Rebels against Tyranny: the sixth crusade and the barons of

Emperor Frederick II, called 'enlightened' by historians yet decried as a despot by contemporaies, unleashes a civil war that tears the Holy Land apart. The heir to an intimidating legacy, a woman artist and a boy king are caught up in the game of emperors and popes. Set against the backdrop of the Sixth Crusade, Rebels against Tyranny takes you from the harems of Sicily to the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, from the palaces of privilege to the dungeons of despair. This is a timeless tale of youthful audacity taking on tyranny -- but sometimes courage is not enough.

 "The  well-meaning but flawed Sir Balian is a great central figure—a bit like  William Shakespeare’s portrayal of the young Prince Hal .... An  exciting royal adventure with a large cast." (Read full review here.)

".. a robust and irresistible tale brimming with historical accuracy... Together, the dialogue, plot, and descriptive language make this a compulsive page-turner."  (Read full review here.) "

"The heir to the Ibelins is a great  character for the reader to “walk beside” as dungeons and palaces are  entered ...This thrilling hero is, as always when it comes to Schrader’s  works of art, one of unforgettable strength." (Read full review here.) 

 "A romantic and intricate [work of]  historical fiction that will entrance - sometimes enrage - but always  enlighten readers. Welcome to the 13th century where things aren't  really as different as you may imagine."  

 "This book is redolent with the smoke and  incense of the High Middle Ages, and its characters think like medieval  knights and merchants yet speak in language that is contemporary."