Unfortunately this book was archived before I was even able to download it. I'm looking forward to picking it up from the library, though. It sounds really interesting!

I usually love historical fiction and novels with a bit of sci-fi in but I started reading this book and felt like I was being bombarded with descriptive adjectives - it was like the author had swallowed a Thesaurus. I gave up after about 10 pages and this is not like me - I normally see a book through to the end but this one beat me. Shame because the description was so promising.

Perfect for fans of the Templar. Set in Spain with a cast of women but still incredibly gritty and powerful. Great fantasy, had a lot of fun reading it.

I had been looking forward to reading Daughter of War by S.J.A. Turney ever since i heard about the book. And I was not disappointed. Daughter of War is like no other Templar story I have read. The story is set in Spain, rather than the Holy Land, during the Reconquista. And has none of the mysticism that many Templar novels revolve around.
Rather than making the book unreadable, however, this makes the story all-the-more fascinating. the author concentrates on the fighting, monastic and community elements of the Templar order and, as a result, has managed to create a story that is both unique and refreshing. This is a must-read for any fan of the real Knights Templar.

A story of a different side of the Templars based on real people. A gripping story which highlights the role some women managed to play in a male dominated world. Great storyline and appealing characters that were easy to identify with. Once I started I couldn't put it down.

A gritty read for me here. Well written, excellent world building and excellent characters. Left wanting more.

Daughter of War by S.J.A. Turney. And I was not disappointed. Daughter of War is like no other Templar story I have read. The story is set in Spain, rather than the Holy Land, during the Reconquista. And has none of the mysticism that many Templar novels revolve around.
Rather than making the book unreadable, however, this makes the story all-the-more fascinating. the author concentrates on the fighting, monastic and community elements of the Templar order and, as a result, has managed to create a story that is both unique and refreshing. This is a must-read for any fan of the real Knights Templar.
What did I love about this book? Everything. The story revolves around a small Templar preceptory in rural Spain, which has attracted the attention and ire of an unscrupulous and greedy Spanish noble. The preceptory is run by Ermengarda d’Oluja – a woman – but a formidable, commanding woman who has become one of my favourite characters. If ever I write a Heroines of the Medieval World 2, Ermengarda will be in there! And that’s the amazing thing, Ermengarda is a real historical character who did run a Templar preceptory – I didn’t even know they had women in the Templars.

But if you think that because there is a female Templar, that this book would be any less gritty or warlike than any other Templar story, you’d be mistaken. Ermengarda is a woman of steel and an incredible character. S.J.A. Turney, however, has made sure to keep her within the male-orientated realm in which she lived. She extends the limits of female convention if the twelfth century, but never quite breaks them.
The story also deals with the powerlessness of women in the medieval era and the fact that they did not have the right to decide their own fate when it came to marriage. That they could be forced to marry wherever their family and betters decided. And this is what causes the conflict in Daughter of War.
Arnau and Titborga are wonderful characters, each joining the Templar order for their own reasons, and each looking for their own purpose in life. Each character – indeed, every character in the book – is unique, with their own hopes and dreams – and challenges. The book takes care not to stereotype the Templars into over zealous religious fanatics, but gives each their individual stories.
Care is taken to enthuse the book with historical accuracy, be it of the region in which the story is based, of the Templar order in general and of the preceptory in particular. The level of research that has gone into this book is astounding and impressive and has helped to create the world of 12th century Spain, torn between Christian and Muslim inhabitants.
As a story, the pace is incredible and barely gives the reader any time to stop and think as the Templars deal with the growing crisis. The attention to detail of S.J.A. Turney means that the fight scenes, in particular, are incredible scenes that draw the reader in, until they’re cowering behind their sofa to hide from the swinging swords and flying crossbow bolts. The author is a true wordsmith and recreates the medieval world and people with a skill level that is rarely achieved and maintained.
Daughter of War has an air of authenticity that is rarely achieved by an author, you can feel the heat of medieval Spain, the desperation of people in a fight they are not sure they can win, and the determination of those who know they are in the right. However, above all, Daughter of War is one thing; it is a fabulously entertaining story, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

When Titborga becomes the sole heiress to her fathers vast estate and wealth following his death on the battlefield, she is horrified to learn that she has been promised into marriage to Ferrer Della Cadeneta, a voilent and brutal man that stops at nothing to get what he wants. Arnua De Vallbona swears his allegience to protect her and they manage to escape to the Preceptory of the Templars for protection. Della Cadeneta unleashes war on the Preceptory and all the inhabitants in order to take back his betrothed Titborga and gain her wealth and lands.
This is a steady paced book that tells the story of their fight and their change from feisty lady and Man at Arms to a Templar Brother and Sister. A great read.

Firstly, I did enjoy Daughter of War. Secondly, however, I was a bit miffed that the title and cover were a little misleading. It's not really about Titborga, who I thought it was going to be about, but about Arnau, her man at arms. Titborga plays a crucial role and the book is about her journey, but the focus is on Arnau. That's fine, but I had a certain expectation and I didn't get it. Perhaps in another book about this group of Templars. Thirdly, it also contains my new favorite line of dialogue; "How is your haranguing voice?" as well as a wonderful character in Father Diego. Trust me on that.



Anyway, the book is good and has a lot of detail. Titborga and another female Templar nun (that I won't name for spoilers), were real people, which makes for an interesting read, especially since I had never heard of female Templars. All of the characters were very fleshed out and felt like real people. You hate some, like others, and feel awful when things go badly. And things go badly, pretty quickly.



