© 2012 The Youngest Templar
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.
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
WOW! I read it so fast and then I had to read it again.
Emily | Age 12 | Orlando
I give this book a 10 out of 10! I loved the action and I can’t wait for the next one!
William | Age 10 | Georgia
This book has sparkle to it…You actually feel like you are there…Most books are writers writing a book, but not this one…I like it when he goes in detail about things…I can actually learn something too.
Ryan | Age 13 | Pittsburgh, PA
This book is perfect for history or action/adventure fans. It accurately depicts the happenings of the Crusades while adding an interesting story into the mix. For this, I give it 9 out of 10.
Robert | Age 14 | California
I just read your book, Youngest Templar. What a terrific read!…I just wanted to tell you that I found your book really wonderful. Your pacing impressed me most- you’ve crafted a real page turner. I will be recommending it to all the teens and YA lit fans I know.
Veronica | Age 13
Tom Luce | Powell’s Books | Portland, Oregon
Spradlin’s impeccable pacing keeps the action furious and kinetic as Tristan helps his master battle Saracens and flees the beseiged city of Acre carrying the most precious of treasures–the Holy Grail. Along the way, he teams up with a Saracen assassin and a young Robin Hood. Rich in historical detail and a thrilling read. Bring on Book 2!
Frazer Dobson | Park Road Books | Charlotte, North Carolina
In The Youngest Templar, Michael P. Spradlin combines myth, legendary heroes and history to provide top drawer entertainment. This fast paced novel is fueled by good old fashioned story telling and a wonderful cast of characters. I can’t wait for the next book…
Amanda Barillas | Vroman’s Bookstore
Narrow escapes, fierce battles, an evil knight, and masked assassins: readers will be captivated by Tristan’s story. Particularly intriguing are Tristan’s friends Robard, an expert marksman, and the feisty Maryam, whom readers may already know by the names Robin Hood and Maid Marion. The cliffhanger ending leaves the reader eager for the next book in the trilogy. Recommend this book to children who enjoy…action-packed adventures.
Sally Walker | Award-winning author and bookseller for Anderson’s Bookshops
I LOVED the Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail. I can’t wait to hand-sell it!
Mary Jane Beaufrand | Island Books | Seattle, Washington
Peter Abrahams | Author of Down the Rabbit Hole
Keeper of the Grail is terrific–it’s got great characters, cinematic action, and an almost magical way of making history come alive. Spradlin also has a deep appreciation of the Templars’ spiritual and sometimes tragic crusade to free the Holy Land, as seen through the eyes of a boy on the brink of manhood. I really enjoyed this book.
T. Jefferson Parker | Author of L.A. Outlaws and California Girl
“Michael P. Spradlin writes sizzling action and adventure. I think one day he will control the world!”
Christopher Moore | Author of You Suck! and A Dirty Job