roshk99's review
3.0
Classic knights in shining armor story with a bumbling main character who *gasp* finally find his true purpose - sound familiar - should because it has been done only about 5 million times...still a good book, but sooo cliche
ryanjamesburt's review
3.0
I liked the idea of it. It didn't really end though. Just set up for a sequel.
book_nut's review
2.0
For an adventure book it sure took a long time getting started... and then was kind of well, lacking in that edge-of-the-seatness that an adventure book should have. I did like the use of the Robin Hood legends, though...
jlynnelseauthor's review
3.0
I thought this book started out slow. It did not really get me interested until the main character and the Knights Templar voyage into the holy lands to meet King Richard. You meet other characters from King Richard times lore, which made the book more and more interesting. I look forward to the next book in the series now.
greenbeanteenqueen's review
4.0
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
I'll admit, I first heard about this book several years ago when the author was at our local children's lit fest. I thought there was no way a book about the Knights Templar would work for young readers. Then Keeper of the Grail was nominated for the Truman award, which is our state book award for grades 6-8, so I knew I had to read it. And I was very surprised! Not only does a book about the Knights Templar actually work for this age group, it's a ton of fun!
The chapters are fairly sort and most, if not all, end on a cliffhanger which keeps the reader wanting more. I would suggest this one as a good classroom read aloud-I think it would really engage a classroom and has great historical tie-ins. Part of the story is about Tristan's training, part about the Crusades, and part about Tristan trying to make it back to England. What really made the book for me though was the supporting characters. The author adds a new twist on the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marion, which is very unique!
Although Tristan is around fifteen in the series, the book works well for a tween audience-I'd suggest fifth grade and up. But just because it's more of a middle grade book doesn't mean teens won't enjoy it! I think it has a good wide appeal. My only complaint is that the ending is a cliffhanger, and not even a very good one-the story just stops in the middle!! Readers will be eager to their hands on the next two volumes!
Book Pairings: The Ranger's Apprentice Series by John Flanagan, Hawksmaid by Kathryn Lasky for another unique take on Robin Hood and Maid Marian
I'll admit, I first heard about this book several years ago when the author was at our local children's lit fest. I thought there was no way a book about the Knights Templar would work for young readers. Then Keeper of the Grail was nominated for the Truman award, which is our state book award for grades 6-8, so I knew I had to read it. And I was very surprised! Not only does a book about the Knights Templar actually work for this age group, it's a ton of fun!
The chapters are fairly sort and most, if not all, end on a cliffhanger which keeps the reader wanting more. I would suggest this one as a good classroom read aloud-I think it would really engage a classroom and has great historical tie-ins. Part of the story is about Tristan's training, part about the Crusades, and part about Tristan trying to make it back to England. What really made the book for me though was the supporting characters. The author adds a new twist on the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marion, which is very unique!
Although Tristan is around fifteen in the series, the book works well for a tween audience-I'd suggest fifth grade and up. But just because it's more of a middle grade book doesn't mean teens won't enjoy it! I think it has a good wide appeal. My only complaint is that the ending is a cliffhanger, and not even a very good one-the story just stops in the middle!! Readers will be eager to their hands on the next two volumes!
Book Pairings: The Ranger's Apprentice Series by John Flanagan, Hawksmaid by Kathryn Lasky for another unique take on Robin Hood and Maid Marian
caseympb's review
3.0
Read with my 9yo. Not my genre, but he loved it. It's kind of predictable with cliffhangers at the end of chapters like a John Grisham book.
Enjoyable, easy to get through. I call books like this "book candy."
Enjoyable, easy to get through. I call books like this "book candy."
sarafloerke's review
4.0
Historical Fiction/young adult...everybody liked this one. Takes the viewpoint of a squire who works for the templars during the Crusades. Lots of adventure, we really liked the spirit of the hero and liked cheering him on.
Boys liked this one and we're already reading the second one.
Boys liked this one and we're already reading the second one.
cweichel's review
3.0
I think this is a classic boy's book. I didn't like the ending. If it is a series, why can't endings be endings?
libscote's review
3.0
MSBA Nominee 2009-2010
Book about the Templar Knights, Richard the Lionhearted, has references to Robin Hood, Maid Mariam and Little John. Good for kidss who like war stories, the Crusades, books about the Holy Grail.
I liked it, but I thought where the author chose to end this book was a poor choice. Definitely kept moving from CD to CD.
Book about the Templar Knights, Richard the Lionhearted, has references to Robin Hood, Maid Mariam and Little John. Good for kidss who like war stories, the Crusades, books about the Holy Grail.
I liked it, but I thought where the author chose to end this book was a poor choice. Definitely kept moving from CD to CD.