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The White Cross
Set in the late twelfth century at the time of King Richard I's crusade to win back Jerusalem from the Saracens, the story deals with timeless issues - with the moralities of warfare and fundamental religion, the abuse of power, the heights of martial fervour and the depths of disillusionment. At the novel's heart is the relationship between Garon and Elise - the story of an arranged marriage which rapidly develops into something deeper, to challenge a young husband's strongly held beliefs and set him on a long and painful journey to self relization, to break and finally restore a woman's spirit as she battles for recognition and for justice in a brutal man's world. And then there is the Berge dal becce; a character who is surely more than he appears?
534 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 25, 2020
The White Cross was an extremely unconventional historical fiction read and mostly enjoyable.
Parts of this were great, very informative; parts threatened to get boring but managed to hold on to my attention; there was some annoyingly modern language sprinkled throughout (don't do that!); and the ending was unconventional and very refreshing, almost making this a great read. Unfortunately, one part of the story killed it for me. Completely and utterly.
I can't say much without spoiling it for you, but the gist is: a ridiculously transparent and disgusting male fantasy that went on and on, and was completely oblivious of how offensive it was. Be warned. Thoroughly unbelievable, insensitive and enraging. Are these our author's fantasies? I'm not interested.
Parts of this were great, very informative; parts threatened to get boring but managed to hold on to my attention; there was some annoyingly modern language sprinkled throughout (don't do that!); and the ending was unconventional and very refreshing, almost making this a great read. Unfortunately, one part of the story killed it for me. Completely and utterly.
I can't say much without spoiling it for you, but the gist is: a ridiculously transparent and disgusting male fantasy that went on and on, and was completely oblivious of how offensive it was. Be warned. Thoroughly unbelievable, insensitive and enraging. Are these our author's fantasies? I'm not interested.
January 25, 2018
Yes, the Third Crusade is a big part of this story, but the real protagonists are Sir Garon, a Crusader knight, and his wife, Elise, left behind at Garon's manor, not King Richard. I was nearly put off the story by the first words in the prologue--a profanity, but am glad I did read the novel to the end. We experience the Crusade from the declaring of it, through the Crusade itself with its battles and atrocities, and what happens afterwards to the young couple.
Sir Garon tells the main story as he is reflecting on his life and what a botch he might have made so far, on his journey returning home. and we see how he is affected--first warped by his father's words, while still a child, then shaken by the events taking place in the Crusade and his part in them. He comes to see that this whole Crusade has been a mistake--the taking of innocent lives--might I say genocide--and still the objective is not reached. Elise, in the meantime, has to cope with running the estate and trying to avoid unwelcome attentions. Learning from their experiences, they both grow into better people. To me, that was the point of the novel: admitting one's mistakes and learning from them.
We get a different picture of Richard than ever before--not admirable or heroic, but arrogant, a bully, manipulative, vainglorious. He's not the supreme villain of the piece but still totally unworthy of emulation. It was difficult to get used to the different voices in the narrative and sometimes they changed abruptly; different typefaces were used for the main subplots: Garon's and Elise's each in first person--hers often in colored text to mark present tense so we see her feelings in "real time", the narrative in 3rd. I couldn't decide if the author's injecting himself into the story towards the end was really imaginative or was "too clever by half". I accept the author's putting profanity in the mouths of soldiers, but not to such an extent and also, not using God's name with body parts as vulgarities. Sex was overdone and to me was often sickening, e.g., Elise's wedding night described in excruciating detail, or mentions of masturbation, given here a cutesy nickname. I would have rated this novel higher had some of these aspects been toned down. The final duel between Garon and Sir Hugh was very well done, almost cinematic in presentation.
Recommended, with reservations.
Sir Garon tells the main story as he is reflecting on his life and what a botch he might have made so far, on his journey returning home. and we see how he is affected--first warped by his father's words, while still a child, then shaken by the events taking place in the Crusade and his part in them. He comes to see that this whole Crusade has been a mistake--the taking of innocent lives--might I say genocide--and still the objective is not reached. Elise, in the meantime, has to cope with running the estate and trying to avoid unwelcome attentions. Learning from their experiences, they both grow into better people. To me, that was the point of the novel: admitting one's mistakes and learning from them.
