Why Does the Heathen Rage?: A Novel of the Crusades

Simply a pleasure to read!

A novel that takes place during a unique period of the Crusades, before the fall of the County of Edessa under the reign of King Baldwin II. There are excellent novels that take place during the founding of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, a generation before the story line of this novel, or during the fall of the Kingdom after the battle of Hattin in 1187, two generations after this story line. And of course novels that took place during Richard the Lioneheart's Crusade after the fall of the Kingdom. No novels that I'm aware of have a story line that J Stephen Roberts has chosen. It is unique and the story, in addition of being gripping offers an excellent perspective on the history of the period. A most read. I hope that J Stpehen Roberts writes a sequel that takes place after the fall of the County of Edessa.

J. Stephen Roberts does for the crusades what Steven Pressfield does for ancient Greece.Why Does the Heathen Rage is a fun, immersive, and intense story that is brilliantly paced; neither slow and "artsy," nor hurried and disjointed. The characters are relatable but never feel as though they are written through a 21st century lens. The political intrigue is intense, the battles are exciting, and the romance is heart warming. Roberts takes you to Outremer and makes you a part of the royal family. He also brings to life the Saracens who fought in these wars, showing all parties in a generously balanced light that all readers can enjoy.I eagerly await Knights of the Cross but I hope J. Stephen Roberts continues to write novels of the crusades as well. Well done!

Read this book to my 10 year old. It was great, I had to edit a couple of sentences near the beginning of the book for him, but we both really enjoyed it.Not that it was a kids book, but my boy has an interest in history- and It gives a fair view of the motivations of the Crusaders without being tainted with S*J*Worldview. Thanks for writing this book we really enjoyed it!

Historical fiction that is written like solid, page-turner fantasy. The writing is simple, but effective. The historical backdrop of the Kingdom of Jerusalem is interesting and obviously well-researched. Some minor flaws here and there, but only the most critical reader would even notice them, much less find anything to complain about. Not even worth listing. Was extremely pleased that I bought this book and considered it money very well-spent. Would absolutely read more works by J. Stephen Roberts and I hope he writes another book soon.Would recommend especially to boys and young men. Not to say that girls and women could not enjoy it, but the style and subject matter would be of special interest to male audiences. The best praise I can give this book is that I stayed up very late on a work-night to finish it.