The Tale of the English Templar
By Helena P. Schrader
Publication Date: 28th March 2025
Publisher: Cross Seas Press
Page Length: 641
Genre: Historical Fiction
An escaped Templar, an intrepid, old crusader, and a discarded bride embark on a quest for justice in the face of tyranny.
An English Templar travelling to Cyprus is one of thousands arrested on Friday 13 October 1307. Victims of Philip IV's greed for the Order's legendary riches, they are cruelly tortured. The English knight becomes the first non-French Templar to confess to the trumped-up charges. Then he disappears. Soon, other imprisoned Templars also go missing from the French King's dungeons. Rumours begin to circulate of a band of free Templars. Based on historical events, not fantasy, The Tale of the English Templar tells the story of the struggle between good and evil in human hearts - and of the power of love even in our darkest hour.
“You won’t let them burn, will you?” he pleaded. “Tell them that you won’t let my brothers burn!”
Percy responded without even raising his voice, “I won’t let them burn.”
Their legacy was one of valour. Their acts of bravery were legendary. No one could mistake who wore the striking white mantles emblazoned with bold red crosses. The Order of the Poor Knights of the Temple of Solomon had been formidable warriors during the Crusades. They truly had God on their side. But now the Muslims had reclaimed Jerusalem, and the Order faced the disheartening loss of its foothold in the Holy Land, but that still did not diminish their fighting prowess.
But nothing can last forever, and with an avaricious king on the French throne, who seeks The Order’s wealth and lands, there was never a more dangerous time to be a member of The Knights Templar.
Sir Percy de Lacy should have been well on his way to Cyprus with important dispatches, but the Grand Master kept changing what he wanted the dispatches to say. Finally, on October 12, 1307, Percy received the finalised dispatches and began his journey. Resting for the night at Saint Pierre du Temple, he was eager to continue his journey in the morning. However, in the early hours of the 13th, the Royal Guard came for them. Treated like cattle and herded into a dungeon, Percy and the other Templars faced their most gruelling trials of faith and strength. The French King sought to destroy The Order, but these were Templar men, and it would take a great deal of persuasion to make them turn their back on, not only God, but their brethren.
To Percy, it felt as if God had forsaken them, yet he vowed not to utter the lies they wanted him to confess, no matter what torture they inflicted upon his body.
From the depths of despair to the desperate fight to save his fellow Templars from the flames of a heretic pyre, “The Tale of the English Templar” by Helena P. Schrader is a masterfully crafted narrative that showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
With a graceful sweep of her quill, Schrader has intricately woven a mesmerising tale that is steeped in rich historical detail. The historical accuracy of this book is not only commendable but impressive; it is rendered with such vividness that one can’t help but admire the countless hours Schrader must have devoted to researching this tumultuous chapter in Templar history. Her steadfast commitment to authenticity shines brilliantly throughout the narrative, which feels palpably alive. The events that transpired after October 13th are depicted with striking realism, immersing readers in the complex nuances of the era and creating a visceral experience where the reader almost feels as though they are walking side by side with the characters. With a deep understanding of history’s appeal, Schrader masterfully leads readers on an enthralling journey into a dangerous and intriguing past.
Schrader skilfully weaves a rich tapestry of distinct characters, each with their own unique motivations, flaws, and complexities that bring the narrative to life. Facing relentless adversity, Sir Percy’s seemingly indomitable spirit exemplifies his courage and resilience. As the harrowing events unfold around him, the reader is drawn into a gripping tale where this heroic figure endures torment that pushes him to the brink of insanity. His resolute will to live, even in the midst of despair, reveals the extraordinary strength of his character. Sir Percy’s journey is one of remarkable resilience and bravery. His determination to rescue his captured brethren fuels a powerful comeback, marked by both reckless acts and unwavering courage born from persecution.
The reader first meets Felice as a child, who is navigating the complexities of a torn and dysfunctional family. Her mother, Marie, is often harsh and bitter, consumed by her own self-interest and societal standing. While her father, Louis, tries to intervene at times, it is clear that Marie’s dominance shapes their household. In the midst of this turmoil, Felice finds comfort in the unwavering love of her grandmother and grandfather, who provide the emotional support her mother fails to offer. When her beloved grandmother passes away, her grandfather steps in to become the most important person in her life, offering support and unconditional love. As Felice grows into a young woman, she develops a strong sense of self and an understanding of her circumstances. She yearns for autonomy, yet recognises that her parents ultimately control her destiny. Even when her heart longs for someone else, societal expectations dictate whom she must marry. Felice’s story is one marked by both heartbreak and remarkable courage. Like the Templar knights, she faces many struggles and experiences heart-wrenching grief, but beneath the surface lies an undeniable strength. Her journey resonates deeply, making it easy for readers to relate to her as an inspiring heroine who brings richness and depth to the narrative.
