Two brothers, one damsel

A traditional historical adventure tale, Blood Red Horse is set in the 12th century at the time of the Crusades, when Christian forces were fighting to win back the Holy Land from the Muslims.

It is well plotted and well researched, but at times the history bogs down the story and the whole book teeters on the edge of becoming a textbook with a story stuck on as an afterthought.

Will de Granville and his brother are off to the Crusades to fight for what they believe is right. They leave behind a pale-faced damsel who is engaged to one of them, but loves the other.

There is also a sub-plot about a young Muslim soldier fighting for the opposite of what our hero believes in.

The book is technically accomplished but lacks the fire and imagination to bring it alive for today's readers, who are accustomed to that grip-me factor present in so much modern teenage fiction.

Blood Red Horse