Servant of Birds

by A.A. Attanasio

This vivid tale of revenge, faith and love set during the rule of England's Richard I moves from Wales to a tumultuous Europe unsettled by the Crusades to intensely colorful Palestine and back. Arrogant Guy Lanfranc assumes control of the family demesne by sending his hated mother, the old baroness Ailena Valaise, on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Wily Ailena vows revenge and finds the means in the person of Rachel Tibbon, a Jewish girl who survived the butchery of her family and other Jews after Crusader losses. Ailena's plot to regain the castle built by her father is based on Rachel's astonishing resemblance to herself as a young woman; 10 years after her forced departure the baroness returns, claiming the restoration of her youth in a Church-certified miracle. As Ailena, the well-coached Rachel earns the support of her people while locked in a fearsome struggle with Guy and opposed by the castle's priest, who calls the "miracle" a work of the devil and objects to her attempts to change religious practices at the castle.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Arthurian

479 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

I’m a novelist and student of the imagination living in Honolulu. Fantasies, visions, hallucinations or whatever we call those irrational powers that illuminate our inner life fascinate me. I’m particularly intrigued by the creative intelligence that scripts our dreams. And I love carrying this soulful energy outside my mind, into the one form that most precisely defines who we are: story.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I had this book for around 15 years before I finally started reading it. It's funny how much a person's perspective changes in that amount of time. I'm not 100% sure that I would have picked this up if I'd seen it last week, although the subject matter might have still grabbed me, taking place in Wales and during the Crusades and all.

I had a couple of issues with the writing in this book. First of all, it was written in present tense which was a little... distracting. Second of all, the author seemed to be really trying to use as many SAT words as possible. I was using my dictionary a lot. Sometimes it seemed really unnecessary, too. For example, there was some sentence about an "erumpent, risible idea." Even if he didn't want to replace "erumpent" he could have used "laughable" instead of "risible." It just seems like he reeeeeeeeeeally likes the fancy five-dollar words.

The plot stayed fairly interesting throughout. There did seem to be a pretty strong anti-Christian-Church element. I don't think it was anti-Christian, necessarily... just really not a fan of the restrictions and rules of the Church. Many characters in the book had found very nontraditional ways to God, such as the Italian warrior-priest or the Swede who became a Muslim after fighting in the Holy Land. Two out of three characters bound to the Church have left it by the end of the book. All said, though, it was kind of refreshing to read a Crusades-themed book that focuses on all different religions, from Judaism to Islam to the pagan beliefs of the Welsh warrior tribes.

Still, when I got to the end, I was kind of glad it was finally over. At 500 pages, it's quite a haul.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erec “the Bold” Rhiwlas (chieftain Howel's son, Welsh warrior) was having quite the conversation with Dwn of Margam (crone, former handmaid).
Erec takes Dwn with him on his quest to the Castle Lanfranc.

6/5/1197, The Baroness Ailena Valaise (Earl/Ailenor’s daughter, widow, Servant of Birds) & her entourage: Gianni Rieti (Italian, Canons Regular of the Holy Sepulcher, Black Knight), Falan Askersund (Swedish, Muslim, Knight, cavalier), king Richard Coeur de Lion, Pope Celestine III, had just arrived from the Holy Land.
Baron Guy Lanfranc, has assembled his Knights: Roger Billancourt (war master), William Morcar, Harold Almquist, & Denis Hezetre.
A lavish feast was prepared for family: Gerald Chalandon (husband/father, castle steward), Clare Chalandon (wife/mother), Hellene Chalandon (daughter), & Leora Chalandon (daughter), & the dignitaries. Canon Rieti said grace.

Ailena continued her travels.
Rachel Tibbon (Abraham’s daughter, Servant of Birds), & David Tibbon (grandfather, Jew, biblical scholar), also did extensive traveling throughout the Holy Land.
1192, Jerusalem their paths would later cross.
Rachel sought guidance from Karm Abu Selim (Persia).
Madelon Morcar (15, Hellene's daughter, Leora’s twin) wanted Canon Gianni Rieti to share his lifetime travels with her.

What was Ummu (dwarf) accused of?
Will Madelon marry Hubert Macey (Earl)?
What will happen to Guy Lanfranc (Rachel son, Sweden knight), Roger Billancourt, & Thierry Morcar (William’s son)?

