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Book Review: Road from the West by Rosanne E. Lortz & Giveaway (Open Int’l)

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Road from the West by Rosanne E. Lortz is the first in a trilogy about The Crusade which was various factions of soldiers trying to reclaim Jerusalem for the Christians with full support from the Pope.  Now I’ve never read anything about The Crusades or at least not enough to remember so this book really left me with quite a bit of knowledge I didn’t have before I started.  For me, that’s one of the attractions of historical fiction.  I get to learn about history and be entertained and not bored.

Tancred, one of our main characters had begun to feel guilty over killing people and went to seek the Pope’s absolution for his sins.  However, the Pope told him that the only way to wash himself clean of his sins was to join The Crusade.  Tancred takes this to heart and vows to be the first soldier and Christian to enter Jerusalem.  Upon returning home before he leaves he finds that both his brother and uncle Bohemond had already left to join The Crusade.  Now his brother may be pure of heart but his uncle definitely isn’t and doesn’t usually do anything unless it will somehow benefit him.

The rest of the story follows Tancred through the many battles he faces on his way to Jerusalem. It also details all the battles he faces with his uncle Bohemond and others.  The author’s writing is very descriptive and really brought to life this time period for me.   What I enjoyed most about this novel is that it wasn’t only about battles and blood and guts. It was actually about the people – the soldiers and what they were thinking and planning.  Yes there were battles but I came away from this novel caring about some of the characters like Tancred and Alexandra.  From the beginning of the story I felt drawn to Tancred and his family and it made me want to read more.

I did feel some parts of the story were a bit slow but  all in all I’m really looking forward to the next two books in the trilogy – Flower of the Desert and Prince of the East – to see just how both the story develops.  As well, I really hope to see Tancred and Alexandra developed as characters a bit more.  Road from the West is a novel rich in historical detail that will leave you wanting to know more about this time in our history.

I read Road from the West by Rosanne E. Lortz for her book tour with Historical Fiction Virtual  Book Tours.  Be sure to check out what others on the tour think about the novel.   You can visit Rosanne’s website, blog, find her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter as well.  Your own copy of Road from the West can be purchased here in the US and here in Canada.

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have one copy of Road from the West by Rosanne E. Lortz to share with my readers and it’s open internationally!  To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do, thanks, and please let me know so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word!

This giveaway is open internationally!  I will draw for the winner on Saturday, October 22/11.  Good luck!

 

My copy of Road from the West by Rosanne E. Lortz was received for review from the author.

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Comments

  1. I have read a number of novels on the Crusades and find it a fascinating period. It is one of those eras that seem to have made a big impression throughout Europe.

    I would like to read this one as well so please enter me and thanks for opening it to worldwide entries.

    Carol T

    +1 for comment
    +1 I Follow via GFC – buddyt

  2. This is the first time I heard about this book and it sure intrigues me – thanks for the chance!

    +1 GFC follower

    danaan at gmx dot at

  3. I’ve always enjoyed historical fiction, and only recently became interested in the Crusades. This sounds like a great story. Thanks for the giveaway.

    GFC follower

  4. Many years ago I did a paper for college on The Knights Templar…could I tell you more than that on the subject anymore, probably not, lol.

    This does sound interesting, but I’m afraid that right now I don’t want to start anything that will be a trilogy. I already have a few series going that I’m waiting for second installments on.

    Great review Darlene, as usual 🙂

  6. My son loves books from this era and he would definitely be happy to get this.

    +1 I follow via GFC as Sandra K321

  8. I am reading Lionheart right now, and am surprised to see this review, as Tancred is one of the supporting characters in my book! I had never heard of him before this! It sounds like I would really love this book and I would love the chance to be entered in your giveaway, Dar! Thanks for hosting it!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  9. Hi! I’d love to read this book, I’ve never read any novel about the Crusades and it sounds really interesting. I’m an email subscriber of your blog. Thank you! Best regards from Barcelona, Spain,
    Marta

  10. This sounds like a fascinating book! Thanks for the giveaway –
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  13. This subject has always seemed fascinating, but I too, don’t know much about it besides from the Robin Hood tellings and Plantagenet historical fiction novels. Thanks for the giveaway

    booklove(at)sawcatsverse(dot)com

  16. I do love historical fiction, thanks for the giveaway

    faefever25 at hotmail dot com

    I follow on GFC

  17. I have just read a book about King Arthur. This entire period in history is truly fascinating & barbaric.

    GFC: Mary Preston

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

  18. I haven’t really read anything about the Crusades either but I have some books my dad wanted me to read that deal with them and I’m going to tackle them some day soon.