gorgeously described settings along with trying to solve clues to find the Templar Knights treasure.

Fox and Will come across a group of marauders who are attacking a lady. That lady is Luciana Corosi she is married to one of wealthiest bankers in Venice. Her husband is also very corrupt and wants his wife dead. Fox and Willa decide that they will protect her and help her through her letters from her father which have fiddles on leading them to the treasure if they follow the clues and solve them to move on to the next one. Just one problem Luciana’s husband is determined to find the treasure first but who will come out top? Is the treasure real? Has it already been found a lot of years have passed since it had been buried.

I love the characters, the action, the description of the places they go everything is so vivid like you are watching a film. I cannot wait for book 3.

I would like to thank #netgalley for an eARC of this book and @HofZ_Books for an ARC of this. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

[Unseen Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of The Last True Templar from Netgalley to review.

Rating of 4.5.

The impressive sibling team of Boyd and Beth Morrison return with an epic and compelling sequel to their first impressive novel, The Last True Templar.

Italy, 1351. After their first exciting adventure together, exiled English knight Gerard Fox and his determined companion, Willa, have decided to embark on a journey throughout a Europe still recovering from the ravishes of war and plague. Determined to get married, the two seek a way to escape their complex pasts and move on to a future free of violence and persecution. However, fate has something far more adventurous planned for them.

Arriving in a small village between Florence and Siena, Fox and Willa suddenly find themselves witnesses to a deadly ambush. A band of skilled, masked bandits are targeting Luciana Corosi, the wife of a prominent Sienna businessman, determined to kill her and steal the payment she carries for a lucrative deal. Intervening, Fox and Willa manage to save Luciana’s life, before escorting her home. However, it soon becomes apparent that not everything is as it seems, especially as Luciana’s scheming husband, Riccardo Corosi, is behind the attempts of Luciana’s life.

Escaping from Riccardo’s clutches with Luciana, Fox and Willa soon find themselves embroiled in a complex scheme that reaches all the way back to the fallen Knights Templar. Years ago, Luciana’s father helped the Templars hide their vast treasure from the Church before being betrayed by Riccardo. Determined to save her family’s legacy and finally expose her treacherous husband, Luciana recruits Fox and Willa to her cause and requests their help in solving a series of clues leading to the treasure. But with Riccardo and his men hot on their trail, can Fox and Willa find the legendary treasures of the Knights Templar, or have they finally met their match?

The Last True Templar was an interesting and enjoyable follow-up that captures the heart of the original book while changing some key story aspects and the background setting. The result is a fantastic and exciting read that I had a wonderful time reading and which I managed to power through in a very short amount of time.

To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/12/20/...

An abridged review of this book also ran in the Canberra Weekly on 28 September 2023:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2023/12/21/...

For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/

[David Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was attracted to this book as soon as I noted the cover. The Last True Templar is the perfect example of selling your book from the cover alone.. without a good cover you risk people looking elsewhere.. not with The Last True Templar.

The Last True Templar has a pretty tempting blurb too. I’ve always loved the subject of the Templar Knights and their downfall but what really caught my eye was this story is a historical adventure. I’m used to reading historical fiction but what that can sometimes lack is that adventure aspect, to take the edge off all the facts and detail thrown in.

The story starts strong detailing the harrowing events that occur after the Templar Knights were condemned. Their treasure is missing but there’s some clues to it’s whereabouts.. if only the clues can be found.

We skip ahead and meet Luciana who is on business for her husband when she is attacked. Luckily Fox and Willa come to her aid and in doing so quickly show the talents they hold which sets the excitement level high.

We quickly learn of some major deceit that will knock Luciana’s world off course and set her on a journey to reclaim the Templar Knights treasure.. but she’s not the only one who has the clues and it’s a race against time to get to the finish line.

What I really enjoyed was the relationship dynamic set between Luciana, Fox and Willa, each pivotal in supporting each other in their own way but each have their own story playing out at the same time. Fox and Willa have their own reasons for joining the journey..will it lead them to where they want to be? Time will tell.

