On Crusade: More Tales of the Knights Templar    Editor Katherine Kurtz Order:  USA  Can Aspect, 2003 (1998) Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Martina Bexte From their inception in 1118 to their eventual disgrace, swift downfall, and mass executions seven hundred years later, the warrior priests known as the Knights Templar have been bathed in mystery and speculation. Countless stories, both fiction and non-fiction, have romanticized the power they wielded over kings and countries, and exploits that encompassed much of civilized Europe. Experts in business and banking, the Templars had coffers that were said to hold more gold and silver than anyone could imagine. There has been conjecture that the Templars' rise to power was achieved via supernatural means. They have been connected to the equally intriguing search for the Holy Grail (if such a treasure ever existed). It's no wonder that their Holy Fraternity remains a rife and colourful storyboard for authors. In this third in her ongoing Templar series, Katherine Kurtz has put together another nice collection of stories focusing on their exploits. She features eleven new short stories by an impressive host of writers (including Diane Duane and Andre Norton) with topics ranging from satanic rituals to modern banking. Each story is followed by a connecting link or historical reference written by Kurtz herself, for further interesting reading. Though the caliber of On Crusade is somewhat inconsistent, overall this newest anthology makes for entertaining reading -- especially if you remain as fascinated as I am by the myriad unanswered questions that still swirl in the mists of the Knights Templars' mysterious history. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Fantasy books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews