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Overview
Galwyn, the son of a bankrupt and dishonored aristocrat, has always had an ear for languages. So when Lord Artos—later known as King Arthur—needs an interpreter to help him buy large horses to breed a troop strong enough to carry armed warriors against the Saxon invaders, Galwyn gets a chance to redeem his father’s honor and make a name for himself. Includes an author’s note..
Galwyn, son of a Roman Celt, escapes from his tyrannical uncle and joins Lord Artos, later know as King Arthur, using his talent with languages and way with horses to help secure and care for the Libyan horses that Artos hopes to use in battle against the Saxons.
Synopsis
The story of King Arthur as it has never been told before
Publishers Weekly
McCaffrey steps out of her niche as a Hugo and Nebula award-winning fantasy writer to tackle her first historical novel for young adults, retelling the Arthurian legend-minus the Round Table, Guinevere and Merlin-through the eyes of Galwyn Varianus. A Roman Celtic youth, Galwyn helps the future king of Britain, known here as Lord Artos, acquire the legendary Black Horses of his legions. The author's tender reverence for equine history (she raises horses in Ireland) makes for vivid descriptions of frightened steeds in the hold of a ship across the English Channel; it also allows an undue amount of horsey jargon. A teenage boy interested exclusively in horseshoes rings not quite true, yet the well-drawn story moves along at a compelling trot, climaxing in a battle in which horses help Lord Artos reclaim Britain for future mad cows and Englishmen. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)
Editorials
From the Publisher
“The wonderful horse lore, the great and charismatic figure of Arthur, and the sympathetic hero all come together to make an engrossing and realistic Arthurian novel.”—The Horn BookPublishers Weekly -
McCaffrey steps out of her niche as a Hugo and Nebula award-winning fantasy writer to tackle her first historical novel for young adults, retelling the Arthurian legend-minus the Round Table, Guinevere and Merlin-through the eyes of Galwyn Varianus. A Roman Celtic youth, Galwyn helps the future king of Britain, known here as Lord Artos, acquire the legendary Black Horses of his legions. The author's tender reverence for equine history (she raises horses in Ireland) makes for vivid descriptions of frightened steeds in the hold of a ship across the English Channel; it also allows an undue amount of horsey jargon. A teenage boy interested exclusively in horseshoes rings not quite true, yet the well-drawn story moves along at a compelling trot, climaxing in a battle in which horses help Lord Artos reclaim Britain for future mad cows and Englishmen. Ages 12-up. (Apr.)The ALAN Review -
Ann McCaffrey's latest young adult novel leads readers through an exciting time in history and a time of coming of age for a young man. McCaffrey chooses to focus on a fascinating aspect of Arthurian legend that is usually overlooked: how King Arthur and his army came to own the majestic black stallions that helped them win many victories in battle. McCaffrey's hero, young Galwyn, is an intelligent boy searching for a father figure he can look up to and for someone who will see him for the honest, intelligent, and capable person that he is. Readers will cheer Galwyn on as he breaks free from his oppressive uncle and becomes a loyal servant of Lord Artos, later known as King Arthur. Galwyn goes from being a quiet, timid boy to a confident young man who will protect Lord Artos' Libyan horses at all costs. This novel will leave readers wanting to hear more of Galwyn's adventures in the future.Children's Literature -
Where did those wonderful steeds that carried King Arthur and his knights into battle come from? McCaffrey has devised a tale told by Galwyn, an impoverished young aristocrat, whose skills at foreign languages and knowledge of horses help King Arthur select, transport across the English Channel and care for the large black Libyan horses that will make up his calvary. Galwyn become the first farrier (one who shoes horses) to travel with the great king. The story ends with the first battle against the Saxons. A fine mix of history and fantasy, with interesting good and bad characters, and plenty of horse lore and action to satisfy most young adult readers.Gr 6-9Lord Artos has a vision of using great, black Libyan stallions to carry him and his Companions into battle. To procure them, he and his men sail to Burtigala (Bordeaux), then cross over land to Septimania (the French Mediterranean coast). Galwyn, the ship owner's mistreated nephew, is gifted at languages and handling horses, not at sailing; when the ship reaches port, he runs away to join Artos on his trek. Once the mares and stallions reach Britain safely, the lord returns to Camelot and leaves the lad to learn the new craft of farriery. Artos prepares his army to fight the Saxons, and it is Galwyn's job to demonstrate the iron horseshoes and find a way to make them hold up in battle. Tension is introduced by the impending Saxon invasion and by a dismissed employee who seeks to sabotage the mission. The Latin and Celtic names and the large cast take some time to sort out, but become easier to manage as readers get into the story. Galwyn is the only character who is developed, and he matures nicely into a valued member of Artos's team. The book ends after the first Battle of the Glein, leaving readers wanting a sequel. McCaffrey's unromanticized portrait of the times is full of muck and grit, and horse lovers and fans of historical fiction will find much to enjoy in the details. An excellent companion to Rosemary Sutcliff's Arthurian fantasy trilogy (Puffin).Cheri Estes, Detroit Country Day School Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI
McCaffrey turns away from the distant planet Pern to the world of King Arthur in her first enchanting historical novel for YAs. Galwyn Varianus is a quick-witted lad who is forced, after his father's death, to work as a page on his mean-spirited uncle's boat. Fortunately Galwyn meets the young Lord Artos (later, King Arthur), who has set out to breed Libyan horses for his army to ride against the invading Saxons. This larger conflict forms the background for Galwyn's simple, engrossing tale. After spending a few days in the future king's company, Galwyn is swayed by his noble leadership and mercy, so runs away to join Artos's forces. Here, Galwyn learns all about raising horses and grows into a fine citizen of Camelot.
The author deftly recreates the tools and culture of the Arthurian era, but readers may find the prolonged development of the prototypical horseshoe plodding. McCaffrey's fans will no doubt enjoy the camaraderie of Artos's merry band, and her trademark good guy/bad guy characterizations flatten but slightly this enjoyable adventure.