Ever since thirteen-year-old Tormod MacLeod had a prophetic vision, things haven't been the same. Even his family treats him differently. So when he has the chance to join a Templar knight on a mysterious quest, Tormod doesn't hesitate. Now in a desperate race for his life, Tormod and the Templar must evade the armies of King Philippe le Bel of France or pay the price for what they've found, what they've seen, and what they know.
In this thrilling historical fantasy, a boy discovers visionary skills he didn't know he had---and a friendship worth dying for.

Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com

Tormod runs home to grab the box of tinder for lighting the Beltane fires. Never mind that he traded jobs with his brother. If the fire doesn't light on time, he's going to be in trouble.

Unfortunately, a Knight's Templar needs a message delivered as soon as possible to the Abbot. Abandoning his task, Tormod runs to the Templar encampment. There he delivers the message, but there are already men with the Abbot. The men swiftly leave, intent on hunting down the Knight. Tormod has a vision of their encounter, and begs the Abbot to allow him to intercept the Knight and lead him across a different path.

Tormod never guesses that his journey to help the Knight will lead him far away from home and on an adventure he never imagined.

A TEMPLAR'S APPRENTICE starts the beginning of an adventurous quest that crosses several countries. Danger always follows the Knight Templar and his companions. Plus, Tormod has hidden talents, creating a blend of religion and supernatural elements that he will need to understand in order to remain alive. ( )

I am drawn to anything about the Knights Templar, so this was no exception. It seems that another, the author, has been caught up in the web of the Templars though the order was disbanded in 1312.

Kat Black's tale of Tormod, the young apprentice taken on by a Templar Knight is intriguing. She has woven in different parts of the the Templar legend to make a slightly different story as to the treasure guarded by the Templars.

Tormod has no idea what he has gotten himself into and yet cannot turn from what seems destined to be his duty. He learns many new fighting skills and hones other "skills" he did not know he had, such the ability to heal.

The two main characters are quite different from one another and I find it very interesting to see how they become so much a part of one another. Tormod's need to have a father figure who values and cares for him definitely comes into play. Alexander Sinclair who must teach Tormod, also has to show a great deal of patience dealing with this young man who is destined to carry on with a very important mission.

The action is pretty much nonstop and should appeal particularly to male readers. The paranormal aspect of the story is somewhat unsettling yet makes the story that much more mysterious and entices the reader to read on and find out how the rest of Tormod's journey ends. I am certainly looking forward to reading the next book. ( )