The Iron Lance (Celtic Crusades Series #1), Vol. 1 Book

I came to Lawhead via his much vaunted "Merlin" series. This, is quite a different series, and one in which he excels. More historical than fantasy, I am amazed that Lawhead doesn't have a wider following, as he recounts a riveting tale, populated by fascinating characters.The Celtic series spans some 1,500 pages-and if ps2+3 come up to parr with this first excellent intstallment, then I have much to look forward to, and will be reading the next 2 in quick succession-p2 starting shortly!

Two tales are recounted-the losing of the Celtic lands in Orkney, for the protagonist's family-and the epic tale of the fisrt Crusade to libertate Jerusalem. Although the first tale is short, it adds much to the narrative, and gives us huge empathy for the families involved. Murdo, the youngest son, sets out for the Holy Land to get help from his father and elder brothers, undertaking a tortuous route which takes him a year to complete. En route he befriends three monks of the Cele De-they are vehemently opposed to the traditional church, and their innate goodness contrasts vividly with the Church of the time, and inspires Murdo to help and support them. I suspect this will become more relevant in the subsequent novels, as the "True Path" is established.

Simply, the first part is one of these historical narratives of epic proportions. I was riveted by the entire concept, learned much, and found plot and characters page turning. I adore and thrive on this type of writing, and paln to track down the rest of Lawhead's back catalogue. 5/5 stars does nnot really reflect how much I enjoyed it-and how much I learned.