El reino del cielo (Kingdom of Heaven), not to be confused with the atrocious movie about The Crusades. This historical fiction novel takes place during the late eleventh century and early twelve century medieval Spain. The setting is southern frontier of the Reconquista, in a fortified fortress to what will become the city of Madrid.

In this story, we read about the massive ordeal a peasant family, who out of necessity is forced to seek a better life in the Christian and Moorish frontier. The author certainly did not hide away the level of brutality and sometimes inhumane actions during this era. Before I read this book, I would consider the Children of Húrin to be one of the most tragic stories that I’ve read. However, I feel this book is in an entire different level. I’m usually pretty good predicting where a story is heading, but the author made this book to be one of the most unpredictable stories that I’ve ever read. Without giving to much spoilers, the way the story went and what happened to the characters was not only unpredictable, it was 100 percent different from what I’ve imagine. Let’s just say this story is not for the light hearted.

This was my first time reading from this author, and let’s just say it’s defintely not going to be the last. This was an easy enjoyable read, even if the story itself felt dark and gruesome at times.