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Steven A. McKay
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Knight of the Cross: A Forest Lord Tale featuring the Knights Hospitaller (The Forest Lord) Kindle Edition

by Steven A. McKay (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 784 ratings
"Dagon is coming..."

Rhodes, AD 1309.

The good Knights of St John battle ancient evil as mysterious, unsolved disappearances and insane devil-worshippers threaten to turn the whole island into a bloodbath...

When three heavily armed Hospitaller knights go missing from a sleepy village their Grand Master sends legendary hero Sir Richard-at-Lee and his sergeant-at-arms to discover their fate. Met with resistance from terrified locals, and whispered rumours of a blasphemous sect performing strange rites underground, Sir Richard finally realises he must defeat not only the cultists, but the faceless, unstoppable demon that haunts his dreams.

Fans of the Forest Lord series will enjoy this explosive spin-off novella that sees the much-loved English knight up against a foe that threatens his life, his sanity, and even God Himself.

"A fabulous action-filled read that manages to pack an epic punch into a novella-sized story." Matthew Harffy, author of The Serpent Sword

Praise for "Wolf's Head":

“McKay's gift as a storyteller pulls the reader into a world of violence, passion, injustice and revenge and leaves us wanting more!” Glyn Iliffe, author, The Adventures of Odysseus series

“Reading this book, I felt as if I was transported back to medieval times...the good, the bad and the ugly. This is a thrilling read that kept me captivated from start to finish.” Bibliophile Book Reviews

“...the story is exciting and invites the reader to sit back and enjoy the journey through the forests and villages of northern England.” Hoover Book Reviews

“Wolf's Head took my breath away.” Indian Book Reviews

Praise for The Wolf and the Raven:

“Steven A. McKay has found a surprisingly successful way to reinvigorate the story of Robin Hood...thoroughly enjoyable!” Edinburgh Book Reviews
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  1. Print length
    103 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    September 19, 2014
  4. File size
    3.2 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A fabulous action-filled story that manages to pack an epic punch into a novella-sized story." Matthew Harffy, author of The Serpent Sword

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00NF5JN5A
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Broadsword Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 19, 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.2 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 103 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 784 ratings

About the author

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Steven A. McKay

Steven A. McKay

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I was born in Scotland in 1977 and always enjoyed studying history. I decided to write my Forest Lord novels after seeing a house called “Sherwood” when I was out at work one day. Since then I've started a new series, the Warrior Druid of Britain Chronicles, and just completed a trilogy about Alfred the Great.

In 2021 the Xbox game HOOD: Outlaws and Legends was released, featuring my writing, and that was a fantastic experience.

I used to be in a heavy metal band although I tend to just play guitar in my study these days. I did use those guitars to write the theme song for the podcast I co-host, Rock, Paper, Swords! with Matthew Harffy, though. Give it a listen, we've interviewed great guests like Diana Gabaldon, Simon Scarrow, Bernard Cornwell, Dan Jones and more!

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
784 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this novella engaging, with one mentioning it kept them reading through to the very end. Moreover, the writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer noting the author's thorough research. Additionally, the book features well-developed characters, and customers appreciate its historical content, with one highlighting its nice touches for the time and place. Customers also enjoy the supernatural elements and find the book fun to read.

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43 customers mention "Story quality"39 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as an excellent novella with a compelling narrative that holds their interest throughout.

"...I found it jarring. Otherwise, a nice, quick read." Read more

"...It is unique, and a delight." Read more

"...This book had quite a bit more violent and bloody fighting scenes than Wolf's Head and The Wolf And The Raven had in them and i think this is awesome..." Read more

"...Thank you, Mr. McKay, for a good read." Read more

16 customers mention "Writing quality"12 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, with one customer noting that the author's research is well-integrated into the narrative.

"Fun, short novel about Sir Richard before we meet him in Wolf's Head. Combining my two favorite things, medieval stuff, and supernatural stuff...." Read more

"This short novel was a delight to read. The author's research comes through well..." Read more

"...I enjoyed the writing, and the characters. It's an action-packed, emotional story...." Read more

"...This one was good, but not as good as his full length books." Read more

10 customers mention "Character development"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer highlighting the detailed background of a key character.

