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72nd out of 300 books
—
895 voters
Black Horses for the King
"This fast-moving historical fantasy by bestselling author Anne McCaffrey traces the beginnings of the British cavalry, as recounted by a boy growing up in exciting and perilous times.
"After his father's death, young Galwyn Varianus is apprenticed to his uncle, who puts the boy to work on the high seas. But horses, not ships, are Galwyn's passion. Luckily, a passenger abo...more
"After his father's death, young Galwyn Varianus is apprenticed to his uncle, who puts the boy to work on the high seas. But horses, not ships, are Galwyn's passion. Luckily, a passenger abo...more
Mass Market Paperback, 192 pages
Published
April 27th 2004
by Del Rey
(first published April 1st 1996)
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Well, little did I know that I was getting a book for "young adults" foisted off on me. However, since two of my long-time loves are horses and King Arthur -- and this book combines both -- I was satisfied to read it.
Covers the importation of heavy war horses who could carry the limited armor of the era plus the soldier. They used what the book called Libyan horses, but were of what they now call Friesian-type or Spanish-type.
Then the challenge was how to keep their feet healthy. The breed was...more
Covers the importation of heavy war horses who could carry the limited armor of the era plus the soldier. They used what the book called Libyan horses, but were of what they now call Friesian-type or Spanish-type.
Then the challenge was how to keep their feet healthy. The breed was...more
Originally published on my blog here in January 1999.
Anne McCaffrey was never going to write an Arthurian story, because she felt put off by the Hollywood-style image she had of the legends, presumably that put about by films like A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. In this novel, written for the 'young adult' market, she has changed her mind. But she has not really written an Arthurian novel; the setting (other the fact that it is early medieval Britain, with the presence of a charisma...more
Anne McCaffrey was never going to write an Arthurian story, because she felt put off by the Hollywood-style image she had of the legends, presumably that put about by films like A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. In this novel, written for the 'young adult' market, she has changed her mind. But she has not really written an Arthurian novel; the setting (other the fact that it is early medieval Britain, with the presence of a charisma...more
I may have been reading too much experimental fiction lately, but I found BHFTK pretty juvenile and melodramatic.
Pros first: the historical research is impeccable, including Roman place names and established trading posts. It includes amazing detail of shipping practices, the travel of Jews and Arabs (later reviled and curtailed by Christian influence), and the importance of good horseflesh to military practices. The characters comment on each other's physical build, armaments, and accoutrement...more
Pros first: the historical research is impeccable, including Roman place names and established trading posts. It includes amazing detail of shipping practices, the travel of Jews and Arabs (later reviled and curtailed by Christian influence), and the importance of good horseflesh to military practices. The characters comment on each other's physical build, armaments, and accoutrement...more
Ehhhh... this book was pretty disappointing. I mean, I love Arthurian legends, historical fiction, fantasy, AND horses. I was one of those girls who tried to convince Daddy to install a pony in the garage ("It could even eat the grass, so you wouldn't have to mow it! And it could exercise in the dog run!"). You'd think a book combining all of these elements would be incredible, particularly if it was by the incredible woman who was responsible for the Pern series.
I think it's because the main ch...more
I think it's because the main ch...more
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When I picked this book off the shelf at the library I didn't know that it was going to be a spin on Arthurian fiction. I really just needed something to hold me over while I waited for another book to come in and thought Anne McCaffrey might be a good choice. It has been about five years since I read anything by her.
If you are a big fan of Arthurian fiction, I wouldn't particularly suggest this book. While it does have a little to do with Arthur (Artos, Comes Brittanorum, as he is known in thi...more
If you are a big fan of Arthurian fiction, I wouldn't particularly suggest this book. While it does have a little to do with Arthur (Artos, Comes Brittanorum, as he is known in thi...more
"Black Horses for the King" is the only novel of historical fiction Anne McCaffrey wrote during her long career as far as I am aware. She made the vision of one Celtic-Roman leader determined to bring his people warhorses and one ordinary young man's devoted efforts to see that vision through real and important to me. This is vital because, though I do enjoy animals, what I know about horses couldn't fill a melon-baller and I have been quite contentedly embracing my ignorance.
In her 'Foreward' M...more
In her 'Foreward' M...more
This was such an unexpected treat! I read through the entire Dragons of Pern series when I was pregnant with Cameron but hadn't touched a McCaffrey book in 12 years. I'm also not a big Arthurian legend fan. All that being said, this was a wonderful juvenile/young adult book about a young boy who is willingly taken by Comtes Artos to acquire and care for war horses big enough to carry Arthur and his knights in armor so he can win control of the whole of the British Isles. Arthur and his cohort ma...more
A great little historical novel about the early years of King Arthur, imagining how he acquired horses large enough to carry his Companions. Absolutely of the quality fans of McCaffery have come to expect.
