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Series

Crusades Trilogy

The Crusades trilogy follows the Norman prince Bohemund of Taranto and his nephew Tancred from dynastic conflict in southern Italy into the First Crusade. Both men see the expedition as a religious war and as an opportunity to secure land, reputation and power beyond the Adriatic.

The sequence traces the difficult alliance between western crusaders and the Byzantine emperor, the march across Anatolia and the struggle for Antioch. Hunger, siege warfare and rivalry among Christian leaders repeatedly threaten the campaign as seriously as the Turkish armies opposing it.

Reading order

Books in this series (3 books)

Son of Blood cover

1. Son of Blood

David Donachie

Bohemund of Taranto and his nephew Tancred belong to the Norman de Hauteville dynasty that has conquered much of southern Italy. Rival claims, papal diplomacy and conflict with Byzantium force both men to fight for position before the call for crusade offers a new field for…

Soldier of Crusade cover

2. Soldier of Crusade

David Donachie

In 1096, Bohemund and Tancred join the First Crusade and cross into the Byzantine Empire. They must swear uneasy obligations to Emperor Alexios while advancing through Anatolia against Turkish forces and competing with other western princes for influence. Sieges, hunger and disputes over captured territory test…

Prince of Legend cover

3. Prince of Legend

David Donachie

After taking Antioch, the crusaders become the besieged as Kerbogha’s army approaches and the city runs short of food. Bohemund tries to retain control while disease, desertion and rivalry among the Christian leaders weaken the defence. Raymond of Toulouse challenges the Norman claim, and Tancred is…