"...It works well as an introductory or deeper understanding of some of the characters, but other than that, I didn't really see a purpose to the story...." Read more

"...with part of the early career of one of the most likable and admirable characters in that series, Sir Richard at Lee...." Read more

"I loved this story and read it straight through! Great characters, settings and plot. Great story, great job Steven McKay!" Read more

"...this historical novel really come alive dripping with personality and charisma...." Read more

8 customers mention "Historical content"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the historical content of the book, with one customer noting how well the medieval elements are integrated into the story.

"...Combining my two favorite things, medieval stuff, and supernatural stuff. If you like the authors other full length books you'll enjoy this...." Read more

"...The horror/suspense theme was a nice addition to the historical setting and characters...." Read more

"...McKay portrayed this story worked really well and as an historical fantasy it worked, keeping me reading through to the very end...." Read more

"...unexpected surprises, but a good light read, with some nice touches for the time and place. The strawman was fun :)" Read more

6 customers mention "Entraining value"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's value positive, with one mentioning it works well as an introductory text.

"...If you haven't read them, this is a great intro before picking them up...." Read more

"...It's an action-packed, emotional story. It works well as an introductory or deeper understanding of some of the characters, but other than that, I..." Read more

"...glad I gave it a read as the way Steven McKay portrayed this story worked really well and as an historical fantasy it worked, keeping me reading..." Read more

"...and the telling of how he teams up with Stephen is well appreciated from this reader...." Read more

5 customers mention "Creepiness"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the supernatural elements in the book, with one mentioning its mixture of mythology.

"...Combining my two favorite things, medieval stuff, and supernatural stuff. If you like the authors other full length books you'll enjoy this...." Read more

"...Full of action, Knight Hospitaller, “Elders”, and creepy individuals! A short read and a great story!" Read more

"...The characters were interesting and creepy in their own way. I was surprised by the path that the story line took. But l did enjoy reading this book." Read more

"...The mixture of mythology, the cult, and medieval times kept my intent very well. I look forward to reading the other books by this author." Read more

5 customers mention "Fun"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fun to read.

"Fun, short novel about Sir Richard before we meet him in Wolf's Head. Combining my two favorite things, medieval stuff, and supernatural stuff...." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed this story. A great deal of fun and light reading. I will look into the other books for further reading...." Read more

"...The strawman was fun :)" Read more

"Really enjoyed it. Quick read and entertaining...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Daniel E.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, short novel about Sir Richard before we meet ...
    Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Fun, short novel about Sir Richard before we meet him in Wolf's Head. Combining my two favorite things, medieval stuff, and supernatural stuff. If you like the authors other full length books you'll enjoy this. If you haven't read them, this is a great intro before picking them up. The Hospitaller Knights of Rhodes have to uncover a cult and fight the return of an ancient evil.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Avid Reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good book with pros and cons
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This short novel was a delight to read. The author's research comes through well (the color of the knights' habits being red, the political events of the time and place.) Some editing was needed as the character descriptions seemed to repeat.

    The horror/suspense theme was a nice addition to the historical setting and characters.

    My main criticism was the dialog of the characters. It was too contemporary, and prevented me from seeing the main characters as men of the 13th century. Making them use the "F-word" in their speech made them seem like modern soldiers. I found it jarring.

    Otherwise, a nice, quick read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • kwestrope
    3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting tale that made me want to read more
    Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I haven't read any other books in the series that this one is a spin-off from. I enjoyed the writing, and the characters. It's an action-packed, emotional story. It works well as an introductory or deeper understanding of some of the characters, but other than that, I didn't really see a purpose to the story. I don't know, maybe I missed something.

    It did interest me enough, and I liked Mr. McKay's writing enough, that I may go on and read the other books. I haven't decided yet.

