Pilgrim

Children venture forth on holy crusade in this exciting thriller wrapped in historical fiction's clothes. In 1212 C.E., a small group of German children embark on a journey for the Holy Land to find the lost remnants of the true cross. Joined by Otto, a lordling in search of his father, these young heroes survive privation, hostility, and a journey of thousands of miles. Meanwhile, the Crusader kingdom of Outremer is crumbling, beset by Saracens from without and a demon-worshipping betrayer within. It is up to the children to save the Crusaders from their own corruption. Unnecessary and graphic sex scenes (between adults) occasionally interrupt the tale, but contemporary dialogue and a broad vocabulary draw the reader into the narrative, and clipped scenes full of energy and action keep the story moving smoothly and swiftly. (July)