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Outremer #1
Outremer I
Who Controls The Past Controls The Future
An epic love story must overcome religious divide and a plot to eradicate two blood lines, as the Crusades and the search for the ancient mysteries of the Holy Grail gather momentum.
Raised by his father in La Rochelle, France, Paul Plantavalu is known for his artistic nature, inquisitive mind and Christian faith. He also has an unshakable love for his Muslim childhood friend, Alisha al Komaty. Courageous and outspoken, she returns Paul’s love. But their path is paved with obstacles; religion, war, political chaos and a mysterious enemy determined to destroy their family lines.
Sometime between 1110 AD and 1120 AD in the aftermath of the first crusade, a small band of nine knights — the founding knights Templar — recover ancient precious artefacts left by a former, advanced civilisation, beneath the City of Jerusalem. Ruthlessly guarded, the secrets revealed by this discovery are highly prized by powerful and dangerous forces far and wide; the repercussions of their capture are inextricably linked to Paul and Alisha. As Paul starts to experience dark and vivid dreams and the fragile balance of peace starts to crumble, it will fall to an enigmatic man known as Kratos and his female warrior protégée Abi Shadana, to safeguard Paul and Alisha.
Paul and Alisha’s love story weaves between the threads of our reality and other realms — from the Druids to the Sufi mystics, the Magi of the East, the secret political arm of the Knights Templar and the Isma’ilis, the Assassins. Knights and pilgrims alike will witness some of the darkest battles ever fought. The discovery of a unique sword’s lethal power and whispered connections to King Arthur and the Holy Grail lead Paul and Alisha to question if their lives ever be the same again.
The first of a four-part series, Outremer is an historical epic, which sweeps across England, Scotland and France, to Syria, Jerusalem and Egypt. Discover the truth — and crack the ancient code — behind the great mysteries of the High Middle Ages for yourself.
An epic love story must overcome religious divide and a plot to eradicate two blood lines, as the Crusades and the search for the ancient mysteries of the Holy Grail gather momentum.
Raised by his father in La Rochelle, France, Paul Plantavalu is known for his artistic nature, inquisitive mind and Christian faith. He also has an unshakable love for his Muslim childhood friend, Alisha al Komaty. Courageous and outspoken, she returns Paul’s love. But their path is paved with obstacles; religion, war, political chaos and a mysterious enemy determined to destroy their family lines.
Sometime between 1110 AD and 1120 AD in the aftermath of the first crusade, a small band of nine knights — the founding knights Templar — recover ancient precious artefacts left by a former, advanced civilisation, beneath the City of Jerusalem. Ruthlessly guarded, the secrets revealed by this discovery are highly prized by powerful and dangerous forces far and wide; the repercussions of their capture are inextricably linked to Paul and Alisha. As Paul starts to experience dark and vivid dreams and the fragile balance of peace starts to crumble, it will fall to an enigmatic man known as Kratos and his female warrior protégée Abi Shadana, to safeguard Paul and Alisha.
Paul and Alisha’s love story weaves between the threads of our reality and other realms — from the Druids to the Sufi mystics, the Magi of the East, the secret political arm of the Knights Templar and the Isma’ilis, the Assassins. Knights and pilgrims alike will witness some of the darkest battles ever fought. The discovery of a unique sword’s lethal power and whispered connections to King Arthur and the Holy Grail lead Paul and Alisha to question if their lives ever be the same again.
The first of a four-part series, Outremer is an historical epic, which sweeps across England, Scotland and France, to Syria, Jerusalem and Egypt. Discover the truth — and crack the ancient code — behind the great mysteries of the High Middle Ages for yourself.
658 pages, Paperback
Published May 9, 2017
13 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 11, 2017
This is a huge book, not just in length, but also in detail, content, description, plot and research. The research alone that has gone into this book is in itself vast. If you want a book that takes you through the history of the Knights Templar and the events of the high middle ages then this is a must read. Also included is a vast array of things relevant to the time and their connections through history, and includes Christianity, Muslims, Islam, Egyptology, symbolism, paganism, Arthurian Legend, folklore and astrology, this list only just scratches the surface. It is the first in a planned series of four books, and feels to be just the tip of the iceberg. I am so excited about this upcoming series after reading this first instalment.
