Keeper of the Grail

Cistercian monks have raised the orphan Tristan with love, but in 1191 at almost fifteen years old, he is given the choice of accompanying Knight Templar Sir Thomas as he joins the Third Crusade. Tristan agrees to go with the knight to Outreamer in God's name. Once in the Holy Land, Richard the Lionhearted and Templar Knight Sir Hugh act hostile towards the teen. In the Holy Land, Tristan participates in the Battle of Acre. However, even at rest he finds Saracens seem to single him out for assassination though Tristan has no idea why they and bandits seek out a nonentity like him. He is fortunate that Robard Hode of Sherwood saves his life from a Saracen assassin Maryam the Maid even as he becomes the bearer of the holiest of relics, which makes him even more of a target from all sides of the dispute. The first Youngest Templar middle school medieval thriller with hints of fantasy especially the climax is an exciting action-packed tale starring an intriguing young teen protagonist who does not receive a hero's welcome in the Holy Land from either side of the conflict. The story line is fast-paced while also having obvious ties to the modern day Middle East scenario as well as to Robin Hood and the title artifact. Tweeners will root for Tristan (no commentary as to his name) as he struggles with survival while protecting the relic with his life but also wondering why his alleged allies as much as his adversaries want him dead. Harriet Klausner

When I was (finally!) able to get a copy of this book to review, I found it to be well worth the wait. The first in a series, the "Youngest Templar" chronicles the adventures of a 14-year-old orphan named Tristan and his adventures among the legendary Knights Templar. Although the book falls in the "young adult/fantasy" book genre, there is much to commend it for readers of all ages. From the prologue to the last chapter, the adventures of the story's young protagonist will enthall boys and girls alike. If you have young readers in your household (or just want to re-experience the joys of summer reading as a kid again), I recommend this book highly.

Tristan has a story, but he doesn't know it. As a babe he was left on the monk's doorstep. Now 15years later he's recruited by Sir Thomas as a squire. Immediately he makes an enemy of Sir Hugh, although it's not clear why Sir Hugh hates him so. When war falls upon the city of Acre, Sir Thomas sends Tristan out with the Holy Grail in his care. He's to take it to safety. In his travels, he meets up with Robard, who funny enough reminds me of Robin Hood, and then with Maryam, interesting again. The 3 travel to Tyre to deliver the Holy Grail and news of the fall of Acre. Upon arriving Tristan soon discovers Sir Hugh is alive and well, he apparently fled Acre looking to protect his own hide. After imprisonment, the trio makes another new friend, a stray dog. They hire a ship to sail to England and storm attacks. This book started a bit slow; I had a little trouble sticking with it. However, once Tristan was given the Holy Grail I was hooked. It was a fast read and it ends on a cliffhanger. Tristan goes overboard and is hit by part of the boat. To be continued. I look forward to the next book and I recommend this book to everyone.

Read it, give it to your friends to read, give it to strangers on the bus; everyone should enjoy the plot-driven, literary entertainment that is this book.

KEEPER OF THE GRAIL is the beginning of a new series by Michael P. Spradlin. Readers might think that an adventure set in 1191 A.D. would be dry, historical reading, but in this case those readers would be totally wrong. Tristan's adventures are anything but dry. Though they may be historical at times, they are packed with one exciting event after another. An orphan raised by a group of monks, Tristan never knew his parents or anything of his history. Now he is faced with taking his vows and remaining at the monastery forever or finding his true calling elsewhere. The decision is made for him one day with the arrival of a group of men on horseback. A regiment of the Knights of the Templar come to the monastery seeking a place to rest themselves and their horses. Tristan is sent to the stables to tend to the horses and that task turns his life upside down. One of the knights, Sir Thomas, approaches Tristan with an offer. He has recently lost his personal squire and is in search of a replacement. Seeing how skillfully Tristan handles the horses, he invites the boy to join the regiment. Although Tristan is reluctant to leave the monks and the only place he has ever called home, he recognizes this as the chance of a lifetime and accepts the position. Suddenly he finds himself headed off with some of the world's most famous knights to fight in the Crusades. Imagine the excitement of a young boy actually meeting the king, King Richard the Lionheart, and learning that he is about to join him in battle. What follows takes Tristan from England to the Holy Land into a battle to save the city of Acre. There are bloody battles with plenty of flying arrows and clashing broadswords as the knights attempt to defend the King's lands. In the middle of all the fighting, Tristan is shocked to discover he is being given the responsibility of guarding the most valuable item imaginable - the Holy Grail. THE YOUNGEST TEMPLAR series is sure to grab the attention of middle grade and teen readers. They will speed through this first book and be anxiously awaiting the second, due out next fall. Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"