This one was better than Bloodline, of course I really enjoy McCaffrey. But it wasn't a "wonderful" book. Historical Fiction about the King Arthur time period. McCaffrey tried hard to stay away from the cliche King Arthur. In fact, the story doesn't resemble King Arthur at all. The protaganist is a stable boy who works for Arthur and Arthur is a side character (which I found refreshing). Probably the best thing from this book was what I learned about horses and the historical background on horse...more
Black Horses for the King is an Arthurian novel, but focuses mostly on an original character, Galwyn, as he joins Arthur's men and helps to look after his horses, and eventually becomes involved in making prototype horse shoes for them.
It's a little odd for an Arthurian novel, as it has nothing to do with the now-traditional focus of the stories on Lancelot and Guinevere, and barely even follows the well-known characters -- the minor characters among Arthur's knights are original ones, while Bed...more
It's a little odd for an Arthurian novel, as it has nothing to do with the now-traditional focus of the stories on Lancelot and Guinevere, and barely even follows the well-known characters -- the minor characters among Arthur's knights are original ones, while Bed...more
Black Horses for the King tells the story of a young boy who enters the service of King Arthur as a translator to help him buy the horses he needs to build up a cavalry to help unite Britain and defeat the Saxons. I read this as a possible gift for someone who likes horses (hi Christen!). I didn’t end up giving it to her, but I still found it an enjoyable, easy read. I can’t remember if this book is for young adults or not, but I think it makes a nice young adult book. It is written clearly and...more
An account of a young man's contribution to King Arthur's military campaign, by way of his expertise with horses and his skill with the latest innovation: making iron horseshoes.
As to be expected from McCaffrey, well-written, with engaging characters and plot. I especially enjoyed her efforts to base it more on the historical Arthur than the legendary man. Plus, I was fascinated by the historical significance of the king's "black horses" and the horse shoes, and the remnants of those times stil...more
As to be expected from McCaffrey, well-written, with engaging characters and plot. I especially enjoyed her efforts to base it more on the historical Arthur than the legendary man. Plus, I was fascinated by the historical significance of the king's "black horses" and the horse shoes, and the remnants of those times stil...more
Nov 16, 2012
Jennifer Wardrip
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
trt-posted-reviews
Reviewed by Rebecca Wells for TeensReadToo.com
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 work with horses. But when Lord Artos calls upon Galwyn to help him bargain for horses for his Companions, Galwyn's life changes completely.
Once Lord Artos - the man who will become the legendary King Arthur - sees Galwyn's calming way with horses, Galwyn is invited to join th...more
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 work with horses. But when Lord Artos calls upon Galwyn to help him bargain for horses for his Companions, Galwyn's life changes completely.
Once Lord Artos - the man who will become the legendary King Arthur - sees Galwyn's calming way with horses, Galwyn is invited to join th...more
Okay, when I first picked up this book I wasn't sure what to expect. Anne McCaffrey writes wonderful science fiction/fantasy books but her only other non-science fiction book, The Lady, i was not that fond of.
But, having read this book as a way to pass an otherwise boring afternoon spent in the library as a junior in high school (what can I say, I was a major geek, and hanging out in the library was more fun then staring at a wall during study hall) I was immediately drawn into the story.
The boo...more
But, having read this book as a way to pass an otherwise boring afternoon spent in the library as a junior in high school (what can I say, I was a major geek, and hanging out in the library was more fun then staring at a wall during study hall) I was immediately drawn into the story.
The boo...more
A blurb on the cover of this one reads, "The story of King Arthur as it has never been told before..." This is true. It's true because this book seems to be as much about King Arthur's horse as it is about him. Now like I said before, I've never found horse stories to be all that interesting. Arthurian tales, however, I find to be quite enthralling. Mixing the two turned out quite successful and yielded an enjoyable tale. (Of course, Ms. McCaffrey's ability to create interesting characters might...more
This was the book that turned me on to Arthurian fiction, which then led me to Elizabeth Wein's "The Winter Prince," which remains one of my favourite books today. This Anne McCaffrey novel is a historical fiction novel set in the time of King Arthur. Arthur, or Artos, as he is known in this story, is searching for black horses large enough for his warriors to ride. To help him find and trade for the Libyan black steeds that he
needs, he hires a young ship's apprentice, Galwyn. Awesome writing.
needs, he hires a young ship's apprentice, Galwyn. Awesome writing.