All of the above and more have been cleverly wrapped around the love story of Paul from a Christian family and Alisha from a Muslim one. In theory these two families should be enemies,at the time of crusades when Muslim and Christian are at war. But this is not the case, the families have been friends for many years, and respected by some of the highest ranking Grand Masters, but why is this information not available to all, and known only by a select few. Paul and Alisha’s story is one that is destined to be. But one that some would like to wipe out, to stop and erase the bloodline. While we learn this story as it happens, we also meet an old man, he has a story and tells it at the local inn to a mixed background audience. He tells the story of Paul and Alisha, but it is after it has happened, a few years later in fact. The audience initially believe he is telling a tall tale, but there are things for some of the audience that ring true, and as he tells his tale he fills in the history. Not just of the families but of all things from all ages and many countries, he has details of dates, people, places, events, and then religions, legends, myths and facts. He has detailed documents to prove the information he gives.
I could write so much about this book, there is so much information in it, from various sources and backgrounds. It is almost like reading a history lesson as it happens. The descriptions for the settings and the people have been really well done. I really like the way the two stories complement each other. One as it happens, the other in the future. There are many characters in this story, the major players quickly become identifiable, and after a few appearances so do the smaller re-occurring players.
The historical content in this is huge, at times I did find myself overwhelmed by it, and at times I got confused by my lack of understanding. But to be honest, the parts I found confusing didn’t take anything away from the story or my enjoyment of it. There are some very interesting elements in this, some of which have previously been brought up in Dan Brown books, there is a reference to his work in the bibliography, and not all of the theories in Brown’s books I understood either and yet still loved them.
So if you want a serious book about the high middle ages, and are ready for an amazing journey, then this is the book for you. I would definitely recommend this to readers of Historical Fiction, readers of History and mention that it contains some historical romance. It is a well researched, well presented and a real epic of a book. I eagerly await the next instalment.
All of the above and more have been cleverly wrapped around the love story of Paul from a Christian family and Alisha from a Muslim one. In theory these two families should be enemies,at the time of crusades when Muslim and Christian are at war. But this is not the case, the families have been friends for many years, and respected by some of the highest ranking Grand Masters, but why is this information not available to all, and known only by a select few. Paul and Alisha’s story is one that is destined to be. But one that some would like to wipe out, to stop and erase the bloodline. While we learn this story as it happens, we also meet an old man, he has a story and tells it at the local inn to a mixed background audience. He tells the story of Paul and Alisha, but it is after it has happened, a few years later in fact. The audience initially believe he is telling a tall tale, but there are things for some of the audience that ring true, and as he tells his tale he fills in the history. Not just of the families but of all things from all ages and many countries, he has details of dates, people, places, events, and then religions, legends, myths and facts. He has detailed documents to prove the information he gives.
I could write so much about this book, there is so much information in it, from various sources and backgrounds. It is almost like reading a history lesson as it happens. The descriptions for the settings and the people have been really well done. I really like the way the two stories complement each other. One as it happens, the other in the future. There are many characters in this story, the major players quickly become identifiable, and after a few appearances so do the smaller re-occurring players.
The historical content in this is huge, at times I did find myself overwhelmed by it, and at times I got confused by my lack of understanding. But to be honest, the parts I found confusing didn’t take anything away from the story or my enjoyment of it. There are some very interesting elements in this, some of which have previously been brought up in Dan Brown books, there is a reference to his work in the bibliography, and not all of the theories in Brown’s books I understood either and yet still loved them.
So if you want a serious book about the high middle ages, and are ready for an amazing journey, then this is the book for you. I would definitely recommend this to readers of Historical Fiction, readers of History and mention that it contains some historical romance. It is a well researched, well presented and a real epic of a book. I eagerly await the next instalment.
May 11, 2017
A book that will have you gripped from the first page.
How can I do justice to this extraordinary story? Unfortunately, with great difficulty because there is so much that I want to share and discuss. However, it would contain spoilers, so instead, I’ll give you the brief outline and hopefully manage to convey that this is a truly brilliant book especially if you’re interested not only in the history of the Knights Templar but also the esoteric work that they were involved in.
Imagine that the year is 1179 and you’re sitting in a pub. An old man enters. There are a couple of Knights Templar sitting near the fireplace, a fisherman and several other people trying to stay warm and have a couple of drinks. The owner of this drinking house and his wife realise that they too need to sit down and listen to this tale.
As usual, people start talking and asking the old man who he is – where he’s come from and what his business is. To answer all these questions, the old man starts telling this motley group the story of young Paul, his love for Alisha and his deep friendship with her brother; Taqi.
Paul Plantavalu, the son of Philip Plantavalu (Christians) has grown up with Taqi and Alisha the son and daughter of Firgany Al Komaty, his father’s Muslim partner. The three have always been close, but meeting again after some years, Paul and Alisha realise that their relationship is more than just friends; they are deeply in love. Both fathers realise that it’s not a suitable marriage because of the difference in religions and culture, but the love these two share cannot be put into some dark corner and forgotten. Their love is greater than their parents concerns.
