Conquest Defiled: Triumph of Evil

ISBN: 1477407448

Author: Wagner, Mr Robert

Condition: New

Product Description This novel is historical fiction. It's setting is the Spanish Inquisition and Spain's reconquest from the Arabs. Described are Spain's monarchs efforts to create a country of pure blood and one faith (Catholicism). To this end non Christians were expelled and their wealth retained. Spain became an elitist society, self-segregated and closed minded religion. Casiano, a Christian knight and Perla, a Converso Jewess are fictional. They are subjected to the cruelties of self-serving Church and Kings. Perla is arrested for heresy but is rescued from the stake by Casiano. They escape to live in freedom, away from Church and Crown. Review "Wagner's well-researched novel brings the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella to life.""A tale of war, love and religious strife by a promising new novelist.""It's a lively , historically detailed narative, filled with well rounded characters. Readers of historical fiction interested in this time period will find much to enjoy."Kirkus Review:A young man struggles against family, church and state to find love and a life of his own.In Wagners debut historical novel, Spains Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand are waging war to reclaim the country from Portugal and the Moors. In the process, they expel Muslims and Jews and seek to establish a nation of pure blood. In this context of war, racism and religious fervor, a young man named Casiano comes of age with difficulty. Born with a birthmark interpreted to be the mark of Satan to a Christian mother in a Muslim household, the child doesnt have the odds in his favor. Competition between Casiano and his half brother, Juan Diego, dominates Casianos childhood. While the half brothers are riding through treacherous passes, a pig charges them, startles Juan Diegos horse and sends Juan Diego plummeting over a cliff to his death. From that point on, Casiano labors under the presumption of guilt for the loss and under the enmity of his stepfather. He is imprisoned but eventually taken in by monks. He falls in love with a Jewish converso named Perla, and he fights in the many battles that rage at the time. He also fights for the life of Perla, who is nearly burned at the stake for heresy. Eventually, Casiano and Perla set out to make a life for themselves free from the oppression of church and state. Wagners well-researched novel brings the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella to life. The story is a little slow paced at times, and the dialogue can be stiff, sounding more like that of a period-piece drama than natural speech, a danger in historical novels. The novel also has some predictable plot elements. Nonetheless, Wagners novel rises above these limitations. Its a lively, historically detailed narrative, filled with well-rounded characters. Readers of historical fiction interested in the time period will find much to enjoy.A tale of war, love and religious strife by a promising new novelist. About the Author Robert Wagner was born in Vienna, Austria. After World War II he and his family immigrated to a homestead in Canada. He was educated in the Catholic school system and entered a seminary. After a short stay he enrolled in university, obtained a science degree, and eventually became a medical specialist. He and his wife live in Canada and winter in Mexico.