Crusader's Path
By Mary Ann Bernal
Publication Date: 12th April 2020
Publisher: Whispering Legends Press
Page Length: 316 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Whispering Legends Press
Page Length: 316 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
A redemptive crusade. A test of faith. A defiant love.
Driven by a quest for redemption, Etienne answers Pope Urban II’s call and joins the perilous Crusade led by Duke Robert of Normandy, aiming for Byzantium’s grandeur. Avielle, touched by Peter the Hermit’s words, commits to martyrdom after the brutal massacre at Mainz. In Constantinople, their paths converge, and amidst shared remorse, a tender love flourishes despite Avielle’s affliction. As Etienne beseeches the heavens for her recovery, pledging a monastic future, her health improves. Now, with Avielle on the mend, Etienne grapples with a heart-wrenching choice: uphold his sacred vow or yield to the call of his heart.
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Crusader's Path
Mary Ann Bernal
Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in Business Administration. Her journey into the literary world reached a milestone with the 2009 publication of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series. Mary Ann’s repertoire extends beyond historical fiction, encompassing diverse genres, including a collection of contemporary short stories, a science fiction/fantasy novel, and thrilling action and adventure novellas.
Her latest literary contributions include “Crusader’s Path,” a poignant redemption tale amidst the tumult of the First Crusade; “Forgiving Nero,” a compelling exploration of familial dynamics in Ancient Rome; and the “AnaRose” adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a museum curator turned relic hunter.
A fervent advocate for the United States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively participated in letter-writing campaigns and various support initiatives. Her dedication to the military community garnered attention on “The Morning Blend” show on KMTV, Omaha’s CBS affiliate, and an interview with the Omaha World-Herald. As a celebrated author, she has graced numerous reader blogs and promotional platforms with her presence. Mary Ann cherishes her life in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she continues to inspire through her written works.
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Such a beautiful cover. I shall look forward to reading your book, Mary Ann.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary.
DeleteI have not read many books set during the Crusade era. What inspired you to write about this era of history? And is your story based on a true story?
ReplyDeleteCrusader's Path is not based on a true story. My inspiration stems from the Hollywood blockbusters referencing Robin Hood and Richard the Lionheart but I did not sugarcoat any of the events like a Hollywood movie. The characters are realistically portrayed, flawed human beings seeking redemption.
DeleteThose crusaders were unmerciful and it was all done in the name of God. Not that they had it easy, they suffered so many loses, but to retake the Holy Lands, and assure your place in Heaven was a very powerful motivation. When you look back on human history and all the unnecessarily bloodshed that is still unfortunately continuing today it does make one wonder as to what God would make of it all.
ReplyDeleteI have added Crusader's Path to my to-read list, and I shall certainly look forward to reading it. I think it is an era of history that is often overlooked by historical fiction authors, but it is one that I find endlessly fascinating.
They were certainly unmerciful, but I also think it was quite the disaster at the beginning of the crusade and so many innocent people died, such the Rhineland Massacres which I think is what really set off anti-semitism in Europe, of course this has a chain reaction through the years with the persecution of the Jews, which culminated to the Holocaust all those years later. And to make matters worse during the first Crusade it was not the Jews they were targeting in the first place. Of course, the same thing would happen during the Albigensian Crusade.
DeleteThere was also the rivalry between the various nobility that made things so much harder, I think, on the people they led. The Siege of Antioch was particularly gruelling with many Crusaders dying before they even entered the city. It always makes me question why religious fever was not accompanied with the practicalities of going to war in the first place. It was all well and good to have all these crusaders flocking to the middle east, but who was going to feed them, supply them, treat them when they were ill. It really does boggle the mind.
I didn't know any of this. I have very limited knowledge about the Crusades. I will certainly be reading your novel, Mary Ann.
DeleteThe Albigensian Crusade was awful, I always feel a terrible shiver of dread when I think about what Arnaud Amaury said when asked how to distinguish between the Cathars (who they were targeting) from Catholics (who lived peacefully for the most part in the same towns and villages). He said "Kill them, for the Lord knows those that are His." In other words kill everyone and God will recognise the catholics in the next life. and this came from a Cistercian Abbot of all people. I think when God is used for a reason to go to war, then nothing good will come about it, and the desire for the Catholic Church to have more and more power, and the language they used to encourage others to join them is very telling of the era. Of course things only got worse as the centuries past. It is a wonder anyone survived.
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