Trail Of Fate (The Youngest Templar, #2) (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
Wow! Michael P. Spradlin knows how to write a cliffhanger! I need to write this quickly and start the next book. It’s sitting here beside me.Tristin, Maryam and Robard survive book one’s shipwreck, of course, and wash up on the shore of France. There, they become entangled in a conflict involving a local religious sect, the Cathars, and the Catholic Church, which culminates in a standoff high in the Pyrenees Mountains. Tristin also becomes entangled with a mysterious, enchanting young lady who captures his heart. However, his mission remains. He must get the Holy Grail to England. But just as he looks to succeed, the trio is captured. The book ends with unsettling hints about Tristan’s heritage, an unholy alliance between Sir Hugh and the Queen Mother, and the stroke that will kill Maryam. AAHHHGG!So, the adventure is exciting. How’s the content? Pretty innocent. There are some battle scenes, including killings, led by the teens, and Spradlin goes right up to the edge while still avoiding profanity, but I would not discourage my own kids from this read. It’s high-action and loaded with medieval historical context.There are a few details that stretch reality. Tristin was raised by monks, then after being a knight’s squire only a year and a half, he emerges this incredible leader that even more experienced men follow. And Angel, the little yellow mutt, is endearing but almost smart enough to be human. Both a bit unbelievable. And, a point I’d discuss with my own kids, Christ and Mohammad are put on equal plane and gifted by the same God to lead their religions (Maryam is Islamic). That doesn’t add up. But overall, this one gets the okay. I’d say it’s best for age 10+.And now, on to book three… From School Library JournalGrade 6–9—The action and intrigue start right from the first page in this riveting sequel to Keeper of the Grail (Putnam, 2008). Shipwrecked and on his own, Tristan washes up on a beach on his way home from the Crusades. Instead of coming ashore in England, however, he lands in France, where a group of armed warriors take him prisoner. Celia, the leader of this band, appears to be in trouble, and her earnest desire to help her people, coupled with her pretty face, makes Tristan eager to do what he can for her. Rejoined by his companions Robard Hode and Maryam, a Saracen assassin, he must choose between pursuing his original mission—returning the Holy Grail to Rosalyn Abbey in England—or aiding Celia against corrupt church leaders. In addition, a Templar who wants to claim the Grail for himself is still on Tristan's tail. Covering both action sequences and intrigue with the same brisk pacing, Spradlin gives audiences three appealing and sympathetic heroes to guide them through the strange and dangerous landscape. The interplay between Robard and Maryam lightens the mood at tense moments, and the growing romance between them puts a brilliant spin on the traditional tales of Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Readers can jump into the series at this point, but the story has neither a beginning nor an ending; this second volume is a serial installment in a much larger tale. It will undoubtedly appeal to the sword and sorcery set, and makes a good addition to historical-fiction collections.—Alana Joli Abbott, James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT Reading level: Ages 9-12
What do You think about Trail Of Fate (The Youngest Templar, #2) (2010)?
this was an amazing book! i cant wait till the next one!!
—blacklily
i loved it though it was a total cliff hanger.
—earthhashope
The adventure and intrigue just keeps coming.
—Anna