My favourite character had to be Armstrong, he’s essentially an armed mercenary set on bringing Fox down as well as the others, but he has real hatred within him for Fox’s character which spurs him on.

The feel of the book for me was like a Indiana Jones kind of vibe.. it’s serious but at the same time has fun moments and exciting escapes. I could easily see myself sitting for 2 hours watching a live action version of this tale.

After reading the book I was keen to learn more about the authors who seemed to work together seamlessly and I noted this is actually book 2 of a series.. but that didn’t cause me any issues, the book works effortlessly as a standalone but does make me excited to read the first book too!

Overall a solid 5* for the historical adventure genre, hitting the right notes and setting the feel of the book so quickly. It was a refreshing change of pace for me and one I very much enjoyed.

[Jackiesreadingcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, WOW. I absolutely loved this book. As I noticed it was book 2 I had to read book 1 first but that’s me I hate reading books out of order and on this one I am really glad I did. However, this can be read as a stand-alone novel, but for me getting to know the characters Sir Gerard Fox and Willa and how they met etc made book two so much better because you learn how they met and more back ground to them although book 2 does reference some of the things.

The story will keep you literally on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Full of adventure, battles. Fox and Willa are in Italy, when they come across a group of marauders robbing a lady and attacking her. Fox immediately comes to her rescue as does Willa. Once they manage to escape they insist on seeing the lady home. She is Luciana Corosi she is married to a man who is one of the wealthiest and unscrupulous bankers there are. When his wife arrives safely home he makes a show of being relieved that she had been rescued. But is that what he really wanted?

Gradually you learn more about Luciana’s life, her father, her first love and how she became married to the man she is with. They had lost their son to Pestilence. But Luciana has secrets she has kept for years her father was the last knight Templar, and he had buried the treasure. He had sent two lots of clues one had been sent to Luciana and the other to the man she was supposed to marry. With both sets of clues they have to follow each to guide them to where the treasure is. But it’s not just Luciana who is looking, her husband also has the clues and wants to get there first and wants his wife dead. This story is full of action, adventure, As they race across Italy to find the hidden clues and solve them to get to the next clue, but who will get there first?

I absolutely loved this book and look forward to book three I hope. This is such a fast paced read, it keeps you completely engrossed I was reading until 4.30 am as I didn’t want to put the book down. Everything seemed so real, like watching a movie in your head as the places are described the action is believable and you are really rooting for Fox, Willa and Luciana. I very highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a fast paced story with great characters that you will love.

I would like to thank #negalley for an eARC of this and @HofZ_Books for an ARC of this book all opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.

[M.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last True Templar is a thrilling journey through fourteenth-century Italy, taking our two heroes to Siena, Florence and Venice (and somewhere else, but spoilers) as they attempt to assist Luciana in her bid to finally solve the mystery of her father’s last letter, sent to her over forty years ago, and which it’s believed, will lead to the lost Templar treasure.

And they’re not alone, for as with all good thrillers, there is another side to this story, and someone else wants to get their hands on the Templar treasure just as much as they do: Luciana’s ruthless husband.

This is an Italy in recovery following the devastation of the Black Death, where few, it seems, have been left unscathed. Ironically, two Englishmen, Gerard and Armstrong, are most involved in the hustle and bustle of the quest, with the aid of some quick-witted and intelligent women.

This story is well-grounded in the historical architecture of the time, as our characters race to solve clues, riding from city to city, some loyal to Luciana’s husband and some to Luciana, all needing to look at or visit various important buildings – many of the well-known ones still being built, or heavily renovated. There is intrigue aplenty. Those characters trying to stop Gerard, Willa, and Luciana are ruthless and ambitious, and all this while Gerard and Willa are trying to determine their future.

Throughout the narrative, there’s quite a bit of to-ing and fro-ing in time. I’d prefer the flashbacks to occur before the characters reveal what happened, as they are somewhat irrelevant.

