In his eighteenth year, the orphan Thomas flees virtual slavery in a remote Cistercian monastery, to pursue his outrageous quest to regain his kingdom—the fabled English castle of Magnus. Using powers gleaned from a woman he believes is his mother before she died, Thomas rescues and recruits a Knight Templar to his quest in the year 1312. Together, they hazard the perilous journey and the unseen manipulation of two opposing yet hidden forces. Yet how will this boy-man and one knight conquer a castle that an army of thousands could not defeat? Who is the mysterious Isabelle? And who is the old man who can darken the sun and seems to know everything?
Mystery is paramount in this title, however, the author, Sigmund Brouwer, sometimes seemed to overly obscure the facts. The main character, Thomas, is likable and although a skeptic, he draws closer to God as the curtain falls on this tale. The plot, while creative and mostly solid, had a significant flaw in the climax and conclusion. The writing style also kept the characters somewhat distant. However readers who like mystery and/or knights and the age of chivalry might enjoy The Orphan King.
Age Range: 11 and up
Genre: Historical/ Mystery
Series: Book One Merlin’s Immortals (First of three)
Waterbrook 2012
Available: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Also ask for this title at your local library
