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Summary: Lawhead is in a rut
Review: The Iron Lance is a real disappointment after having read Byzantium. The book starts out by setting up Christian conspiracy that has existed since (at least) the days of the Crusaders. The conspiracy exists, we assume, as a way to influence the world with Christian values. Why Lawhead felt the need to setup his historical fiction about the Crusades in this context is beyond me. Over all, it comes across as doorky and unbelievable. After the embarrassing beginning, Lawhead finally gets us into the heart of work. While an easy read and a page turner, the book just never lives up to it's potential. There are some interesting facts that are conveyed, but over all the work is dull and too fantastical. Lawhead's basic problem is his attempt to defend the Crusades as somehow actually sanctified by the Christian God. To do this, Lawhead very early on separates the actions of the faithful from those who just want power or riches. This is not new ground for Lawhead. It is, in fact, exactly the subject he tackled with Byzantium. Instead of exposing the Crusades for the power grab they were, he actually finds a way to justify them by the finding of religious relics. If you like Lawhead, sure buy it. If you have never read this author, try Byzantium instead and skip this one.
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Summary: Who's Lawhead?
Review: Some say the Iron Lance is a sequel to Byzantium, but Do Not Be Deceived! You do not have to have read Buyzantium, The Pendragon Cycle, or any other of Lawhead's books to enjoy this one. Though other reviewers have mentioned that Lawhead's great detailed description, and awesome use of language to make you feel, actually present, in the story, are enjoyable qualities in all his books, including this one, I believe his perfect use of the pen shines brightly from just even this book, alone. This was my first Lawhead book ever, and I'm glad I finished The Iron Lance before reading these other reviews. Do Not be Intimidated by all the mentions of Lawhead's previous books. Even if you've never heard of Stephen R. Lawhead or The Iron Lance, as soon as you stick your nose into its open pages, you'll never put it down again.
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Summary: Another Stephen Lawhead Masterpiece
Review: My mom brought this home for me one day, knowing that I was lacking a book to read and knowing, both of us having read Stephen Lawhead's Pendragon Cycle, how much of a wonderful author he is. Since I also hold an interest in Celtic culture, she saw it and picked it up for me. I was not disappointed at all. Stephen Lawhead continues to be a wonderful author with a moving, descriptive style that always works with his stories. I'd recommend it to anyone
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Summary: Greatest Historical Fiction I ever Read.
Review: Author Lawhead writes a story full of action, adventure, and sudden realization. The story kept me so intrigued, I couldn't wait for the next installment of the series. This book is for those who want to learn more about the atomsphere and environment in which the 1st crusade took place. This book is the best historical fiction novel I've ever read.
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Summary: Best book read
Review: Everyone in doubt, trust me, this is a book to match the gods. For all of you mistified, historical, noble blood people, this is a book for your leisure.
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Summary: I just finished it just a few moments ago, and........
Review: all i can say is wow. I've read other Lawhead books, sure, but this was in a league of its own. Having come off as powerful, suspensful, if not a little odvious, "THE IRON LANCE" is a great read that keeps you interested until the very last line. Lawhead once again uses his usual Religion subplot, but the application of it is much more subtle. Needless, to say, the plot still has holes, that I can't wait to fill by reading the next book in the series. All in all, a good read, even if it is loose-ended. Just be prepared to read the sequal:)
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Summary: Iron Lance Review
Review: I thought this was a very well written book. It had an exciting plot and kept me reading it nonstop all through school for several days. You really got to know the character and could imagine is problems and joys. I had never read Stephan Lawhead before, but now will more soon. I am ordering new books by him right now.
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Summary: Great book!
Review: This is a great christian fiction book based on fact. All the places, people and events are researched right but have been twisted into a story of a young boy called Murdo who goes looking for his two brothers and farther in the Crusade. This book tells the truth about the first crusade and the horrid things that happend to the poor pilgrims on the way to the Holy City and the horrid, horrid events that happend when they got there. A slap on the back to Stephen for now fluffing that part and telling how it was. I enjoyed the boys romp around the holy land and have just started on the 2nd book. If i could, i'd give the book 4 and 1/2 stars, 1/2 missing because he really didnt develop Murdo very well untill the end when he had grown up. One last thing, I love the way the plot twists back and forward from past to present! I can't wait to find out what it's all about.
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Summary: Blockhead on Crusade
Review: Okay, is Celtic pronounced with a hard c or a soft c? If you answered hard, you are qualified to read this book. This was an interesting book, and I enjoyed it, but not enough to make me run out and buy the rest of the series. The main character, Murdo, is about as slow on the uptake as a chicken in an alligator ranch. I foresaw all the major plot twists (all two of them) just by reading the flysheet. Well, not quite, but Murdo fails to heed even the most blatant advice until practically the last page of the book. Then suddenly he becomes sly and cunning and rescues the day. And by the way, you can become as historically steeped in the crusades by reading The First Crusade, by Steven Runciman. Finally, two questions - why did the author choose the Orkneys, of all places, and why do so many reviewers think they are writing for the New York Times review of books?
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Summary: A great start for this trilogy
Review: The Iron Lance is an engrossing read, with plenty of action and fascinating historical detail to keep your attention. My only quibble was that the last quarter of the book seemed to be rushed, with the final (and vitally important) events taking place in less than 50 pages. Even so, the author does a good job of outlining a satisfactory plot and denoument, while preserving an extended plotline for the rest of the trilogy to follow.
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