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Black Horses for the King (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "GALWYN'S FEEDING THE FISHES AGAIN," the mate called as I emptied the odorous bucket overboard..." (more)
Key Phrases: horse sandals, Prince Cador, Master Glebus, Comes Artos (more...)
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
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  Kindle Edition, February 19, 2002 $5.59 -- --
  Hardcover, June 30, 1998 $12.45 $10.00 --
  Hardcover, April 1, 1996 $13.26 $2.48 $0.06
  Paperback, July 31, 2008 $6.95 $3.13 $1.79
  Mass Market Paperback, April 26, 2004 $6.99 $2.94 $0.01

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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 --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.



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.
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Product Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 240 pages
  • Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books; First Edition edition (April 1, 1996)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0152273220
  • ISBN-13: 978-0152273224
  • Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,482,162 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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More About the Author

Anne McCaffrey
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Front Cover | Front Flap | First Pages | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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Inside This Book (learn more)
First Sentence:
"GALWYN'S FEEDING THE FISHES AGAIN," the mate called as I emptied the odorous bucket overboard. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
horse sandals
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Prince Cador, Master Glebus, Comes Artos, Comes Britannorum, Master Ilfor, Canyd Bawn, Uncle Gralior, Galwyn Varianus, Lord Bericus, Prince Geneir, Aqua Sulis, Decitus Varianus, Narrow Sea, Sextus Tertonius
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Black Horses for the King
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Customer Reviews

26 Reviews
5 star:
 (8)
4 star:
 (13)
3 star:
 (4)
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 (1)
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Average Customer Review
4.1 out of 5 stars (26 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
9 of 9 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
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.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for the Horse Lover, June 30, 2000
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.
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5 of 6 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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Story
Being a big fan of McCaffrey, I hoped that I would enjoy this story and I did. Would like to know more about the time period, and Arthurian legends now. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Barbra

5.0 out of 5 stars Courtesy of Teens Read Too
Galwyn Varianus's life has never been easy. When his father died he was apprenticed to his cruel uncle on a trading vessel, though all he wanted to do was stay shore-bound and... Read more
Published 11 months ago by TeensReadToo.com

4.0 out of 5 stars A young boy helps King Arthur
Though this book is aimed at young adults, I quite enjoyed it. It was a fast read, and I am interested in anything that has to do with King Arthur. Read more
Published on June 27, 2007 by Lady of Winterfell

4.0 out of 5 stars Anne McCafery's historical fiction book set in the time of the Briton and Saxon War ( by a 13 year old )
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... Read more
Published on February 6, 2007

4.0 out of 5 stars The Story of King Arthur without the round table
Best-selling fantasy author Anne McCaffrey has done it again and has written another fantastic book, Black Horses For The King. Read more
Published on February 6, 2007

4.0 out of 5 stars Black Horses For the King Report by a 13 year old
Anne McCaffrey writes Black Horses For The King as her first historical fiction story, branching off from her popular fantasy Dragonriders of Pern series. Read more
Published on February 6, 2007

3.0 out of 5 stars Historical, but not well intertwined.
Throughout reading this book I had mixed feelings about it. At parts it seems to just be like reading a text book, at other parts it felt like I was reading more of a Lord of the... Read more
Published on November 6, 2006 by GIDG3T

5.0 out of 5 stars Arthurian Lore
I collect every book I can find about Arthur and his universe. McCaffrey's book fits excellently into the collection. Read more
Published on September 2, 2005 by Dr. Gaile M. Pohlhaus, Sr.

4.0 out of 5 stars A good young adult novel, nothing more
Good young adult novel, which I am giving to my elder kidlet (age 9) to read now. He'll enjoy the mixture of horses and King Arthur, I think. Read more
Published on April 15, 2004 by Essay

4.0 out of 5 stars nothing special
This was a good book, but nothing special. This book tells the story of Galwyn Varianus who works for his cruel uncle. Read more
Published on June 16, 2003 by ...Loggie...

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