This is a winner!... What happens, and what is so appealing abut the story, is endless action – attacks, escapes, suspense and camaraderie. There’s wit throughout, and readers are fully committed to liking Tristan and being excited about his life and his world, so different from our own... Terrific adventure, which even younger YAs can follow as they learn something about a totally different world.

Claire Rosser | KLIATT


Let the fighting begin! And so it does, with much of the book’s second half taken up with battles, skirmishes, and ambushes. The deadly action, uncompromising in many of its descriptions, may take center stage, but Spradlin smartly doesn’t neglect story... The stirring saga ends with a true cliff-hanger, priming fans for the next installment.

Ilene Cooper | Booklist


The twelfth-century setting and the complex war... are carefully described from the viewpoint of the inexperienced protagonist, thus ensuring a complete picture that never feels like exposition or a history lesson. Tristan(s)…memorable narration will certainly please readers who like their squires as compelling as the knights they serve.

Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books


…readers are likely to be swept up...

VOYA


I LOVED IT!!!! It was exciting, fascinating, fun, funny, thrilling not to mention a great story. It is especially important because we can share it with parents who can share it with their kids without fear of "sex, drugs, and rock and roll." You know what I mean. This is a perfect read. Thank you.

Danita Eastman | Children's Book Evaluator | Los Angeles County Public Library