The two fathers decide that they need to thwart this romance and so it is decided that Alisha and Taqi must accompany him when he sets off to transfer his and Philip’s businesses from Mawsil to Alexandria. Taqi had particularly wanted to stay behind to attend the classes that Philip has arranged for Paul. Niccolas, a learned man is tasked with educating Paul in all aspects of subjects such as sacred geometry, numerology, astrology, astronomy and other esoteric modalities.
I was absolutely enthralled by this vast and beautiful combination of not only the romance between Paul and Alisha and the deep friendship Paul has with Taqi but possibly what made this book even more special was the information that DN Carter has woven into the pages of the Knights Templar and their counterparts, the Assassins. I loved that this all eventually connects back to England, the druids and their practices and the Holy Grail.
I hope that when people read this book they will realise that so many modalities that are now referred to as “New Age” are anything but. Numerology, Astrology, ancient buildings and sites that line up with planetary occurrences – this is not New Age, but people once again returning to their ancient ancestors’ beliefs to help explain how we should all accept that there is so much more to figuring out life than just using science or modern technology to teach us.
DN Carter - it’s been an honour for me to read and review this book. Thank you for all the research that you’ve brought into the storyline.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
How can I do justice to this extraordinary story? Unfortunately, with great difficulty because there is so much that I want to share and discuss. However, it would contain spoilers, so instead, I’ll give you the brief outline and hopefully manage to convey that this is a truly brilliant book especially if you’re interested not only in the history of the Knights Templar but also the esoteric work that they were involved in.
Imagine that the year is 1179 and you’re sitting in a pub. An old man enters. There are a couple of Knights Templar sitting near the fireplace, a fisherman and several other people trying to stay warm and have a couple of drinks. The owner of this drinking house and his wife realise that they too need to sit down and listen to this tale.
As usual, people start talking and asking the old man who he is – where he’s come from and what his business is. To answer all these questions, the old man starts telling this motley group the story of young Paul, his love for Alisha and his deep friendship with her brother; Taqi.
Paul Plantavalu, the son of Philip Plantavalu (Christians) has grown up with Taqi and Alisha the son and daughter of Firgany Al Komaty, his father’s Muslim partner. The three have always been close, but meeting again after some years, Paul and Alisha realise that their relationship is more than just friends; they are deeply in love. Both fathers realise that it’s not a suitable marriage because of the difference in religions and culture, but the love these two share cannot be put into some dark corner and forgotten. Their love is greater than their parents concerns.
The two fathers decide that they need to thwart this romance and so it is decided that Alisha and Taqi must accompany him when he sets off to transfer his and Philip’s businesses from Mawsil to Alexandria. Taqi had particularly wanted to stay behind to attend the classes that Philip has arranged for Paul. Niccolas, a learned man is tasked with educating Paul in all aspects of subjects such as sacred geometry, numerology, astrology, astronomy and other esoteric modalities.
I was absolutely enthralled by this vast and beautiful combination of not only the romance between Paul and Alisha and the deep friendship Paul has with Taqi but possibly what made this book even more special was the information that DN Carter has woven into the pages of the Knights Templar and their counterparts, the Assassins. I loved that this all eventually connects back to England, the druids and their practices and the Holy Grail.
I hope that when people read this book they will realise that so many modalities that are now referred to as “New Age” are anything but. Numerology, Astrology, ancient buildings and sites that line up with planetary occurrences – this is not New Age, but people once again returning to their ancient ancestors’ beliefs to help explain how we should all accept that there is so much more to figuring out life than just using science or modern technology to teach us.
DN Carter - it’s been an honour for me to read and review this book. Thank you for all the research that you’ve brought into the storyline.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
May 14, 2017
I admit to feeling slightly daunted when faced with the HUGE brick of a book that is Outremer, which showed as 23 hours of reading time on kindle. Thankfully, I had both a physical and a digital copy so I swapped between paperback and kindle now and then to give my puny arm muscles a well-deserved break. On turning the first page there is a helpful list of main characters with some amazing images so we don't even have to imagine what each character looks like. I have to say that there are a lot of characters so it did take me quite a while to get into the book, but once I did I found that I couldn't wait to read the next instalment in this riveting story.
The story of Paul and Alisha is cleverly told through the words of a sword-wielding stranger taking shelter at an inn in France. As he tells his epic tale to the patrons of the inn, they became as eager for the next part of the story as I did. Paul is a Christian who falls in love with Alisha, his best friend's sister who is a Muslim. Due to their different religions, they fear that they can never be together but their fate has already been mapped and their fathers arrange an ancient ceremony so that they can be married. As they travel across the lands to protect their bloodline, they encounter many who would harm them but equally as many who would die for them.
