Catherine Jink’s Pagan series has been one of the best and most popular historical series of the last few years, both here and overseas.  When we first met Pagan Kindrouk he was a street-wise, fast-talking Christian Arab caught up in the Crusades in Jerusalem.  He grabbed a chance of survival as squire to a Knight Templar and, over 4 books, finds his way through the wars, politics and heresies of medieval Europe.   

The stories are both gripping adventures with great characters, and eye-opening and authentic histories.  You can almost smell the crowded cities and hear the clash of armies. 

Pagan encountered a lot of history in his life, but someone he never met was his daughter Babylonne, and this new title is her story. 

At 16 she has no mother, no idea of her father, no money, a sharp tongue and a desperate desire to escape the dangerous world in which she is caught.  In fact, she is exactly like her father 4 books earlier when his story began. 

She is trapped in a strict religious group, the Cathars, who are being ruthlessly persecuted by the Church and the King of France, and she is being followed by a mysterious priest.  So, naturally, she runs away. 

Catherine Jinks uses Babylonne’s journey to explore the madness that a clash of religion and politics can create.  With obvious modern references, the story encounters cults, violence and bigotry.  There are sieges, mad hermits, death, danger and discovery.  There is also plenty of specific historical detail but Jinks keeps a brilliant balance between heart-thumping action and dry obscure facts. 

Like Pagan, Babylonne is a survivor, but like him too, she has a lot to learn.  Catherine Jinks has created a fascinating new character in Babylonne and her story looks like being just as exciting and intriguing as her father’s.

Other books by this author:
The Pagan Chronicles (Hodder Headline, 1999)
The Inquisitor (Pan Macmillan, 1999)
Eglantine; Eustace; Eloise - 3 ghost stories (Allen & Unwin, 2002-4)

Review by David Beagley

© 2006 David Beagley