Knights of the Cross: A Novel of the Crusades

Knights of the Cross follows Tom Harpers critically acclaimed debut, The Mosaic of ShadowsByzantium, 1098.Two years prior, the legions of armies of the First Crusade were called upon by the Byzantine emperor to reinforce his position as the mightiest power in Christendom. Fighting as mercenaries, and claiming no particular allegiance, their presence was strained within the city walls of Byzantium. But with their differences now settled, the armies of the First Crusade leave the emperor---racing across the vast stretch of Asia Minor, chasing the Turkish armies of the East. As they continue to route the Turks and reclaim the stolen land for Christendom, the powerful armies are quickly halted. On the Syrian border, their advance is blocked before the impregnable walls of Antioch. As winter draws on, they are forced to suffer a fruitless, interminable siege---gnawed upon by famine, and tormented by the Turkish defenders. The perilous season leaves the entire crusade on a precarious verge of collapse. In the midst of this freezing misery, rivalries, and divisions appear. Lines are drawn between the ruling princes; the lords and the men they command; and between the Byzantines fighting alongside the Western crusaders. So when the Norman knight, Drago, is found murdered, his lord, the ruthlessly ambitious Bohemond, charges Demetrios Askiates, unveiler of mysteries, with finding the murderer. As Demetrios investigates further, the trail seems to lead ever deeper into the vipers nest of jealousy, betrayal, and fanaticism that lies at the heart of the crusade. A separate army of Turkish infidels is sent to relieve Antioch. With danger looming within the crusader ranks, and impending battles headed their direction, time is running out, and Demetrios is forced to work with Bohemond to uncover the killer. And still the walls of Antioch are locked, with no key in sight---and no assurance that once the crusaders are inside, the battles will end. The extraordinary story of the crisis of the First Crusade---a powerful novel of intrigue, sacrifice, savagery, and holy war. An amazing sequel to the acclaimed debut, The Mosaic of Shadows.Gripping for its portrayal of the crusader leaders . . . this is a great example from a trustworthy historian. ---Independent Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, Lindsey Davis, Steven Pressfield, this breathtaking and captivating novel brings the Crusades to life in all their triumphant and tragic glory. 'Gripping from the first page, the reader is swept up in this colourful and convincing portrayal of an Emperor and his realm under siege.' - Ink 'Superb read. Thoroughly enjoyed it' — ***** Reader review 'Highly enjoyable read' — ***** Reader review 'Brilliant.' — ***** Reader review 'Holds your interest from [the first] to the last page' — ***** Reader review ******************************************************************** AN ASSASSIN IS ON THE LOOSE...AND AN EMPIRE STANDS IN PERIL Byzantium, 1096: When a mysterious assassin fires his arrow at the Emperor , he has more than a man in his sights; as the keystone of a crumbling empire, if he falls, then the mightiest power in Christendom will be torn apart. Aware of the stakes, the Emperor hires Demetrios Askiates , the unveiler of mysteries, to catch the would-be-killer. But Demetrios is entering an unknown and mysterious world and must edge his way through a glittering maze of treachery and deceit before time runs out. Nor are all enemies within the city walls. With the Turks rampant across Asia, the Emperor has sent to the west for mercenaries to reinforce his position. When a great army, tens of thousands strong, appears before the gates, he gets more than he bargained for. The first crusaders have arrived, intent on making their fortunes in war, and they have no allegiance to an empire they eye with jealousy and suspicion. As the armies of east and west confront each other, and the assassin creeps ever closer to his prey, Demetrios must untangle the golden web of intrigue which surrounds the Emperor before the city - and the empire - are drowned in blood. 1098. The Armies Of The First Crusade Race Across Asia Minor, Routing The Turks And Reclaiming The Land For Christendom. But On The Syrian Border, Their Advance Is Halted Before The Impregnable Walls Of Antioch. As Winter Draws On, They Are Forced To Suffer A Fruitless, Interminable Siege, Gnawed By Famine And Tormented By The Turkish Defenders. The Entire Crusade Is On The Verge Of Collapse. His Lord, The Ruthlessly Ambitious Bohemond Charges Demetrios Askiates To Find The Killer. But As Demetrios Investigates, The Trail Seems To Lead Ever Deeper Into The Vipers' Nest Of Jealousy, Betrayal And Fanaticism Which Lies At The Heart Of The Crusade. It's 1098. The armies of the First Crusade race across Asia minor, routing the Turks and reclaiming the land for Christendom. But on the Syrian border, their advance is halted before the impregnable walls of Antioch. As winter draws on, they are forced to suffer a fruitless, interminable siege, gnawed by famine and tormented by Turkish defenders. When a mysterious assassin looses his arrow at the emperor, he has more than a man in his sights; the keystone of a crumbling empire, he is the solitary figure holding its enemies in check. If he falls, then the mightiest power in Christendom will be torn apart. During the height of the First Crusade in 1098, a Norman knight is found murdered and Demetrios Askiates is charged with finding the killer