Crusade of Tears

I haven't actually finished this book, but I am so impressed with how well it is written that I had to write a review. The author does a wonderful job of placing you right in the middle ages --it is clear he knows of what he writes with descriptions of clothes, and the way the characters speak. Yet all the medieval description is part of the action --it is not the author stopping the story to tell us how much he knows about the middle ages. For example, the clothes are described when one of the rich boys on the crusade is robbed of his fine clothes and must disrobe. The characters are real and complex. Not sure right now who the "good guy" is as all the main characters sometimes do bad things. This is what makes them so real. Despite the length of the book, it is proving to be a fast read because once I start a chapter I want to finish it. So far I have not come to any boring passages. Usually I find myself skipping pages when the author goes on with long passages of descriptive language or plot exposition. This author keeps the action going and the reading brisk. Can't wait to finish this so I can read the next books in the series. I am really surprised at how good this is!!

It wasn't just a fascinating story, masterfully spun, but a reading experience that got me more in touch with myself, and will you too, I'd expect, if you've experienced, or are experiencing, emotional pain from living in this world. The worst part of reading the book, is that you immediately want a sequal. You don't want to leave.

This is a classic and must be read and part of your library. It is such a refreshing book to read. I was lead on an exhilarating journey through several areas of Europe by an amazing troupe of young souls. The author's talents are splashed throughout from the beginning to the very end. This book is liberating for the soul and would make for a wonderful movie for "Souls" of 2000.

C.D. Baker resurrected a bit of history in his reenactment of the medieval Children's Crusade. His fictional account of the many adventures one experiences with the characters is a non-stop march thru tragedy, heroism, and humor. Not for the faint hearted, this journey will leave yousurprised and exhausted.

I thought this book was tremendous! I had never read this author before, but got an early release of the book on a recommendation of a friend. And I was not disappointed. I felt transported to the middle ages and quickly involved with the characters at an emotional level. I was drawn into this incredible tragedy in ways I have not before experienced in books. It is not a "fun" book to read in the sense of common entertainment, but was remarkably powerful. It is the first time in a long time that I read a book I truly did not want to end. Although it is about the Children's Crusade, I would not recommend it for young readers because I think it would be too disturbing.