Scott Mariani has made his name as a bestselling author of thriller novels about ex-SAS major and former theology student, Ben Hope.

'Pilgrim’s Revenge' is the first in a projected new series set in the late twelfth century and featuring Will Bowman as its central character.

It is Easter 1190 and twenty-year old Will lives an idyllic life in rural Oxfordshire, running his small homestead with his pregnant wife, Beatrice. However, his world is shattered when they are attacked by four soldiers who destroy everything and kill Will’s wife. Will survives only because he is knocked unconscious and appears dead. The rest of the novel follows Will in his resolve to find his assailants and take his revenge. His only clue is a vicious-looking black eagle insignia on the soldiers’ armour, indicating their feudal allegiance.

The revenge genre gives a familiar feel to the narrative, commonly used in books and films. The narrative trajectory reminded me of the film 'Gladiator' where a former Roman General seeks revenge against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family. The difference here is that the main protagonist is a young man, so the search for revenge also becomes a journey towards maturity and manhood.

I enjoyed Mariani’s recreation of this historical period and there is a wealth of research behind the story. Will finds himself part of Richard the Lionheart’s Third Crusade and he faces some perilous sea journeys as well as battles in Portugal, Sicily and Cyprus. We hear about the Siege of Jerusalem, the roles of Pope Gregory VIII and Clement III in supporting the Crusade through offering plenary indulgences for those who take part (carte blanche forgiveness of past, current and future sins) and we also rub shoulders with the Knights Templar and Hospitaller. Will meets a range of medieval characters: nuns, friars, peasants, innkeepers, brigands and fellow adventurers, and even meets Richard the Lionheart and his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine.

The action is fast-paced – sometimes a little too fast-paced for my liking - while characters are not always developed in depth. For example, I liked the introduction of Father Michael near the beginning and his offer of an alternative world of reconciliation and education rather than revenge. But this thread seems to be quickly forgotten as the action picks up pace again and revenge becomes Will’s primary focus. I was also not entirely convinced by the role of Richard the Lionheart and the personal interest that he takes in Will.

However, for readers who seek an exciting and suspenseful story with lots of action, convincing historical detail and a likeable main hero, there is much here to enjoy. And this is just the first of many.

I have read most of the Ben Hope series and really enjoy them. I wasn’t sure about this one but once I stopped looking for Ben I thoroughly enjoyed it. It looks like a new series in the making and I look forward to the next Will Bowman adventure.

I have read all of this author's Ben Hope novels, and wasn't sure what to expect from this book. The first chapter was setting the scene and in chapter two the book really took off, and I was hooked. The gripping tale of Will. the bowman, and his character development from a peaceful villager, to a man bent on revenge, so much so that he travels abroad to get it, is impressive. This novel is different from the Hope novels, being set in medieval times, but it does grow on you until you are just as hooked into turning the pages as you were in the Hope novels. The author has in my view, made a successful transition from the Hope novels to this historical period. This being so, I highly recommend this novel.