We’ve come a long way with Estienne but he’s still trying to find his place in life.

Estienne sets out to show his worth and joins the Fifth Crusade.

War rages and the battles are bloody and brutal but something within Estienne changes. As time progresses and more blood is spilt on both sides, Estienne see’s the true cost of war.

When he first sets out for the cause he was certain it was right and just.. but as he meets the people that many would call enemy he starts to see them in a different light.

Its very much an internal struggle for Estienne.. he sees bad where he should see the righteous.. and good where he thought there was only evil.

Plot wise I loved it, the battles are detailed and exciting but it’s balanced perfectly with the development of Estienne when things don’t go to plan.  There’s a lot that happens to Estienne, but the pace never felt rushed and the character arc never forced.

While Estienne is a massive part of the story what I really felt the author did well was bringing in new characters who you instantly took a shine too. Kashta for example, a fierce warrior..Amalric a loyal companion.. these two especially stood out as being pivotal to the plot and Estienne’s development as his faith is shaking to the core.

For the hardcore fans of battle there’s plenty of blood shed but what I really loved was the emotion added, it’s not just a battle for the sake of it.. there’s real purpose to each thrust and I could easily read this book again and again!

I don’t think I’ve ever read something so perfectly balanced with plot & character development.. I mean..how.. there’s just no way you can improve.