Shield of Three Lions

I read the first few pages of this book and was tempted to put it down. The main character was annoying, the dialog seemed stupid and very strange and it was all just depressing me. But I stayed with it, and I'm glad I did. This is the story of Alix. Her father is a baron along the Scottish border, but when he and her mother are killed in a vicious attack by Scots, her life turns upside down. Her father, in a deathbed conversation, begs Alix to somehow get the land returned to her. He suggests she appeal to the King, Henry. He also suggests that she dress as a boy on the roads, to avoid being raped. She does this, and pretends to be an eight year old boy, instead of the twelve year old girl she is, and heads out for London. Once on the road Alix quickly hooks up with Enoch, a young Scot heading to the university in Paris. She becomes his traveling companion, and he helps her when it becomes clear she's being pursued by men intent on killing her. Of course, Enoch has no idea Alix is a girl. Once in London the two learn that the king is dead, and his son, Richard the lion heart, is king in his place. But the new King Richard is intent on going on crusade to the holy land, and Alix must speak to him get her land back. Soon she and Enoch are in Paris, and once having made a bond of brotherhood, they head off to the Crusades. Alix quickly becomes a favorite page of the kings, and she pays no head to the gossip about him and young men and instead believes that he can see she's a girl, and maybe loves her... This story is endearing, exciting and historical accurate. On reflection, the seemingly annoying vocabulary of the characters is just right for the time period, as is Alix's most unladylike behavior. I could see the ending coming a mile away, but I still enjoyed it. It's too well written not to love. There is a second (and now a newly published third) follow up novel(Yes, I've read them.) Read them if you want to know the authors version of Alix's future. I think personally, that not only are those books not as good(by far), but they don't really reflect what would have happened. When you send a story out into the world by publishing a book, the story belonges to everyone-not just the author. So I will always imagine a far different future for Alix, and stop the story with the end of Sheild of Three lions. It's a fantastic book-as a stand alone novel.

Well, I think this story is well rounded. It gives us different peeks at all sorts of medieval goings on: Crusades, Universities, Intrigue, Law, Castles, that dumb romance stuff all the feminists are into with Medieval women and Eleanor, etc.We don't get to deep into much, but I enjoyed it. The story also is woven around a girl whose family is brutally murdered and has to flee, disguised as a boy.She meets up with an "evil" Scotsman on her own quest and they have all sorts adventures together trying to get her land back.The story instantly grabs you in the beginning. Yes, the author does try to use period language. I didn't know half of what she said; nor could I remember my latin to translate. But it didn't really bother me to much.Also, she threw in a Robin Hood and Maid Marian scene. I thought that that was a bit cheesy, but it was well written for her intent.The author has great insight into Richards person. I loved it.There are a few surprises. I was disappointed with the ending---it seemed it stopped abruptly---but that could be because I didn't want it to end! I cannot wait to read the next one!

I read this book when I was fourteen and loved it. I just now reread it at 29 and still love it (I understand the sexual inuendo much better). Pamela Kaufman has created a fabulous story using history as her backdrop. Alix was what I aspired to be, adventurous, irreverent, determined, and goodhearted. The sequel, "Banners of Gold" is just as wonderful. Now, I'm patiently waiting for the third book (it's been 15 years). READ IT READ IT READ IT READ IT!!!!

This book has it all - historical accuracy, intricate plot with delightful plot twists, marvelous character development, coming of age angst, and humor in large doses. The 13 year old female heroine's tale of life with her adopted wild Scottish brother is the story of a lifetime - with an unexpected ending that will delight and astonish you! I have never laughed out loud so many times reading one book in my 58 years of avid reading. I cannot think of anything that would have improved it's readability.