Black Horses for the King [Mass Market Paperback]

Anne McCaffrey (Author)

Book Description

Lord Artos--later to rule as the legendary King Arthur--knew he could defeat the Saxon invaders if only he could find a race of horses swift and strong enough to carry warriors in full regalia fast and far. And so he set out for the Continent, in search of the famed horses of the desert.

The key to Lord Artos' plan was the young runaway Galwyn Varianus, whose gift for horse-trading was second only to his skill with horses. What no one expected was how crucial Galwyn would be to the upcoming battles--as he mastered the secrets of the iron shoes that would protect the desert horses' delicate hooves . . .

This fast-moving historical fantasy by bestselling author Anne McCaffrey--the story of King Arthur as it has never been told before--is about the beginnings of the British cavalry, as recounted by a boy growing up in exciting and perilous times.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Anne McCaffrey is back with this precious, well-researched yarn that follows a Celtic lad in service to King Arthur. Set in fifth-century Britain, McCaffrey's first historical novel for young adults rejects a fantastical, Hollywood treatment of King Arthur in favor of realism and solid storytelling. Take away the Round Table and the usual knights-in-shining-armor hoo-hah, and you're left with an engaging, endearing chapter from the life of Artos, Comes Britannorum, a young war leader in search of horses strong enough to carry his armored warriors into battle against the savage Saxons.

The story is told through the eyes of polite, earnest young do-gooder Galwyn Varianus, who has fled the service of his cruel, brutish, seafaring uncle to take up with the charismatic Artos. Galwyn quickly proves his value with his affinity for languages and horses, and he accompanies Artos and the Companions (proto-Knights of the Round Table) as they execute their plan: acquiring and then breeding a handful of fabled Libyans, the horses of the book's title, and then mastering and disseminating the knowledge of horseshoe-making. The action revolves around Galwyn's role in this plan and never rises above the pace of, say, an after-school special. But rich details, McCaffrey's obvious love of the subject matter, and involving characters go a long way to make up for the story's slow trot. (In particular, you'll find yourself waiting eagerly for the comeuppance of one character, a sneering rider named Iswy, Goofus to Galwyn's Gallant.) --Paul Hughes

From Publishers Weekly

McCaffrey steps out of her niche as a Hugo and Nebula award-winning fantasy writer to tackle her first historical novel for young adults, retelling the Arthurian legend-minus the Round Table, Guinevere and Merlin-through the eyes of Galwyn Varianus. A Roman Celtic youth, Galwyn helps the future king of Britain, known here as Lord Artos, acquire the legendary Black Horses of his legions. The author's tender reverence for equine history (she raises horses in Ireland) makes for vivid descriptions of frightened steeds in the hold of a ship across the English Channel; it also allows an undue amount of horsey jargon. A teenage boy interested exclusively in horseshoes rings not quite true, yet the well-drawn story moves along at a compelling trot, climaxing in a battle in which horses help Lord Artos reclaim Britain for future mad cows and Englishmen. Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey; 1st Ballantine Books Domestic Ed edition (July 29, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345422570
• ISBN-13: 978-0345422576
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,501,844 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Anne McCaffrey, the Hugo Award-winning author of the bestselling Dragonriders of Pern® novels, is one of science fiction's most popular authors. With Elizabeth Ann Scarborough she co-authored Changelings and Maelstrom, Books One and Two of The Twins of Petaybee. McCaffrey lives in a house of her own design, Dragonhold-Underhill, in County Wicklow, Ireland.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Black Horses is a refreshing, unique look at King Arthur, July 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Black Horses for the King (Hardcover)

In a departure from her normal fare of Science Fiction and Fantasy, Anne McCaffrey gives us a hugely believable tale of King Arthur, and the true uniting of all the Britons. Told from the point of view of a young runaway, Galwyn Varianus, Black Horses traces Lord Artos', who is later thought to be King Arthur's, search for fast horses. These horses had to be big enough and strong enough for his knights to ride to give the Britons a fighting chance against the bigger armies of the Saxons.

Historically accurate, Black Horses is a fast read, and an emminetly exciting story. Despite the lack of the mystical turn of the normal King Arthur tale, or perhaps because of it, Black Horses for the King takes the reader into a realm of fantasy both thrilling and moving. A highly satisfying story aimed at the young adult, Black Horses is a treat for all readers, young and old alike. King Arthur fans will enjoy this unique look at their favorite hero, and those who like more realism in their stories will like this likely view of a piece of history.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for the Horse Lover, June 29, 2000

By 

Flame_926 "flame_926" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Horses for the King (Hardcover)

This book would make an excellent gift for a horseman (or woman) that you know. It is an incredible historical fiction about the development of farriership (blacksmithing) in the world. The characters and plot are well thought out and balance the technical aspect of the book. Even a person with no knowledge of horses would find this to be an interesting novel. The hero is both relatable and human; he makes mistakes but learns from his experiences working with the horses. Arthur, the future King Arthur and a supporting character in this book, has never been characterized in such a realistic way; the character seems to come alive in the pages of this book.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fresh look at an oft-told tale, August 16, 2004

By 

Lissa "starcrossedlady" (Long Beach, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Horses for the King (Mass Market Paperback)

As a parent and soon-to-be teacher, I'm always on the lookout for books that are unique. Something that may take a new spin on an old tale, or may present my kids with a story that they might not have known before.

Black Horses for the King is Anne McCaffrey's take on the Arthurian legends, with a twist; the protagonist of the tale is a young man who ends up caring for the special horses that will carry Arthur's warriors into battle. Ms. McCaffrey paints a vivid picture of England after the Romans abandoned it, and slips in what was really happening (and might probably would have been happening) with the citizens, and with the land.

It was an engrossing story for this adult; I think there's enough here that can captivate a wide variety of readers. I would let my soon-to-be third grader read it, but it's more intended for fourth through sixth grade. But hey! Read it because it's good! There's drama, some fighting, horses, and even a little humor. I think Anne McCaffrey did a great job with this story; I hope you feel this way, as well.