Men Of The Cross (Battle Scars) by Charlene Newcomb is set in the Middle Ages in the reign of King Richard. The author tells her tale through the eyes of the knights and lays bare the true horrors of war and the needless death of many. There is a clear bond between the knights and protecting their beloved King is both a privilege and an honor. As I read through this wonderful book, I did begin to recognize various characters from the legend of Robin Hood, and this will pave the way for the author's second book which I await with excitement. Knights Henry de Grey and Stephan l'Aigle are two of the main characters throughout the novel. For Henry, this is his first taste of war and he makes a friend in Stephan at an early stage. Their relationship stands firm throughout and Henry seeks to understand his feelings for Stephan.

Charlene Newcomb delivers an eye-opening novel in Men Of The Cross (Battle Scars). The author gave an insight into the diverse characters in this period of history and their way of life. I loved the strong bond between the knights and the love that blossomed between Henry and Stephan. I had never thought of homosexuality in this era, especially between the knights, but who is to say that this was not so. In my opinion, the author is brave and bold to incorporate such notions into her work. I thought that the love they shared was true and very endearing to see, especially in the grip of war. This book made for a delightful read.

Men of the Cross (Battle Scars) by Charlene Newcomb is a story with a historical theme that will take readers on journey along with two knights during the Third Crusade to the Holy Land in order to free Jerusalem. The story revolves more around the two knights, Henry de Grey and Stephan l'Aigle, with their tale woven into the story of King Richard's crusade. The skills of these two knights are well known. Stephen and Henry befriend Robin Hood and other people in the inner circle of King Richard. The author actually unfolds the story of the Third Crusade through the eyes of these two knights.

I liked the book mainly for the reason that the author has effortlessly woven a historical fiction along with some facts, creating a story of friendship, love and adventure. The theme is serious; it has the Third Crusade as the backdrop. The characters are portrayed with a lot of charm and color and we see the two knights also fighting their personal demons along with the battles of the Third Crusade. The love and care they have for each other also comes through wonderfully as the story progresses.

Lust, love, war and friendship run through the plot, setting the tone for a great series to come. It is a good book to learn more about the history of the time when the Third Crusade took place. The author has captured the physical and emotional journey of the two knights beautifully to make this book an adventurous novel.