You’ve heard of the Knights Templar, you’ve heard of Richard the Lionheart – now learn the story that started it all with the adventures of the First Crusade.
Haunted by guilt from the past and nightmares of the future, a young Norman named Tancred rakes the cross and vows to be the first to free Jerusalem from the infidels. As he journeys to the Holy Land, he braves vast deserts, mortal famine, and the ever-present ambushes of the enemy Turks – but the greatest danger of all is deciding which of the Crusader lords to trust. A mysterious seer prophesies that Tancred will find great love and great sorrow on his journey, but the second seems intent on claiming him before he can find the first. Intrigues and passions grow as every battle brings the Crusaders one step closer to Jerusalem. Not all are destined to survive the perilous road from the West.
In Road From the West, the history of the First Crusade is laid out in concise, accurate details. If I had a complaint about the book, it’s that the tedium of traveling with a slow-moving army that rarely engaged in hand-to-hand combat is dealt with more than I might have wished. The Crusade’s history prevails, while I would have liked more of Tancred’s story.
However, if you enjoy an historically accurate book that’s light on characterization or twists, you’ll probably enjoy Road From the West, Book 1.