The Iron Lance (The Celtic Crusades #1) by Stephen R. Lawhead Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Iron Lance (The Celtic Crusades #1)
Book Review: Accessable accuracy
Summary: 5 Stars
Despite a certain amount of scepticism on picking this one up (after all, how many 'fantasy writers' can continue to come up with the goods trilogy after trilogy?) I'm sold.Lawhead offers an insight into the past of the British (and other) people that is usually only available to those willing to trawl through dusty old tomes in the Bodleian for months on end. It also lays open to us a period of Christian history that many people would like to brush under the carpet.
While it may on the face of it be a fantasy book presented from the perspective of on Orkney lad whose family is torn apart by the lack of wisdom of a pope and the corruption of the British church, it gives us a true insight into the history of the times. As ever, Lawhead has done his research. Every major event in this book, from the bickering of the Norman princelings in the face of Alexius Comnenus to the genocide in Jerusalem, is presented with a seamless blending of historical fact and artistic license, with no unnecessary concessions given to the latter. It also offers something of an insight into the recently publicized and rather unnecessary hatred between Christian and Muslim, although I'm sure that wasn't the author's intention.
If you can't be arsed to read those dusty old volumes and would prefer an easier education, this is a damn good place to start. It's also entertaining, which is probably at the foremost of people's minds when they pick up a book of this genre.
Book Review: Enthralling Historical Fiction
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Iron Lance" was my first Stephen R. Lawhead novel and it was a novel that I enjoyed all the way through. While Lawhead is mostly labled as a fantasy writer his work is not limited to fantasy, as this book shows. I love fantasy and I found this book to be a break from the general magic that is involved in much of today's fantasy. Lawhead's book is an intoxicating historical fiction. The book takes place during the Crusades, a very interesting time during the history of the world. This period is when the Pope sent forces into Jerusalem to win the Holy City from the Muslims. This book centers on Murdo, the main protagonist, and how he is involved with the events of his time. After his father and brothers go to fight for the Holy Land he stays behind in his hometown with his mother. When his beautiful home is taken away from him he decides to go find his brothers and father. Along the way he meets up with a group of clerics and meets many friends and foes. The book is full of many battles, politics, and entertaining scenes.
Murdo is a very likeable character that many readers will enjoy reading about. You can't help but wonder what his outcome will be at the end of the book. You'll be asking yourself whether or not he'll see his loved ones again and if he'll survive through the harsh times that he is living in. His girlfriend, Ragna, is a great feminine character that can be felt for as you can see that she is going through hard times, being away from her loved Murdo and her brothers and father, as well. The clerics that Murdo meets up with are quite interesting as well, especially their background. Other side characters are well written as well, such as King Bohemond, but most of the others were a trifle boring.
One of the most enjoyable things about this novel is the historical backgound that Lawhead provides. Mr. Lawhead provides a riveting read while feeding you huge chunks of historical background and the amount of fact that is presented never seems daunting. Fans of history will undoubtedly enjoy this historical fiction masterpiece. "The Iron Lance" entertains from the great first pages to the wonderful last ones. This is a great read that's definitely recommended.
Happy Reading!
Book Review: Fair to putrid
Summary: 2 Stars
This book definitely did not meet my expectations.
For starters, I didn't find Murdo to be all that sympathetic a character. In fact, I was much more interested in the plight of his mother and girlfriend, left behind in the Orkneys to fend for themselves.
Second, the whole turn-of-the-century, secret society plot twist was completely uninteresting and distracting from the main story line. It was tempting to keep turning the pages and skip over most of that stuff.
Third, the portrayal of Emperor Alexius and the Byzantines is wildly inaccurate and biased.
Fourth and lastly, the church characters such as the bishop and the abbot are portrayed as greedy, arrogant, treacherous and power hungry (qualities that certainly describe the Byzantines. Oh irony!). The western crusaders are also cartoon villains who are painted as either dullards and morons or pyschopathic, homicidal maniacs.
Overall, unless you are a fanatic historical fiction reader I don't think you'll enjoy this book.
Book Review: Lawhead is in a rut
Summary: 2 Stars
The Iron Lance is a real disappointment after having read Byzantium. The book starts out by setting up Christian conspiracy that has existed since (at least) the days of the Crusaders. The conspiracy exists, we assume, as a way to influence the world with Christian values. Why Lawhead felt the need to setup his historical fiction about the Crusades in this context is beyond me. Over all, it comes across as doorky and unbelievable.
After the embarrassing beginning, Lawhead finally gets us into the heart of work. While an easy read and a page turner, the book just never lives up to it's potential. There are some interesting facts that are conveyed, but over all the work is dull and too fantastical.
Lawhead's basic problem is his attempt to defend the Crusades as somehow actually sanctified by the Christian God. To do this, Lawhead very early on separates the actions of the faithful from those who just want power or riches. This is not new ground for Lawhead. It is, in fact, exactly the subject he tackled with Byzantium. Instead of exposing the Crusades for the power grab they were, he actually finds a way to justify them by the finding of religious relics.
If you like Lawhead, sure buy it. If you have never read this author, try Byzantium instead and skip this one.
Book Review: Who's Lawhead?
Summary: 5 Stars
Some say the Iron Lance is a sequel to Byzantium, but Do Not Be Deceived! You do not have to have read Buyzantium, The Pendragon Cycle, or any other of Lawhead's books to enjoy this one. Though other reviewers have mentioned that Lawhead's great detailed description, and awesome use of language to make you feel, actually present, in the story, are enjoyable qualities in all his books, including this one, I believe his perfect use of the pen shines brightly from just even this book, alone. This was my first Lawhead book ever, and I'm glad I finished The Iron Lance before reading these other reviews. Do Not be Intimidated by all the mentions of Lawhead's previous books. Even if you've never heard of Stephen R. Lawhead or The Iron Lance, as soon as you stick your nose into its open pages, you'll never put it down again.