Brethren (flipback)

From the burning plains of Syria to the filthy backstreets of Paris and London, Brethren is the story of Will Campbell, coming of age in a time of conspiracy, passion, politics and war.

Will has been brought up from boyhood in the ways of the all-powerful Order of the Knights Templar. With a tragedy in his past that looms over his future, he faces a long, hard apprenticeship to the foul-tempered scholar Everard, before he can have any chance of becoming a Knight. As he struggles to survive in the harsh discipline of the Temple, Will must try to make sense of many things: his own past, the dangerous mystery that surrounds Everard, and his confused feelings for Elwen, the strong-willed young woman whose path seems always to cross his own.

Meanwhile, a new star is rising in the East. A ruthless fighter and brilliant tactician, the former slave Baybars has become one of the greatest generals and rulers of his time. Haunted by his early life, he is driven by an unquenchable desire to free his people from the European invaders of his homeland.

With page-turning suspense and thrilling action, Brethren brilliantly evokes that extraordinary clash of civilizations known in the West as the Crusades. Robyn Young portrays a rich cast of characters, reflecting on each side greed, ambition and religious fanaticism, as well as courage, love and faith.

Reviews

'Wonderful... loaded with atmosphere, action, and intrigue. The Crusades come alive'

Steve Berry, author of THE TEMPLAR LEGACY

'BRETHREN is one of the best historical debuts in recent memory. Exciting and enthralling, it gripped me from the first page and left me waiting anxiously for the next instalment'

John Connolly, author of THE BLACK ANGEL and THE BOOK OF LOST THINGS

'Rich historical detail, clever plotting and engaging characters . . . a historical thriller that will have readers turning pages and envisioning the sequel'

Publishers Weekly

'Pacy and well-written, with vivid, convincing characters, Brethren captures your interest until the last page. I eagerly anticipate the sequel, knowing I will not be disappointed'

Alison Weir

'Intricate, compelling, captivating and, above all, believable ... a brilliant piece of sustained imagination'

David Boyle, author of BLONDEL'S SONG

'Robyn Young's BRETHREN is a truly excellent novel. The thirteenth century is vividly and excitingly evoked ... I can't wait for the sequel!'

Mark Philpott, Centre for Medieval & Renaissance Studies, Oxford

'Stirring...carefully researched'

Publishing News

'A sweeping historical adventure with strong characters and serious verve...hits all the big emotional points...Can't wait for the next two volumes!'

Sarah Weinman (Baltimore Sun, Shots Magazine, Galleycat blog)

'If you love the Templars, the Crusades, and the Middle Ages, this is the book for you. Robyn Young is an exciting new voice that speaks loudly'

Sharon Penman, author

'Engaging and enjoyable - Robyn Young brings the tumultuous medieval world to life with pace and flair'

Tom Harper, author, Knights Of The Cross

'Richly worked and captivating...an epic story of war, intrigue and heroism'

Good Book Guide

'Tipped to be the next Da Vinci Code'

Elle

'El Cid meets The Da Vinci Code! Exciting, page-turning fiction'

Simon Mayo's Book Panel, BBC Radio Five Live