{"product_id":"9781932045215","title":"The Swords of Faith","description":"An epic novel steeped in action, intrigue, and romance.\u003cp\u003eJuly 1187: the forces of the Muslim sultan known as Saladin have defeated the army of the Kingdom of Jerusalem , allowing Saladin to achieve his lifelong ambition of recapturing the Holy City for Islam. This sets the stage for the Third Crusade: the confrontation between Saladin and the legendary Christian warrior, Richard the Lionheart. Both men believe they are destined by God to lead their holy armies to complete victory.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRichard, a legendary warrior with a keen military mind, finds his vow to retake Jerusalem complicated by infighting over succession to the British throne, a rivalry with the French king, and a choice between two potential queens. Meanwhile, Saladin struggles to keep his fractious forces together while remaining true to the noblest principles of Islam.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese events are also portrayed through the eyes of two common men: Pierre of Botron is a Christian knight who is captured on the battlefield and subjected to the indignity of slavery. Rashid of Yenbo is a Muslim trader who finds prosperity in Saladin's triumphs. The relationship between Rashid and Pierre offers the possibility that people of good will can overcome polarizing conflicts.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs events build toward the Battle of Jaffa, one of the most well-known conflicts of the Crusades, the fates of the characters depend on the choices they make between the compassionate and fanatical aspects of their faiths.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Swords of Faith offers an eye-opening comparison and contrast of the tenets of Christianity and Islam, insights that reverberate into the present day.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Strider Nolan Media","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47059542540528,"sku":"9781932045215","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781932045215_p0.jpg?v=1763639356","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781932045215","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}