Queen of Swords

Melisende, princess of the Franks, is heir to the Crusader Kingdom since she has no brothers. The crown would go to the man who married her, and after to her son. But in this "richly textured tapestry steeped in history" ("Booklist"), she proves to be a strong woman who would not submit easily to a husband's rule, nor for long.


Genre: Historical

"Although primarily a fantasy writer, Judith Tarr does occasionally stray into the arena of historical fiction and she produces some superb work. Queen of Swords details the life of the 12th-century Queen Melisande of Jerusalem and her struggle to be politically recognised in a world dominated by men. The feel of a great medieval court poised between the Middle East and Europe and its attendant danger and tension are captured in Tarr's opulent, lyrical prose." - Elizabeth Chadwick