468 pages
English language
Published Jan. 4, 1984 by Bantam Books.
I wanted to like this book, but found it impossible to finish. Not only were the plot and situations completely unbelievable, but the writing was entirely too repetitive. The same descriptions over and over again, plus similar cliffhanger endings to every other chapter. Not recommended.
The main character is like a hero in a modern day action movie. He knows everything, can do anything, and all women are attracted to him. If you can overlook that, it is an otherwise good read. I liked the actual history interspersed throughout the story. I like the hero's general outlook on life, and his dedication to his friends and family.
A wonderful, sometimes incredible swashbuckling tale. As a story of adventure and travel and revenge, I now think The Count of Monte Cristo is likely better, but as a historical novel to introduce my teenage self to Muslim 12th Century Europe it is breathtaking, history and a love of learning, reading, and an openness of religious and economic thought are woven through the swordfights and damsels in distress.