I felt as if I could be sat around the fire in the inn myself, as the stranger discussed the origins of legends, words and biblical history. I am rather partial to ancient history, particularly Egyptian history, so I found this absolutely fascinating. Often, my eyes would widen in surprise as the origins of many words were revealed and I found myself recounting this information, like the stranger in the inn, to my own captive audience.
Despite it being such a huge epic novel, I felt as if we have only just begun to scratch the surface of the amazing story that DN Carter has to tell us. It's an epic story that will delight any historical fiction lover, and make you look at ancient history in a completely different light. Although it makes Game of Thrones look like a novella, do not be put off by the size of Outremer as once you get into it you will realise that it's not even nearly long enough.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The story of Paul and Alisha is cleverly told through the words of a sword-wielding stranger taking shelter at an inn in France. As he tells his epic tale to the patrons of the inn, they became as eager for the next part of the story as I did. Paul is a Christian who falls in love with Alisha, his best friend's sister who is a Muslim. Due to their different religions, they fear that they can never be together but their fate has already been mapped and their fathers arrange an ancient ceremony so that they can be married. As they travel across the lands to protect their bloodline, they encounter many who would harm them but equally as many who would die for them.
I felt as if I could be sat around the fire in the inn myself, as the stranger discussed the origins of legends, words and biblical history. I am rather partial to ancient history, particularly Egyptian history, so I found this absolutely fascinating. Often, my eyes would widen in surprise as the origins of many words were revealed and I found myself recounting this information, like the stranger in the inn, to my own captive audience.
Despite it being such a huge epic novel, I felt as if we have only just begun to scratch the surface of the amazing story that DN Carter has to tell us. It's an epic story that will delight any historical fiction lover, and make you look at ancient history in a completely different light. Although it makes Game of Thrones look like a novella, do not be put off by the size of Outremer as once you get into it you will realise that it's not even nearly long enough.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 8, 2017
This is the story of Paul Plantavalu, his best friend, Taqi al Komanty, and Taqi’s sister Alisha. The three grew up around each other but after some time apart Paul and Alisha find that they are in love with each other. But Paul is a Christian and Alisha is Muslim. At first the father’s try to break them apart, but they realize that this is not going to stop either Paul or Alisha.
This part of the story is beautiful, but wrapped around it is the story of the Knights Templar, the Holy Grail, and advanced civilizations. Paul and Alisha become wrapped up in everything and span realms and realities.
I thought this book sounded good and couldn’t wait to read it. Of course I was a little shocked at how huge the book was but once I start reading I couldn’t put this book down. There is so much to this story but hard to really talk about without giving too much away.
It is clear that D.N. Carter took the time to fully research everything in this book. You feel right there alongside of Templars and Assassins. You will learn about numerology and astrology and other beliefs from ancient times. And I love how you learn the meanings of so much. I love stories that teach along with entertain.
This is an amazing start to this series. I can’t image four parts to this series but if they are as good at this one I have no problem digging into them too.
I received Outremer from the 12 Days of Clink Street from Authoright for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
This part of the story is beautiful, but wrapped around it is the story of the Knights Templar, the Holy Grail, and advanced civilizations. Paul and Alisha become wrapped up in everything and span realms and realities.
I thought this book sounded good and couldn’t wait to read it. Of course I was a little shocked at how huge the book was but once I start reading I couldn’t put this book down. There is so much to this story but hard to really talk about without giving too much away.
It is clear that D.N. Carter took the time to fully research everything in this book. You feel right there alongside of Templars and Assassins. You will learn about numerology and astrology and other beliefs from ancient times. And I love how you learn the meanings of so much. I love stories that teach along with entertain.
This is an amazing start to this series. I can’t image four parts to this series but if they are as good at this one I have no problem digging into them too.
I received Outremer from the 12 Days of Clink Street from Authoright for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
June 11, 2020
The book is a well written history of theology. It draws many conclusions that my life experience has caused me to drawe
Me to come to similar conclusions. I couldn't put it down!
I now look forward to reading the rest of r he books in the series!
A cracking good read. Very educational and thought provoking. Highly recommended.
Me to come to similar conclusions. I couldn't put it down!
I now look forward to reading the rest of r he books in the series!
A cracking good read. Very educational and thought provoking. Highly recommended.
August 17, 2019
Well researched
Well what a phenomenally difficult read I could not finish it!!! Gave up at page 14907 when I realised I still had 300+ pages to go!!!
Well what a phenomenally difficult read I could not finish it!!! Gave up at page 14907 when I realised I still had 300+ pages to go!!!
