Step into the world of Crusader’s Path in this cinematic
excerpt. Experience the emotion, strategy, and sacrifice, where loyalty is
tested, and destiny is forged in battle.
From the clash of armies to the shadows of betrayal, the
stakes couldn’t be higher. This cinematic excerpt offers just a glimpse of the
adventure that awaits within the pages of the novel.
If
you enjoy powerful historical fiction, you’ll love Forgiving Nero. An
award‑winning novel of betrayal, survival, and redemption set in ancient Rome. https://books2read.com/u/3GOMvQ
He’s a prince, a warrior, and a man
burdened by destiny. Now, Robert, Duke of Normandy, speaks for himself in a
format as commanding as his legacy.
This AI-generated virtual character
interview brings Robert to life with striking realism. His voice carries the
weight of leadership, his gaze reflects the cost of war, and his words reveal
the tension between duty and desire. It’s not just an interview—it’s a
reckoning with history.
Watch the full interview here:
This is part of our ongoing series
exploring the world of Crusader’s Path through immersive storytelling.
Each character adds depth to the First Crusade, and Robert’s appearance reminds
us that even legends must choose their path.
Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished
alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in
Business Administration. Her literary journey began with the 2009 publication
of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series, marking the start
of a richly diverse body of work that spans historical fiction, contemporary
short stories, science fiction/fantasy, and fast-paced adventure novellas.
Her recent publications include Crusader’s
Path, a poignant redemption tale set during the First Crusade; Forgiving
Nero, a compelling exploration of familial bonds in Ancient Rome; and the
award-winning AnaRose adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a
museum curator-turned-relic hunter. Mary Ann’s work has been honored by the
Independent Press Award, the NYC Big Book Award, Chanticleer International Book
Awards, the B.R.A.G. Medallion, and the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards.
Her short fiction anthologies have likewise earned distinction, most notably
from the American Legacy Book Awards. She was also recognized with the Editor’s
Choice Award for Literary Excellence by Reader’s House magazine.
A dedicated supporter of the United
States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively engaged in
letter-writing campaigns and related initiatives. Her advocacy has been
featured on KMTV’s The Morning Blend and in the Omaha World-Herald.
As a celebrated author, she has appeared on numerous reader blogs and book
promotion platforms. Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she
continues to craft stories that inspire and endure.
Steel clashes under a blood-red sky. The scent of fire and
prayer hangs heavy in the air. This is not just war, it’s a reckoning.
Watch the Trailer
Experience the Crusades like never before.
Behind the Battle: Life Before the Siege
Before the clash of swords and the roar of siege engines,
there was silence. Tension. Prayer. Brotherhood.
The men huddled around flickering fires, sharpening blades, and whispering prayers. The priest’s voice rose above the murmurs, invoking
saints and salvation. In the distance, the city walls loomed, silent, waiting.
This moment, quiet yet charged, captures the soul of
Crusader’s Path. It’s not just a story of conquest, it’s a story of conviction.
A Note from the Author
I wrote Crusader’s Path to explore the human spirit under
pressure—how faith, loyalty, and sacrifice shape us in our darkest hours. This
trailer brings that vision to life, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
About the Book
Marching eastward under Duke Robert of Normandy, Etienne
carries the weight of his sins like a stone upon his soul. Every step toward
Jerusalem is a trial. Each battle tests his worth. The scorching desert erodes
his strength while relentless hunger and the cries of the dying grind away at
his resolve. Guilt festers beneath the surface. Doubt gnaws at him.
Treachery and disease lurk in the shadows. Battle looms ever
closer. When Etienne makes a desperate vow to serve the Church if survival
grants him another chance, his faith and convictions are tested in ways he
never imagined.
Through blood-soaked battlefields and the unforgiving
desert, salvation remains as distant as the Holy City itself. When faced with
the ultimate test, will conviction be enough? Or will the weight of his past
drag him into darkness?
Ready to Read?
Step into the heart of the Crusades. Witness the path.
