Orphan of Destiny: Book 3 (Youngest Templar) [Deckle Edge] [Hardcover]

Michael Spradlin (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Youngest Templar

Tristan and his companions-the fiery archer Robard Hode and the assassin maid Maryam-have escaped to England. But tragedy has occurred to Tristan's beloved abbey while they were on the Third Crusade, and Robard's home in Sherwood Forest suffers under the rule of the Sheriff of Nottingham. Many obstacles still prevent them from delivering the Holy Grail into safe hands. Tristan must defeat the evil Sir Hugh in one final battle. And he must learn the secret of his birth, a secret Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine are willing to kill to protect!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michael P. Spradlin is the author of more than a dozen books for children. He grew up in a small town in Michigan not far from the Indiana border. Surrounded by books in his formative years, he grew up loving to read and imagining himself the hero of numerous epic battles. When not writing, he enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with his family and worrying over the fact that he really should be writing instead of doing other stuff. He lives in Michigan with his wife Kelly, son Michael, daughter Rachel and two dogs Willow and Apollo.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (October 28, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399247653
• ISBN-13: 978-0399247651
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #325,089 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #80 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > Medieval

More About the Author

Michael P. Spradlin is the author of more than a dozen books for children, some of which have actually been published. He grew up in a small town in Michigan not far from the Indiana border, which may explain his irrational fear of Hoosiers. (Both the inhabitants of the state of Indiana and the movie starring Gene Hackman).

Surrounded by books in his formative years, he grew up loving to read, imagining himself the hero of numerous epic battles and indulging in his favorite pastime, which was smuggling fireworks across the Ohio border so that he could blow up his collection of Plastic Green Army Men and Matchbox Cars.

Michael is the author The Youngest Templar trilogy, The Spy Goddess series, and several picture books including the award winning Daniel Boone's Great Escape.

When not writing, he enjoys reading, traveling, spending time with his family and worrying over the fact that he really should be writing instead of doing other stuff. He lives in Michigan with his wife Kelly, son Michael, daughter Rachel and two dogs Willow and Apollo

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars strong young adult late twelfth century thriller, November 12, 2010

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Orphan of Destiny: Book 3 (Youngest Templar) (Hardcover)

In 1191, Tristan of St. Albans continues his quest to complete the mission of the Holy Grail as assigned to him by Sir Thomas in Outremer (see Keeper of the Grail). Thanks in major part to his companions Robard, Maryam the Al Hasshashin and Angel arrive in Calais (see Trail of fate). However, the lunatic chasing them from the Holy Land Sir Hugh threatens to hang Maryam of Tristan fails to hand over the Grail. Tristan holds Queen Mother Eleanor hostage, but all seems lost. Although Tristan is hurt and unconscious, they manage to row across the Channel landing two days south of Dover where Sir Hugh awaits them.

With no place to go with the Grail except St. Albans in Scotland, they head there. However, ha harrowing trek upon arrival, they find the abbey burned to the ground. Only Brother Tuck lives. While Tristan and his allies ponder what to do with the Grail, Tuck gives him letters from the late King Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Brother Rupert; the correspondence explains all Tristan as coveted knowing.

Orphan of Destiny is a fabulous fitting finish to a strong young adult late twelfth century thriller. Fast-paced with amazing action, readers will enjoy the final stretch of the quest as the trio struggles to find someone to trust with the Grail while Hugh continues to apply the pressure on them. Fans will enjoy the adventures of The Youngest Templar as he risks his life to complete the pledge he made to his mentor Sir Thomas in Outremer.

Harriet Klausner

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Series, February 18, 2011

By 

Sherrie Petersen "Solvang Sherrie" (Solvang, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Orphan of Destiny: Book 3 (Youngest Templar) (Hardcover)

My 11-year-old son recommended this middle grade series to me, and as usual, he has impeccable taste! I loved these books. In fact, I read all three in two days! Using midieval history as a backdrop, this action-packed series takes readers into the Third Crusade through the eyes of a 15-year old boy who becomes the squire to a Templar. The story is full of fabulous characters (including King Richard the Lionheart and other familiar names), excellent pacing, and fun twists and turns. I highly recommend this series for any boy (or girl!) looking for an engaging book.

But be warned: you'll want to have all three books on hand before you start. Rather than "end" each book, the author leaves you with gut-wrenching mid-scene cliffhangers so that you HAVE to read the next in the series. I just hope there's another trilogy in the works because we weren't ready to leave this fantastic adventure behind.

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too, April 11, 2011

By 

TeensReadToo "Eat. Drink. Read. Be Merrier." (All Over the US & Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Orphan of Destiny: Book 3 (Youngest Templar) (Hardcover)

Tristan and his companions, Robard and Maryam, have finally made their way back to England. They managed to escape capture from Sir Hugh. However, Tristan became injured during the escape. Now, he's trying to heal as they travel North to deliver the package to Rosslyn.

As they continue on their way, they encounter old friends, make new ones, learn of death and destruction of loved ones, and attempt to hide their tracks from old and new enemies.

They stop briefly at Robard Hode's estate before the three friends continue their journey. When they arrive at the end location, they encounter a grave danger that might cost them everything.

ORPHAN OF DESTINY is the end of THE YOUNGEST TEMPLAR trilogy filled with action, danger, friendship, betrayal, and loyalty. I love how the tale weaves in historical/mythical people such as Robard Hode (Robin Hood), Maryam (Maid Marian), Little John, and Friar Tuck with the Holy Grail.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel