BRETHREN

Author: Robyn Young ISBN: 0452288339 8/2007 HISTORICAL FICTION Publisher: PLUME
Time Period: Medieval, between 1260-1272

On the eve of the last Crusade, two men’s destinies will come together as two great civilizations go to war. Amidst conspiracy and intrigue in Europe, Will Campbell, a young knight, risks his life to recover the stolen Book of the Grail. Hidden within its pages are the heretical plans of a secret society within the Knights Templar. Meanwhile, the former slave Baybars Bundukdari and his army have taken over Egypt and Syria, and are planning a new Holy War to bring the Crusaders to their knees.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

BRETHREN, An Epic Adventure of the Knights Templar, the first in a trilogy by debut author Robyn Young, is a compelling, dramatic and complex telling set on the eve of the last Crusade. I forewarn you that it is not an easy read, and at nearly five hundred pages it will take longer than normal to read through it. Many times I set the book down, only to continue reading it at a later time.

Although it may read as if I am writing a negative review about Brethren, I am not. I found it to be rich in historical details, I thought the characters to be interesting and I found the plot engaging. However, I struggled through more than just the beginning of the book. The story jumps around too much. I do understand why it was written like that, but it's something that I found a bit trying.

Now mind you, BRETHREN isn't a sweeping romance. It is a work of historical fiction with a tinge of romantic undertones. It is a story that is set between the years 1260 to 1272 A.D. and takes place throughout the Middle East, Paris and London. It is focused on William Campbell and his hopes and struggles to follow in the footsteps of his father and become a Templar Knight. Will is a great character, and if it wasn't for the fact that I found him to be incredibly engaging, I probably wouldn't have finished reading this book. We follow Will from a young boy to a grown man, serving as a sergeant in the Knights Templar and then finally as a Knight.

I'm certain that fans of historical fiction and those who find the Crusades fascinating, will enjoy this well written saga, but for those (like me) who like their reading a bit more undemanding and a whole lot more romantic, BRETHREN may not be a book to add to your TBR pile.

Julie Kornhausl