Black Horses for the King
Author:
Genres: Children's Books, Literature & Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
Author:
Genres: Children's Books, Literature & Fiction, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Book Type: Paperback
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Rebecca Wells for TeensReadToo.com
Galwyn Varianus's life has never been easy. When his father died he was apprenticed to his cruel uncle on a trading vessel, though all he wanted to do was stay shore-bound and work with horses. But when Lord Artos calls upon Galwyn to help him bargain for horses for his Companions, Galwyn's life changes completely.
Once Lord Artos - the man who will become the legendary King Arthur - sees Galwyn's calming way with horses, Galwyn is invited to join the Companions in their quest for great warrior steeds. On this quest, Galwyn faces a perilous journey over land and sea to find and transport the horses, not to mention treachery from inside the ranks of the Companions -but the danger isn't over even when they reach their destination: Camelot.
BLACK HORSES FOR THE KING is not your traditional rendition of the King Arthur legend. Many familiar characters, including Guinevere, Merlin, and Lancelot, do not appear in this book, and others, including Arthur himself, take a keen eye to recognize. Rather than being a version of the story of King Arthur, it is a deftly crafted tale that might have been true, a story that might have given rise to the traditional legend.
The book appeals to both well-read readers of Arthurian tales and readers of historical fiction, as Arthurian elements are present if one keeps a sharp eye out, and it remains an engaging work of historical fiction even without its connection to legend.
Galwyn Varianus's life has never been easy. When his father died he was apprenticed to his cruel uncle on a trading vessel, though all he wanted to do was stay shore-bound and work with horses. But when Lord Artos calls upon Galwyn to help him bargain for horses for his Companions, Galwyn's life changes completely.
Once Lord Artos - the man who will become the legendary King Arthur - sees Galwyn's calming way with horses, Galwyn is invited to join the Companions in their quest for great warrior steeds. On this quest, Galwyn faces a perilous journey over land and sea to find and transport the horses, not to mention treachery from inside the ranks of the Companions -but the danger isn't over even when they reach their destination: Camelot.
BLACK HORSES FOR THE KING is not your traditional rendition of the King Arthur legend. Many familiar characters, including Guinevere, Merlin, and Lancelot, do not appear in this book, and others, including Arthur himself, take a keen eye to recognize. Rather than being a version of the story of King Arthur, it is a deftly crafted tale that might have been true, a story that might have given rise to the traditional legend.
The book appeals to both well-read readers of Arthurian tales and readers of historical fiction, as Arthurian elements are present if one keeps a sharp eye out, and it remains an engaging work of historical fiction even without its connection to legend.
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