Black Horses for the King

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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


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.


From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9?Lord Artos has a vision of using great, black Libyan stallions to carry him and his Companions into battle. To procure them, he and his men sail to Burtigala (Bordeaux), then cross over land to Septimania (the French Mediterranean coast). Galwyn, the ship owner's mistreated nephew, is gifted at languages and handling horses, not at sailing; when the ship reaches port, he runs away to join Artos on his trek. Once the mares and stallions reach Britain safely, the lord returns to Camelot and leaves the lad to learn the new craft of farriery. Artos prepares his army to fight the Saxons, and it is Galwyn's job to demonstrate the iron horseshoes and find a way to make them hold up in battle. Tension is introduced by the impending Saxon invasion and by a dismissed employee who seeks to sabotage the mission. The Latin and Celtic names and the large cast take some time to sort out, but become easier to manage as readers get into the story. Galwyn is the only character who is developed, and he matures nicely into a valued member of Artos's team. The book ends after the first Battle of the Glein, leaving readers wanting a sequel. McCaffrey's unromanticized portrait of the times is full of muck and grit, and horse lovers and fans of historical fiction will find much to enjoy in the details. An excellent companion to Rosemary Sutcliff's Arthurian fantasy trilogy (Puffin).?Cheri Estes, Detroit Country Day School Middle School, Beverly Hills, MICopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Gr. 7^-10. McCaffrey offers a different take on Arthurian legendry, telling a story of how Lord Artos, later known as King Arthur, procured large Libyan horses for his Companions to ride into battle against the Saxons as well as how the practice of shoeing horses began. The tale is narrated by young Galwyn, who leaves his harsh seafaring uncle to swear fealty to Artos, who finds Galwyn's knowledge of horses and his affinity for languages invaluable. The story follows the adventures of Artos and his band as they make their way to the horse fairs to bargain for horses, with Galwyn acting as interpreter. The scenes of transporting the horses by ship to England and then overland to Artos' farm are exciting. The second half of the book is quieter but no less compelling as Galwyn, under the tutorship of master horse healer Canyd Brawn, not only learns how to heal horses but also becomes a skilled farrier, keeping the great black horses well shod for battle. The Arthurian flavor is well maintained throughout, and both characterizations and events are totally convincing. A sure bet for genre readers and McCaffrey fans. Sally Estes


From Kirkus Reviews
McCaffrey turns away from the distant planet Pern to the world of King Arthur in her first enchanting historical novel for YAs. Galwyn Varianus is a quick-witted lad who is forced, after his father's death, to work as a page on his mean-spirited uncle's boat. Fortunately Galwyn meets the young Lord Artos (later, King Arthur), who has set out to breed Libyan horses for his army to ride against the invading Saxons. This larger conflict forms the background for Galwyn's simple, engrossing tale. After spending a few days in the future king's company, Galwyn is swayed by his noble leadership and mercy, so runs away to join Artos's forces. Here, Galwyn learns all about raising horses and grows into a fine citizen of Camelot. The author deftly recreates the tools and culture of the Arthurian era, but readers may find the prolonged development of the prototypical horseshoe plodding. McCaffrey's fans will no doubt enjoy the camaraderie of Artos's merry band, and her trademark good guy/bad guy characterizations flatten but slightly this enjoyable adventure. (Fiction. 12+) -- Copyright ©1996, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


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McCaffrey offers a different take on Arthurian legendry, telling a story of how Lord Artos, later known as King Arthur, procured large Libyan horses for his Companions to ride into battle against the Saxons as well as how the practice of shoeing horses began. The tale is narrated by young Galwyn, who leaves his harsh seafaring uncle to swear fealty to Artos, who finds Galwyn's knowledge of horses and his affinity for languages invaluable. The story follows the adventures of Artos and his band as they make their way to the horse fairs to bargain for horses, with Galwyn acting as interpreter. The scenes of transporting the horses by ship to England and then overland to Artos' farm are exciting. The second half of the book is quieter but no less compelling as Galwyn, under the tutorship of master horse healer Canyd Brawn, not only learns how to heal horses but also becomes a skilled farrier, keeping the great black horses well shod for battle. The Arthurian flavor is well maintained throughout, and both characterizations and events are totally convincing. A sure bet for genre readers and McCaffrey fans.Read all 6 "From The Critics" >


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