This is book 2 in the series – I haven’t read book 1 – I don’t necessarily think you need to read the first book to enjoy this one, as we’re given snippets of what’s happened before, but this is very much an isolated ‘quest’. And I did enjoy it. The Last True Templar is very much in the mould of a Dan Brown thriller, only set in the distant past, with an eye to what the cityscapes would have looked like in 1351, and with three feisty women to ensure the narrative never gets bogged down in more purely violent bouts between our two sides.

A rollercoaster of a journey, it’s sure to appeal to fans of historical fiction, historical mysteries and old-fashioned action and adventure stories- (as well as to fans of The Curse of Oak Island:))

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘A Perilous Quest. A Deadly Legacy’ - cover tag line.

My thanks to Head of Zeus Aria & Aries for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Last True Templar’ by Boyd and Beth Morrison. I also took part in an online group read hosted by The Pigeonhole.

This is Book 2 in their Tales of the Lawless Land series that follows the adventures of disgraced knight, Gerald Fox, and his companion Lady Willa. Seeking a future together, they have been travelling across war-torn Europe.

October, 1351. In a small village between Florence and Siena, Fox and Willa are caught up in a deadly ambush. After rescuing the enigmatic Luciana Corosi they take refuge in her opulent villa. They learn her heartbreaking story and agree to assist her in a perilous quest to save her family's legacy and solve a mystery that will point the way to the fabled lost treasure of the Knights Templar.

Following a series of enigmatic clues from city to city, they are closely pursued by Luciana’s husband, Riccardo Corosi, and his minions. As Florence’s preeminent banker, Riccardo is determined to get his hands on the treasure.

I am always drawn to novels that feature the Knights Templar given their tragic history and various mysteries surrounding them.

While mainly following the quest in 1351, some chapters are flashbacks to past events including the Corosi’s family history and key events of the journey that Fox and Willa had undertaken since the end of the first book.

Beth Morrison is an expert medievalist and brings her knowledge of this period of European history to this collaboration with her brother, Boyd, a bestselling writer of thrillers. Her Afterword provides insight into the research that they undertook in Italy to portray the various stages of the quest.

Overall, I felt that ‘The Last True Templar’ was a brilliant adventure that built on the setting and characters introduced in ‘The Lawless Land’. It certainly left me wanting more and I was very pleased that the closing scene teased further adventures. I can hardly wait.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about Ricardo Corisi the last true templar and his corruption. The book begins with the last true days of templar order and 2 monks, Ricardo and Matteo, Matteo gets killed on the last day of the tempar inquistion and the Templar Dominico Robissi leaves clues of where the templar treasure is hidden but the combination of the location of the templar treasure. Matteo dies in the beginniging of the book.

This book takes place 40 years later with Luciana Corisi who is married to Ricardo Corrisi who is traveling to Siena, Italy with gold and has attempt on her life on the road and gets rescued by Gerard and Willa Fox, who are English who is betrayed by her maid Sofia. Luciana loses the gold but returns to the castle while there is second attempt on her life. There are 3 letters and 2 of them are a code to the templar treasure. The book is about the quest for the templar treasure which takes place in 6 books, all part of clues that have deciphered from Seina to San Guisessepi, to Florence, Venice and finally Rhodes. Each clue in one of those cities. Luciana is chased by Ricardo the entire way to get to the letter that leaves the estate and treasure to the church. The book tells you about beatiful treasures and betrayal and challenge. This book is quest but also historically accurate. There are race horses, castles, high flying stunts strong women and corrupt officials and the truth. The clues are great fun and the characters are great. We find out that Willa is a healer and the horse, Zephr is very fast and pride will always be your downfall.

This books written by Art historians brother and sisters. The treasure could be sunk but there are templars were everywhere and there is treasure everywhere they were. This is a fun book and very informative. It talks about life after the plague and the role of the church in everyone's life in the middle ages.

[Jean Kolinofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

In reading the synopsis of this book, it promised the swashbuckling action that took me back to the movies of Errol Flynn. Boyd and Beth Morrison delivered on that promise. Excommunicated knight Gerald Fox and his companion Willa come upon an attack against Lady Luciana Corosi as she completes a financial deal. When they save her and return her to her home in Florence another attempt is made on her life. Luciana’s father was responsible for the Templar’s treasure. When they were betrayed and hunted he hid the treasure. Clues were left in two separate letters that must be combined to be deciphered. It was Luciana’s husband Riccardo who planned the attacks. If he can find the treasure it would make him the most powerful banker in Italy. It is a race through Florence, Siena, Venice and finally an encounter in Rhodes with Riccardo and his soldiers that is filled with fights, betrayals and secrets.