We get a different picture of Richard than ever before--not admirable or heroic, but arrogant, a bully, manipulative, vainglorious. He's not the supreme villain of the piece but still totally unworthy of emulation. It was difficult to get used to the different voices in the narrative and sometimes they changed abruptly; different typefaces were used for the main subplots: Garon's and Elise's each in first person--hers often in colored text to mark present tense so we see her feelings in "real time", the narrative in 3rd. I couldn't decide if the author's injecting himself into the story towards the end was really imaginative or was "too clever by half". I accept the author's putting profanity in the mouths of soldiers, but not to such an extent and also, not using God's name with body parts as vulgarities. Sex was overdone and to me was often sickening, e.g., Elise's wedding night described in excruciating detail, or mentions of masturbation, given here a cutesy nickname. I would have rated this novel higher had some of these aspects been toned down. The final duel between Garon and Sir Hugh was very well done, almost cinematic in presentation.
Recommended, with reservations.
June 27, 2016
Brilliant. Really brilliant! It promised to be a different sort of HF and it was - though I can't put my finger on how, exactly; I will try to pick out some of the things that appealed.
I laughed out loud several times - that was unusual! The characterisation was excellent and believable; the main characters had flaws and virtues and behaved like real people.
Reviews comment on a lot of swearing - that is in context as far as I'm concerned - it appears in the passages about men and soldiery and they don't pussyfoot around :P
Masefield writes in a very careful way using language that is modern and also language that is applicable to the time. I detest novels that are 'written forsoothly' and you could say he does that - but it works. Using 'croisade' for crusade, for example. I really liked how he uses language in this book. And the different typesetting for different characters. I thought their voices authentic.
Masefield is no admirer of the Lionheart. The history is not the revised and gentrified version of the Lionheart, national hero - it describes an autocratic, foul-mouthed bully. I loved Lionheart but I am happy to accept Masefield's Richard I as being as likely an authentic picture. (Actually, I suspect Masefield is closer to the truth.) Most of the historical gossip about the Lionheart is reproduced by Masefield; I doubt the homosexuality rumours, myself. That is, sexual orientation was not an existing concept at the time and Richard may well have 'enjoyed' both men and women - so what? The supposed incident with Philip is really just gossip, I believe - just as Eleanor of Aquitaine was accused of an affair with her uncle, Raymond of Poitiers. So, the gossip supports Masefield's version of Richard so he includes it, naturally.
Saladin appears as a very likeable character - which is pretty universally admitted! The Moorish case is made strongly and positively. With its own identifiable voice! War is faithfully represented as dreadful and our hero actually learns a thing or two and admits it. His croisade is a disaster. The Jewish perspective is represented with a small stretch - Elise has no prejudice towards them. The issues, practical and ethical, are well examined and with humour. I am now very enthusiastic to read more of Masefield's novels!
I laughed out loud several times - that was unusual! The characterisation was excellent and believable; the main characters had flaws and virtues and behaved like real people.
Reviews comment on a lot of swearing - that is in context as far as I'm concerned - it appears in the passages about men and soldiery and they don't pussyfoot around :P
Masefield writes in a very careful way using language that is modern and also language that is applicable to the time. I detest novels that are 'written forsoothly' and you could say he does that - but it works. Using 'croisade' for crusade, for example. I really liked how he uses language in this book. And the different typesetting for different characters. I thought their voices authentic.
Masefield is no admirer of the Lionheart. The history is not the revised and gentrified version of the Lionheart, national hero - it describes an autocratic, foul-mouthed bully. I loved Lionheart but I am happy to accept Masefield's Richard I as being as likely an authentic picture. (Actually, I suspect Masefield is closer to the truth.) Most of the historical gossip about the Lionheart is reproduced by Masefield; I doubt the homosexuality rumours, myself. That is, sexual orientation was not an existing concept at the time and Richard may well have 'enjoyed' both men and women - so what? The supposed incident with Philip is really just gossip, I believe - just as Eleanor of Aquitaine was accused of an affair with her uncle, Raymond of Poitiers. So, the gossip supports Masefield's version of Richard so he includes it, naturally.
