June 1, 2005
Gr 6-9 -Although this adventure story can be enjoyed on its own, it will be most appreciated by those who have read "The Book of the Lion" (2000) and "The Leopard Sword" (2002, both Viking). This concluding volume in the trilogy finds squires Edmund and Hubert back in England achieving the honor of knighthood. They find themselves in the midst of turmoil caused by Prince John's desire to overthrow his brother King Richard. Eleanor of Aquitane, the royals' mother, sends the new knights on a dangerous pilgrimage to Rome. During this journey through Europe, the dangers and unrest of the time period come alive. Some references are made to the events in the previous titles, which aid in readers' understanding and provide necessary background information. This is a quick read with nonstop action. At least a little knowledge of medieval history would add to the appeal of the book." -Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD"
Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
June 1, 2005
Gr. 7-10. This sequel to " The Book of the Lion" (2000) and " The Leopard Sword" (2002) begins with a joust in which Hubert fights for the life and freedom of his friend and fellow squire Edmund, who recently returned with him from the Crusades. After being knighted by Prince John but refusing to swear allegiance to him, the two are sent on a mission by John's mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. With a company of trusted companions, they provide protection for a young lady on pilgrimage to Rome. On their way across Europe via the Alps, they battle Prince John's men as well as a notorious band of brigands, only to find new perils when they reach their destination. Ester, the daughter of a scholar, makes a worthy addition to the cast and a suitable love interest for Edmund. As in the previous volumes, Cadnum doesn't prettify the Middle Ages, but shows the violence as well as the pageantry, the political realities as well as the religious ideals.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2005
Cadnum continues the saga ( "The Book of the Lion", "The Leopard Sword" ) of knights Edmund and Hubert. With their master knights, they undertake to escort the Lady Esther on her pilgrimage to Rome. Cadnum introduces and explains intriguing facets of medieval lifestyle, but he hews closely to his characters' worldview, never flinching from the role that violence plays in their social order.
(Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)
September 1, 2005
In this sequel to The Book of the Lion (rev. 3/00) and The Leopard Sword, Cadnum continues the saga of former squires Edmund and Hubert, now newly knighted by Prince John. Together with their master knights Rannulf and Nigel, they undertake to escort the Lady Esther on her pilgrimage to Rome. The road is rough -- the party is attacked by assassins not long into their journey, and while crossing the Alps they capture a bandit leader -- but their destination is even rougher, a holy city ruled by armed factions. There, to ransom a captive lady, Edmund must face the Orsino champion in single combat. Cadnum brings almost a tour-guide sensibility to the narrative, introducing and explaining intriguing facets of medieval lifestyle, but he hews closely to his characters' worldview, never flinching from the role that violence plays in their social order even as the characters themselves begin to question its necessity. Lady Esther proves a strong-minded heroine, handy with the crossbow (in a historically appropriate context) and author of the stratagem that keeps the climactic single combat from turning into a mob slaughter. That there seems to be some attraction between her and Edmund will only whet readers' appetites for an expected continuation of this often-grim but always engrossing series.
(Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)