Lion of Karpas
The Lion of Karpas, a novel set in the Kingdom of Cyprus in the early 13th Century, will be published shortly.
At the age of 45, the Cypriot Baron, Balduin d'Ibelin, is one of the wealthiest and most powerful lords in Outremer. Even in a brutal age, Balduin has earned a reputation of ruthlessness. The 15-year-old Yvonne de Hebron is the daughter of a nobleman who has thrice lost his wealth and status to political turmoil in the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Balduin glimpses in Yvonne a dream of what he might have been, and is determined to marry her. Yvonne sees in Balduin a chance to restore her father to a position of respect and avoid impoverishment in France. With Yvonne's consent, Hugh de Hebron gives his daughter to Karpas - despite knowing that Balduin is "notoriously callous and brutal."
The novel in three parts follows the mismatched couple as Balduin fights on the one hand to put down insurrection and retain his barony despite the attempts of the Emperor Friedrich to destroy the independence of the Cypriot barons, and on the other to win the respect and love of his bride.
If you are interested in being informed about the publication of this novel please email me at: novels@helena-schrader.com