The Tale of the English Templar by Helena P. Schrader follows the story of Percival and Felice, two very different individuals who are both exceptional for their time. Percival (Percy) de Lacy is the knight in shining armor, though he possesses no armor, and his honor has been stripped away by the greed of a bankrupt king who condemns him and his fellow Templars to a living nightmare. Broken and battered, Percy manages to escape the clutches of his tormentors. At the point of despair, he seeks a quick death to end his suffering when Felice finds him on the side of the road. Feeling pity for the young man, Felice helps him and takes him to her grandfather. Yet, the king and his minions do not relent, compelling Percy and his newfound allies to fight against the injustices surrounding them while discovering that salvation can take many forms.

The Tale of the English Templar by Helena P. Schrader is a complex and intricate story that intertwines the lives of vastly different individuals as they navigate a medieval world filled with superstition, ignorance, and despair. The plot primarily focuses on two protagonists who struggle against the confines of their realities and face various perils doing so. More importantly, the novel explores numerous underlying themes, including inner battles of the mind, the clash between good and evil, and a critical look at how a state can use its institutions to lie and frame individuals. Character development is a notable strength of the novel, with many believable individuals standing out on both sides of the conflict. The pacing picks up steadily, especially after the initial non-linear segments, transforming the narrative into a powerful tale of people who may long for death, only to discover the true meaning of life. Compared to Helena's other works, this earlier story is rawer and feels more energetic and emotional, lending it a unique charm. For fans of historical fiction centered around the Knights Templar, this book is for you.

Helena P Schrader’s novel The Tale of the English Templar is a gripping, richly detailed, and action-packed historical novel about the Knights Templar in France in the 14th century. In 1307, King Philip IV of France ordered the French Knights Templar to be arrested and their wealth and properties seized. Sir Percy de Lacy is an English Knight Templar in France on a mission. He is on his way to Marseilles to return to Cyprus when he is arrested and tortured by the Sheriff of Albi. As Percy is transported to the Bishop of Albi’s palace, he manages to escape. An intensive hunt by the Bishop of Albi and the Inquisition fails to find Percy. Other French Knights Templar escape from French dungeons. The story has many twists and turns, and the action and suspense build to the end. 

I was riveted by The Tale of the English Templar for its remarkable characters, the vivid world of medieval France, and the interwoven complex history of the Knights Templar. I particularly liked the character development of the central character, Percy de Lacy, and his transformative journey from the moment he is captured to the events that follow his incredible escape. I found the story particularly thought-provoking because Percy realizes he cannot return to his previous well-ordered life as a Templar in Cyprus. He remains a Templar at heart, and I liked how his inner journey evolved, finding courage and purpose in his life by taking on dangerous difficulties and challenges. The attention to detail for the secondary characters, some of whom play pivotal roles in Percy’s life, enriched the story immensely because those details also brought to the forefront the Templar fight for religious freedom and justice. I was captivated by Helena P Schrader's evocative and atmospheric descriptions of the settings, the life-threatening situations Percy faces, the edgy and terse dialogues, and his interactions with the Church and the ordinary people who cross his path. The French knight Sir Geoffrey Preuthune and his granddaughter Felice captured my imagination because their characters made the overall story profoundly moving. Well-written and immersive, this is a complex and compelling story, with memorable characters interwoven with the fascinating history of the Knights Templar. It is also a story of compassion, love, and hope.