This is a story about two teenage boys from different military sides of the Crusades.  Salim is an Islamic boy who is an apprentice to a Jewish doctor.  Together they are recruited by the Sultan Saladin for the war effort.  Adam, the other boy, is a peasant raised to squire from England.  His lord was one of the first to arrive on Holy soil.  Both armies have occupied the area around the city of Acre and are attempting to wait the other out of food.  Salim and Adam do meet each other and find that they could be friends.  The boys discover that their prejudices are unfounded.  Their bond solidifies and they work together to help each others families.

In the story, the characters are relatable and the internal conflicts they have can be found even in today’s world.  The author’s writing style is conversational which allows the reader to connect to the characters more.  The message in this historical fiction novel is clear:  Prejudices have no foundation.  Get to know someone before you judge them.

— Michael S.