The Betrayal at Arsuf
About
A short story. A prequel to the Knights of Acre series.
In the scorching summer of 1191, as the Third Crusade rages on, Sir Alaric of Normandy finds himself at the heart of a treacherous plot that threatens to unravel everything he holds dear. On the eve of a crucial battle against Saladin’s forces near the strategic city of Arsuf, Alaric uncovers a shocking conspiracy led by the ambitious Lord de Marcy and his own mentor, Sir Geoffrey.
Torn between loyalty and duty, Alaric must navigate a dangerous web of deceit as he races against time to expose the betrayal and save the Crusader army from certain doom. With the fate of the Holy Land hanging in the balance, Alaric’s journey becomes a test of faith, honor, and the true meaning of chivalry.
Set against the backdrop of Richard the Lionheart’s campaign, “The Betrayal at Arsuf” is a gripping tale of intrigue, moral conflict, and the price of loyalty in a world where the lines between right and wrong are blurred by the harsh realities of war.
This meticulously researched historical fiction novel brings to life the complexity of the Crusades, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and the struggle between idealism and survival. PM Charles weaves a masterful narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden, and anyone who enjoys richly detailed historical fiction set in the turbulent world of medieval warfare and politics.
Praise for this book
5 stars. A brilliantly crafted short story with vivid detail and gripping intrigue.
What I loved most about this prequel to The Knights of Acre series is how seamlessly it blends historical authenticity with high-stakes drama.Sir Alaric of Normandy is a compelling protagonist, torn between his sense of duty and the shocking betrayal he uncovers. The moral conflict he faces feels raw and real, drawing you deeply into his struggle. The pacing is tight, and the tension builds beautifully as Alaric races to expose a conspiracy that could devastate the Crusader army.
PM Charles' meticulous research shines through in the richly detailed setting, transporting you to the dusty battlegrounds of Arsuf and the fraught world of medieval warfare. The story is not just about battles and strategy—it delves into themes of loyalty, honor, and the gray areas of right and wrong in times of war.
Gripping Historical Adventure. 5 stars.
Set in the year 1191, with the Epic Crusades in full swing, this is a story of the rapid uncovering of an insidious plot by one Sir Alaric of Normandy. Real historic details, well-developed characters, and a tale that held my interest throughout-make it a heady combination of action and loyalty that never stops!
4 stars. A great historical fiction.
If you love the theme of the Knights and Crusaders, you are in the right place with this historical, well-crafted setting.
The storyline has Sir Alaric of Normandy dealing with the discovery of a betrayal during a crucial battle. Knowing those he knows as traitors to the cause and the impact of the plot on the outcome puts him in a challenging situation both technically (the battle itself) and morally. Sir Alaric’s moral dilemmas test core values such as loyalty, duty, love, friendship, and responsibility.
The story delves into themes of faith, honor, and chivalry, set against the backdrop of Richard the Lionheart's campaign.
His writing style is characterized by meticulous research, vivid descriptions, and a deep understanding of historical contexts, which bring to life the complexities of the eras he portrays. In "The Betrayal at Arsuf," Charles combines rich narrative detail with compelling character development, immersing readers in the Third Crusade's political intrigue and moral dilemmas. His prose is engaging and informative, appealing to readers who appreciate historical accuracy intertwined with captivating storytelling.
I highly recommend this book.