Bernard Cornwell, Heretic

This is a typically well written and well researched book by Cornwell. He seems to have mastered the fusion of historical events, people and places with a cracking fictional story. The historical detail is always solid and draws you into the period. Descriptions are well constructed and often cleverly concise - allowing the reader to fill in the details. This is a sign of a good confident writer.

Heretic is well paced and revolves around the trials and tribulations of a man torn from his family and drawn towards the Crusades.

The lead character is well written and fully developed. I felt myself dragged into his corner pretty much from the outset. The story plot is well thought out and moves along at pace. Cornwell knows how to tell a story and there is no doubt that all the books I've read (outside of the Sharp series) have been well worth the investment of both time and money.

I have to admit that I'm a Bernard Cornwell fan (apart from the Sharp series) but I have no problem recommending this book as a cracking adventure.