Saladin appears as a very likeable character - which is pretty universally admitted! The Moorish case is made strongly and positively. With its own identifiable voice! War is faithfully represented as dreadful and our hero actually learns a thing or two and admits it. His croisade is a disaster. The Jewish perspective is represented with a small stretch - Elise has no prejudice towards them. The issues, practical and ethical, are well examined and with humour. I am now very enthusiastic to read more of Masefield's novels!
March 11, 2015
When I was offered this book for review I was warned about the swearing in it. Swearing does not bother me but if anyone is going to read this book, be warned, there is a lot of swearing right from the start.
This book promises to be a whole new reading experience for readers, colourful and descriptive - it certainly is that.
The story centres around the times of the crusades that Richard The Lionheart led. The point of view is varied throughout the book - you can be forgiven if you do get a little confused as there are so many different points of view. At the heart of this book is the story of Garon and Elise, Garon is a knight and Elise is a lady who he marries. A lot of the book does deal with Garon's time overseas fighting the Saracens and some of it can make for depressing reading - depending on your own outlook. I think that the author has gone to a great deal of trouble to be as descriptive as possible in the book - something he certainly achieved.
I was not entirely sure I would enjoy this book, it is not the usual kind of book I read, but it was not a bad read at all. The plot was interesting, even in the parts I found depressing, and well written. It may not be to everyone's tastes, but if you like historical reads with a twist then this is definitely worth your time.
Recommended. 4 stars ****
This book promises to be a whole new reading experience for readers, colourful and descriptive - it certainly is that.
The story centres around the times of the crusades that Richard The Lionheart led. The point of view is varied throughout the book - you can be forgiven if you do get a little confused as there are so many different points of view. At the heart of this book is the story of Garon and Elise, Garon is a knight and Elise is a lady who he marries. A lot of the book does deal with Garon's time overseas fighting the Saracens and some of it can make for depressing reading - depending on your own outlook. I think that the author has gone to a great deal of trouble to be as descriptive as possible in the book - something he certainly achieved.
I was not entirely sure I would enjoy this book, it is not the usual kind of book I read, but it was not a bad read at all. The plot was interesting, even in the parts I found depressing, and well written. It may not be to everyone's tastes, but if you like historical reads with a twist then this is definitely worth your time.
Recommended. 4 stars ****
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May 27, 2022A pompous read
The author overwhelms the reader with verbiage and his knowledge of trivial and period terms; thus, the plot gets lost in his self-important display.
The author overwhelms the reader with verbiage and his knowledge of trivial and period terms; thus, the plot gets lost in his self-important display.
March 3, 2015
Does your knowledge of King Richard the Lionheart stretch no further than the tales of Robin Hood? Then this story might come as a bit of a shock. Richard is no hero and his cause is less about God than it is about Mammon.
Richard is not the central character of this novel. But his actions have an overwhelming effect on the lives of the main characters. Richard’s desire for self-aggrandisement changes the course of life for Garon and Elise.
In many ways this could be considered a coming of age tale. By today’s standards Garon and Elise would be considered very young to be married. She is only nineteen and he is not much older. By the standards of the time this is nothing unusual. What is unusual is that Elise is left to manage their home by herself. And Garon goes to the Crusade with Richard’s army. By the end of the story life has taught both of them some harsh lessons. Both have experienced despair and happiness. Making them very different people from the ones we meet at the start of the book.
I was lucky enough to be given the softback version of this book to review by RedDoor Publishing. This meant I had the full benefit of the various fonts and colours used in the printing. The effect is so different from the usual printed book it took some getting used to. Once I had grasped that each font and colour belong to an individual character and reflected not only who was speaking but how they were feeling, I grew to like the effect.
