Emperor Frederick II, called "enlightened" by historians yet decried as a despot by contemporaries, unleashes a civil war that tears the Holy Land apart. The heir to an intimidating legacy, a woman artist, and a boy king are caught up in the game of emperors and popes. Set against the backdrop of the Sixth Crusade, Rebels against Tyranny takes you from the harems of Sicily to the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, from the palaces of privilege to the dungeons of despair. This is a timeless tale of youthful audacity taking on tyranny―but sometimes courage is not enough....
Helena Schrader holds a PhD in History from the University of Hamburg and served as an American diplomat in Europe and Africa. Her historical novels have collectively won more than twenty literary awards, including Best Biography 2017 and Best Historical Fiction 2020. In addition, she is the author of non-fiction books on women in aviation, the Berlin Airlift and the German Resistance to Hitler. She has been commissioned by a leading UK publisher to write a comprehensive history of the crusader states. For more about Helena’s publications, forthcoming projects and awards visit: www.helenapschrader.com.
Rebels against Tyranny was named “Best Christian Historical Fiction 2019” by Readers’ Favorites Book Awards and earned “Silver” (2nd place) for Historical Fiction in the Feathered Quill Book Awards 2019.
"The well-meaning but flawed Sir Balian is a great central figure—a bit like William Shakespeare’s portrayal of the young Prince Hal .... An exciting royal adventure with a large cast." Kirkus Reviews
“…a robust and irresistible tale brimming with historical accuracy… Together, the dialogue, plot, and descriptive language make this a compulsive page-turner.”BlueInk Starred Review
"The heir to the Ibelins is a great character for the reader to “walk beside” as dungeons and palaces are entered ...This thrilling hero is, as always when it comes to Schrader’s works of art, one of unforgettable strength." Feathered Quill Review
"A romantic and intricate [work of] historical fiction that will entrance - sometimes enrage - but always enlighten readers. Welcome to the 13th century where things aren't really as different as you may imagine." Chanticleer Reviews
"This book is redolent with the smoke and incense of the High Middle Ages, and its characters think like medieval knights and merchants yet speak in language that is contemporary." Clarion Reviews
"Helena P. Schrader has a unique gift for setting, transporting readers through landscapes and locales that are filled with history, creating backstories and subplots that enrich the narrative with an enduring sense of suspense." Devine Zape for Readers Favorites
“… a must-read for all lovers of history. It is not only revealing but also entrancing.” Edith Wairimu for Readers Favorites