Gerard’s excommunication was unjust. He and Willa have been on a quest to have it reversed so that they can be married. She was a former maid who is a capable healer and proficient with a bow and arrow. They are both dedicated to helping those in need and refuse to leave Luciana until the treasure is found and she is safe. In his quest for riches and power, Riccardo has made enemies who would relish his downfall and willingly offer assistance to Luciana. The Last True Templar has a cinematic feel. It is easy to visualize the battles and the scenic piazzas of medieval Italy, making this a treat for historical adventure fans. I would like to thank NetGalley and Aria & Aries Publishers for providing this book for my review.

[Richard Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the series, another collaboration between brother and sister Boyd and Beth Morrison, is a lot of fun and a solid historical mystery/adventure. Four stars. Maybe 4.5.

It's another take on the lost and hidden Templar treasure, but it feels fresh just the same. The characters are likable (which I care about, yes) and the conflict is something that feels like it matters, making me eager to see Willa and Gerard reach the place and do the thing. Their happiness and the happiness of people around them is important enough to care about and root for.

Beth Morrison is an actual historian, which makes the details of the times not just accurate but compelling, helping sell the world-building to immerse the reader. And Boyd Morrison is an amazing story-teller, one who knows how to keep on-the-edge-of-your-seat tension going throughout the novel. There is no letup, no relaxing. They are metaphorically chased up the tree and attacked with rocks until the last page of the story.

In fact, that's my only criticism of anything beyond quibbles. Keeping the pressure on the MC's, making it so they are never, for one moment, able to take a free breath makes you keep reading. Ya gotta know if they get through it. But it also stresses me out. I need a breather here and there.

That's just me. It's not an actual flaw in the book, at least not how most people see it.

Anyway, I get a breather at the end of the novel, and it's a satisfying end, leaving me eager for the third book.

Recommended.

[Ralph Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this eARC through Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased opinion.

This continues the travels of Fox and Willa from the first novel. From the description above, you see they get involved in an attack that finds them fleeing with a woman they believe being attacked. Their "duty" they feel to help those in need surely would not fit in modern society, one could think. With their assistance, this Lady reveals a 40 year secret regarding the possible location of the riches held by the Templar bank, and the proof of a traitor that helped bring about the fall of the Templars.

There is quite a bit of traveling around Italy, and being an American, I don't know much of the country, or its rich history. The Morrisons have brought modern day architectural monuments, and recorded fact history to bring a detailed setting(s) that fictionally took place over 600 years ago. They have done a wonderful job creating not only an informative environment, with detailed description for imagining, but have kept the reader's attention (read: mine) with the adventure of the 'chase for gold'. Overall the book reminded me of a well-researched Clive Cussler novel, which is not a bad thing! Will be watching for more to possibly to come....?

[Andy Wormald · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I initially saw that the book was set around the Templars my interest was piqued , It is a read which does not disappoint, from the opening prologue I had been drawn in by the mystery that was to follow, we are taken on a rousing journey through mediaeval Italy and the Greek Isles.

A read which has everything you want in adventure story, plot, character, landscape, gripping action, rich and descriptive narrative

Willa and Fox inadvertantly team up with Lucianna Corosi in search of the lost treasures of the Knights Templar, this is a right royal quest undertaken against adversity and foes who will stop at nothing to find the treasure for themselves.

I loved the way that the chapters are constructed and the way that the clues to each stage of the journey are written, they give a feeling that you the reader are going along for the ride solving each riddle in time with the characters.