This is not a book that will have you reading all through the night. It is not one that will have you drop everything else to find time to read a bit more. What it will do is stay with you. The ideas will ferment in the back of your mind and pop through at unexpected times and places. It is to be savoured and will improve with rereading. It is destined to be a book read several times over, each time giving up another layer of complexity.
I read many, many books. An awful lot are forgettable and will never be reread. I have been very lucky so far this year to come across some unforgettable novels. I am pleased to say this one deserves its place on that list.
The publishers of The White Cross have very kindly offered my readers a discount on the purchase price of the book. For those of you wanting to read this book and experience the full effect of the use of colour in the printed edition the book is available directly from the publisher for £8.00, which includes p&p. A nice saving on the cover price of £10.99 Please email clare@reddoorpublishing.co.uk mentioning you saw this offer at RockspringsCrafts Book Reviews.
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January 15, 2016Enlightening read
It's all here... research, descriptive writing, gutsy realism, historical accuracy, enlightening motivations. However, I especially enjoyed the homilies. I've always appreciated writing where the author shares his or her personal take based on experience and deeply held beliefs or feelings. The character of King Richard may have been somewhat embellished, but is generally true to history. The fictional protagonists, the brave knight and his bride were well developed characters.
It's all here... research, descriptive writing, gutsy realism, historical accuracy, enlightening motivations. However, I especially enjoyed the homilies. I've always appreciated writing where the author shares his or her personal take based on experience and deeply held beliefs or feelings. The character of King Richard may have been somewhat embellished, but is generally true to history. The fictional protagonists, the brave knight and his bride were well developed characters.
October 31, 2015
From the very first sentence..."Christ's Holy Sh--!", and on and on, this book is foul and Sacreligious! I thought the title might give it a cleaner story. Yikes was I wrong!!
Deleted it before I reached the end of the first chapter. Ashamed I even bought it, but there were no other reviewers before me, so I had no idea from the synopsis how foul this was.
NOT my cup of tea. It very well could be realistic for the time, but I don't feel the need to immerse myself in this sort of filth.
Deleted it before I reached the end of the first chapter. Ashamed I even bought it, but there were no other reviewers before me, so I had no idea from the synopsis how foul this was.
NOT my cup of tea. It very well could be realistic for the time, but I don't feel the need to immerse myself in this sort of filth.
September 7, 2018
I enjoyed this, and the new perspectives it gave of a historical time. However, a couple of things made this tricky for me to fully enjoy, and so I couldn’t give more than 3 stars.
To explain... the storyline is brilliant, well thought out. We see the world through A couples perspectives, one away with the Crusades (Sir Garon) and the wife (Elise) remaining home.
I loved the way the story explained their lives, how we get to know them and see them grow and change through time. It made the characters responses and decisions more understandable, and them more relatable overall.
However. Some may find that the use of swearing from the first page puts them off, so if that isn’t something you can cope with perhaps give this one a miss. There are also graphic sexual scenes which again, if not to your tastes perhaps this isn’t the book for you. I myself don’t find this to be a problem, the world is as it is after all, and for someone who reads erotica. I didn’t mind it and the descriptions were well done.
My personal difficult with the book was the multiple fonts, which I found distracting and gave me a headache a few times. I can understand using headings to explain different types, italics for thoughts and so on, but the multiple fonts caused me problems a few times, and meant re-reading sections at various points.
However... i loved the storyline, and plot. This was a fun and engaging tale, and certainly gave perhaps a more honest view of King Richard.
So, if Historical fiction is to your taste, definitely give it a go! Enjoyable if you don’t mind the Graphic scenes and swearing!
Something I would happily revisit and enjoy again at a later date, if the multiple Fonts were edited.
To explain... the storyline is brilliant, well thought out. We see the world through A couples perspectives, one away with the Crusades (Sir Garon) and the wife (Elise) remaining home.
I loved the way the story explained their lives, how we get to know them and see them grow and change through time. It made the characters responses and decisions more understandable, and them more relatable overall.
