Customer Reviews

Orphan of Destiny: Book 3 (Youngest Templar)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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.

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

Storyline - England at last! This should be easy for the three travelers, right? No. England is under heavy taxes by Prince John who is ruling the kingdom. Sir Hugh is still on the trail. And, if that isn't enough, Tristan is hurt. On their way, they are met with even more difficulties, such as the Sheriff of Nottingham who is taxing Robard's home harshly and hurting its people. Will they ever make it to there destination in Scotland with all the things standing in the way ansd Sir Hugh appearing at every corner to take the Grail? And will the answers to Tristan's birth and family be answered when everyone seems to know about it but him?

Positive - "Honor, duty, and sacrifice" (Orphan of Destiny, Chap. 38, Pg. 252) is not only the Templar morals but also the theme with in the series. Tristan stays true to his knight and friends, even when they go and get themselves in trouble. Tristan is willing to give any thing for the safety of his friends. Robard is a caring and protective character even with his hot head and vengeful spirit, who would do anything for his friends. Robard has a chance to kill the man he feels killed his father but lets him go. Maryam is the voice of reason and can get to what is troubling someone. She also is someone they group can depend on is sticky situations and is willing to listen and give support when needed. The dog, Angel, is a pretty neat character as well.

Negative - Robard is very hot headed and vengeful. He also has every intention to kill the man he feels responsible for killing his father and making his mother's life difficult. Tristan has had enough of Sir Hugh and him endangering his friends and feels the only way to get the knight to stop is to kill him. Tristan kills in rage and anger once.

Finish - A series I heartily enjoyed over the last couple of years as they came out one by one. I also enjoyed the endings (cliffhangers). I also like the end of this series which is always an important thing for me and, if any more stories can be told about Tristan and his friends, I would love to read them. Sword fights, chase scenes, and good writing and morals bring this book together for a great read which will make you want to know what happens next. Recommend to anyone who loves adventure and/or books placed in a historical setting. A great series worth the time to read.

Even though this is the third book in the series, I had no trouble keeping track of everything and never felt lost. While I enjoy watching series characters grow and joining them on their adventures, I'm impressed when an author is able to have a series book stand on it's own. I've lost track of how many times I've picked up a book and had no idea what was going on because I didn't know that it was part of a series.

The main character is Tristan, a squire who's on a quest for his lord knight. He's assisted on his journey by talented archer Robard Hode and a female assassin named Maryam. Robard grew up in Sherwood Forest, is attracted to Maryam, and discovers a nemesis in the evil Shire Reeve of Nottingham. They also meet several other characters inspired by the Robin Hood legend, such as Friar Tuck, Little John, and Will Scarlett. I may be easily amused, but I really enjoyed the Robin Hood tie-in!

This was a fun story for me, but I wasn't sure if the target audience was young adult or middle grade. There were parts that might not be appropriate for MG, as there is some violence and people get hurt as well as actually die. But other sections seemed aimed at a younger audience. Could just be me, but I was a little confused on whether or not this would be suitable for my niece. Ultimately decided no because she's too young, but depending on the child, they might be able to handle it.

Gave this a 3/5 as it was an okay story for me and I enjoyed it, but it didn't wow me. Was a little young for my tastes, but I've seen other reviewers that have loved it. If you've read this one, I'd be curious to hear what you thought of it and what age group you think it's aimed at?

This book was purchased for my school library collection, and not for personal use. All I can say is that it has not been on the shelf since I bought it...the guys keep it checked out all the time. That should speak volumes.

I enjoyed this book very much, it uses the Robin Hood theme (revised) to tell of Tristan's quest to protect & return the Grail to England. I have read all three books in the series and found them excelent reading.

Orphan of Destiny is a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy of the Youngest Templar series. The characters continue to grow and become more fully rounded. The plot develops logically w/ some nice twists that help both children and adults keep their interest. We read it as part of a student / adult book club. The students are anxious to for another volume. The adults would love to see where the story might go, but feel that characters could begin to flounder w/o a larger historical background.

My 11 year old son LOVES this entire series of books. They are all full of adventure and intrigue. EXCELLENT book. Can't wait for the next in the series to be published!!!

Story continues at a fast pace with engaging plot line and characters. Written for pre-teens but appeals to all ages that appreciate good adventure stories.