The plot is executed with aplomb on the page, tightly knitted together, slick in its concept, you can believe in the journey being taken. The authors have created a real sense of tension and suspense throughout the book, in what in someways becomes a game of cat and mouse, but it is this which for me heightened the drama, there are scenes throughout where you are on the edge of your seat wondering what the outcome will be, I was fascinated by the way that Fox and Armstrong are pitted against each, you sense whilst deadly foes a mutual sense of respect.

The book is packed with characters full of heart each gives you a real sense of who they, for me it was the women in the book who stood out, Willa, Lucianna and Sofia all come across as strong independant women, with a fierce determination to succeed and in Sofias case a certain cunning able to manipulate those around her.

The landscape throughout is beautifully brought to life and described in rich detail, you get a real sense and feel for each stop along the way, equally for the period in which the book is set

I am deliberately not mentioning the plot so as not spoil anything, you need to discover and revel in the journey for yourself

The book is fast paced and it races along, building in suspense, none more so than the ending

There are plenty of twists and turns along the way with moments of pure surprise and writtne to keep you hooked

A read which packs a lot in, a read of power, greed, betrayal , but it is not without its tender moments

The book is a wonderfully evocative read which had me gripped throughout, a wholly engaging and mesmerising read, where the quality of the writing and storytelling shine through.

5* one to highly recommend this is more than historical fiction, danger and intrigue abound, with an overriding sense of mystery and adventure

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle Ages Mediterranean Adventure. One of the interesting things for me when reading this book is that David Wood released his book Baal just a couple of weeks before this one came out, and both books are rather similar at the highest of levels - in that both are adventure books touring the Mediterranean Sea region in search of lost treasures. Separated by a few hundred years and thus with completely different specifics as far as character motivations, transportation, weapons used, cultures, etc. And to be clear, with Beth Morrison - an apparently renowned Medieval period scholar - as coauthor here, the actual historical aspects - from the various factions involved to the different cultures of the various Italian cities to even exactly how different things worked and who would have what skillsets, are apparently spot-on, so best as I could tell anyway. Paired with her brother Boyd's action story sensibilities, once again the two create a spectacular historical fiction tale that anyone interested in any modern action/ adventure tale can also love - and showing those who "only" read historical fiction that modern tales can also be just as great. Overall truly an outstanding book, and I hope these siblings can continue to work together for many more books to come. Very much recommended.

[Joe Foxford · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last True Templar
By Boyd and Beth Morrison

Who doesn’t love a well researched historical fiction?

TLTT is the second instalment in the tales of the lawless land which builds further on its predecessor.

I’ll be honest, I read this book first as I’d never read The Lawless Land and you could very easily read this as a stand-alone, but I went back and bought TLL and reading backwards worked really well with fully understanding the characters who featured in the sequel.

The majority of the story is set during 1351 but there are flashbacks which explain certain plot points and fill in gaps from the end of the first book, again reading this before the first I had no issues understanding where I was going.

I think what lends itself to the world building and characterisation of the story is the fact that it’s written by people passionate about the time period, who know exactly what to say and explain in detail the intricacies of the era.

The story itself was fantastic, with some humour thrown in to lessen some of the more serious natures of certain plot points (the aftermath of the Black Death/the plague).

Wether you read this as part of the series or as a stand-alone it is bloody fantastic.

Thanks to Aries/Head of Zeus for the advanced copy of the book it’s a stunner.

[Mark Stangroome · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book, the second in a series, without having read the first but that did not stop me from enjoying it. There were a few occasions when I wished that I had more of the back-story but these moments were fleeting and did not deter from this story. I would also like to point out that the publishers have 'quoted' Lee Child as stating that ' Gerard Fox could be Jack Reacher's ancestor' on the front cover. I personally doubt that Lee Child ever even thought such a thing, the characters are totally different, their actions are completely dissimilar as are their motives. If you like Jack Reacher and you are looking for something similar this not it.

The story begins with Gerard and his wife/girlfriend/companion Willa saving a rich aristocratic woman from a heist during which it would seem that she was as much the target as the riches that she was carrying. From this point on an enjoyable and intriguing mystery unfolds that is about legacy, betrayal and untold wealth. But the over-riding mystery is 'Who is the Last True Templar?' and is that moniker appropriate?