However. Some may find that the use of swearing from the first page puts them off, so if that isn’t something you can cope with perhaps give this one a miss. There are also graphic sexual scenes which again, if not to your tastes perhaps this isn’t the book for you. I myself don’t find this to be a problem, the world is as it is after all, and for someone who reads erotica. I didn’t mind it and the descriptions were well done.
My personal difficult with the book was the multiple fonts, which I found distracting and gave me a headache a few times. I can understand using headings to explain different types, italics for thoughts and so on, but the multiple fonts caused me problems a few times, and meant re-reading sections at various points.
However... i loved the storyline, and plot. This was a fun and engaging tale, and certainly gave perhaps a more honest view of King Richard.
So, if Historical fiction is to your taste, definitely give it a go! Enjoyable if you don’t mind the Graphic scenes and swearing!
Something I would happily revisit and enjoy again at a later date, if the multiple Fonts were edited.
August 16, 2018
Review will be live on my blog on 17th August 2018 as part of the blog tour!
I do love a good historical fiction novel and I was immediately intrigued by the blurb and cover for this one, it drew me in and I couldn't wait to get stuck in to the book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it was very well written and had some excellent characters. The flow for the story was very good and I loved the period that the book was set in. I have read quite a few books set in this period and this one stood out for me. This has just the right amount of content for me to make it a very good read without bogging you down in unnecessary detail.
4.5 stars from me rounded up to 5 stars for Amazon and Goodreads - I really enjoyed it and highly recommend this one!
I do love a good historical fiction novel and I was immediately intrigued by the blurb and cover for this one, it drew me in and I couldn't wait to get stuck in to the book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, it was very well written and had some excellent characters. The flow for the story was very good and I loved the period that the book was set in. I have read quite a few books set in this period and this one stood out for me. This has just the right amount of content for me to make it a very good read without bogging you down in unnecessary detail.
4.5 stars from me rounded up to 5 stars for Amazon and Goodreads - I really enjoyed it and highly recommend this one!
October 22, 2018
There are few books that have taken me as long to finish as this one did. It was boring, the language difficult, because there were toο many old English words that made the reading very hard. I usually enjoy historical fiction but still not sure why this was listed as an historical romance. I would not recommended to anyone.
June 26, 2021
Hard to follow
Not my kind of story, did not enjoy it. Too gory and cruel. What I managed to read was well written.
Not my kind of story, did not enjoy it. Too gory and cruel. What I managed to read was well written.
January 3, 2016
As an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction for the period, I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable read.
To quote from the book: "The Evil One is not in Hell, but here on earth in mortal form. The human masks we wear whilst prattling of love and forgiveness are made in our own selfish image, not in God's - the faces underneath them, those of snarling devils who kill for pleasure and delight in pain."
The author frequently makes use of many contemporary terms, adding to authenticity and readability.
While I don't wish to ruin the enjoyment of others, I would like to congratulate the author on his cleverly crafted use of reflective first person writing. I would recommend reading this on an e-reader (this will become apparent towards the end).
This well-constructed book oozes the excitement, tension and fear of battle as found with Iggulden, Cornwell, and Scarrow (to name a few of my favourites) but brings a new, thought-provoking perspective rarely found within the genre.
I found the author's relationship with religion (Christianity and Islam) to be informed and addressed with a good deal of compassion. Mostly, I was impressed with the author's correct assessment of Richard I, The Lionheart. We even have a brief reference to the Good People (those who subscribed to Cathar/Gnostic thought) common within the genre. It is a shame this wasn’t developed further as this would have allowed for a viewpoint that contrasts with documents of the period.
Having searched other books from Richard Masefield, I was disappointed to realise this is his sole medieval book. Richard, do please give your readers a follow-up, perhaps centred on the protagonist's child?
If you enjoy books of the period but are looking for a slightly different take on the battle for Outremer, download this book. It really is a jolly good read.
To quote from the book: "The Evil One is not in Hell, but here on earth in mortal form. The human masks we wear whilst prattling of love and forgiveness are made in our own selfish image, not in God's - the faces underneath them, those of snarling devils who kill for pleasure and delight in pain."
