1191 A.D. The orphan Tristan has joined the Knights Templar as a squire, journeying with Richard the Lionheart on his crusade to free the Holy Land...
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Aug 13, 2008
Jennifer
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Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
KEEPER OF THE GRAIL is the beginning of a new series by Michael P. Spradlin. Readers might think that an adventure set in 1191 A.D. would be dry, historical reading, but in this case those readers would be totally wrong. Tristan's adventures are anything but dry. Though they may be historical at times, they are packed with one exciting event after another.
An orphan raised by a group of monks, Trist More...
KEEPER OF THE GRAIL is the beginning of a new series by Michael P. Spradlin. Readers might think that an adventure set in 1191 A.D. would be dry, historical reading, but in this case those readers would be totally wrong. Tristan's adventures are anything but dry. Though they may be historical at times, they are packed with one exciting event after another.
An orphan raised by a group of monks, Trist More...
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Aug 18, 2011
Cil
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jul 30, 2011
This is a very good book and it sure is a cliffhanger.
I enjoyed reading about the young Tristan, who was left at the doorstep of a monastery when he was just a baby with a note explaning that it was for his own safety.
15 years later a group of Templar Knights comes to the monastery to spend the night and young Tristan meets Sir Thomas Leux and becomes his squire suddenly on the way to the Holy Land called "Outremer".
He experiences hate from the horrible Sir Hugh, battles, escape from More...
I enjoyed reading about the young Tristan, who was left at the doorstep of a monastery when he was just a baby with a note explaning that it was for his own safety.
15 years later a group of Templar Knights comes to the monastery to spend the night and young Tristan meets Sir Thomas Leux and becomes his squire suddenly on the way to the Holy Land called "Outremer".
He experiences hate from the horrible Sir Hugh, battles, escape from More...
Oct 29, 2010
Sarah-Greenbeanteenqueen
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Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
I'll admit, I first heard about this book several years ago when the author was at our local children's lit fest. I thought there was no way a book about the Knights Templar would work for young readers. Then Keeper of the Grail was nominated for the Truman award, which is our state book award for grades 6-8, so I knew I had to read it. And I was very surprised! Not only does a book about the Knights Templar actually work for this age group, it's a ton of fun!
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I'll admit, I first heard about this book several years ago when the author was at our local children's lit fest. I thought there was no way a book about the Knights Templar would work for young readers. Then Keeper of the Grail was nominated for the Truman award, which is our state book award for grades 6-8, so I knew I had to read it. And I was very surprised! Not only does a book about the Knights Templar actually work for this age group, it's a ton of fun!
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Jan 16, 2010
Paige Y.
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The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail
Michael P. Spradlin
Tristan has only known life in the monastery where he was found as an infant. Although he was raised by monks, he has never had the desire to become one, so when a group of Knights Templar stops there on their way to fight in the Third Crusade, he accepts the offer to become a squire to one of the leaders, Sir Thomas. Unfortunately he also makes an enemy of the other leader, Sir Hugh.
When they reach the Holy More...
Michael P. Spradlin
Tristan has only known life in the monastery where he was found as an infant. Although he was raised by monks, he has never had the desire to become one, so when a group of Knights Templar stops there on their way to fight in the Third Crusade, he accepts the offer to become a squire to one of the leaders, Sir Thomas. Unfortunately he also makes an enemy of the other leader, Sir Hugh.
When they reach the Holy More...
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Jul 12, 2011
foo4luv
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Left at a monastery under mysterious circumstances, Tristan is an honest lad with no knowledge of his true heritage. Sir Thomas, a Templar, hires him as a squire and takes him to the holy land in the midst of the crusades. Tristan's career takes an abrupt turn when Sir Thomas orders him to abandon his post during a siege in order to take the holiest relic entrusted to the Templars, the holy grail, to a pre-established, safe location in England.
There are hints that Tristan is of nob More...
There are hints that Tristan is of nob More...
Oct 08, 2010
Readgoods
rated it:
Well, compared to his lame "Spy Goddess" trilogy, this book wasn't bad, but that's not really saying much.
First of all, our young hero Tristan, doesn't actually start the real quest until page 141! Even then, the pace is slow and the exciting parts leave as soon as the arrive. It took me nearly a week to finish this book, because I just wasn't too interested.
That being said, it wasn't terrible. Tristan's emotions were believable and his comrades were interesting in More...
First of all, our young hero Tristan, doesn't actually start the real quest until page 141! Even then, the pace is slow and the exciting parts leave as soon as the arrive. It took me nearly a week to finish this book, because I just wasn't too interested.
That being said, it wasn't terrible. Tristan's emotions were believable and his comrades were interesting in More...
