Third person story about quests of three boys who stop the killing of an innocent man, in the time of King Arthur, leading to surprises and happiness for several people. This book is also very good for girls and reluctant readers. Quests require bravery over obstacles and danger, and the feelings of the characters are not brushed over. Interesting, suspenseful, and reality-based historical fiction. ( )

Although having higher expectations for this book, I wasn't overly disappointed - not that I would pick up the next title or something, but it didn't have me wishing to leave it at DNF state...

Young Prince Gavin wishes for nothing more than to grow up quickly and become a knight like the rest of his royal family. So does his friend, Bryan, a blacksmith apprentice. So when an old man they both consider dear gets accused of having stolen a jewel very important for Gavin's kingdom, they enlist the help of their other friend, Phillip, and rush to help prove the man innocent. But the adventure they find themselves into might prove much harder than they originally thought...

Honestly, there were some parts I found fine thanks to the plot twists and some others I could have done without. It;s a good thing that the pace was fast and the story short, so it didn't take me too long to finish the book. If I had been some years younger, I would have immensely enjoyed it. So, if we're talking about middle grade, this is a perfect book. However, it doesn't fall in that category of middle grade fantasy that adults could enjoy as well.

That being said, I'm not into finding out the rest of Gavin's life - even with the new member added to the royal family, which was a total shocker, if you ask me.

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.*** ( )

I thought this book was a fun read. The author handled the story well, dividing the tasks by time and talent as well as by character. For a "reluctant reader," this solvers the common problem of juggling who is doing what, when, where, why, and how. The story line progresses naturally and to a happy conclusion as each of the young protagonists faces a fear (or more), coming to know themselves better in the process. ( )

I have a large collection of Arthurian literature. I believe it is something all ages should be allowed to enjoy.
Cheryl Carpinello's middle grade adventure novel, featuring a visit from King Arthur and a few of his knights, is a wonderful introduction ~ to King Arthur, and to the lives of knights and others in a castle.
While there is some mild violence, and blunt discussion of how to deal with a murdering thief, this is a wonderful book for young readers as well as older students.
I hope this series continues. I'd love to meet Seanna again.
Oh - and when you think the story is finished, there are more surprises.

3 young friends befriend a stranger to their kingdom. When he is falsely accused of a crime, they take it upon themselves to find the true criminal.
I did receive a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for my honest opinions. ( )

This is a well-constructed, exciting story of three friends from very different social backgrounds, set in West Wales in Arthurian times. Gavin, Bryan and Philip band together to clear their mysterious friend who has been framed for murder and the theft of a priceless jewel, the King’s Ransom.

I love the way the three are introduced, each in their own chapter, giving their background, their hopes and their fears. As misfits, they are drawn together, and guided in some of their more ambitious studies by the Wild Man. The castles, and the rivalries between different ones, are beautifully described. You really feel you are standing on those castle walls or ducking under rough-hewn low stone entrances. I was slightly distracted by Philip’s journey to St David’s Head, where he stood on the headland in a storm and got buffeted about a bit. In my experience, he would have crawled on hands and knees up the hill and lain flat hanging on for dear life, so as not to be blown away! It’s really exposed up there, even on a mild day! The distances ridden by the friends are considerable, but then I’ve never ridden from Pembroke to St David’s Head, and Cardigan Bay covers a huge area so maybe it’s ok, if they only had to go as far as Cardigan itself.

It is a highly enjoyable story with plenty of tension and the added comfort of a mysterious seer who gives each of them a bit of advice. The characters are well drawn, the pace is good, and the sentence structure and language choices should encourage reluctant readers. I found it a quick read, but an attention-grabbing one! I'm looking forard to the next in the series. ( )