The Saracen: The Holy War by Robert Shea

The story now focuses on events instead of the main characters' background and development. Simon's uncle, Charles d'Anjou, is now a key character. Daoud and Simon's rivalry grows and now they even have to fight over Sophia's love. The pope in the previous book has bad health and the cardinals are set to choose his successor.

Unlike the first book, the pace is faster and covers a longer span of time. However, the main characters appear less as the author tries to develop the supporting cast who play crucial roles in the development towards the final battle. I was worried that the author didn't plan killing off some important characters but the ending did not disappoint. I commend the author for not choosing an easy conclusion by way of a happy ending.

The two-part series has many surprises and events to look forward to. The battle scenes, although not as vivid as I was expecting, weren't dissatisfying either. The best part of the book is the characters of Daoud and Simon. I found myself frustrated, sad or rejoicing for the characters and that alone says a lot about the books.

Rating:
The Holy War: 9 out of 10

The Saracen: Land of the Infidel by Robert Shea

Daoud ibn Abdallah, born David Langmuir, was captured when he was young and sold into slavery. Orphaned and abused, he was bought by Baibars al-Bunduqdari and was trained as a Mameluke (slave warrior) and Hashashin. Set in the years between A.D. 1263 to 1264, the Christian and Islam nations were threatened by a growing power from the east. The Tartars of Hulagu Khan (Genghis Khan's descendant) are seeking an alliance with the Christians by sending emissaries to converse with the Pope. If this alliance is formed, Daoud's adopted religion and new homeland will be in danger. His mission therefore is to meet the pope at Orvieto to prevent this alliance. He was to disguise as a merchant and must first meet with Manfred von Hohenstaufen who is a likely ally to Baibar's cause. There he meets Lorenzo Celino and Sophia Karaiannides who will help him in his mission.

Meanwhile, a knight named Simon de Gobignon was assigned to protect the Tartar emissaries. Young, untested in battle, and carrying a bad reputation because of his father, Simon is determined to see through his mission and uphold his family's name. His uncle King Louis wants an alliance with the Tartars so they can wrest back Jerusalem from the Saracens. His uncle Charles also wants the alliance but has his sights on Manfred's kingdom.

In the first book, Daoud, Simon and the supporting cast are introduced. What at first seemed to be just Daoud's story also became Simon's as he was developed into an important character and ultimately as Daoud's nemesis. There is always a promise of confrontations but it never happens until the last part of the book when Daoud's assassination skills were put to use. Daoud's mission seemed too ambitious to pull off for just one man but the author managed to make it possible as the story progressed. Although partly historical, the readers will not drown in too many names and information. The first book focuses on the characters. Moreover, despite Daoud's impressive background and abilities, there was no hint that he'd be an invincible hero. The author managed to make him still human, with qualities that readers can share. 

Rating:

Land of the Infidel: 8 out of 10