The author frequently makes use of many contemporary terms, adding to authenticity and readability.
While I don't wish to ruin the enjoyment of others, I would like to congratulate the author on his cleverly crafted use of reflective first person writing. I would recommend reading this on an e-reader (this will become apparent towards the end).
This well-constructed book oozes the excitement, tension and fear of battle as found with Iggulden, Cornwell, and Scarrow (to name a few of my favourites) but brings a new, thought-provoking perspective rarely found within the genre.
I found the author's relationship with religion (Christianity and Islam) to be informed and addressed with a good deal of compassion. Mostly, I was impressed with the author's correct assessment of Richard I, The Lionheart. We even have a brief reference to the Good People (those who subscribed to Cathar/Gnostic thought) common within the genre. It is a shame this wasn’t developed further as this would have allowed for a viewpoint that contrasts with documents of the period.
Having searched other books from Richard Masefield, I was disappointed to realise this is his sole medieval book. Richard, do please give your readers a follow-up, perhaps centred on the protagonist's child?
If you enjoy books of the period but are looking for a slightly different take on the battle for Outremer, download this book. It really is a jolly good read.
August 13, 2018
I enjoy a crusade story and this one certainty packs a hefty punch as, coming in just at 530 pages, it certainly takes some committed reading time. It's a lively account of the relationship between Sir Garon, a crusader knight and his wife Elise. Garon's vivid recollections of the third crusade makes for interesting reading as does Elise's account of managing the couple's estate in her husband's absence.
The story overall is divided into manageable sections with the narrative separated by the slightly unusual means of having different type-font for the main characters, a method which I found a little disconcerting at first, but as the story progressed I became more comfortable with the idea as it helps to place the characters very firmly in the story. Interspersed within Garon’s and Elise’s individual stories is that of Richard I, the Lionheart of our history, which depicts this enigmatic warrior king in an altogether more challenging light, and one which isn’t particularly flattering. That Richard is portrayed as selfish, vicious and arrogant is rather at odds with the image we have of a bounteous Crusader king whose chivalry and military success is the stuff of legend. But such is the way of historical fiction and it's interesting to have a different perspective.
The general historical feel of the story is good, and whilst there's a certain amount of colourful language, which may offend some, it certainly adds a realistic edginess to the story. The narrative flows throughout and there is enough historical detail to make the whole thing feel authentic. The author writes well and has an interesting turn of phrase. It is obvious that he has clearly done his research and this helps to bring time, place and history alive in the imagination.
The story overall is divided into manageable sections with the narrative separated by the slightly unusual means of having different type-font for the main characters, a method which I found a little disconcerting at first, but as the story progressed I became more comfortable with the idea as it helps to place the characters very firmly in the story. Interspersed within Garon’s and Elise’s individual stories is that of Richard I, the Lionheart of our history, which depicts this enigmatic warrior king in an altogether more challenging light, and one which isn’t particularly flattering. That Richard is portrayed as selfish, vicious and arrogant is rather at odds with the image we have of a bounteous Crusader king whose chivalry and military success is the stuff of legend. But such is the way of historical fiction and it's interesting to have a different perspective.
The general historical feel of the story is good, and whilst there's a certain amount of colourful language, which may offend some, it certainly adds a realistic edginess to the story. The narrative flows throughout and there is enough historical detail to make the whole thing feel authentic. The author writes well and has an interesting turn of phrase. It is obvious that he has clearly done his research and this helps to bring time, place and history alive in the imagination.
August 15, 2016
This book is not going to be for everyone. It begins with Richard II learning of the death of his father but the book is the tale of two people thrown together in marriage. It is harsh, it is profane and it is at times not easy to read. As we know from history, Richard II, know as the Lionheart spend most of his reign out of England on Crusade. He is not known as a gentle man – he is a man of War and Mr. Masefield portrays him in a very rough and brash way.
