Defender of Jerusalem

Book II of a three part biographical novel about Balian d'Ibelin. Hollywood made him a blacksmith; Arab chroniclers said he was “like a King.” He served a leper, but defied Richard the Lionheart. He fought Saladin to a standstill, but retained his respect. Rather than dally with a princess, he married a queen — And founded a dynasty. He was a warrior and a diplomat both. "Defender of Jerusalem" follows Balian and his wife Maria Comnena through the turbulent decade leading to the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187.