    I listened to the audio version of the story, and I will say that narrator, Nick Ellsworth, did a fine job of bringing this story and the characters to life.
    One person found this helpful
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  • William L Jones
    5.0 out of 5 stars An exotic gem.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This novella is an odd curio. It is a spin off from the historical fiction Wolf's Head series, and deals with part of the early career of one of the most likable and admirable characters in that series, Sir Richard at Lee. On mostly dull duty at Rhodes, the Knights of St. John somehow make a wrong turn at Arkham, and end up dealing with an eldritch horror gibbering under a full moon. Whether or not swords and boards can prevail is in doubt, but firm purpose and knightly ardor is certain. Unfortunately, the author does not intend to develop this fusion of fantasy and historical fiction beyond this book, so savor this one. It is unique, and a delight.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • OnSale241
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing and Entertaining Novella
    Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Knight of The Cross is an excellent little novella. I am a huge fan of all the works of Steven Mckay and this one is no exception. I downloaded this on kindle for free but i was planning to buy it anyway. This is a prequel to his first two books and follows the hero Sir Richard at-Lee on a quest to rid a town of devil worsipping heretics. This book had quite a bit more violent and bloody fighting scenes than Wolf's Head and The Wolf And The Raven had in them and i think this is awesome. I also noticed Steven add a reference to the ancient Egyptian Death Metal band Nile. Steven and I are both into Death Metal and I thought it was very cool that he added it. Anyway, this is very well written and action packed historical fiction. If you are a fan of authors like Ben Kane, Bernard Cornwell or Anthony Riches you would undoubtedly love this amazing novella.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good Read
    Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This short book was riddled with computer generated errors. So why am I giving it four stars? Because I could read through the errors without getting madder than a wet hen at the author and the book. Somewhere I think I read that the errors had been deleted. If they have not been, they should be. The message of the story showed the best and the worst of the human heart.

    Thank you, Mr. McKay, for a good read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • JediTionne
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Action Packed Thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Thoroughly enjoyed this novella. Full of action, Knight Hospitaller, “Elders”, and creepy individuals! A short read and a great story!
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  • chrispavey
    3.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed this novella
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed this novella. While historical friction mixed with the supernatural did not particularly appeal to me, I gave it a shot because I really enjoyed Steven McKay's Robin Hood tale, Wolf's Head. I'm glad I gave it a read as the way Steven McKay portrayed this story worked really well and as an historical fantasy it worked, keeping me reading through to the very end.

    A great tale worth the short time it will take you, invested.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • K. Rodgers
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Rhodes
    Reviewed in Australia on November 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A bit spooky but nevertheless interesting tale of the Hospitalers based on Rhodes. Great back story of Sir Richard and Stephen.
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  • David Baird
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Sir Richard Tale
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 24, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    First off this is a novella. For anyone who hasn’t read a novella before it’s less pages than a full story but more pages than a short story.

    This tale focuses on Sir Richard, If you’ve read Steven’s first two books Wolf’s Head and The Wolf and the Raven you’ll be familiar with the character.

    I definitely think the author did the right thing. As such a strong character Sir Richard deserved his own tale.

    Ok, so in this story we see Sir Richard tasked to investigate some strange disappearances of not only villagers but also some Hospitallers.

    It’s a very intriguing story which gives a great insight in to Steven as an author as he adds in a touch of fantasy with this book which gives it a great twist after reading his other work.

    In all honesty it’s well worth the 99p asking price currently on Amazon, well written and even though it’s only 100 or so pages if felt like a much larger tale. Steven managed brilliantly to fit a story into such a small amount of pages.

    I’m looking forward to reading and reviewing the authors next book The Rise of the Wolf and especially looking forward to seeing what direction he takes after this.

    I felt the added fantasy to this book made it quite unique compared to everything else I’ve read and it will be interesting to see if Steven will continue down these lines or branch out in to something completely different.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Will read
    Reviewed in Canada on February 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Fabulous
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  • Mike Brister
    5.0 out of 5 stars A lively read
    Reviewed in Spain on January 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Never too sure about Novell's but this was a very entertaining read, especially after the Wolfs Head series. Well written Steven.
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  • BiancaZimmermeier
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery-Abenteuer mit Templern
    Reviewed in Germany on June 25, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Rhodos, 1309. Nach dem Verschwinden mehrerer Templer wird der Ritter Richard-at-Lee ausgesandt, um die Vorfälle zu untersuchen. In einem kleinen Dorf erfährt er, dass dort ebenfalls Einwohner entführt wurden. Es wird behauptet, dass Dämonen für diese Taten verantwortlich seien...
    Die Figur des Templers Richard-at-Lee ist mir bereits aus der Forrest-Lord-Reihe des Autors bekannt. In dieser Novelle bekommt er seinen verdienten Soloauftritt. Der Schreibstil ist sehr angenehm und flüssig zu lesen. Die Handlung schreitet zügig und spannend voran. Der Autor versteht es, eine mysteriös/angenehm gruselige Stimmung zu schaffen. Insgesamt ein stimmiger Abenteuerroman im historischen Gewand, den ich gerne weiter empfehle. Ich vergebe 5 Kreuze (statt Sterne). Nur zur Sicherheit … so, von wegen Dämonen ...
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