Warning: This book contains graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a powerful very well written 12th. Century historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great 12th. Century English historical era movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Kingdom of the Grail (HarperCollins); FireLords; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Essentially evicted from her land when her son Guy packs her off on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, elderly baroness Ailena Valaise plots her revenge. It comes in form of a Jewish girl named Rachel Tibbot: bearing an uncanny resemblance to Ailena in her youth, she becomes the centerpiece of an elaborate deception. Coached for years in everything from family relationships to language to anecdotes from Ailena's entire life, Rachel is to return to Ailena's holdings and oust Guy in the guise of Ailena herself, miraculously rejuvenated by drinking from the Holy Grail.

A clever, intriguing premise, but just too longwinded in execution.

[Patricia Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written tale of loyalty and faith, deceit and revenge. Set in 12th century Wales, a time when the Crusades, troubadours, Arthurian romance, and Christian fervor is at its peak. This novel is rich in historical detail and strong characters, storytelling of the highest order. A book that moved me deeply and profoundly, even after the second time I read it.

[Thomas Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kingdom of the Grail, A.A. Attanasio, 1992. 500pp. ISBN 0060179651.

Uniquely perceptive in portraying the world perennially in or near a state of war. Unusually graphic showing slaughter of innocents, targeted based on religion. Protagonist tells us, “God is not only good. God is All. God is both good and evil.” (p. 500)

Set in Wales/England, France, and Syria/Palestine, during the Crusades.

Now you’re ready to answer these questions:
goodreads.com/trivia/work/1347828-kin...

[Debby Zigenis-Lowery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting historical novel, especially the way the author uses point of view and multiple perspectives.

[Teresa Vogt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Holy Grail, a Crusade and a Plot to take back a castle and village stolen.
Honestly, this is the part I hate.. I can only give it 5 stars when I really would love to give it an award.. WOW and OMG just don't quite give it what I feel. If you loved TV's Merlin, Reign,Tudors etc you'll be in 7th heaven.. It takes you back to after Camelot but before Henry starts trying on wives like shoes..and can't find one he like that fits..
You have a Bitter Baroness that wants revenge on her family for being sent on a crusade, a young Jewish girl that escapes death by a hair's breath and is scared from it. Returning to England to triumphantly takes back her castle the Baroness and her son and the Holy Church are in-battled for the very souls of the village. There is trickery and deception, Revenge and Murder, and Love found for some but lost for others when lovers have to part. The dramatic twists and turns are spectacular.
Please DO NOT Give up on this if you don't like it in the first half chapter..Give this book a chance it's REALLY WORTH IT !!
Stick with it and you'll be glad you did. There are layers upon layers in complexity in this book's tale and characters. I am a really fast reader, I had to slow down and take my time with this book so that I caught all the nuances and understood where characters were coming from and their mentality..You have Richard the Lion-heart, the Holy Roman church, Jews and Muslim characters. A village that learns a new and somewhat better way of living.. I sincerely hope that some day this is a TV Mini series of a week because you just can't get it all in one 2-3 hour movie it wouldn't make sense. It is so rich and telling, the plot may make you skip it if it's ever shortened for a different media but it shines as a book and I do not want to spoil it more then I have already. This author A.A.Attanasio is remarkable in his background of medieval English, Wales, and Norman culture and crusade mentality in my humble opinion. I could never spin a tale this complex no matter how big the Loom. It took me almost 5 days of stop and go reading so that I didn't miss or skip something vital and all I can say is I was heart broken at the end for each character gives up something they love and cherish for the land and people. Just give this a real chance, don't say It didn't capture me in the first chapter so I know it's a dud.. It was surprising me up to the end.. and brought tears at the heartbreak, it's really that good and that deep in layers..

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author's use of writing in present-tense was annoying. Every time I picked up the book it would throw me. The story line was interesting but some silly plot twists were added that seemed juvenile. I loved the many medieval cultural references, though sometimes they seemed added just to impress the readers. I also did not appreciate the anti-Christian theme that emerged. This book is going in the recycle bin.

[Miriam Boucher · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this book. Perhaps because I'm the wrong tribe, but the whole "miracle of old woman turning into a young woman through the grace of Jesus" didn't work for me. Also, as someone who was bullied throughout school, I just don't want to read about bullies who are rewarded for their behavior.

[Norman Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A miraculously rejuvenated dowager returns from the Holy Land to reclaim her home. This is a medieval novel of intrigue of the highest order.

[Philip Chaston · Rating 3 out of 5]

A historical thriller masquerading as a fantasy. I was deceived.