A lot of the book is not quite politicking, but a lot of political maneuvering and trying to reach out for help. Much of the fighting happens in short bursts and near the end. The violence isn’t toned down at all. It’s very true to real life, I imagine. So if that isn’t your thing, I suggest you skip this book. However, if you like historical stories with many real life overtones, then this is the book for you.

If, like me, you have some “Stock Authors” you always follow Mr Turney is one of mine and in Daughter of War you will not be disappointed. The storyline didn’t pan out as I was expecting, which in itself was good and as I got into it I found myself more and more immersed and setting aside more and more time to finish the book. Am not one for giving much away but would sum up by saying a real good read with a fascinating insight.

really enjoyed this book, having long been a fan of historical fantasy i was drawn by the female protagonists in an area that i wasn't aware that they exited.
As usual the author provided a strong accurate historical context and weaves an engaging story around it. Turney's writing style makes for an easy and enjoyable read and makes me look forward to the next installment.

This is a really exciting story and the characters are very believable.The historical details are well researched and scene settings are well done.

Although the Knights Templar interest me, I could not lay claim to being expert on their history.

To read Turney's notes that this book is based on historic fact with atrong female leads was a bit of an eye-opener for me.

The book itself is well written, well researched and really enjoyable. One feels empathy with the main characters and hopes for a successful outcome for them.

The story has several interesting twists and turns in it and the action descriptions are believable and realistic.

A really enjoyable book with a unique slant on a well trodden subject matter.

Well worth the read.

An interesting, mostly well researched novel spoiled by misleading cover art. The title is also a touch misleading and refers only to the final 15% of the book.

Otherwise, if you are expecting what comes, at least in the the point of view of the story is of a young man and not a young, martial girl, it is a good novel. Not a sweeping saga but the majority of the action takes place over around a week which is, in some places, far-fetched, but gripping and grounded.

It is a touch disappointing in that the female character who directs the first part of the narrative is all but forgotten for the rest of the novel.

But ignore the title, Son of War is a far better match, and it is a great read.

Excellent historical fiction – à la Walter Scott
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This historical novel takes place during the Reconquista in Spain and deals with a struggle between an heiress, Titborga, and a prospective suitor who drives her into the welcoming arms of the Knights Templar. A good deal of bloodshed and death follows as our main character, Arnau defends Titborga's honour with the Templars.
Fascinating historically, this novel is well-written and engaging in a style reminiscent of Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson with well-developed characters. Highly recommended.

This was not what I thought the book would be about. I thought judging by the title and the cover it was going to be about a female Templar. It was not about a female Templar it was about a Templar knight that claimed sanctuary with his lord’s orphaned daughter who turned into a Templar nun.

Arnau of Valbona is besieged with the fact that his beloved lord was killed in battle by an act of treachery so he feels it is his duty to protect the unwed orphan daughter from the lord that is requiring her to marry him so he can have her lands and money. So Arnau and her go on the run to try to get to the king, but realize there is no way they will make it so they seek sanctuary with a small Templar temple. Once they have agreed to become part of the Templar’s everything starts to go wrong for the temple. Their workers are raised into rebellion, the temple is basically under seige, and Arnau has to learn to let God’s judgement handle vengeance not his thoughts and feelings.

This was an interesting book even though it was no where near what I thought it would be with the cover, title, and description of the book. I do recommend reading it and adding it to your to-read pile. I enjoyed it very much and am not unhappy it took a different route then the one I thought it was going to.

Set in 1198, Medieval Spain, a time of Crusades an Templar Knights. Daughter of War starts with an epic battle where a young man at arms sees his master killed, or murdered?
The story is the future for Arnau de Vallbona , and of his masters 15 year old daughter and heir, Titborgia, when she refuses to marry and hand over her lands to a cruel and ambitious man.

Well written, historically accurate and believable, and the rare Templar nuns. I was drawn in and totally hooked in pages. I look forward to the next instalment.

5 stars - I loved it. What a different take on the Templars and a more detailed view of the "way things worked" in the 12th Century.

I couldn't put it down and read it from cover to cover, including all the notes at the end of the book, in just one sitting. Apart from the fascinating historical aspects, the characters really did come to life and pulled me into their story, hence the one sitting and the yawns this morning. More in this series please Simon...

Having conquered ancient Rome, Simon Turney turns his hand to medieval Spain.

Daughter of War is set in 1198. It is a period of upheaval and violence, a time of bloody reconquest, as Christians battle Moors to reclaim the kingdoms of Iberia. In this tumultuous time there are several factions, each vying for power, land and wealth and not all followers of Christ are friends of the Knights Templar. Against this canvas of intrigue, greed and uneasy alliances, Turney brings us the gripping tale of Arnau de Vallbona, a young knight, who finds himself thrust into conflict with a ruthless noble. Along with the lady he is sworn to protect, the honourable Arnau joins the "Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon" where he learns there is great strength in giving oneself over to higher causes. And victory can come from placing one's faith not only in God, but in his new brothers and sisters of the Temple.

Turney is a master-storyteller and this is a classic, epic adventure that hurtles headlong like a galloping destrier. With prose and plotting as polished and sharp as a Templar's longsword, Simon Turney propels the reader into the turbulent time of twelfth century Spain.

Daughter of War
 
Right away I want to say I really enjoyed this book.  I was a bit hesitant to sigh up to review as this era is not my normal choice of reading, but the cover really grabbed my attention.  however, the cover proved to be rather misleading, I won't go any further that saying this as I don't want to spoil the story for you!
 
The author did a great job building the characters into people you understood and cared about, the historical back ground was explained extremely well and the storyline kept my attention right to the end which was very well constructed.  This is just a great book and one I would recommend without hesitation.