Kevin Gerard, the author of Conor and the Crossworlds, a fantasy series for young adults, from time to time makes a guest appearance on Fantasy Fan. His first article here was about becoming a sci-fi / fantasy writer. Today he reviews another book for Young Adults, The Youngest Templar, by Michael Spradlin.

The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail Book 1

I would definitely recommend this novel, the first book in The Youngest Templar series. The story contains all of the vital elements of Campbell?s thesis regarding the Hero with a Thousand Faces. It focuses on Tristan, who is a capable young man, a mentor, a challenge, disaster and triumph. The writing was crisp throughout the book, save a few passages where the pace fell off just a bit.
Tristan, who the reader discovers is more than an average young boy, spends his early years with the brothers at St. Alban?s Abbey. Completely unaware of his lineage, he agrees to leave the Abbey at fifteen. Sir Thomas, a Knight Templar, takes Tristan on as his squire. For the first time in his life, Tristan will leave the comfort of the Abbey to see the world.

Another Knight Templar, Sir Hugh, hates Tristan from the start of his association with Sir Thomas. More than once he tries to injure Tristan, and he always treats him with a cutting disrespect. Happily for the young squire, Sir Thomas steps in every time Sir Hugh raises a fist.

Tristan meets Richard the Lion Heart, King of England, while joining an army of Knights Templar. They sail to Outremer to battle the Saracens, soldiers of Allah led by the Saladin. Although only a squire, Tristan finds himself involved in one battle after another, and he shows his courage time and again.

During one particularly intense battle, Sir Thomas orders Tristan to strike out on his own. He sends him to another Commandery with important papers. At first he refuses to go, but then Tristan finds himself on another adventure, where he meets Robard, a King?s Archer, and Maryam, a mysterious young woman. Together, the three adventurers make their way to England so Tristan can carry out Sir Thomas? orders.

Favorite character: Sir Thomas Leux, a Knight Templar, and an extremely compelling man. I enjoyed reading about him. I also listened intently every time he spoke.

What I like about The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail: There are quite a few challenges that directly or indirectly affect Tristan. His beneficial relationship with Sir Thomas is poisoned by the presence of Sir Hugh. His decision to join the Knights Templar sets his life on a dangerous path, something young readers enjoy experiencing in a novel. The story rarely slows, and surprises keep springing up along the way. This is essential in a Y/A novel.

Extremely powerful character development. I loved Sir Thomas as much as I hated Sir Hugh. Maryam is a character I hope to see again in the successive books. Tristan is a mystery, but he proves his valor many times. He will grow into a strong Knight Templar.

What I didn?t like about The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail: Spradlin is a gifted writer, obviously schooled in the finer points of storytelling. Some of the technique becomes predictable at times, however. I doubt a young reader would notice, so that certainly doesn?t present a problem.

The use of characters developed by others is an oft used strategy, but it is an approach I would shy away from. Robin Hood, Little John, and Maid Marian are all attractive and gripping, and their story is certainly worth telling again. Spradlin disguises his young heroes well; I had to focus on the names as I read to see the similarities. Their origins are quite different than the initial tale also, so the author is distorting the scenario enough to produce an original twist. Again, the similarity might be lost on young readers, who may lack an awareness of Robin Hood.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and can?t wait to begin the second installment.


You can contact Kevin on the website of his Conor series: www.ConorAndTheCrossworlds.com.

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