CRUSADER KING
Susan Peek. A historical novel about the unusual life of King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, the leper crusader king who — despite ascending to the throne at only 13, his early death at 24 and his debilitating disease — performed great and heroic deeds in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. As sovereign, he had been entrusted with defending the embattled kingdom of Jerusalem against the Turks, now led by a military genius known as Saladin. Yet there were enemies within his own ranks — the outrageously ambitious Count Raymond of Tripoli; the outlaw Hawk of Kerak with his private army; Baldwin's scheming sister, the gorgeous Princess Sibyl — not to mention the fact that Baldwin's own body was slowly disintegrating with leprosy. There were few that the young leper king could trust: the Knights Templar, a few loyal barons, and God. With the burdens of manhood thrust upon him in the flower of his youth, Baldwin daily faced enormous challenges both on and off the battlefield. Teens and avid readers of all ages will delight in this fast-paced, inspiring and highly entertaining story based on history and bringing to life the tremendous drama of the Crusades!
BK32150       $12.00