Feb 06, 2012
Michelle
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
like-to-read-more-of
I actually got a message asking me why I rated this and didn't review so I will tell you.
Every book is different, a new book, a new chapter; a new life. Don't compare them.
I read this book when I was fifteen and never even seeing a horse before I could feel a velvet smooth nose and hear their puffing breaths; know how much it might hurt to ride one as it ran and jostled you on its back. To me this is what matters in a book. An this book even as I read it again yesterday; still lets me feel like...more
Every book is different, a new book, a new chapter; a new life. Don't compare them.
I read this book when I was fifteen and never even seeing a horse before I could feel a velvet smooth nose and hear their puffing breaths; know how much it might hurt to ride one as it ran and jostled you on its back. To me this is what matters in a book. An this book even as I read it again yesterday; still lets me feel like...more
Interesting, pretty well written, and I felt more for a younger audience than the book jacket leads you to believe. It was a fun portrayal of a King Arthur story, more historical fiction than fantasy, and I had fun reading it. Other than that there's not a lot to say - I was interested in the history laid out here, and in all the research the author did to write the story, and it was good. It wasn't really a King Arthur story in the way you expect it to be.
This was really different from Ms. McCaffrey's normal routine work, however, as per usual she does not dissappoint. Her flow of writing is always impeccable.
If you like horses, or are even perhaps intrigued by them, this is a little slice of 'history' that will pique your interest, it certainly did mine, and I highly recommend it as a nice little read.
Very informative, and as always, the heart is pulled.
If you like horses, or are even perhaps intrigued by them, this is a little slice of 'history' that will pique your interest, it certainly did mine, and I highly recommend it as a nice little read.
Very informative, and as always, the heart is pulled.
Recommended to me by a horse-crazy 11-year-old who did NOT know of my long-standing Arthurian lust. The focus is mainly on the young male character and his interactions with horses (of course!) and only minimally about Arthur himself. Anne McCaffrey is an old hand at the fantasy genre and the research into the time period is as usual high quality.
This was probably one of my favorite Anne McCaffery novel when I was in Jr. High and High School. Or at least I remember it that way as it is the one I read the most... That could have also have been as it was short, there was only one, and I never actually read every Pern book because there were just so many.
I really, really enjoyed this book since I've always generally liked the king Arthur stories and I like horses so it was a great combo. I loved the characters, the plot, and the setting! Wonderfully written and well paced too. You just can't easily beat a book like this. :D
A great Arthurian novel that takes the story in a completely different direction. You follow a young boy trying escaping from his selfish novel to follow and aid a man who has shown him kindness and who has a mission and destiny that would be made into legend.
It was a pretty good book, though not quite the Arthurian tale I expected. The story centers around Galwyn, and Artos (Arthur) really didn't make too many appearances. I also felt the ending was a bit abrupt, but all-in-all I did enjoy the story.
This tale had a setting in Arthurian times, but that it is about all that related to King Arthur. This was about horses and the early use of "iron sandals" or horseshoes.
Not a big interest of mine. But McCafferey's writing style and character development made it very readable.
Not a big interest of mine. But McCafferey's writing style and character development made it very readable.
So, I read this because it was short. I wanted to know if I enjoyed McCaffrey's writing to see if I would read the pern series. I did like her style, but the substance of the book not so much. You have to reaaaaaaally like horses to like this book. Just kind of meh in general
This Arthurian adaptation actually follows a young Shipwright's apprentice Galwyn, as he becomes a servant for Arthur(or Comes Artos) and the new cavalry of African horses. Combines the best of Anne McCaffrey and Mercedes Lackey.
As a horse crazed teen who had read my way through Pern, I loved this book. It doesn't hold up as well upon rereading as some of her other books but for the YA set I highly recommend it as a horse-centric historical fiction.
Nice little book about King Arthur's cavalry. An interesting aside from the author says that Black Horse Inns only appear along the route Arthur would have used in fighting the Saxons.
It was great! I was completely enthralled in the story and the characters came across very well. It was not a difficult read and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes books about knights.
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Anne McCaffrey was born on April 1st, 1926, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, at 1:30 p.m., in the hour of the Sheep, year of the Fire Tiger, sun sign Aries with Taurus rising and Leo mid-heaven (which seems to suggest an early interest in the stars).
Her parents were George Herbert McCaffrey, BA, MA PhD (Harvard), Colonel USA Army (retired), and Anne Dorothy McElroy McCaffrey, estate agent. She had two...more
More about Anne McCaffrey...
Her parents were George Herbert McCaffrey, BA, MA PhD (Harvard), Colonel USA Army (retired), and Anne Dorothy McElroy McCaffrey, estate agent. She had two...more
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