Crusader King: A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades

My teenager and I enjoy reading these action-packed books together. They are a great way to learn more about the saint without it feeling too "educational".

Crusader King by Susan Peek caught my eye the first time I saw its cover. In the first place, as a cradle Catholic I've heard a lot about the Crusades but never remember studying them in detail even at Georgetown University. So Susan had me hooked before I even opened the book.At the beginning of the book, I quickly discovered that much of the book was factual, based on actual people who lived when the author said they did and did what she claims. So now, I could barely put the book down--I'm just a historical fiction junkie when the author goes to the trouble to bring the main characters to life--3-dimensionly and believably. Ms. Peek did just that and for the next 10 days I had to sneak in a chapter or two while still taking care of all my other duties and responsibilities as a husband, father, and grandfather.The main thing I liked about Crusader King is that her two heroes are credible and highly likable. I couldn't help but root for them harder with each new page. Moreover, her villains left me seething with anger because from the beginning they posed huge problems for the main characters, and they became more and more hateful as the book progressed.The book is a great read, and I highly recommend it for youth and adult readers. Not only is it entertaining, but it explains a lot about a part of history about which many of us have little or no understanding.

This book was love at first reading! It is an absolute favorite in all of the schools where I have taught!To quote some of my students:"This book is AWESOME! Everyone said it was good, but I didn't think it would be THIS good!""I actually read for three hours straight and my head didn't even hurt." - (a "book-hater")"Do you have any other books like Crusader King?""I don't know what to read next. After that, nothing else seems good.""I read Crusader King three times this school year, and I'm already ready to read it again!""When is a copy of Crusader King going to be available? It's all everybody is talking about!"(ETC!)I could go on and on, but I will just end by saying that Baldwin and Theo are unforgettable, and this book will be one that you will want to go back to and read to your children and grandchildren some day!

4.5 stars for a compelling story about an inspiring young king during a turbulent time and place in history. Made king at age 13, surrounded by enemies without as well as within his kingdom, and dealing with the unimaginable effects of leprosy, this young man's steadfast faith in God and his inspirational courage have left an indelible mark on my heart. King Baldwin's best friend, Theodore, and the Templar Sir Geoffrey were also well done, so well done, in fact, that two final scenes brought tears to my eyes. I couldn't unreservedly give this book 5 stars, though, because a few instances of slang and modern words pulled me out of the 12th century with a bit of a jar. Young readers will find this book fascinating, fast-paced, and unforgettable.

My kids love Susan Peek's books. My teenage daughter asked for this one and "The King's Prey" for Christmas. She's already finished them by New Year's day, and my son is now reading them. They both love the stories, and especially how Susan Peek brings the saints to life. My daughter has said several times that she likes these more than some other "saint books" because the saints seem more like normal people who she can relate to, rather than some idyllic and unrealistic "fairy tale".

Ooomgg I LOVE this book. One of the best thing I’ve read, highly enjoyable and super accurate. I would definitely recommend buying this book. The ending oomgg, it was such a twist in my opinion I was left speechless at the end and it brought tears to my eyes. You HAVE to read it. ♾/10

A great story well told! I really enjoyed this book, and I was happy to pass it along to my teenage daughter who has been enjoying it as well. I don't know much about the accuracy of the historical details, but I found it refreshing, bringing the Crusaders to life in such a way that they came across as more than blood thirsty mercenaries. History is replete with amazing real life stories, some heroic and some villainous and many a mix as this book shows.

Susan Peek has written this story in such a way that it has captured my interest, and the interest of all of my children. They love the book, and some of them have read it more than once. The ones who can't read yet, ask for us to read it to them.

Mrs Peek has a very sold, enjoyable writting style. I can recommend this book to any reader who likes a few hours of pleasant entertainment.However. As someone with an unhealthy obsession with the Eight Latin Kings of Jerusalem, I spent a small fortune on scientific books on them and enjoy finding out as much as possible. It bothers me tremendously that Mrs Peek makes it seem in her foreword and afterword as if her book was well recherched and close to historical facts. She states that she has written several biographies and "has a special love for medieval history", which all makes it seem as if her story was close to what really happened, when it is absolutely NOT. I was very astonished of what I read in Mrs Peek's novel, because it most often doesn't fit of what I've learned in my personal studies about that period.My conclusion: I can recommend reading this book, but please bear in mind that it has little to do with the actual historical events back then.