About the Book
Title: Young Knights of the Round Table: The King’s Ransom
Author: Cheryl Carpinello
Publication Date (Kindle): May, 2012
Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing
Number of pages: 84
Recommended age: 9+
Summary (Amazon):
In medieval Wales, eleven-year-old Prince Gavin, thirteen-year-old orphan Philip, and fifteen-year-old blacksmith’s apprentice Bryan are brought together in friendship by one they call the Wild Man. When an advisor to the king is killed and a jewelled medallion is stolen from the king’s treasury, the Wild Man is accused of the theft and murder. Filled with disbelief at the arrest of the Wild Man, the three friends embark upon a knight’s quest to save their friend’s life. To succeed, the three must confront their fears and insecurities, and one of them will have to disclose the biggest secret of all. Join Gavin, Philip, and Bryan on their quest and share the adventures that await them in the land of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
REVIEW:
Right off the bat, Carpinello jumps right into the story about the young knights, and its always a sign, for me, of a great book when I’m instantly in the “world.”
The visual image of Gavin is so easy to picture, and I was quickly intrigued as to who this young character was and what his role would be as a young knight. Furthermore, Carpinello sets up a thrilling plot right away when Gavin discovers, through his brother Robert, that someone has stolen the King’s Ransom:
Stories passed down said that a traitor over the channel had used it to force a king to ransom his kingdom. To be in possession of it meant to be in possession of power. Many men wanted that power. (Chapter 1)
Weaved in along with the mystery of the thief, the reader gets an introduction to each of the knights, Philip and Bryan, as well; each of the young knights has a quest which is grounded in the classic tale.
The characters of Young Knights are very well-written and detailed in their personalities; I also enjoy that the dialogue really pushes forward the plot and aides in the compelling mystery of the story. Also, I really enjoy the emergence of a classic tale that is re-told in a new author’s voice. This book has, in my opinion, relevance because of its exploration of young men on quests to prove their chivalry, which may seem like an ancient attribute but one that is important to teach young men.
“It was a demonstration of your loyalty to a friend whom our world values so highly. Please
kneel, Prince Gavin.”
Gavin knelt before King Arthur. King Arthur pulled Excalibur from its sheath. Candlelight
glinted off the brilliant sword. The crowd murmured. (Chapter 17)
There is much to rave about this book, and I don’t want to give anything away because it’s a quick paced, thrilling, new classic about the knights. Witches, white stags, and a Wild Man make the plot exciting, along with cheering along the young knights. There are quite a few surprises at the end that really make the book a great read. We highly recommend this book for any young reader; sure, boys might convinced by the action and title, but I’m positive all young readers will enjoy the mystery and chivalry of Young Knights of the Round Table: The King’s Ransom!
Purchase
Amazon * Muse it Up * Barnes and Noble
The Buzz
“The King’s Ransom is a fast-moving story, a tale of knights and castles and villains. As Gavin, Phillip, and Bryan set about to save their friend, the reader is brought vividly into the medieval world of King Arthur. There is just the right balance of action and character development to entice young readers and reluctant readers to pick this book up, as was the author’s intent. I recommend it to all middle grade readers.” ~ Laurie C., Amazon, 5 Stars
“The adventures these future Young Knights of the Round Table experience in their quest to save their friend are filled with the fantasy and adventure story elements that children love to read. There’s a villain, secret passages in castles, swordplay, and even a witch. And with King Arthur’s appearance, astonishing secret identities being revealed, and a happy ending, what more could anyone want in a good read?” ~ Tyler T., Amazon, 5 Stars
“This was a great book! I liked all of the action and excitement in it. Ms. Carpinello wrote this book really well and it was very appropriate for kids even though it deals with fighting and a wrongfully accused person. Ms. Carpinello described the time period really well, I felt like I was a knight in medieval times! I really love that the story features a bit of King Arthur legends in it! The ending had a couple fo great twists that had me totally surprised!.” ~ Erik @ This Kid Reviews Books, 5 Stars.
Awards
2013 EVVY Finalist and EVVY Merit Award for Juvenile/Young Adult from Colorado Independent Publishers Assoc.
2013 Ariana Cover Finalist
2012 Silver Award Recipient for YA Fiction from Children’s Literary Classics and the CLC’s 2012 Seal of Approval.
2012 Finalist E-Book Children from USA 2012 Best Book Awards
About the Author: Cheryl Carpinello
Although a retired teacher, Cheryl Carpinello still has a passion for working with kids. She regularly conducts Medieval Writing Workshops for local elementary/middle schools and the Colorado Girl Scouts. She is not the only one who loves Medieval Times and the King Arthur Legend. The kids thoroughly enjoy writing their own medieval stories complete with dragons, wizards, unicorns and knights!
She loves to travel and her other job is with a major airline. Her favorite trip was a two week visit to Egypt with her husband that included traveling by local train from one end of Egypt to the other. Some of her favorite books include The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Once and Future King, and any by the duo Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.
Author Site: http://www.beyondtodayeducator.com/
Author Blog: http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com
Facebook page: Author Cheryl Carpinello
Goodreads author page: Cheryl Carpinello
Twitter: @CCarpinello
Google+: Cheryl Carpinello
Young Knights of the Round Table Blog Tour Schedule (2013)
September 9
Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch)
September 10
The Wise Owl Factory Book A Day (Review + Supplement)
September 11
September 12
Mary Sutton (Author Interview)
September 13
September 14
September 15
September 16
September 17
Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Review)
Stitch Says (Author Interview)
September 18
Fiona Ingram (Author Interview)
September 19
September 20
Nik’s Picks Book Reviews (Guest Post)
September 21
Black Words – White Pages Kids (Review)
September 22
WhenIgrowupIwannawriteakidsbook (Review)
September 23
Fantasy Fun With Kirsten Pulioff (Review)
Published Bestsellers (Review)
September 24
September 25
September 26
September 27
R.K. Grow- reading.writing.blogging. (Guest Post)
September 28
September 29
Magical Middle-Grade Literature (Review)
September 30
Le Vanity Victorienne (Review)
*** Young Knights of the Round Table Blog Tour Giveaway ***
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash
Contest runs: September 9 to October 6, 11:59 pm, 2013
Open: WW
How to enter: Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. If you have any additional questions – feel free to contact Renee at Mother Daughter Book Reviews.
Thank you so much for your great review of Young Knights. I agree that the character development of the Young Knights is top-notch – perfect for middle grade boys in particular. Thanks for taking part in the Young Knights Blog Tour. 🙂
Thank you for your review of my book “Young Knights.” Also thanks so much for hosting me and letting me meet your viewers! Cheryl