I will seek out the next book in this series and would recommend it to anybody who enjoys a swash-buckling tale.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last True Templar is the fantastic story of Luciana Corosi and her friends Lady Willa and Sir Gerard from England and their dual quests that they are pursuing simultaneously from Florence.

When it comes to Luciana, she is on a quest to see where clues left to her my her father, the last Templar knight, Domenico Ramberti, lead her to while being chased by her husband, Riccardo Corosi. When it comes to Lady Willa and Sir Gerard - their quest is in deciding what to do with their lives after ending up near Florence from England.

The three characters - Luciana, Lady Willa, and Sir Gerard are all taking part in Luciana's quest, which is full of action and adventure, as well as surprises at every twist and turn. However, while on this quest, Lady Willa and Sir Gerard have not forgotten their own quest! Discussions are had on the way!

There are both good and evil sides in this story and such people are trying to involve themselves in the aforementioned quests. Are the quests completed? Are the outcomes positive? Who wins? All these questions are answered, but you must read the book!

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willa and Fox are caught in a deadly ambush in Italy. They end up rescuing Luciana. Luciana takes them back to her extravagant villa. But, it is not long till these three realize that the ambush was set up by Luciana’s husband in an attempt to murder her. This sends the trio on a quest to find the true story!

Now y’all, it has been quite a while since I have read a book about the Templars. So, I was real excited about this one. And it did not disappoint! I love this time period and the authors did a fabulous job on the research and the imagery.

This is the second book in the series and after reading this one…I am definitely going back and picking it up.

I loved the characters Willa and Fox, especially Fox. I could just picture all his acrobatics on his horse. This story is full of intrigue and adventure. I swear! I was gasping for air in places.

Need a good Templar mystery…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the author for a honest review.

[Laura Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little dubious about reading this as it was book 2 but I was relieved that my fears were unwarranted as this was easily read as a standalone.
I was quiet easily swept up by this medieval set adventure.
The characters of Fox and Willa were very well drawn and could help but will them to succeed in their quest to help Luciana solve her father's puzzle of a letter to reach secret Templar riches before her evil husband and his henchmen.
Lots of drama whenever both sides came close to each other. The various places in Italy and Rhodes were well described so I could really imagine where Fox & Co were and what they were seeing. The history of the Knights Templar was shared in a way that really brought everything to life.
Would definitely read the next in the series.
With thanks to the author's and the Pigeonhole for the opportunity.

[Roger Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extraordinary story, and superbly written. With this sequel to The Lawless Land, writers Boyd and Beth Morrison have managed to put us in the heart of Fourteenth Century Italy almost as if we are watching through a time-machine lens-- with vivid depictions of scenes, characters and circumstances. The narrative and dialogue were wisely written in current-day idiomatic English for accessibility to contemporary readers, but it works well -- vividly depicting every moment as well as the nature of the personalities involved as they interact with each other so many hundreds of years ago. I felt as though I was there, and am so glad to have been a witness to this journey!

Beth Morrison's Afterword is well worth reading, and rounds out the story in a wonderful way.

Highly recommended!

[Melisende · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second book follows on from the first - The Lawless Land - with ex-communicated Templar and English knight Gerard Fox and his companion, the ever resourceful Willa, now in Italy and on the trail of the hidden Templar treasure.

There is a bit of back and forth between the final days of the Templars in Paris (1314) and the "contemporary" storyline (1351) as the backstory and characters are introduced to and fleshed out for, the reader. There is the usual "cat and mouse" scenario as the details of the secret as slowly teased out, before the final stand-off, and a new adventure for our dynamic duo.

Its a fun, medieval action adventure to while away a couple of lazy days!

