Envoy of Jerusalem: Balian d'Ibelin and the Third Crusade, Book III in the Jerusalem Trilogy

"Envoy of Jerusalem" is the third book of the Jerusalem Trilogy, a biographical novel about the historical Balian d'Ibelin, ca 1150 - 1200. "Envoy of Jerusalem" covers the period 1187-1192, including the Third Crusade. Hollywood made him a blacksmith; Arab chronicles said he was "like a king." He served a leper, but defied Richard the Lionheart. He fought Saladin to a standstill, yet retained his respect. Rather than dally with a princess, he married a dowager queen -- and founded a dynasty. He was a warrior and a diplomat both: Balian of Ibelin. In "Envoy of Jerusalem" Balian has survived the devastating defeat of the Christian army at the Battle of Hattin, and walked away a free man after the surrender of Jerusalem, but he is baron of nothing in a kingdom that no longer exists. Haunted by the tens of thousands of Christians now in Saracen captivity, he is determined to regain what has been lost. The arrival of a vast crusading army under the soon-to-be-legendary Richard the Lionheart offers hope -- but also conflict, as natives and crusaders clash and French and English quarrel. "Envoy of Jerusalem" was awarded seven literary awards including "Best Biography 2017" from the Book Excellence Awards, "Best Christian Historical Fiction 2017" from Readers' Favorites Book Awards, "Best Spiritual/Religious Fiction 2017" from Feathered Quill Book Awards, and an "Honorable Mention" for "Wartime/Military Fiction" in the Foreword INDIES 2017.