OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Rebels against Tyranny" by Helena P. Schrader.]

Borrowed largely from Philip de Novare’s account written in mid- 13th century, Rebels against Tyranny by Helena P. Schrader reconstructs the events of the time, creating a thoroughly engaging plot that presents the struggle between monocracy and legislation.

Though the monarch Frederick II Hohenstaufen has been termed as a man ahead of his time, a closer look at the remarks of a large number of his contemporaries considered him a dictator. His nature in this light is well explored in the book through the continuous Ibelins’ war against him. At first, John d’Ibelin, Lord of Beirut, is loyal to the pompous monarch until he detains Balian and Baldwin, John’s sons.

Rebels against Tyranny provides an in-depth look into Frederick II’s decisions and life that many historians have chosen to ignore. In the book, Frederick II Hohenstaufen has no regard for anyone except himself given his poor treatment of his young wife, Yolanda, Queen of Jerusalem. Amaury Barlais, Gauvain de Cheneché and Amaury “Grimbert” de Bethsan all gang up against the Lord of Beirut and his sons by befriending the unwise monarch who in turn tries to use King Henry I, King of Cyprus, as a pawn for his schemes. The Ibelins, however, are not ready to give up so easily.

Reading the book got me a little closer to living through the crusades of the 13th century and also experience life as it was in the crusader states. Even though much has not been written regarding this age, Rebels against Tyranny opens up this period in time to every lover of history. It reveals many aspects of the culture and politics in this part of the world during a perilous time.

The story is well-crafted with lively and relatable characters. Each of them fits their roles as described in history while still filling in the gaps to make a captivating story. I especially liked Eschiva de Montbéliard’s character. She is a woman not afraid of defying the norms of the day to free herself of the clutches placed on her. She expresses herself artistically in spite of her husband’s reproach and remains kind despite her noble position.

Helena P. Schrader carefully follows historical accounts to present a rather accurate presentation of events. It is evident that much research has gone into writing the book. Rebels against Tyranny will prove to be a delightful and enlightening read for every fan of historical novels. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

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Rebels against Tyranny
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Nice review! Your review justifies the rating!

Thanks for an insightful review. I love historical fiction that is accurate and a true reflection of how life was in the time or period in which the story was set. Like you pointed out, this is a sign of good research by the author. I will be checking this book out! Well done!

I am always fascinated by this time per and would love to read this book. Thanks for your review.

The things historians and people in general choose to ignore, are often the most interesting. Thank you for the thorough review.

It sounds like you really enjoyed this book. I am not at all interested in the time period, but I appreciate your review.

I'm still not exactly sure how I feel about this book. I like historical fiction on occasion, but it really has to be engaging. I'm just not sure if this would hold my attention. Thanks for the review. It's obvious to see that you enjoyed it.

Thank you for the review! This sounds like a book I'm interested in. I love reading about this time period and it's great that the author chose to write more on what the historians ignored. Hopefully there will be some more new information than the general knowledge!

This would be a fascinating book to read. I'm an academic in the Medieval period focusing on the Crusades, so your review really did advocate for this being a good choice--including to see where my opinion and the author's might be similar or differ on a few key points. Thank you for a review that indeed makes me want to read the book!!!

This seems to be a well researched historical fiction novel recounting the events of the 13th century. Thanks for the review.