The Youngest Templar Bk. 1:
Keeper of the Grail
by Michael P. Spradlin

    KEEPER OF THE GRAIL by Michael P. Spradlin
    Category:  Historical
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  9/18/08
    Publisher:  Putnam
    Reviewed by:  Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"
    Rating:  5 Stars


    KEEPER OF THE GRAIL is the beginning of a new series by Michael P. Spradlin.  Readers might think that an
    adventure set in 1191 A.D. would be dry, historical reading, but in this case those readers would be totally wrong.  
    Tristan's adventures are anything but dry.  Though they may be historical at times, they are packed with one exciting
    event after another.

    An orphan raised by a group of monks, Tristan never knew his parents or anything of his history.  Now he is faced with
    taking his vows and remaining at the monastery forever or finding his true calling elsewhere.  The decision is made for
    him one day with the arrival of a group of men on horseback.

    A regiment of the Knights of the Templar come to the monastery seeking a place to rest themselves and their horses.  
    Tristan is sent to the stables to tend to the horses and that task turns his life upside down.  One of the knights, Sir
    Thomas, approaches Tristan with an offer.  He has recently lost his personal squire and is in search of a replacement.  
    Seeing how skillfully Tristan handles the horses, he invites the boy to join the regiment.

    Although Tristan is reluctant to leave the monks and the only place he has ever called home, he recognizes this as the
    chance of a lifetime and accepts the position.  Suddenly he finds himself headed off with some of the world's most
    famous knights to fight in the Crusades.

    Imagine the excitement of a young boy actually meeting the king, King Richard the Lionheart, and learning that he is
    about to join him in battle.  What follows takes Tristan from England to the Holy Land into a battle to save the city of
    Acre.  There are bloody battles with plenty of flying arrows and clashing broadswords as the knights attempt to defend
    the King's lands.  In the middle of all the fighting, Tristan is shocked to discover he is being given the responsibility of
    guarding the most valuable item imaginable - the Holy Grail.

    THE YOUNGEST TEMPLAR series is sure to grab the attention of middle grade and teen readers.  They will speed
    through this first book and be anxiously awaiting the second, due out next fall.