Sharon Penman is one of my all-time favourite authors, and an exceptionally talented historical writer, so a new book from her is a very big deal indeed.

In the 12th century, The Kingdom of Jerusalem, known as Outremer, was established when the men of the First Crusade captured the Holy City of Jerusalem from the Saracens. Years later it is a Kingdom full of suspicion, political maneuvering and violence (surrounded as they were by enemies), and yet for those born there, a land of beauty, a land worth fighting for.

King Baldwin IV rules this turbulent kingdom, he is young, charming, witty and intelligent. He is also a leper, contracting the disease as a child, yet managing to rule even as it saps his strength and will give him an early death.

There is a constant threat from the Saracens; the Muslim army, led by one of history’s great warriors Saladin, is constantly attacking the Kingdom’s outer reaches and, as Baldwin’s strength wanes and in the face of constant court intrigue, he knows there are only a few men he can really trust. Among these are his teacher from childhood Archbishop William of Tyre and Lord Balian d ’Ibelin, a young, loyal and charismatic leader.

There are many who feel that the blood of the Infidels is nothing, but what of the lives of innocent Christians, and the very fate of the Kingdom and Christianity’s holiest sites? Baldwin must trust William of Tyre to advise him fairly and d’Ibelin to parry with Saladin and ensure that where possible, innocent lives are not lost.

This is a magnificent novel. Sharon Penman is a rare novelist who ensures that the story is historically accurate, while writing characters with all their flaws and strengths that resonate with modern readers. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Reviewed by Lesley West