Caught up in the turbulent politics in the land of the Troubadours at the beginning of the 13th century, Olivier de Mazan discovers a secret that could change history. At the same time, corruption in the Roman Church and the subsequent rise of heresy has set off a chain of events that pits Olivier and his countrymen against crusaders from the North in a cruel war that threatens an entire civilization and is fought against the background of a long struggle between the dynasties of the Capets and the Plantagenets. The power-hungry prelate in charge of the Crusade seethes over papal restraints to his insatiable ambition, and schemes to gain control of Olivier's secret, stopping at nothing, not even murder, to get it. While Olivier battles to defend his country, he finds he must also protect his family from the ruthless churchman and his crusading minions. By opposing Oliver from going to war, his resolute wife, Micaela, adds yet another twist to the challenges he faces. The amorous expectations of the Mazan daughters are both fulfilled and frustrated, with one ending in tragedy. In general, the women of the Midi in what is now Southern France at all levels of society were more independent and outspoken in the 13th century than their counterparts in the North. One of the attractions of the so-called Cathar heresy was that women could join the priesthood. Those uppity damsels in Languedoc and Provence could be role models for women everywhere today.. The Apostles of Satan is the first book in a series, Ordeal by Fire. Unlike Dan Brown's novels which share the same enigmatic core but are set in the 20th century, Kimmich's novels depict what happened in the 13th century when religious zealots gained political power. A theme that runs through the trilogy is that wars of religion invariably deteriorate into wars of conquest, of territorial aggrandizement and suppression of indigenous culture, including language. The brutality of war is shown to victimize noncombatants regardless of their religious persuasion. Readers will recognize the medieval manifestations of today's holy wars, with massacres, displaced refugees, demolition of dwellings, crop destruction including the uprooting of vineyards and olive trees. Unlike today's wars, where murder rains from the sky via drones and jet fighters, war in the 13th century was up close and personal via swords, battle axes and spears, not to mention missiles from crossbows, trebuchets and mangonels that produced their own nasty versions of death and devastation. Critical Acclaim: The Apostles of Satan ..".Kimmich's retelling of one of the bloodiest examples of religious cleansing to take place in medieval Europe is suspenseful, informative, and enlightening." US Review of Books "An exciting, educational ride through medieval times. [Its] narrative not only brims with detail, but ... moves nimbly, consistently enticing readers through every thrilling twist and turn." Kirkus Review ..".an engaging story, well-drawn characters, and a tight narrative pace. That it also expands the reader's horizons is just icing on the cake." Blue Ink Review