Queen of Swords

I have nothing to add to the previous reviews except to say that if you like the works of Sharon Kay Pennman, read this excellent book. As this book takes place during the Reign of Baldwin the III and the Entitled Character, his Mother Queen Melisande, what to read next is "The Land Beyond the Sea", by Sharon Kay Pennman which takes place during the Reign of Baldwin the III's Nephew, Baldwin IV and features Saladin leading the Moslem Opposition.

I read a great deal of historical fiction and I find that most works can be roughly grouped into two categories: true historical fiction that transports the reader to a different time and place and gives insights into the way life may have been, and the kind of "historical fiction," in which the time and place are merely a backdrop for some sort of hackneyed soap opera. Happily, "The Queen of Swords" falls into the first category. Judith Tarr does an exquisite job of creating the Crusader world, and brings to life a cast of charecters who are true to their era, meaning they don't act and think as if they were somehow parachuted into the 12th century from our own, but are still recognizable as complex, nuanced human beings whose struggles and triumphs resonate with the reader. Richildis, her family, and friends all remain with you long after you have finished the book. I second the motion for a sequel so that we can find out what happens to them all! I would also like to add that I live where many of the book's events transpire and I found Judith Tarr's descriptions of the weather, seasons, and scenery to be beautifully accurate. I highly recommend this book.

This novel is set against the background of the Crusader Kingdom in the twelfth century. It follows two women who - though very different from each other - are both extraordinary for their times. Melisende, first princess then queen of Jerusalem, has the makings of a great king, but is trapped in a woman's body and therefore always dependent on a man (father, husband, then son) in order to exercise her power. Her ambition is only surpassed by her ingenuity in finding ways to rule despite her being a woman. Richildis is a young widow who comes to Jerusalem in order to find her brother and bring him back to France to take over the family's estate. He proves unwilling to return with her and Richildis, having sworn an oath to stay until he relents, finds herself trapped in a foreign land, attendant to Melisende. The plot itself is driven more by its characters (above all, Melisende and Richildis) than by action sequences. If you are looking for a past-paced, action-filled adventure, you're in the wrong place. Although there are battles and wars, they only serve to establish the background against which the characters are developed. Nevertheless the book is a page-turner. Tarr does a wonderful job of drawing you into the world she creates, and you find yourself genuinely caring for her characters and their lives. Having read some of her other books, I believe this is probably her strongest point as an author. Even her secondary characters (such as Michael, the Byzantine nobleman who falls in love with Richildis, and Helena, the former Courtesan, who becomes her friend) come to life on the pages. The writing is simple, yet beautiful. There is enough detail to help you imagine the extraordinary background of Jerusalem with its Eastern flair, the romantic knights of the Crusade, the proud Turks and Saracens; yet it is not overwhelming, leaving enough room for your own imagination. Overall this is great historical fiction that is definitely worth reading. Anika Leithner

I was very positively surprised when I started reading this book. I had never read anything from this author before and I was imediately immersed in the story.The story, though based on the life of Melisende, the first daughter of King Baldwin of Jerusalem, has enough fiction to make it easily readable and very captivating.The author has been able to recreate the romantic atmosphere of the times, with Knights fighting for the "true" religion andwomen who had the courage and character to be true Kings, but could not for their sex.All characters are so vividly described, you cannot but feel you know them and want to find out what happens to them. The places are very well described and feel as real and ancient as they are.All in all, a very good book and very enjoyable.

This story of a rather atypical medieval family more than pleasantly surprised me, as I bought it on a whim. The detail is excellent, but not too overdone as to overpower the plot. Tarr also paid close attention to her characters' evolution over time. As this book occurs over a 20+ year time period, we see Baldwin and Arslan turn from infants, to mischevious boys, to knights of a warrior kingdom; Lady Richildis metamorphisizes from cold, practical young widow to earnest, loving mother and wife, yet still steadfast in her servance to Melisende. With exception of, perhaps, slightly more description of Michael Bryennius and perhaps Helena (secondary characters, yet most fascinating), this books misses absolutely nothing. A must read for those who are curious about life in the medieval age, particularly the Crusader Kingdom.

This was the first book I read by Judith Tarr-- it's a wonderfully engrossing tale of Jerusalem, southern France, and the Crusades. Even if you don't normally enjoy historical fiction, you'll be drawn into the characters' lives. I recommend it highly.