This young-adult book provided a combination of things that I especially like: historical fiction, Arthurian tales and coming-of-age stories. I also learned quite a bit about horses. ( )

Galwyn, the son of a bankrupt and dishonored aristocrat, has always had an ear for languages. So when Lord Artos—later known as King Arthur—needs an interpreter to help him buy large horses to breed a troop strong enough to carry armed warriors against the Saxon invaders, Galwyn gets a chance to redeem his father’s honor and make a name for himself.

This was the book that turned me on to Arthurian fiction, which then led me to Elizabeth Wein's "The Winter Prince," which remains one of my favourite books today. This Anne McCaffrey novel is a historical fiction novel set in the time of King Arthur. Arthur, or Artos, as he is known in this story, is searching for black horses large enough for his warriors to ride. To help him find and trade for the Libyan black steeds that he
needs, he hires a young ship's apprentice, Galwyn. Awesome writing. ( )

Pleasant, old school, children's historical fiction. Probably a waste for an adult to read, but the ten to fifteen year old might really enjoy it.

It is a bit by the numbers and was probably written because the author is quite fond of horses, owns a number of them, and is involved in their care and management. The villain is just there for interest and the family hardly there at all. But the horseshoes are everywhere.

Sometimes it is nice when an aspiring young person can serve the cause of civilization in some other way than by fighting and killing. Shoeing horses is a quite respectable way and exciting in itself because horses are cool. ( )

This is not one of McCaffrey's science fiction tales although it perhaps could be termed a fantasy. It is a take on the old King Arthur legend. In the foreward McCaffrey says she had been fascinated by a chapter in Rosemary Sutcliff's book Sword at Sunset about how King Arthur got horses large enough for the Knights of the Round Table. So this is that story.

It centers around a young boy of Celtic birth, Galwyn, who met Artos (as he is called in this book) on board the ship that took Artos and some of his knights to France to purchase horses. Galwyn's uncle owns the ship and agreed to take him on as an apprentice when Galwyn's father died. The uncle is mean-spirited and the rest of the crew are as bad, if not worse. It's no wonder Galwyn admired Artos and his quest to rid Britain of the Saxons. Galwyn seizes an opportunity to follow Artos as he goes hunting for mighty horses. Galwyn is an asset to the quest with his facility with languages and horses. On their return to Britain Galwyn is apprehended for leaving his apprenticeship but Artos intervenes and Galwyn stays in Artos' employ. He learns more about horse care and farriering and becomes indispensable in keeping the war horses sound.

This was an interesting take on the Arthurian legend and I learned a lot about horses, especially shoeing them. I believe the book is intended for a young adult audience and I think ages 10 to 14 would appreciate it the most. ( )