The first book in the author's triology "Knights in Black and White" introduces the reader to The Templars albeit fictionally. In this second book, he introduces the reader to Richard "The Lionheart" and the St.Clair (Sinclair) clan and their relationships with the Templars and spins a very good yarn around Richard's Crusade and not least around his ambitions for the throne of England.

The Templars history documented by Piers Paul Read leave the reader in limbo as to the fate of the surviving Templars. Order in Chaos picks up this history where the Da Vinci Code left the readers, in Scotland, and brings a credible (albeit fictional) closure to the readers of Tempar history.

So now we finally learn the secret treasure they found under the Temple Mount in book 1, and it also ties up the loose ends in the previous 2 books. A good read for history buffs.

Fast-paced. Good story with historical basis and interesting look at Templars.

Certainly the Templars are a "hot" subject right now. There was recently a mini-series on tv about them. This book is quite interesting and written in Jack Whyte's usual style. Yes, his books are long, but they are elegantly written and generally interesting.

I've read almost all of Jack Whyte's books and have generally enjoyed them. They are long, but so elegantly written and generally very interesting.
This book did not really tie in immediately with the preceding volume of the trilogy. That's unfortunate. Also, it was fairly slow - even slower than normal for this author.

I really enjoyed thisbook and I have started the second one. You won't want to put it down.

First of all, this novel took me a really long time to get through. I felt the whole middle of this book a little dry and I found it hard to want to keep reading.

That being said both the start and the ending were very good. The characters are all very well thought up. I loved the views of the knights and the novels history, fact or fiction. I enjoyed that we don't just follow anyone person, that the story follows the ORDER and anything that concerns them. and that time is irrelevant and 10's of years go by in one chapter.

I recommend this novel for anyone who wants to read about a very real version of The Knights Templar and how they came to be.

Here I am writing a review after only one hundred and seven pages. It's not my policy, but I have enough to say that I think this early review is valid.

The entire first section of Knights of the Black and White, called Beginnings by Jack Whyte, is the biggest, clunkiest most useless piece of exposition I have ever read. It is a classic example of an author's cerebral, pre-writing work spilling over into their novel without any thought for pacing, necessity or readability. Indeed, it took only three pages of Awakenings, the second part of the novel, to see that this is where the novel truly begins. This is another fine example of what Shane Joseph recently described as "only us Plebs needing a copy editor." Someone should have told Mr. Whyte to reel it in and cut Beginnings; sadly, no one did.

But this isn't the only issue I have with Knights of the Black and White. Does the following passage ring any bells for anyone who has read a Whyte book in the past: "Godfrey's face twisted in a frustrated grimace. 'I know what I want to ask you, but I don't know how to put into words properly. Let me think about it for a moment.'

'Think as long as you wish. I'll wait,' Hugh lay back and closed his eyes again.'"

Substitute Arthur Pendragon for Godfrey and Caius Merlyn Britannicus for Hugh and you've got every discussion Whyte's characters ever had in the Dream of Eagles series, and its subsequent books. Does anyone actually ruminate in such a way when they talk to a close friend? Maybe there are a few who do this, but they must be in a very small minority. Regardless, the similarity is instantly off-putting, and it makes me want to put down the Knights of the Black and White so I can avoid wasting my time. But, of course, I won't.

I am doomed to read the whole book. I only hope my tentative rating of two stars can be overcome by something truly inspired, but I don't think I'll submerge myself in the tub in anticipation.

While still a good read...........the crusades, Richard the Lion Heart & political intrigue, I had hoped to see a continuance or hook-up with the Temple Mount discoveries in Book 1. Book 3 will be available in 2009 Spring and seems to be more interesting: as it involves Philip IV, who arrested/outlawed/disbanded the Templars. A chapter 1 excerpt of book 3 was included at the end of book 2.

This book takes place in medieval times featuring Hugh de Payens, Baldwin II, etc. Watch how this author explains the creation of the order of the "warrior monks" - gotta be the oldest oxymoron ever, but he seems to nail it. Sprinkled throughout the book are several incidents and clues clearly found in Freemason rites of today. Well written, hard to put this book down. An incredible find on the temple mount....the so called secret. It's a trilogy, so yeah, I'm hooked and will order the next book. Will let you know if this fascination continues.

If you liked or loved Jack Whyte's earlier work, you won't be disappointed here. The pacing is excellent, the action is well described, and the intrigue is very good. This book carries a side story that in itself is good, but the main story line has all the elements that keeps you turning pages. The last two chapters carry the main story line punch and sets up well for the following books. This is a great start to the trilogy.

Started off good then it was hard to keep interest, especially when pages 749-780 where missing!! In its place was repeat of pages 685-716.
ISBN # - 13:9780143017387

jack whyte has an amazing ability to use historical facts to weave an amazing story that always has rich and interesting characters.

yet another glimpse ways of life and inter-personal relationships woven into a complex web of hidden agendas and history writing feats

I have been a fan of Jack Whyte's work ever since "The Singing Sword" was released, this book is a great read!!

It is unusual for me to buy a hard cover book, but when I spied Knights of the Black & White I could not pass it by. Mr. Whyte absolutely captivated me with his Dream of Eagles series - his attention to detail and unparalleled writing in addition to a subject matter (Arthur & Merlin) dear to my heart have put him at the top of my list of favourite authors. Knights did not disappoint. What insight into a subject that has been an enigma to me! The characters and their inner turmoil with the tenets of the faith they have grown up with being cast to the winds make the era come alive. Thank you Mr. Whyte for having adopted Canada as your home and for many hours of fascinating reading.

Mr.Whyte,
first time i read your books and i must say this one is well written. Your insight to this time period is just amazing , descriptions of events and people really sets the mood. Hey Dan Brown you can learn something from Jack if you try just focus on the Novel part and not the deception between fact and fiction ...hehe.