Book excerpt: One man's dangerous ambition undermines the Templar Order from within... The Templar Magician is the second novel in Paul Doherty's brilliant series featuring the mysterious Templar Order. Perfect for fans of Michael Jecks and Robin Hobb. The year is 1152, and Jerusalem is still in the hands of the Crusaders, although the lofty ideals of before have now been replaced by subtle power-play. Meanwhile, in England, King Stephen is waging bloody war against Henry Fitzempress. The Templar Order, now fifty years old, is a wealthy power, glittering with tempting riches. Against this background of bloodshed, Robert de Payens, grandson of Eleanor, one of the co-founders of the Temple, and Englishman Edward Sendal find themselves caught up in a murder mystery when Raymond, Count of Tripoli, is brutally assassinated. Who would have wanted to murder Raymond, and is it possible that the answer may lie within the hallowed ranks of the Templar order itself? What readers are saying about the Templar series: 'A masterful work of history-based fiction' 'A fun book and a good bit of light escapism' 'A page turner'