The Saracen Holy War

by Robert Shea Book 2 in the The Saracen series.

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3.4(10)

Daoud ibn Abdallah’s attempt to prevent a Christian–Mongol alliance enters its decisive phase as Pope Urban IV dies and Charles of Anjou prepares to invade the Kingdom of Sicily. Daoud, Sophia and their Italian allies must protect Manfred while Simon de Gobignon remains committed to the Mongol envoys and to the cause of Charles. Personal loyalties become inseparable from the struggle among the papacy, the Hohenstaufens, the Angevin army and the Mamluk state.

The action moves through central and southern Italy toward the Battle of Benevento in 1266, where Manfred’s kingdom faces destruction. Baibars, Louis IX, Charles of Anjou, Thomas Aquinas and Hulagu Khan remain part of the political world surrounding the fictional conflict. The concluding volume resolves the rivalry between Daoud and Simon while showing how diplomacy, espionage and religious war reshape the Mediterranean balance of power.

Historical Periods

Papal–Mongol Alliance Negotiations1263–1264 CE Papal–Hohenstaufen Conflict in Italy1254–1266 CE

Genres

Court & Political Fiction Espionage Historical Fantasy Historical Thriller War Fiction

Historical people

Hulagu Khan1217–1265 Louis IX of France1214–1270 Baibarsc. 1223–1277 Manfred, King of Sicily1232–1266 Charles I of Anjou1227–1285 Pope Urban IVc. 1195–1264 Thomas Aquinas1225–1274 Sordelloc. 1200–c. 1269