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Science Fiction and Fantasy Association of New Zealand |
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The Youngest Templar by Michael P. Spradlin Angus & Robertson Supplied for review by Harper Collins New Zealand |
Reviewed By: Simon Litten |
| The Youngest Templar is Michael P.
Spradlin’s first book, and I am looking forward to many more by him. This was an
intriguing tale told with verve and energy. If I have complaints they are that the book
ended on a cliffhanger, with less than half the tale told. The Youngest Templar concerns Tristan, a foundling lad living in twelfth century Kent, who is being raised by brothers at the abbey of St Albans. A troop of the Knights Templar visits the abbey, whereby Tristan gains an enemy, a protector-cum-mentor and starts an adventure to the Holy Land with the warrior monks. The Youngest Templar is a grail story, with the grail at times taking centre stage. The Youngest Templar is also a Robin Hood story, but most unlike any Robin Hood story I had met before: Robin spits and curses at the mention of Richard Couer de Lion’s name for starters (the story had yet to get as far as Prince John), which is not the normal fare for Robin Hood. This was a fun story to read, told at a cracking pace. If there was an occasional slip in nuance or subtlety it was easy to forgive as the story moved to the next well crafted, thrilling scene. At the moment I have my own grail mission: I will be seeking out the next volume of this story armed with the money in my pocket and a pure and purposeful intent. |
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SFFANZ is a non-profit organisation
and registered charity designed to bring together fans of the fantastic in New Zealand |
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Contact us by email at: enquiries@sffanz.org.nz |
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