Stefan and his friends have been taken prisoner by Saladin. Instead of executing them, they are given a letter that they are to hand over to King Guy of Jerusalem. It is a matter of war or peace.

The Crusaders is a five-book epic tale with historical events and persons as its point of departure. The reader gets to know Stefan, a young pilgrim who goes off on a crusade along with his Frankish family. The books show both the Christian and Muslim side of the conflict, giving the reader insight into the cultural and historical events in a unique era. The book series is easily read, and illustrated by Elin Marie Bugge.