Book review: Mary Ann Bernal, Crusader’s Path
Posted on June 3, 2020 by jennifercwilsonwriter
Crusader’s Path
By Mary Ann Bernal
From the sweeping hills of Argences to the port city of
Cologne overlooking the River Rhine, Etienne and Avielle find themselves drawn
by the need for redemption against the backdrop of the First Crusade.
Heeding the call of His Holiness, Urban II, to free the Holy
Land from the infidel, Etienne follows Duke Robert of Normandy across the
treacherous miles, braving sweltering heat and snow-covered mountain passes
while en route to the Byzantine Empire.
Moved by Peter of Amiens’ charismatic rhetoric in the streets
of the Holy Roman Empire, Avielle joins the humble army of pilgrims. Upon
arrival in Mentz, the peasant Crusaders do the unthinkable, destroying the
Jewish Community. Consumed with guilt, Avielle is determined to die fighting
for Christ, assuring her place in Heaven.
Etienne and Avielle cross paths in Constantinople, where
they commiserate over past misdeeds. A spark becomes a flame, but when Avielle
contracts leprosy, Etienne makes a promise to God, offering to take the priest
cowl in exchange for ridding Avielle of her affliction.
Will Etienne be true to his word if Avielle is cleansed of
the contagion, or will he risk eternal damnation to be with the woman he loves?
Buy the book here!
Review
This is surely one of the most wide-ranging novels I’ve read
in a long time, in terms of geography, social status, religion, and historical
topics covered. And yet, none of that weighs heavily at all on what is an
enticing read. We have a royal duke, his most loyal companion, a leper colony,
and members of religious orders, all brought together as the Crusades sweep
through nations.
I found Avielle a particularly interesting character,
clearly drawn to do good in the world, but also a young woman with a passion
for life, and capable of loving dearly, as demonstrated with Gideon and
Etienne. My heart sank as she began to notice the early signs of the disease,
and just as she had found a contentment with Etienne.
Overall, this is fabulous read, and one which I can highly
recommend for anyone interested in the period. There is a larger cast of
supporting characters than in many of the books I have read, but here, given
the scale of the story, it is fitting, and even characters we do not meet for
long are well-drawn, rounded and engaging. I honestly couldn’t put this down.
About Mary Ann
Mary Ann Bernal attended Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she received a degree in Business Administration. Her literary aspirations were ultimately realized when the first book of The Briton and the Dane novels was published in 2009. In addition to writing historical fiction, Mary Ann has also authored a collection of contemporary short stories in the Scribbler Tales series and a science fiction/fantasy novel entitled Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire. Her latest endeavor is Crusader’s Path, a story of redemption set against the backdrop of the First Crusade.
Website: http://www.maryannbernal.com/
Blog: http://maryannbernal.blogspot.com/
Whispering Legends Press: https://www.whisperinglegendspress.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BritonandDane
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