Helpful Score: 4
This book is aimed at young adults, but still definitely shows an interesting take on the King Arthur legends. I really enjoyed it though in rereading it again, I noticed a definite similarity mainly with the young antagonist to the one in Ms. McCaffrey and her son's recent Dragon's Fire.
Helpful Score: 3
Interesting view of King Arthur, as told by one of his stableboys. Fast-paced, interesting read.
Helpful Score: 2
A straight historical novel which focuses solely on one point - horseshoes.
If, as some theorize, King Arthur, in the 5th century, imported impressive Libyan horses to Britain from the Middle East, how did he deal with the problems which would have occurred when animals used to a dry, desert climate were transferred to wet and soggy England? Hoof rot and mold & all kinds of horsey health issues would undoubtedly have occurred.
McCaffrey gives us her how-it-might-have-happened, through the story of Galwyn, a young man who throws his lot in with the Comes Artos - partly to get away from his apprenticeship to his nasty mariner uncle, and partly because he loves horses and is impressed by Artos. He learns from Artos' experienced horsemen and smiths, and a radical new technique - shoeing horses in iron - is developed. Galwyn becomes one of the first experienced farriers.
There's not really too much of a plot here - the most evil villain is a resentful and vindictive guy who was fired from Artos' service and wants to get back at the company and the horses - and if you have no interest in the specifics of things equestrian, this book probably won't interest you much. However, if you're a fan of horses in general, this short book is a quick read which definitely reflects the author's own love of horses.
If, as some theorize, King Arthur, in the 5th century, imported impressive Libyan horses to Britain from the Middle East, how did he deal with the problems which would have occurred when animals used to a dry, desert climate were transferred to wet and soggy England? Hoof rot and mold & all kinds of horsey health issues would undoubtedly have occurred.
McCaffrey gives us her how-it-might-have-happened, through the story of Galwyn, a young man who throws his lot in with the Comes Artos - partly to get away from his apprenticeship to his nasty mariner uncle, and partly because he loves horses and is impressed by Artos. He learns from Artos' experienced horsemen and smiths, and a radical new technique - shoeing horses in iron - is developed. Galwyn becomes one of the first experienced farriers.
There's not really too much of a plot here - the most evil villain is a resentful and vindictive guy who was fired from Artos' service and wants to get back at the company and the horses - and if you have no interest in the specifics of things equestrian, this book probably won't interest you much. However, if you're a fan of horses in general, this short book is a quick read which definitely reflects the author's own love of horses.
Helpful Score: 1
A young-adult King Arthur tale.
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting story of horsemanship in the time of King Arthur. I got it for my son but when he wasn't interested I read it myself and enjoyed it.
Helpful Score: 1
Reviewed by Rebecca Wells for TeensReadToo.com
Galwyn Varianus's life has never been easy. When his father died he was apprenticed to his cruel uncle on a trading vessel, though all he wanted to do was stay shore-bound and work with horses. But when Lord Artos calls upon Galwyn to help him bargain for horses for his Companions, Galwyn's life changes completely.
Once Lord Artos - the man who will become the legendary King Arthur - sees Galwyn's calming way with horses, Galwyn is invited to join the Companions in their quest for great warrior steeds. On this quest, Galwyn faces a perilous journey over land and sea to find and transport the horses, not to mention treachery from inside the ranks of the Companions -but the danger isn't over even when they reach their destination: Camelot.
BLACK HORSES FOR THE KING is not your traditional rendition of the King Arthur legend. Many familiar characters, including Guinevere, Merlin, and Lancelot, do not appear in this book, and others, including Arthur himself, take a keen eye to recognize. Rather than being a version of the story of King Arthur, it is a deftly crafted tale that might have been true, a story that might have given rise to the traditional legend.
The book appeals to both well-read readers of Arthurian tales and readers of historical fiction, as Arthurian elements are present if one keeps a sharp eye out, and it remains an engaging work of historical fiction even without its connection to legend.
Galwyn Varianus's life has never been easy. When his father died he was apprenticed to his cruel uncle on a trading vessel, though all he wanted to do was stay shore-bound and work with horses. But when Lord Artos calls upon Galwyn to help him bargain for horses for his Companions, Galwyn's life changes completely.
Once Lord Artos - the man who will become the legendary King Arthur - sees Galwyn's calming way with horses, Galwyn is invited to join the Companions in their quest for great warrior steeds. On this quest, Galwyn faces a perilous journey over land and sea to find and transport the horses, not to mention treachery from inside the ranks of the Companions -but the danger isn't over even when they reach their destination: Camelot.
BLACK HORSES FOR THE KING is not your traditional rendition of the King Arthur legend. Many familiar characters, including Guinevere, Merlin, and Lancelot, do not appear in this book, and others, including Arthur himself, take a keen eye to recognize. Rather than being a version of the story of King Arthur, it is a deftly crafted tale that might have been true, a story that might have given rise to the traditional legend.
The book appeals to both well-read readers of Arthurian tales and readers of historical fiction, as Arthurian elements are present if one keeps a sharp eye out, and it remains an engaging work of historical fiction even without its connection to legend.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful variant of the King Arthur story. Ms. McCaffrey took the legend of the black horses of Camelot and used these as the basis of this book, and wrote a charming tale.What a wonderful story about how horseshoes came to be used and the people who used them first. I love all things about Arthur but I believe this will be one of my faves.
I love Anne McCaffrey!
