10.14.09
Posted in Product Reviews, Recent Publication, Reviews at 6:25 am by Easley Wayne
Squire’s Quest by Gerald Morris
Squire’s Quest is refreshing. This novel is ideal for most adventuresome pre-teens. I intend to review this book for what it is, not by any standard set for books designed for “adults.” Although the author wrote this novel for “grades 5 and up”, any person with an active imagination should enjoy this treasure.
Squire’s Quest is a story built upon Camelot and the adventures of King Arthur and the knights of the round table. The legends that Gerald Morris chose to relate are among those with which I am least familiar. The tale concentrates upon the relationship of Camelot with the Eastern Roman Empire, centered in Constantinople. I enjoyed several newer characters, like Alexander, Emperor of the Eastern Empire, and Cliges, prince of the Eastern Empire. I did not miss Merlin, as Terence, a Faery lord and Squire of Camelot filled that role nicely.
Squire’s Quest is a love story, but not in the modern sense of that term. This is a story of chivalry, honor, justice, and knights who joust for the favor of a lovely lady. There are several, nearly platonic romances: Arthur and Guinevere, Terence and Eileen, Alexander and Sarah, and Cliges and Fenice. I remember the tales of knights and their quests. I remember stories of knights warring to rescue a lovely lady from danger. Squire’s Quest clearly fits in that tradition.
Squire’s Quest is an adventure story. There are rumors of dragons and the book has minstrels singing of the famous adventures of knights. Several battles occur in the story, but most of the action is related in reports, not eyewitnesses relating blood spilling and killing. Several war scenes, however, will satisfy any desire the reader may have for detailed gore. In one scene Cliges swiftly lops the head off of an opponent. In another, one of Terence’s friends loses his leg. In general there is none of the detailed showing of fatal wounds, as is so common in the literature of the 21st century.
Squire’s tale is fun, and reminiscent of the treasured tales of my youth. I recommend this book, especially for children grades 5 and up.
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