The Saracen: The Holy War

by Robert Shea

"The Saracen: The Holy War" by Robert Shea is a novel written in the late 20th century. This historical adventure follows Daoud ibn Abdullah, an English-born captive raised as a Muslim warrior and trained by the Hashishyya assassins. Sent to the Papal Court in 13th-century Orvieto as a spy, he must prevent an alliance between Christian Europe and the Mongol empire that threatens to destroy Islam and conquer the Holy Land. Blending historical figures like Thomas Aquinas and Baibars with fictional characters, the novel explores secret societies and religious conflict during the Crusades.