Standard of Honor

It's hard to write a sequal which exceeds the original, but this happened here. The character development is exceptional for a work of historical fiction. His sense of place and time is excellent. Great read.

This book does an even better job than did the first in using its historical backdrop to make ethical points. The message is not heavy handed, however, and invites one to consider (although many will not) that there is more than one point of view and no group has a monoply on "the truth". This is done while still weaving a fine and provcative entertainment. I can't wait for the third book in the trilogy to be available

Once again Jack Whyte's skill as a story-teller are woven together with little-known historical facts and attention to detail to turn out a riveting tale of political intrigue and action in the Crusades. Those who have experienced war in the desert will be amazed at how many things stay the same throughout the centuries, including ideaologies and petty jealousies. Present-day Templars may find some interesting revelations/viewpoints.

Standard of Honor (Templar Trilogy) I am a huge fan of Jack Whyte - he never disappoints. Standard of Honor is terrific - I slowed down for the last pages because I didn't want it to end.

I found this second, in what I hope will be a trilogy, by Jack Whyte to be even better than the first book. The story was much faster, now that we know the story of the mission of the friendly families using the Knights Templar as a front organization. Andre St Clair was a wonderful new hero to balance off the angst of his cousin hardened Templar Knight, Alec Sinclair . The political intrigue and historical events of the era helped to balance the story with the history. The author doesn't get bogged down with excessive descriptions but one clearly feels that they are traveling with the crusaders as they move toward their destiny in the Holy Lands. My only objections was the story ended so abruptly I was caught off guard, but was beautiful in Andre's dedication to his cousin and his own personal journey. Can't wait for number three!!!