As a young man, James was always fascinated by history, especially the Middle Ages with its rich array of legends, characters, and plots. His vivid imagination was fed by Salisbury's rich historical past and after countless visits to its Cathedral over the years and the ruins of Old Sarum Castle, he was inspired to write his first novel 'The Crusaders Blade', the first of a trilogy which follows the historical events of the Fourth Crusade.
His love of travelling has taken him to many places across the world. Several of which he has included in his books. When he is not writing, he is often planning his next adventure which can vary from trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro to walking Hadrian's Wall from coast to coast.
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THE NEXT INSTALLMENT IN THE
'TALES OF THE BROTHERHOOD' SERIES.
THE CRUSADER'S ESCAPE
1214. King John of England has failed in his final attempt to win back what is left of the Angevin Empire. Arriving back on English shores after his defeat at the Battle of Bouvines forced him to abandon his campaign, he discovers the northern barons are close to rebellion. In the midst of this turmoil, Sir Robert Spurling, Knight of the Turin Shroud Brotherhood, has received word that his friend and mentor, Commander Reynard, is missing. With the help of loyal and trusted friends he must journey to the kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire to find the Commander, before their deadly enemies, followers of The Order of the Blooded Cross reach him first.
Returning to his homeland, he discovers that war between the northern barons and King John has begun, and England is engulfed in Civil War. Sir Robert must decide where his loyalties lie, to the crown and John 'Softsword', or to the barons who claim they are fighting for the people.
As well as the escapades undertaken by Robert and Commander Reynard, 'The Crusader's Escape' gives a fascinating account of the backstory to one of the most important documents in history - the great charter still known to this day as Magna Carta.
After requests from readers, wanting to accompany James' two heroes from the 'Turin Shroud Trilogy', Robert of Oldfield and Commander Reynard on more adventures. James decided to write a sequel series titled 'Tales of the Brotherhood'.
Each novel will follow the timeline of History and bring to light, tales of forgotten battles and twisted plots which shaped the course of History as we know it. James and his heroes will journey across Kingdoms and Empires to fulfill their duties to the Brotherhood of the Turin Shroud, all the while being pursued by their most darkest adversary, The Order of the Blooded Cross.
The series begins eight years on from the original trilogy, the first of them taking Robert and the Commander to the Iberian peninsular. There they join a new Crusade which became the start of what is now known as the Spanish Reconquista.
Tales of the Brotherhood Series
1212. After their victory at Tolosa and Baeza, Sir Robert and Commander Reynard are tasked with a new mission by the Brotherhood of the Turin Shroud. Supported by a loyal company of men, the two knights escort a nobleman and meet with the Cathar lords of Languedoc. After establishing an alliance with those who oppose the eradication of the Catharism belief, the two find themselves entangled in a new Crusade.
The almost impossible quest requires them to lead Cathar refugees to safety, as well as carrying two holy treasures over the Pyrenees and across the sea to a secret sanctuary. However, a new adversary has emerged from the darkness, and will do anything to exterminate all Cathars and those who protect them.
The Crusader & The Cathar gives a detailed account of the persecution and brutal treatment of the innocents of Catharism. The author has again been able to mix fiction with fact and give a clear impression of the dark years of the Albigensian Crusade.
