There Will Be Wolves, young-adult author Karleen Bradford’s award-winning 1992 novel, revolves around the People’s Crusade of 1096 – an ill-fated mission to return Jerusalem to Christian rule. The sequel, Shadows on a Sword, picks up where the first book leaves off. In August of that same year, a larger, better-trained group sets out to liberate Jerusalem. Some members are working for the glory of God, others are hoping for generous rewards, while still others long for battle. Among this group are three young adults named Theo, Amalric, and Emma.

The three-year crusade is far from glorious. Crusaders face hardship at every turn: searing heat, bitter cold, famine, drought, sickness, and infighting. As Theo (whose name, after all, means God) takes part in killing in the name of God, his view of the Crusade becomes tarnished. Emma, who is working as a servant, must live with the limitations women had at that time. Amalric, a friend of both, is moody when battles are delayed, and joyful after the successful ones.

Shadows on a Sword is a worthy sequel to the captivating There Will Be Wolves. The plot moves along well; the historical detail is rich but does not bog down the narrative. Bradford skillfully transports the reader to the world of 900 years ago: we hear the thunder of horses’ hooves, feel the thrust of the sword into flesh, and experience the fear and the thrill of battle. The characters come alive, for they are true and real. And of course they are much more than historical figures, for many of the struggles they face – the search for a place in the world, the need to love and be loved, the need to decide what to believe in and then live it out – are struggles faced by young people of all ages and cultures.

Shadows on a Sword may be a challenging book for some readers because of its length and vocabulary level, but this gripping, very human story of the First Crusade is sure to win many readers’ hearts – and awards as well.