Book Review: Sands of Bone (The Oaths of Blood Saga Book 2) by Logan D. Irons

Sands of Bone
(The Oaths of Blood Saga Book 2)
By Logan D. Irons

Publication Date: 6th August 2024

Publisher: 6th August 2024

Page Length: 604

Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Fantasy Fiction

Ninety years have passed since the Christians wrested control of Jerusalem from their foes, and the Kingdom of Jerusalem’s army is a pile of corpses strewn about the Horns of Hattin. The few survivors stumble back for the only place of refuge spared of Saladin’s wrath, Jerusalem.

Robert Cutnose reluctantly joins with the Lord Balian de Ibelin in an attempt to defend a city of refugees from Saladin's army. Both men have drawn the ire of old enemies within the Order who secretly wish to bring them down. And hidden within Saladin’s ranks, assassins lurk, cultivating their own end to the conflict. Even while the city teeters on the brink of annihilation, a princess seeks to assert her birthright over the crown. The fate of Cutnose and the Kingdom of Jerusalem hangs by a thread, and there is no guarantee of survival of anyone involved.

How can we hope to survive this?

Although they faced overwhelming odds, surrendering the Holy City of Jerusalem to Saladin’s forces was not an option. Their commitment to defend this sacred ground was resolute, fuelled by a deep sense of duty and purpose. With unwavering determination, they stood poised to safeguard their heritage, ready to confront adversity with bravery and resolve.

 

But courage and conviction can only go so far, and with assassins inside the walls, only time will tell how long Jerusalem can stand.

 

From the harrowing Battle of Hattin to the valiant last stand of the Christians at the Battle of Jerusalem, “Sands of Bone” (The Oaths of Blood Saga, Book 2) by Logan D. Irons is a gripping tale that masterfully intertwines action, war, and faith. This unforgettable story will capture your imagination and resonate long after you turn the final page.

 

The appeal of this novel lies in the author’s exceptional ability to weave together the threads of history, Norse mythology, and Arthurian legends. As each page unfolds, the reader is drawn into a world where ancient sagas and heroic tales collide, creating a captivating narrative that breathes life into the familiar and fantastical.

 

At the core of the story lies the intense conflict between the Crusaders and Saladin’s formidable army. The Battle of Hattin emerges as a harrowing scene, where countless Christian soldiers succumb to the harsh realities of war. It is not merely an army in retreat; it is a desperate throng battling against the unrelenting thirst in the brutal sun. The air thickened by the smell of blood rising from the battlefield conjures an atmosphere heavy with both physical and psychological peril. The landscape itself, defined by the ominous Horns of Hattin, shapes the strategies of the battle, heightening the tension and urgency. This unforgiving geography fosters a claustrophobic sense of confinement and looming catastrophe, enveloping the soldiers in a palpable dread that mirrors the encroaching doom. The vivid images of scorching heat and the desperate cries of men create an indelible impression of a tragic clash, where survival hangs by a thread. The desecration of the Cross of Christ carries a profound weight, evoking deep sorrow and outrage. It starkly illustrates the chilling reality that, in the chaos of war, even the most revered symbols of faith and hope can be trampled upon. This notion starkly depicts the brutality that defines such turbulent times, highlighting the devastating loss of sanctity amid relentless conflict. As the plot unfolds during the Siege of Jerusalem, the enemy’s strategies shift dramatically, ushering in the ruthless reality of siege warfare. The stark contrast becomes painfully evident; Jerusalem, a city steeped in history, finds itself alarmingly deficient in both knights and seasoned warriors. This vulnerability adds a layer of tension for the reader, especially when juxtaposed against the seemingly boundless and formidable might of Saladin’s army.

 

Interwoven within this captivating tale is the story of the Ulfhednar, fierce Norse warriors whose spirit rivals that of the more widely recognised Berserkers. Traditionally clad in wolf skins, these Ulfhednar possess the extraordinary ability to transform into formidable wolves, merging their human strength with the primal instincts of the wild. They are also seemingly immortal. However, there are those who know how to kill them, and these individuals will stop at nothing to rid the world of these so-called demons. Those who choose to stand with the Ulfhednar find themselves condemned as well. This novel questions the morality of men, particularly in relation to the Ulfhednar, suggesting that the fear of such warriors was greater than the actual threat they posed. And, in fact, it is not the Ulfhednar who should be considered demonic in this novel, but it is more often those clad in the robes of religious orders that are capable of even greater evils, with gives the reader pause for thought.

 

The Order of the Stag and Cross play a pivotal role throughout the narrative. This sacred Order is shrouded in mystery. Their presence invokes both reverence and fear among those who encounter them. Within this context, the quest for the Holy Grail, a cornerstone of Arthurian legend, unfolds in a strikingly unconventional manner, revealing that the fabled relic is not what it appears to be.

 

Robert Cutnose is a seasoned veteran, a battle-hardened survivor whose presence looms large as both an observer and an active participant in the unfolding tale. His stoic demeanour and pragmatic approach to survival form a sharp contrast to the desperation etched on the faces of his fellow soldiers, who are often consumed by fear and hopelessness. Cutnose possesses an uncanny ability to navigate the chaos around him, defying the odds every time. As the tale unfolds, Cutnose’s journey becomes increasingly layered, revealing his well-guarded secrets. He is, to an extent, immortal, he had fought in the first siege of Jerusalem in 1099. This monumental event, and the battles that followed it, allow him to witness the cyclical nature of human conflict. Each battle may be draped in different characters and grievances, yet they remain seemingly unchanged, as an echo of hate and greed continues through the ages. Cutnose’s formidable strength and remarkable ability to heal lend him an air of mystique, which sets him apart as a character. Although he presents himself as a man of honour, his integrity is tempered by the complexity of his experiences. When Cutnose offers his word, it is a promise weighted with sincerity, yet the shadows of his past and the turmoil within him create a constant struggle. He is also mindful not only of the relentless forces of Saladin’s men, but also of the Hunters who seek to kill individuals like him. However, it is his fierce loyalty and choice of actions that ultimately unveil the true nature of his character, showcasing the profound depth beneath his tough exterior. While he sometimes embodies the qualities of an anti-hero, marked by a complex morality, when measured against the darker figures in this tale, Cutnose appears as a symbol of integrity and resilience. He is a character rich in authenticity, driving the story forward with every step he takes on his perilous journey.

 

Princess Isabella is depicted as a determined and resourceful woman, contrasting sharply with her sister, Queen Sibylla. Where Sibylla is portrayed as self-absorbed and swayed easily by the affections of her lover, Isabella emerges as a beacon of hope to the people of Jerusalem. She is willing to risk her own life to uplift and inspire her people. This courageous spirit makes Isabella an incredibly engaging character.

 

Gaston is a character who is deeply conflicted throughout this story. He despises who he is and, therefore, seeks redemption by hunting the very thing he embodies. His relationship with Cutnose is often turbulent, but as Gaston begins to uncover the lies he has been told, he starts to understand that it isn’t who he is that defines him, but his actions. Gaston is a well-developed character who adds significant depth to this story.

 

The depiction of Balian of Ibelin is masterfully crafted, bringing to life the complexities of his character. In his portrayal, Irons remains remarkably faithful to the historical truth, capturing both the courage and the moral dilemmas faced by this noble knight. The daunting odds stacked against him as he is called upon to defend the besieged city of Jerusalem are nothing short of terrifying. Yet, embodying the very essence of chivalry, he rises to the occasion, determined to protect the city he loves. His valiant efforts become a testament to his indomitable spirit, making his choices not only understandable but profoundly honourable.

 

While this story follows the chronological events from the Battle of Hattin to the Siege of Jerusalem, Irons has taken some creative liberties in portraying key characters from that era. Sibylla, the Queen of Jerusalem, is depicted as gluttonous, unfaithful, and incompetent, with her decisions significantly affecting the outcome of the siege of the Holy City. In reality, Sibylla’s decisions were made under considerable duress, and her portrayal in this novel is quite unkind, but it does suit the narrative of the tale.  Additionally, it’s important to note that Gökböri did not die in Jerusalem, although the author does use the meaning of his name “Blue Wolf” to advance the plot. Despite these minor historical inaccuracies, which may go unnoticed by those unfamiliar with the period, the story remains truly compelling.

 

The descriptions in this novel are lush and immersive, engaging all five senses to bring the setting and atmosphere to life. The pungent smell of smoke mingles with the crisp scent of leather, while the rhythmic sound of horses’ hooves pounding against the ground echoes through the air. Vivid portrayals of the bustling Holy City create a striking backdrop for the unfolding drama. As the ominous silhouette of the approaching army looms on the horizon, the tension heightens. The battle scenes are raw and visceral, painting a stark and haunting picture of the chaos and valour that define the struggle, making the reader feel as if they are right in the midst of the action.

 

In “Sands of Bone” (The Oaths of Blood Saga, Book 2) Irons has masterfully crafted a story that not only impresses but also engages readers on multiple levels. While this is the second instalment in The Oaths of Blood Saga, it stands powerfully on its own, appealing to both new readers and devoted fans alike. This novel is sure to hold the reader’s attention well into the night, making it an unmissable reading experience. This book is a must-read for fans of quality fiction.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde

The Coffee Pot Book Club

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Logan D. Irons

Logan is the author of the grimdark historical fantasy The Oaths of Blood Saga. 

A lifelong traveler, he has visited over 50 countries for both for work and for pleasure. Lifted in Arnold’s childhood gym in Austria, asked his wife to marry him in an abandoned castle in Ireland, bartered for jewelry in a Kuwaiti souk, drank beers and sang quite poorly German songs at Oktoberfest in Munich, and burned a Viking ship during Hogmanay in Edinburgh.

Fantasy, historical fiction, and history novels dominate his library. In particular, the works of George R.R. Martin, Steven Pressfield, Bernard Cornwell, and Robert Jordan inspire his work. He currently resides in Virginia, a place with enough history to keep him busy until the end of time, with his wife, son, and a dog named Ronin the Barbarian. 

If he has free time, which is rare, he throws axes (usually at targets), is physically active, and loves taking his family on adventures.

And he’s convinced his nieces he’s a werewolf…

Connect with Irons:

Website • Instagram • Facebook