Swords and Scimitars

I decided to give Chaikin a try when I discovered she had some pirate books. But some of the books in the series were so pricey that I decided to try out an inexpensive series to see if it would be worth it... I mean, what if I didn't like her writing style? Well, turns out that it is bittersweet. I have read the 1st and 2nd and eagerly await the 3rd. Which is very sadly, the last! This story stars Tancred Redwan, soon to be Count (if he can get his name cleared from his brothers death) escaping from his castle in order to bring his brothers true killer to justice. His father was a Norman count (in Sicily) and his mother was a moor. He, supposedly, is quite dreamy (which is what I expect ALL my romantic heroes to be!). Helena of the Nobility is a Byzantine lady in search of her mother who, up til recently, she believed was dead. She is involved in the Byzantine intrigue using spies in order to protect herself. Also, she is in love and plans on marrying her cousin (yuck), Philip-- a man with ambition to become emperor. They share a common relationship: Tancred's godfather, Nicholas, is Helena's beloved uncle. They meet by coincidence, both seeking him among the lines of Norman princes traveling for the crusades. There are lots of characters and plently of side stories to keep track of. But, while you need to pay attention, it is not distracting or overboard. I am quite interested in this period (thanks to Chaikin) and her wonderful research has saved me great trouble from having to study much more to learn! It is a wonderfully written saga and even though I think I know who will get the girl in the end of the series, it is well worth the read. The side plots and twists and turns keep the book suspenseful. I cannot wait to read the last book... I only hope that there is a misplaced manuscript for the 4th so I won't have to say goodbye!!

Swords and Scimitars by Linda Chaikin is a great book. I like how Mrs. Chaikin got her historical people and events so accurate. She has good character development and a great plot summery. The dialoged in Swords and Scimitars is also well done. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes historical-fiction novels.

This book is definitely a five starer or even more!! Lady Helena Lysander of the Nobility is caught up in political intrigue in the Byzantine city, Constantinople in 1096 during the crusades; intrigue that would have her ended up a reluctant bride of a Moslem prince. Tancred Jehan Redwan is a Norman/Moorish warrior framed for murdering his half-brother, Derek and escaped craven to pursue Mosul his Moorish cousin, the assassin. He is caught up with the events of the Peasant crusade led by Peter the Hermit and meets Helena on his way to Constantinople. Helena was searching for her uncle, Nicholas, to try to thwart her aunt Irene's plans and find her mother whom she believes is not dead but held captive in the Moslem territory. Tancred's and Helena's paths entwined and she decides to enlist his help in locating her mother and escaping marriage to the Moslem prince. Great story about love, courage during the First Crusade. Linda Chaikin did a great job with this book!

I don't have much time, but I can't believe some people gave such bad reviews for this books. It's not one of my favorites, but it is well done. Furthermore, it is meant as a sort of lead in to all that happens between Helena and Tancred. It is a scrumptious book! I took the time to write this review, so hope hope that you take the time to read the book. It's worth it!

I've read this book and don't listen to these other ladies that want everything spoon-fed to them.This is a great book and of COURSE it has history, after all it IS HISTORICAL FICTION.There is cetainly nothing wrong with that.Trust me this book is exciting and so is the romance(which really starts to take shape in book#2) Linda Chaikin is an excellent writer and her books are always interesting and well written.So there -I just wanted to say that so people considering this book would realize this book is worth more stars than the previous reviews indicate.