E. L. Noel has crafted one of the FINEST historical novels this reviewer has read in a very long time!

Medieval Knight Dante, a Spanish soldier, is assisting the forces of Richard the Lionhearted to capture and secure the Muslim fortress of St. Jean d'Acre. He has lived most of his life in Palestine and so has become friends with the very people he is now attacking. Indeed, his loyalty is divided for within the fortress lives the love of his life, Sakeena, and her brother whom Dante considers a brother. Victory comes in a most unexpected manner, but the cost of ransom of the Muslim inhabitants means they will die! To what cause will Dante commit himself - his King or his beloved Sakeena?

Iago, Dante's wise and loyal friend far beyond what is required, has his own secret problem which will pose a life and death decision from Dante if discovered. But Dante doesn't know what this is; he only knows that Iago has this uncanny ability to foresee events. What is revealed induces anxiety because Dante knows how Iago's words always come to pass.

Add the complexity of Dante's divided family with two brothers who hate each other and another peaceful, artistic brother whom their father insists become a soldier. But the choice he makes may mean his own undoing!

Dante's Cross reveals what the Crusades really meant for all involved sides. Death was often a necessity to maintain one's power and consequent respect from the enemy! Human beings were pawns in a war that could never be won, so formidable were the Muslims protecting their homeland and way of life! While the plot unfolds and some resolution occurs, sacrifices must be endured, ones that forever change both the central and peripheral characters.

Treasures, real and fabricated; broken vows that destroy a family yet never completely remove the strong bonds of those united by blood; power and ruthlessness complicated with compassion; and so much more fill out this awesome tale!

E. L. Noel offers the reader a fascinating look at an intriguing historical period, one that will rivet the reader and leave a lasting impression far beyond the last read page!

Wonderfully written and accurately portrayed, E. L. Noel!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on October 29, 2005

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