Robert Shea (1933–1994)

A classic bit of bogus balderdash wrapped up in sex, drugs and conspiracy theories. Writing style? Think James Joyce meets Ayn Rand and has a love child on acid. Fnord. What made it especially eerie this time around were the echos of today in yesterday. If you want to understand the zeitgeist of today's American politics, smoke this book from 50 years ago - it'll really get you out there.

Changed. My. Whole. World.

Story: 3 / 10
Characters: 4
Setting: 4
Prose: 1
An altogether useless book. The story and writing are entirely obscure, making it one of the most difficult reads you will encounter. No real value except that the subject matter is concerned with conspiracy theories and the Illuminati.
Fight the urge to read this cult classic.

A historical novel set at the time of the Cathar Crusade and the later Seventh Crusade. Not bad, but I thought the plot elements didn't quite mesh: Catharism, courtly love, troubadors, the Templars (yes, it touched on Sangreal territory), and a love story.