Geoffrey de Preuthune, Felice’s grandfather, is an inspirational man who consistently puts others before himself. He is also one of the most courageous characters in this novel, as he stands up when others sit down and speaks out when others remain silent. Despite being very old, he is determined to do everything he can to assist the Templars. Geoffrey’s backstory is beautifully portrayed, and his compassion for others makes him a compelling character.
The novel teems with a variety of antagonists, and while the reader never directly encounters the menacing King Philip IV, he serves as the dark catalyst behind the unfolding chaos. Pope Clement V, depicted as little more than a marionette dancing to Philip’s whims, is equally insidious in his compliance. Yet it is the harrowing “Inquisition” — a grim alliance of the Papal Commission and the French Royal Inquisitors — that orchestrates the confessions under the most dreadful of circumstances. Among these formidable figures, Father Elion is especially repulsive. He revels in extracting confessions through unimaginable suffering. Cunning and extremely ruthless, Father Elion embodies a chilling malevolence that chills the reader’s spine and evokes a visceral sense of disgust.
The author’s portrayal of Umberto is skilfully crafted and effectively conveys the message that not all men are born monsters, but circumstances can lead them to become one. Ambitious and eager to advance within the church, Umberto is faced with a proposal from his dean to join the Dominican Order. However, nothing in his prior experiences has prepared him for the horrors he is about to witness in the torture chambers. Umberto quickly becomes indoctrinated into the Dominican Order, ultimately becoming unflinching in his execution of extreme brutality in the name of the church and the king. And yet there is still an essence of humanity within his character which makes for a compelling individual.
“The Tale of the English Templar” by Helena P. Schrader stands out as a masterful work of historical fiction. With its enthralling plot and vividly drawn characters, this novel not only captivates but also challenges readers to engage in profound reflection and moral contemplation. Schrader’s exquisite prose ensures that this unforgettable story will resonate deeply in the readers' hearts long after they turn the last page.
If you read only one book this year, let it be this one. The story will captivate and inspire you in ways you never anticipated. It is, in all ways, a complete success.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club
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Release Date: 30th April 2025
Helena P. Schrader
Award-Winning and Best-Selling Historical Novelist
Author of 26 Historical Fiction and Non-Fiction Titles, Winner of numerous literary accolades
“Helena Schrader’s in-depth stories, fantastic characters, and ability to write an unforgettable tale make her one of the best authors out there!” Feathered Quill
For readers tired of clichés and cartoons, award-winning novelist Helena P. Schrader offers nuanced insight into historical events and figures based on sound research and an understanding of human nature. Her complex and engaging characters bring history back to life as a means to better understand ourselves. Her motto is: Understanding ourselves by Understandig the Past. Helena’s chief areas of expertise are Aviation, the Second World War, Ancient Sparta, and the Crusader States.
Helena's current project is the three-part "The Bridge to Tomorrow Series," which shows how the West stopped Russian aggression without war during the Berlin Crisis of 1948/1949. The series goes beyond the political chess game and logistical achievements of the Berlin Airlift to explore the social and psychological impact of this pivotal historical event. The characters -- women and men, British, American, German and Ukrainian -- enable the reader to see the unfolding events through different perspectives. As the reader gets drawn into their lives, the historical tensions rise, and the trilogy accelerates the pace to that of a thriller. "The Bridge to Tomorrow Series" is about winning a war with milk, coal and candy bars.
The first book in the series, "Cold Peace," won six literary accolades including GOLD for Military Fiction in the Historical Fiction Company's 2023 Book Awards, Gold in the 2024 Feathered Quill Awards, runner-up for the Historical Fiction Company's prestigious BOOK OF THE YEAR award in 2023, an Indie BRAG medallion and a Maincrest Media Award. For an overview of all Helena's awards please visit her website.
Helena holds a PhD in history from the University of Hamburg, which she earned with a ground-breaking biography of a leader of the German Resistance to Hitler, and served as an American diplomat in Europe and Africa. She grew up sailing the Maine coast, was a passionate horsewoman, and is now retired and living with her husband and two dogs.
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