[Roslyn Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir Gerard Fox and his girlfriend, Willa are travelling through Italy. Gerard has been excommunicated by the church and the two of them are looking for a priest to marry them, without posting banns.
It is while they are in a small village that they find themselves involved in helping Lucianna, who has been ambushed while carrying out her husband's business.
They become confidantes and offer their services to Lucianna as she searches for the famed treasure of the Knights Templar. Her father was a revered Knight before being executed when the church and monarchy turned against the Knights.
She must now follow the clues he left for her and get to the treasure before her corrupt and greedy husband finds it.
A brilliant story with a travelogue if Italy as a bonus.
#Pigeonhole

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn't realised this was Book 2 featuring Gerard Fox and his capable fiancee Willa. However this worked well as a stand-alone. Gerard and Willa rescue a woman who is being attacked and robbed. The lady in question is Lady Luciana Corosi and her rescuers accompany her home. Once at the castle they discover that Luciana's husband is plotting to murder her and take possession of a letter she has detailing how to find the fortune hidden by the Knights Templar. So begins a fast paced adventure as the threesome try to follow the clues in the letter and reach the treasure before Corosi and his followers including Armstrong another Englishman. Lots of action and a fast moving plot makes for a very enjoyable read. Thanks to the Pigeonhole for the opportunity of reading this book.

[Tyler Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A treasure hunt you want to be on!

Picked up this book after completing the previous one and I was more than amazed by the authors quick paced and action packed story telling! From the first chapters you dive straight in on the adventure, I loved the main characters and how well they were written, this can be read by itself but I enjoyed reading book one before to build a bit of backstory on the characters.

I loved seeing fourteenth century Italy through these authors eyes, the descriptions and plot detail were so well done that I had trouble putting this down, the twist and turns kept me hooked and wanting more. I’m so glad I picked this book up and it truly was an enjoyable and entertaining read.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pulled in from the very beginning of this well written and completely enthralling novel. This is the second book in the series and I did not read the first but did not feel any lack for not having done so.

Fox and Willa have come through a difficult period (the first book) and are now trying to just find a place of peace. But they find themselves caught up in someone else’s problems (again) and this time they save a young woman from an ambush and it leads them into a vast and varied adventure that involves the last of the fables Knights Templar.

A truly compelling, fast paced and well researched novel with the kind of characters you will follow to the ends of the Earth. Once I started it was really hard to put down until I reached the conclusion.

[Hildie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a rollicking good, cat-and-mouse adventure read! I liked the mystery, the two different ways of solving the clues along the way, and how the characters all interacted as the story developed.

This book takes place in Medieval Italy, which was a pure joy to read! If you are a Medievalist, you will easily recognize whom the bad guy's family is based on, as well as the known excitements like the Palio di Siena and the building of Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore (the "Duomo) in Florence. The historical details woven into the story were well done and even a small history lesson for those who don't know the history well.

If you are looking for an enjoyable adventure book, look no further than this one! It was a truly entertaining read!

[Harry Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cracking instalment following the adventures of Fox and Willa. In this book we follow the duo across northern Italy on a quest to find the lost treasure of the templar order.

I love the way the authors keep the story flowing, full of action keeping you gripped throughout the whole book. There is of course the constant underlying theme of romance between the two main characters which makes you route for them even more, however, they are just very easy to like people, with a higher than life moral compass and a calmness in the face of danger.

A great read that makes you feel like you are on a quest through Italy yourself. 5/5

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a common theme for all the Templar related tales set in the early 14th century. The Catholic church has so much power, and many of the clergy clearly abused that power.
Twenty or so years after King Philip and Pope Clement abused their power in a fit of jealousy and greed and disbanded and murdered the Knights Templar, their treasures had yet to be found.
Gerard Fox, unjustly excommunicated, along with his lady love are in a small village in Italy when they rescue a lady from armed soldiers looking to murder her.
After some events this leads them on a race to find the Templar treasure before the lady's husband can do so.

[Nicola Malloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a side step from my usual genres, this is a historical fiction (one of my favourite genres) but more of a quest/mystery journey and I really enjoyed it. Without giving away spoilers the quest through the middle ages in Italy on the hunt of the lost treasure of the Knights Templar. I am a massive fan of this part of European History as there was so much going on and it reminds me of my grandad who loved to share tales of the Knights Templar as if he was there. This book is filled with beautiful details and scene settings that transported me to 14th century Florence, there was so many twists and turns I didn't know what was going to happen next.