The King's Fifth [Paperback]

Scott O'Dell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 2006

In this deeply affecting novel Scott O’Dell envelops the reader in the heroic world of the conquistadors—a world that is at once somber and many-colored. Though they may have been ruthless, these steel-helmeted young men of Spain lived their lives on the very edge of eternity with style and uncommon courage.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The writing is subtly beautiful, often moving, and says more than may be caught in one reading." Horn Book

"The writing is subtly beautiful, often moving, and says more than may be caught in one reading." Horn Book Guide

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Scott O'Dell (1898-1989), one of the most respected authors of historical fiction, received the Newbery Medal, three Newbery Honor Medals, and the Hans Christian Andersen Author Medal, the highest international recognition for a body of work by an author of books for young readers. Some of his many books include The Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Road to Damietta, Sing Down the Moon, and The Black Pearl.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (September 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618747834
• ISBN-13: 978-0618747832
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #292,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Fiction > Exploration & Discoveries
  • #77 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > History & Historical Fiction > Fiction > Europe

More About the Author

Scott O'Dell (1898-1989), one of the most respected authors of historical fiction, received the Newbery Medal, three Newbery Honor Medals, and the Hans Christian Andersen Author Medal, the highest international recognition for a body of work by an author of books for young readers. Some of his many books include The Island of the Blue Dolphins, The Road to Damietta, Sing Down the Moon, and The Black Pearl.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Boy Hoodwinks King, February 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The King's Fifth (Hardcover)

Esteban de Sandoval, a map maker, is to stand before the royal audiencia. The royal audiencia is to decide if Esteban is guilty or innocent of withholding the king's fifth he has supposedly hidden. The year is 1541 and the place is the Fortress of Juan de Ulua, near Vera Cruz, New Spain (Mexico). Esteban records his adventures in the Land of Cibola on paper his jailer hs supplied. The jailer has talked Esteban into making a map of where he has hidden the treasure.

The King's Fifth is exciting and very enveloping book. I like how the book is very descriptive. What I don't like is when they use Spanish words and they don't tell you what the words mean. Over all on a scale of one-five, five being the best, I would give the book a five. The plot is great. The story line makes you want to keep on reading at the end of a chapter.The scenery is well described and you feel as if you were there.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Among the Best, September 26, 2002

By 

"bscoles" (Saint Paul, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The King's Fifth (Hardcover)

For the last six months or so I have been reading through the Newbery Medal and Award books. The King's Fifth is one of my favorites. This book is filled with unforgettable characters, action, romance, and danger. I especially like the ending, which I won't give away! If you like historical fiction, adventure stories, or just great books, don't miss out. Read this book. May I also suggest my other all-time favorite Newbery winner: AMOS FORTUNE, FREEMAN.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Join an exciting search for gold with Spanish explorers., April 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The King's Fifth (Hardcover)

A group of Spanish explorers, led by Captain Mendoza and his guide Zia, set out on an expedition searching for gold. His fellow explorers were: Torres, who took care of the horses, Father Francisco, who came to spread faith to the Indians, Este'ban de Sandoval, who wanted to be the first person to make maps of the uncharted land, and Roa, the drummer. As the group travels on they have many adventures with the Indians. After awhile the group joins several other Spaniards. As they travel on they get into a war and Mendoza's group leaves to find gold in the mountains. Through their adventure up in the mountains they are hit by a storm and are forced to live in a cave for a few days. At the end of the story they steal gold from the Indians which leads to some tragic consequences. You'll need to read the book to find out what happens to the explorers. I would definitely recommend this book because it was very exciting and had lots of action from start to finish.