Jun 30, 2009
Rose
rated it: 
I read this book before letting my child have a go, but based on my experience with it, I don't think she'll bother. There are blow-by-blow, chapter long descriptions of gory medieval battle; a protagonist like out of a medieval saga: all heroic impulse, little emotional depth; and a strictly Christian perspective on the ethical question of the Crusades. All those things can maybe be discussed as authentically medieval, so, given a good plot and good characters, I very well may have accepted th
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Dec 31, 2008
Cindy
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I was hoping that although this was a young children's book that it would be more on the older side then younger. That wasn't really the case but this was still a great book!
I did like that nothing was assumed and so a lot of background was explained. I don't like historical fiction that doesn't explain anything to you and assumes that you remember you high school history lessons! Spradlin did a great job of explaining it in a story like setting. I don't remember a lot about the Crus More...
I did like that nothing was assumed and so a lot of background was explained. I don't like historical fiction that doesn't explain anything to you and assumes that you remember you high school history lessons! Spradlin did a great job of explaining it in a story like setting. I don't remember a lot about the Crus More...
May 14, 2010
Kara
rated it:
To be fair, “Robin” and “Marian” are hilarious.
Imagine Ron and Hermione or Hans Solo and Princess Leia squabbling their way across the 12th century. Definitely the most fun I’ve seen the classic folk tale couple portrayed in a long time. And with a twist to them that is truly new.
“Marian” is the second most original interpretation of the character I have ever seen. She has no explanation given to her implausible background and profession, but I’m almost willing t More...
Dec 29, 2010
Josh
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The first thing I thought when I stumbled across this book was, "What a great book to include in a history lesson about the Crusades and the Templar Knights!" Even though this book is geared for the junior high set, I had to read it because this era holds such fascination for me and, as a teacher, I am always looking for novels that could be used to present the history in a much more enjoyable manner than just pure lectures. Plus, I had never seen a book on this topic geared for 7th an
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Jan 18, 2011
Tessa
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Tristan has been living at St. Alban’s monastery, clueless of his parental origins. When Tristan is fifteen a Templar knight, Sir Thomas, asks Tristan to become his squire. Another knight, Sir Hugh, is appalled and offended by Tristan for some unknown reason. While preparing for the Crusades, Tristan is introduced to King Richard and the meeting is an odd occasion. Tristan and the Templar knights are sent to the Holy Land to defend the Christian settlements from Saladin. During a losing battle,
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Jan 05, 2011
Sarah
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This gets a 3 instead of a 4 because it starts at the end and then goes back to the beginning. It isn't the end of the book either, but the end of the series as far as I could tell. It also lost points for including a female warrior on the side of the Saracens, who I don't believe used girls any more than the Christians did. I also think it was a bit dim of Tristan to think that no one would suspect that he carried something important when he was the only surviving Templar from Akra when Templar
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Jan 01, 2011
Jessi
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I really enjoyed reading this book. Spradlin deftly captures the essence of the adventure and danger of twelfth century for young readers. As Tristan leaves his safe home at the monastery and joins the Knights Templar as a squire, he engages in adventures that he would never before dream of. Sir Thomas offers him the opportunity of a lifetime by taking him to the Holy Land and giving him a strange audience with the King. Sir Hugh, obviously corrupt in some way, does what he can to tempt Tristan
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Dec 19, 2011
Precentor
rated it: 
Keeper of the Grail was reasonably enjoyable and written with an easy, casual, and well done 1st person narrative.
Pros:
Knights of the Templar, crusades, and flashing swords make a great backdrop for any story.
Our protagonist was morally reputable and loyal.
Cons:
The plot itself was average; I believe it could have been much more interesting to follow if the story didn't seem to change radically from a "coming of age as a Templar" story to "k More...
Pros:
Knights of the Templar, crusades, and flashing swords make a great backdrop for any story.
Our protagonist was morally reputable and loyal.
Cons:
The plot itself was average; I believe it could have been much more interesting to follow if the story didn't seem to change radically from a "coming of age as a Templar" story to "k More...
