Westmark

Theo is a nondescript printers apprentice in the Kingdom of Westmark, and although he is unaware of it, all is not well within his homeland. The country has fallen under the sway of the villainous Minister Cabbarus, and he is slowly yet surely depriving the people of their freedoms. When soldiers come to enforce censorship laws at his press, Theo fights back, and by so doing becomes a fugitive and an outlaw.From there, he takes up with several colorful characters that could only spring from the imagination of Lloyd Alexander. Las Bombas the con-man, the surly dwarf Musket, the urchin girl Mickel, and Theo compose an eclectic company of rogues trying to make their way through troubled times. Add to that the charismatic revolutionary Florian and his band of rebels, and Theo's entire world is a whirlwind of activity and uncertainty."Westmark" sets up a great tale of romance, warfare, political intrigue, and personal discovery that makes it a true delight to read, as well as a page turning adventure. Theo especially must come to terms with his life, the youth that he's been, and the man that he wants to become. Although technically a young adult novel, Alexander takes on several serious issues in this novel, such as censorship, violence, and morality, all of which make it a thought provoking and entertaining read. Lloyd Alexander delivers a masterpiece, and the best part is that after "Westmark", there are still two more books to read.

Theo, a printer's apprentice, is about to have his whole life changed! When he agrees to print a traveling showman's pamphlet, he doesn't think about the consequences which might ensue. The printer shop is immediately closed down, his boss and friend is murdered, and a warrant is issued out for his arrest! He joins up with the traveling showman himself, Count Las Bombas who is actually a con artist, and his dwarf servant Musket. The trio is joined up by a street urchin, Mickle, who has a mysterious past. But it's not long before they are all caught up into political intrigue as the evil Chief Minister Cabbarus is planning to overthrow the king and take over the kingdom. And on the other hand, the mysterious Florian and his 'children' are determined to kick out the monarchy and put in a new government for Westmark. What will Theo do? Will he hold up the monarchy, support the revolutionists, or try to hide away from everything?I have always loved reading the "Prydain Chronicles" which could be easily said to be one of the best fantasy novels for Young Adults. Lloyd Alexander is easily the grand master of fantasy and it is further proved when reading the "Westmark Trilogy". Besides providing plenty of lovable and interesting characters, the stories are always full of action, adventure, some romance, and humor. But differing from the "Prydain Chronicles", the "Westmark Trilogy" includes plenty of realistic political intrigue. It's almost like reading a historical fiction instead of a fantasy story.Some people complained that this book was a bit too short which I can agree with. I think the end could of have been expanded a little more but it's nothing too bad. Thankfully, "Westmark" is only the first of a wonderful trilogy so I strongly you don't start reading this book before having all three volumes at hand. But I must warn that in the next two books there are many deaths, including character deaths. I guess it makes the trilogy more realistic and grittier, so be warned for the faint-hearted. I myself almost cried at some points! But I do definitely recommend this trilogy for all Young Adults! Full of thrilling excitement, "Westmark" will please all fantasy fans!

It is so difficult trying to write a review on Westmark because I love the book so much. It is also hard because the book encompasses so much, both in its plot and in its commentary on life.The plot follows Theo who is a printer's assistant. He is happy with his life except for the government he lives under. It is run from behind the throne by a tyrant, Cabbarus. One day the printing shop is attacked by soldiers trying to enforce censorship laws. In self-defence, Theo almost kills a man, and he is forced to flee as a fugitive. On his travels, he falls in with a group of scoundrels: Las Bombas (a real con man), Musket (Los Bombas's dwarf assistant), and Mickle (a brilliant girl from the streets). Mickle and Theo fall in love, but Theo moves on to fall in with a group of revolutionaries lead by Florian. In one of the climaxes (Alexander never settles for just one), Theo must fight to save his love and his country.Alexander pumps his fascinating and complex plot with commentary on humanity. For Theo, every situation is filled with moral complexities. He is forced to examine his capacity for violence after the episode at the printing shop. Is he really a good person if he can harm another person? His feelings during battles are even examined. He also must try to decide what is worth commiting acts of violence for. Is love? Is freedom? Alexander's use of humor is also very effective as elements of farce are compared with the acts of violence. Every character (even Cabbarus) is multi-dimensional. Westmark is a great beginning to the series. The plot is magnificent, plus it has so much depth. The series draws on Alexander's own war experiences, and it almost plays like a Billy Wilder-written examination of war and life. The Westmark Trilogy is a truly brilliant young adult series. It really can stand up along other war novels like All Along the Western Front and The Red Badge of Courage.

The Westmark trilogy -- of which this is the first book -- is in many ways a successor to the Prydain novels. Each feature a young impressionable orphan (Theo/Taran) who falls in love with a strong, high-born woman (Mickle/Eilonwy) while learning more about the nature of manhood. While the Prydain novels are completely wonderful, the Westmark trilogy has it own power in its moral depth and complexity. In this sense, it is more challenging that the Prydain novels and perhaps suited to somewhat older readers. The trilogy specifically questions war and violence, their value, and their justification. Westmark, as the first book of the trilogy, is occasionally light-hearted, featuring some of Alexander's trademark dry wit. Count Las Bombas is particularly hilarious. Theo is occasionally clueless, which makes him seem more human and thus more appealing (to this reader, at least). In the midst of an exciting plot with marvelous twists, however, Alexander raises moral questions without being pedantic. Is Florian's war against the monarchy just? When is violence justified? Is it ever justified? Alexander is not so presumptious that he offers a simple answer; rather, he acknowledges the absence of such easy solutions. There are no easy answers for Theo or the reader in this trilogy -- and that complexity is probably the series' greatest strength. The questions linger long after you finish the last lines of the novel.This novel is highly recommended for a fairly mature middle reader -- it is both fun and meaningful. The remainder of the Westmark trilogy (The Kestrel, The Beggar Queen) is somewhat darker, but no less enjoyable. END

This book is awesome. I just finished reading it for the second time yesterday. Even though I had read it before, I still got tense and excited at different parts. There's lots of action; there's no boring parts and I really couldn't put it down. Yet with all the adventure, it's still very thought-provocing. There's fun and humorous parts, heroics, love, adventure, rebels, quacks, beggars, dwarfs, kings, queens, evil villians.....this book really has everything. I reccomend this especially to any kid age 10-14.