The Saracen: Land of the Infidel

"The Saracen: Land of the Infidel" by Robert Shea is a historical novel written in the late 20th century. The story unfolds in the 13th century, a time characterized by the tension between Christian and Muslim territories, as it follows Daoud ibn Abdallah, a young warrior and Mameluke, who is sent on a covert mission to Christian Italy. Alongside him is Sophia, an adaptable courtesan, navigating the complexities of a divided world influenced by religious strife and political intrigue. The opening of the novel introduces Daoud, who has traveled a long and arduous journey to reach Lucera, a city predominantly inhabited by Muslims within a Christian realm. His sense of isolation and dread is palpable as he prepares for a clandestine meeting with King Manfred's chancellor. The narrative heightens when Daoud faces immediate suspicion upon arrival, showcasing the challenges of his dual identity as both a warrior for Islam and a face among Christians. As tensions rise, the reader is drawn into a world rife with danger, stirring characters, and a quest that may determine the fate of civilizations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Joseph Shea was an American novelist and former journalist best known as co-author with Robert Anton Wilson of the science fantasy trilogy Illuminatus! It became a cult success and was later turned into a marathon-length stage show put on at the British National Theatre and elsewhere. In 1986 it won the Prometheus Hall of Fame Award. Shea went on to write several action novels based in exotic historical settings.