The Crescent and the Cross is book number 5 in SJA Turney’s wonderful Knights Templar series and is as good as, if not better than the rest. Unlike the usual Templar novels Turney has chosen to set his stories against the backdrop of the Muslim invasion of Spain, rather than the Holy Land. What may be seen as an intriguing move has proved to be a hit with me. Having studied the Crusades at university, and read up as much as I could find on the foundation of the Templar order, for some reason, I have always associated the Templars with the Holy Land. The reconquest of Spain is unfamiliar territory, and absolutely fascinating.

You could write in just a few words the amount I know about the Reconquista; basically, that Jamie Douglas took Robert the Bruce’s heart to Spain and threw it into the heat of the battle against the Muslim ruler of Grenada. Douglas was killed in the action; his body and King Robert’s heart were both retrieved and returned to Scotland. The story of the Reconquista is also that of El Cid, and of Ferdinand and Isabella, the parents of Henry VIII’s first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

But it is also the story of the Knights Templar, who fought alongside other knightly orders, such as the knights of Calatrava, to recover Spain from the Muslims. SJA Turney therefore has an area of history that has been virtually ignored by novelists before, and it is such a fertile area of untapped and undiscovered stories which keep the reader gripped to the very end.

Every writer has his or her own strengths, for SJA Turney, it is that he can write and entire series of books – this is the 5th and there is at least one more to come – where every story in the series is not only a standalone, but is a unique intriguing story that takes the reader – and the protagonist – in a different direction every time. The first book in the series, Daughter of War, told the unlikely – but true – story of a woman in charge of the Templar preceptory at Rourell. Book 2, The Last Emir, took two of the Rourell knights on a quest to Majorca in search of a holy relic, while book 3, City of God saw the series’ hero, Arnau de Vallbona, caught up in the epic siege of Constantinople and book 4, The Winter Knight, was an intriguing murder mystery set in a German castle!

Each story has proved to be unique, edge of the seat action and The Crescent and the Cross is no different. Set in the heart of Spain, Arnau is given the task of recovering a knight held captive by the Almohad caliphate, only to find all is not as it seems. SJA Turney expertly recreates the Iberian landscape; the scorching heat, soaring mountains and vast plains. He builds the Christian army just as the leaders must have done at the time, introducing the alliance of kings, church leaders and knightly orders who have to face their enemies on the Spanish plains.

The Crescent and the Cross is a marvellous story, wonderfully told and gripping to the very end. I can’t wait for the next book! SJA Turney is a first class storyteller who draws the reader in from the very first page, the action frenetic from the first page to the last. The Crescent and the Cross is a truly excellent read, with a wonderful author note at the end, giving the reader a comprehensive background to the fight to reconquer Spain that lasted 9 centuries.

Set during the Iberian Reconquista, the storyline moves along nicely as we travel to Cordoba to rescue a fallen brother and make it back in time for a decisive battle against the Almohads at Las Navas de Tolosa (July 1212).

This is definitely one for those with an penchant for Crusader fiction. This is book five in a series of six, so definitely start at the beginning for character development and historical background, though the author does provide a nice historical note at the end.

An excellent historical fiction, well researched and gripping as the other books by this author.
Great plot, fast paced and action packed, and a great cast of characters.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I have been following Arnau throughout this Knights Templar series and this was yet another classic adventure with a goodly touch of historical insight. His mission, should he choose to accept it, seemed improbable at the very least but in the way of all good storylines, pluck and a dose of good fortune sees him through. That though is only half the story. Reconnaissance of the both the land and the enemy on his way back proves crucial to the ensuing battle between Christians and the Almohads. Well worth reading the Historical notes at the end also.

This is yet another cracking read from the brilliant SJA Turney. As with the previous 4 books in the Knights Templar series, Turney gives us a little something different. This time Arnau is at war.

The first part of the book follows Arnau in a covert behind lines mission to rescue a fellow Christian. Turney paints an incredibly descriptive vision of medieval Spain that brings every scene to life.

And the author is truly at the top of his game when writing battle scenes. Part 2 of the books sees Christian and Muslim face off in an epic battle. Turney writes battles as well as, if not better than, anyone else.

Another thrilling read, which sets the series up perfectly for the finale later this year.