August 19, 2024
English mistakes, spelling mistakes and paragraphs that go on for 6 pages at a time make for a difficult read. The research may be good but makes for a boring and monotonous read.
May 20, 2017
This was a magical and in depth historical ride. There were plots of subterfuge, secret orders, and Holy Grail quests. Seriously. It can be a little overwhelming due to the sheer size of the novel, expanse of history, but also the knowledge in this book. The book goes in depth about symbology, the history of the Crusades, and even the origins of religion. If you are into history this is for you. At the same time, the plot is also grounded by a very 'normal' plot of a couple who are in love, challenged, and separated.
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/outr...
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/outr...
May 3, 2019
Well! The list and images of the main characters - Hmm! Personally speaking I prefer to conjure up how these look for myself but hey ho - and bibliography included this is one mighty tome of some 644 pages ...
Some 644 pages of minute (and I mean minute) print, some of it italics.
Some 644 pages that despite it sweeping 11th century Europe through to Syria, Jerusalem and Egypt, that despite its love story that wove between realms from the Druids to the Sufi mystics to the Magi of the East, that despite its not one but two courageous and outspoken female protagonists; one of them a warrior, that despite its mysterious enemies and artefacts turned out to be not entirely to my liking.
One of what turned into four volumes amounting to what I seem to remember reading was 1,240,000 words, Outremer (a mere 300,000 words if my memory serves right) is chock full of symbology and ancient codes and religious references and political intrigue and religious divide, the list goes on ...
"Ah", so I hear you saying, "A Dan Brown type read set in the Middle Ages".
Emm, no,. Though I have heard it compared to the likes of The Da Vinci Code etc as well as Game of Thrones (yes, Outremer has dragons) and Romeo and Juliet.
The story of Paul (a Christian) and Alisha (a Muslim) narrated by a sword-wielding stranger. Outremer is a
real labour of love and it shows, the author's passion shining through. Rich in detail and description (its obviously very well researched), historically accurate when it needs to be and yet full of myths and legends ... oh and the feminine divine. It wasn't the content, content which incidentally I have no doubts whatsoever would be great adapted into a mini series, that I struggled with but the execution.
Put off by the print size certainly (my younger self would have scoffed at this but as I've got older it has become a major consideration). The story a bit long winded; the attention to detail too much at times, the 'teaching' us about symbology, numerology and all of those other things as interesting as it might have been eventually succeeding in slowly the pace. What disappointed me most though was I so wanted to put myself in that inn; sitting before a roaring log fire, tankard of ale in my hand avidly listening to this stranger's tale of a young Muslim girl and her Christian love and yet, and yet I just couldn't connect with the 'narrator'.
Copyright ... Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer .... Received with thanks from Faye @ Authoright, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
Some 644 pages of minute (and I mean minute) print, some of it italics.
Some 644 pages that despite it sweeping 11th century Europe through to Syria, Jerusalem and Egypt, that despite its love story that wove between realms from the Druids to the Sufi mystics to the Magi of the East, that despite its not one but two courageous and outspoken female protagonists; one of them a warrior, that despite its mysterious enemies and artefacts turned out to be not entirely to my liking.
One of what turned into four volumes amounting to what I seem to remember reading was 1,240,000 words, Outremer (a mere 300,000 words if my memory serves right) is chock full of symbology and ancient codes and religious references and political intrigue and religious divide, the list goes on ...
"Ah", so I hear you saying, "A Dan Brown type read set in the Middle Ages".
Emm, no,. Though I have heard it compared to the likes of The Da Vinci Code etc as well as Game of Thrones (yes, Outremer has dragons) and Romeo and Juliet.
The story of Paul (a Christian) and Alisha (a Muslim) narrated by a sword-wielding stranger. Outremer is a
real labour of love and it shows, the author's passion shining through. Rich in detail and description (its obviously very well researched), historically accurate when it needs to be and yet full of myths and legends ... oh and the feminine divine. It wasn't the content, content which incidentally I have no doubts whatsoever would be great adapted into a mini series, that I struggled with but the execution.
Put off by the print size certainly (my younger self would have scoffed at this but as I've got older it has become a major consideration). The story a bit long winded; the attention to detail too much at times, the 'teaching' us about symbology, numerology and all of those other things as interesting as it might have been eventually succeeding in slowly the pace. What disappointed me most though was I so wanted to put myself in that inn; sitting before a roaring log fire, tankard of ale in my hand avidly listening to this stranger's tale of a young Muslim girl and her Christian love and yet, and yet I just couldn't connect with the 'narrator'.
Copyright ... Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer .... Received with thanks from Faye @ Authoright, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews