Profane Fire at the Altar of the Lord

D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review (7/10/2017)

Profane Fire at the Altar of the Lord is a historical novel about dwarf David, a self-proclaimed prince of a lost tribe of Israel who might even be the Messiah. He’s a somewhat unlikely candidate in many ways (stature notwithstanding) because he also trades in deceit and indulgences – his suggestion of being the Messiah being just one of the roles which gives him lucrative pleasures and payback.

The atmosphere of his Roman world, the approaching clash between Muslim and Christian forces, and a warlord in France who has lost his family fortune and whose actions land him in the unlikely role of joining forces with his sworn enemy in Rome makes for a series of encounters between disparate individuals and circumstances that together weave a powerful tapestry of Roman history, religion, social challenges, and the influences of lies upon belief systems.

David is at the heart of a changing political and social milieu that will forge new alliances and break apart long-held convictions even as it weaves together new treaties and forces.

A prior knowledge of early European history is not required, but will enhance reading of a story which adds insights into encounters between Muslims, Christians as it crafts historical precedence for character actions: “These filthy Turks are menacing Venice, and the threat grows worse each year. For five hundred years, we have fought them. Beaten them back time after time with Crusades. Christian kings have driven them out of Spain. Out of Italy. But the tide us turning against us.”

Having an engaging (if not immoral) character at the center of this maelstrom of change is one of the powerful features that bring the history to life in Profane Fire at the Altar of the Lord.

Readers may not agree with or completely appreciate the protagonist, David, and his perspectives on life and achievement; but one thing is certain: his actions, reactions, and wily way of coming out on top against all social and political obstacles adds an intriguing tone and perspective to a story that brings history to life in an unexpected manner.

Kings, infantrymen, Imperial armies that storm the world, powerful Afghanis who own young boys, and more bring the Crusades and their meaning and impact to life in a way few others achieve. The result is a powerful historical novel that weaves fiction and fact in such a way that any reader seeking to understand the roots of Muslim and Christian strife would do well to attend to this story.

It’s an especially recommended read for those who look for a liberal dose of historical background to their fictional reads.

Revo Boulanger

...this one is THE Big Dog. Take Life of Brian, Little Big Man and a European history book, hit chop, add absinthe and you have a very satisfying read.

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