Set during the religious persecution and political rivalries of the Albigensian Crusade, this is a fictionalized interpretation of the life of Esclarmonde de Foix, a revered leader of a heretical sect of pacifist mystics called Cathars, or 'Pure Ones.' As the Viscountess of Foix, Esclarmonde ignites the enmity of Pope Innocent III by challenging the Church's venality and corruption. Christianity is about to enter its darkest hour and emerge forever changed. To preserve this lost evidence of Christ's teachings, a charismatic Cathar holy woman must defy Rome.

'About this title' may belong to another edition of this title.As the 13th century dawns, an ancient scroll hidden in the French Pyrenees is rumored to hold shocking revelations about Jesus of Nazareth. Myers, The Historical Novel Society Review This book would appeal to those interested in medieval French history and readers who were intrigued by some of the historical underpinnings of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, and it is a well-told epic story of faith and love.' -Ann K.

Overall, though, this is a well-written and compellingly told story of a little-known figure from medieval France. Some of the battle and persecution scenes are quite gruesome as the depictions are quite true to life, and at times the language is a little overblown, making some scenes difficult to follow. As Esclarmonde struggles with her faith and the war sweeping her country, Craney explores issues of theology, a variety of historical events and characters, forbidden love, and the strength and strain of family ties through war. This book is clearly well-researched, but more importantly for a novel, it tells a thoroughly engrossing story. Throughout, she struggles with her love for a Templar knight who often rescues her in times of need, but neither can choose their love over their faith without breaking sacred vows. Esclarmonde de Foix starts out as a headstrong girl in the Toulousian Courts of Love, but after an encounter with a Cathar elder, finds herself increasingly drawn to the faith, and after undergoing certain spiritual trials, she eventually finds herself acting as the leader of the Cathars, dedicated to God and her people. Considered heretics, the Cathars preached pacifism, ordained women, and were accused of practicing black magic because of their skill with healing. 'Spanning roughly sixty years in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, this story portrays the spread and persecution of the Cathar faith in France.

The Fire and the Light by Glen Craney