Customer Reviews

Black Horses for the King

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I give this book four stars for it's interest. The reason I read this book was for the Arthurian connections. If that's what you're looking for, it may or may not be what you'll find. For one thing, don't expect Lancelot or Guinvere to ever come into the story. Lord Artos -the legendary King Arthur- is a bachelor. I am not a huge horse fan, but I did enjoy the horse connections in this story. The conflict in "Black Horses" relates to the Saxon threat and to recent Irish raids. To prove his power and define his strength, Lord Artos acquires the enormous Libyan stallions. One problem- they're footsore, with problems like cracked hooves, growth rings etc, arising. That's when the "horse sandals" are made. "Black Horses" explores this knowledge and the devotion to Lord Artos through the eyes of Galwyn. It is a very good book, and I'd recommend it for a bit of light reading.

I collect every book I can find about Arthur and his universe. McCaffrey's book fits excellently into the collection. Although perhaps written for young adults, any reader will find this book will written, exciting and solid. McCaffrey's writing style, as always, carries the reader through the book in magnificent style.

Black Horses for the King is an exciting book that everybody should read at least once. I had so much history in it and also a lot of parts that wanted you to know what happened next. I never put the book down until I finished it. I you are a big person on medievel times, king arthor, and horses you should read this book. You'll never forget the story of a young boy and these beautiful, aggresive horses that he loved so much.

Anne McCafery is back but instead of a fantasy novel she's come out with a great historical fiction book, set in the time of the Briton and Saxon War, Black Horses for the King. Keeping Away from the stereotyped King Arthur and his knights in shining armor, she tries to make it as true and historically correct as possible and yet still make it her own and as fascinatingly unique as possible. This intriguing book is about Young Galwyn who escaped his slave-like life as a seaman under the whip of his cruel uncle. He joined up with the courageous and heroic Lord Artos (King Arthur) who is trying to eliminate the Saxons. Galwyn figured out his calling in life is being a blacksmith, courier and a horse handler. But his most important trade is horseshoeing Lord Artos's great Libyan Horses for the Great War of the Britons and the Saxons; but when someone has a tremendously important job---along comes envy. Like In most books, when there is a hero along comes the "bad guy." In this case it's another horse handler (Iswy) who was (literally) kicked out for trying to attack a horse; Iswy who despises and envies Galwyn tries to ruin and end Galwyn's life. At the end Galwyn and Lord Atoes are both victorious in defeating their own enemy.

Anne McCaffrey has out done herself again.Stepping out of the Pern world, she come back to earth in a great way.The characters are weel developed,the plot carries you alpng.A knowledge of horses helps, but is not needed to enjoy this book. I almost got seasick my self during some of the sea voyages.The sights and smells of a horse auction was realted very well.

For those looking for historical fiction relating to King Arthur but *without* the "magic" nonsense, this is a very good choice. The vocabulary, alone, provides a wonderful learning opportunity.

The story itself is interesting enough that, though I closed the book and went to bed, I had to get up half an hour later to finish it. I found the main character to be just the sort I want my sons to emulate - diligent, careful, brave, dutiful, loyal. The writing is very, very good.

While it may not be in my top ten books ever, it is at the top of my list for historical fiction from this time period.

Like other books written by Anne it was an excellent read, she didn't need a lot of violence like so many writers use to hold a readers interest. I don't LIKE a great deal of unnecessary violence when telling a story. I've read all her Pern series, and many of her other books and she is as great a writer as MM Auel at creating a universe and peopling it in very great detail. Preteens, especially boys can read Black Horses for the King and enjoy it. Looking forward to the new book due out this coming spring.