Jul 24, 2010
Annette
rated it:
When the Knights Templar ride through the Abbey on their way to battle, the orphan Tristan suddenly finds himself made squire to Sir Thomas. While being a squire is exciting, it is also dangerous, as Tristan gets caught between rival knights desperate for power and is entrusted with the most sacred relic - the Holy Grail. With the chaos of war around him, he teams up with some unlikely allies. But even with their help, can Tristan safely bring the Holy Grail back to England? Or will he succu
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Jan 18, 2012
Dominique
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Tristen, an orphan at an abbey, becomes a squire to Sir Thomas of the Templars. There is mystery surrounding Tristen's birth. Arrogant Sir Hugh, the head of this particular set of Templars, takes a hatred to Tristen, and beats him up at every opportunity. As the Templars are being over run by Saracens, Sit Thomas entrusts Tristen with the Holy Grail, and commands him to deliver it to Roselyn, hundreds of miles away. Will he be able to keep it safe? Great for 5-8. Lots of historical facts a
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Aug 14, 2010
Anne
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This book is a first of an ongoing series. It's an interesting mix of Templar and Robin Hood which was the reason I picked it up having a weakness for both. The writing style is easy to read, and moves at a good pace. I like the characters, apart from Sir Hugh, but he's the bad guy so that's intentional. I'm also curious as to what powers the grail has as there's already been some interesting occurrances in this first book surrounding it. The three young heroes, Tristan, Robard and Maryam play o
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Oct 27, 2009
Stan
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jan 19, 2012
Tylerd
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This book is about a boy Tristan named who was orphaned as a baby and grew up with the monks. One day a band of Templar knights came and recruited him. He was intrusted to deliver the holy grail to special informat. The trader templer tried to capture him and steal the holy grail from him. Everytime Tristan got into trouble the holy grail saved him.
This book was very good if you like historical fiction books. This books is more suited for boys.
This book was very good if you like historical fiction books. This books is more suited for boys.
Jan 14, 2010
Devin
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In the book The Youngest templar Keeper of the Grail it is about a kid who gets sent to a abbey or as we call them a church as a baby. He grows up there then one day a group of templar knights stays there for the night. the boy is taking the templars horses to the stables when one of them gets a cut. The owner of the horse Who is Sir Hugh, Tries to hit the boy with hes metal glove. But then a hand stops him from doing it and it turned out to be his soon master. His name was Sir Max. then before
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Dec 31, 2011
Angie
rated it:
This is the story of Tristan, a young man raised in an abby. He is discovered by a crusading knight and taken on as a squire. and he soon has a dangerous enemy in another Knight. He is given a very important task by his lord, thus leading to exciting adventures during his travels, learns much, and meets interesting characters along the way. First in a series, it definitely leaves the reader (or listener) with a cliff-hanger moment.
Mar 04, 2009
Brenda
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Book on CD. Entertaining. I was expecting an Arthur/Holy Grail tale but it is another take on Robin Hood instead. Unfortunately, this is the start of a series and so there was not a resolution at the end. Darren actually finished listening to it before I did and told me flat out that it had a stupid ending. I think he was just miffed that it was left so open.
Jun 17, 2009
Samantha
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Oct 12, 2008
Dreamweaver
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I've always been intrigued by the Templars. This is a great additon to the body of fiction that has sprung up around them in the last few years. Woven with just enough mystery and plenty of action to keep the story moving, Spradlin paints a vivid picture of abbey life, Templar knights and the colors and feelings of Acre and Tyre during the Crusades. And throws in the Holy Grail for good measure!
Many scholars, authors, moviemakers, and just plain enthusiasts have endowed the Grai More...
Many scholars, authors, moviemakers, and just plain enthusiasts have endowed the Grai More...
Oct 20, 2010
Weber
rated it:
While the story is enjoyable, the narrator talks with this drawn out English accent that gets on my nerves. The way he says "gaaaaaaaarden" annoys me especially.
Now that I've finished the book, I can say that it was a disappointment. At first, when the blacksmith was known as "Little John" I thought, "huh, like Robin Hood" ok, haha good one. Then when He meets "Robard Hode", the story starts going downhill. I was interested enough in Tristan's More...
Now that I've finished the book, I can say that it was a disappointment. At first, when the blacksmith was known as "Little John" I thought, "huh, like Robin Hood" ok, haha good one. Then when He meets "Robard Hode", the story starts going downhill. I was interested enough in Tristan's More...
Apr 21, 2009
Jenny
rated it:
After trying to read a few J and YA medieval historicals that were badly marred by 20th century quips and unbelievable dialog, the Youngest Templar scratched my knightly itch. Really compelling, well written and it's the beginning of a series. And it has Templars and Robin Hood! What more could you want?
Mar 13, 2010
Sara
rated it:
Historical Fiction/young adult...everybody liked this one. Takes the viewpoint of a squire who works for the templars during the Crusades. Lots of adventure, we really liked the spirit of the hero and liked cheering him on.
Boys liked this one and we're already reading the second one.
Boys liked this one and we're already reading the second one.
Feb 20, 2011
Pamala
rated it:
I needed something in my favorite genre and this book fits. I probably wouldn't have picked up the second if not for the robin hood character. I didn't expect to find him there. I can't decide if I'd recommend it. I'll have to read on...
Mar 29, 2010
Jo
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This is on the Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award reading list of 30 books. Kids in grades 4-6 read them and vote on the one they liked the best. Gena is on her last one of 30. I read 21. I really liked this one, and can't wait for Book Two to come out.