The “romance” at the heart of the tale is between Garon and Elise. It is an arranged marriage as most were in this time between the upper classes. Garon is also a man of war and cares little for Elise beyond what she can bring him. Elise is a woman of strength and intelligence and like most women of her ilk she is told she is good for naught but bearing heirs. Oh, the joys of being female in the middle ages!
The White Cross spares no one feelings – the descriptions are realistic and at times stomach turning. The language is vile and the sex is erm, descriptive and plentiful. As I noted – not for everyone. The history is well researched and the characters well developed. Elise and Garon – being the true heroes of the story grow, learn and change which is a revelation. This does not always happen in a book. I just had a hard time with the overwhelming use of language and sex as a crutch to help move the story forward.
3.5
The “romance” at the heart of the tale is between Garon and Elise. It is an arranged marriage as most were in this time between the upper classes. Garon is also a man of war and cares little for Elise beyond what she can bring him. Elise is a woman of strength and intelligence and like most women of her ilk she is told she is good for naught but bearing heirs. Oh, the joys of being female in the middle ages!
The White Cross spares no one feelings – the descriptions are realistic and at times stomach turning. The language is vile and the sex is erm, descriptive and plentiful. As I noted – not for everyone. The history is well researched and the characters well developed. Elise and Garon – being the true heroes of the story grow, learn and change which is a revelation. This does not always happen in a book. I just had a hard time with the overwhelming use of language and sex as a crutch to help move the story forward.
3.5
January 12, 2016
An interesting holiday read which quickly demolishes any romantic preconceptions that you might hold about Richard the Lionhearted. The descriptions of the sheer barbarism of the horrifying treatment of his enemies at the Crusades makes his deeds so similar to modern day ISIS. The love story that slowly grows between Garon and his wife Elise is interesting inasmuch as you realize that women were treated as commodities to be married off at whim.
March 20, 2016
Overly wordy
I spent quite a bit of time skipping over the lengthy descriptions of the fighting for palestine and focused on Sir Garon and Elise's story. It was definitely as the cover states a Different kind of historical romance. It combines the strict historical telling of king Richard's crusade in the author's perspective. The change of font assists the reader in knowing who is telling the story.
I spent quite a bit of time skipping over the lengthy descriptions of the fighting for palestine and focused on Sir Garon and Elise's story. It was definitely as the cover states a Different kind of historical romance. It combines the strict historical telling of king Richard's crusade in the author's perspective. The change of font assists the reader in knowing who is telling the story.
December 9, 2015
The plot is good; Masefield has clearly done extensive research and some parts of the book are very well written. I should have really enjoyed this book but for some reason I can't quite put my finger on, I was never completely convinced. It is, however, worth reading and I will certainly be giving Masefield a second chance.
January 15, 2016
An Interesting Take On Medieval Times
The author of this had an unusual and interesting slant on the time of this tale. At times I found the story dragged and then it seemed to be too absorbing to put down. Over all, I recommend this as a book for someone who is really interested in the era of Richard 1 of England.
The author of this had an unusual and interesting slant on the time of this tale. At times I found the story dragged and then it seemed to be too absorbing to put down. Over all, I recommend this as a book for someone who is really interested in the era of Richard 1 of England.
December 20, 2015
A very uneven book. There were times when I raced through the prose, caught up in the story, only to stumble over poor word choice and even worse storytelling.
I gave it two stars instead of one because I *did* learn more about King Richard and the 3rd Crusade than I ever knew.
I gave it two stars instead of one because I *did* learn more about King Richard and the 3rd Crusade than I ever knew.
May 29, 2016
There is something really modern about the narrative that sits slightly oddly with the story, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I'd like to read something else by the author, but not necessarily these characters. They weren't that likeable!
January 17, 2016
Is a great book to read
November 15, 2015
Excellent
Intriguing and fascinating factual history.i.e.
Intriguing and fascinating. I did find introspective part a bit off, however, it wrapped very well.
Intriguing and fascinating factual history.i.e.
Intriguing and fascinating. I did find introspective part a bit off, however, it wrapped very well.
January 2, 2016
Read 50% trash
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