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Free Lance #2
Free Lance and the Field of Blood (Free Lance, # 2)
Free Lance has had a good season, and has earned the right to compete in a major tournment for the first time in a long while. Soon all the money is on him to win. But the Duke makes him an offer he cant refuse - to lose to his own man. Just to complicate things, the Duke's niece begs Free Lance to defeat her uncle's henchman to save her from a brutal marriage - Free Lance always had a soft spot for a damsel in distress. Caught between a rock and a hard place, has our hero bitten off more than he can chew Full of drama and humour, this swashbuckling fantasy adventure by two of the leading exponents of the genre, sees the return of an action hero who is both charismatic and mysterious, and told in a laconic, Marlowesque first person narrative. Certain to be enjoyed by all readers of THE EDGE CHRONICLES and Terry Pratchett, and those aspiring to read them.Part of a unique range of books aimed at 11+s that through integration of text and illustration are also accessible to those with reading abilities of as young as 8, produced in consultation with literacy consultant Wendy Cooling.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 2, 2015
JOUST OF HONOR (called FIELD OF BLOOD in the UK) is another great one from the creators of THE EDGE CHRONICLES. #2 in the FREE LANCE series isn't nearly as strong as the first one, but it's still a great read. The one thing holding it down was its predictable ending and unsatisfying conclusion. But still wonderful language and illustrations, and a compelling story. Great series for boys in the "reluctant reader" category.
My favorite line from JOUST OF HONOR: "Noisiest of all was the jester, a tiny fellow with bells on his hat and a voice more shrill than a princess caught on the privy."
My favorite line from JOUST OF HONOR: "Noisiest of all was the jester, a tiny fellow with bells on his hat and a voice more shrill than a princess caught on the privy."
July 13, 2012
This is the second Free Lance book in the trilogy, the tricky second novel!
This series is all about short stories, nominally of the "for boys" genre, but I'm sure it would appeal to the whole species equally. The entire series is written in first person, which is not to everyones' taste, but works quite well for these little tales. They read as if the knight, Free Lance, is recounting his adventures to you over a pint, having met you in some tavern. He is a modest type, so does not try and ram his chivalric behaviour down your throat, but nevertheless it is there, subtly and avoidably impressive by the nature of the deeds.
This story is about a jousting tournament he attends, outwardly a display of the great honour and grace of knights, hosted by a duke. But, as he says, "It might look glamorous from the outside, but inside it was rotten." A tale of corruption, rigging, moral mazes and a fair bit of horsey hijinks.
Whilst the story is a fairly well-trodden affair, well executed, these books are very rich in illustration. The partnership between Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell has produced some excellent work. Each series seems to have a different balance of illustration versus text. The latest series, Wyrmeweald, is very light on illustration, very scant, primarily a written story. The Edge Chronicles and Barnaby Grimes are an about average mix for a book with illustrations. This series, has substantial illustrations on pretty much every double page spread - so much so that I would say the book is about 50/50, text against the illustrations. This gives the book more of the feel of a fully illustrated storybook. So they are particularly suitable for younger children, or adults like me on the commute to work.
A simple medieval tale, well told; wonderful illustrations.
This series is all about short stories, nominally of the "for boys" genre, but I'm sure it would appeal to the whole species equally. The entire series is written in first person, which is not to everyones' taste, but works quite well for these little tales. They read as if the knight, Free Lance, is recounting his adventures to you over a pint, having met you in some tavern. He is a modest type, so does not try and ram his chivalric behaviour down your throat, but nevertheless it is there, subtly and avoidably impressive by the nature of the deeds.
This story is about a jousting tournament he attends, outwardly a display of the great honour and grace of knights, hosted by a duke. But, as he says, "It might look glamorous from the outside, but inside it was rotten." A tale of corruption, rigging, moral mazes and a fair bit of horsey hijinks.
Whilst the story is a fairly well-trodden affair, well executed, these books are very rich in illustration. The partnership between Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell has produced some excellent work. Each series seems to have a different balance of illustration versus text. The latest series, Wyrmeweald, is very light on illustration, very scant, primarily a written story. The Edge Chronicles and Barnaby Grimes are an about average mix for a book with illustrations. This series, has substantial illustrations on pretty much every double page spread - so much so that I would say the book is about 50/50, text against the illustrations. This gives the book more of the feel of a fully illustrated storybook. So they are particularly suitable for younger children, or adults like me on the commute to work.
A simple medieval tale, well told; wonderful illustrations.
March 26, 2021
This was an easy and entertaining read. I liked the simple storyline. The ending was kind of predictable but I didn’t mind. I think this is a good book for children and anyone looking for a quick fix to knock off there reading challenge. :)
December 16, 2022
Again another very short read, I like it though,it is a shame it wasn't longer ....but I dont think you should think it is a children's story cos it is NOT , actually I don't know what target audience this is. slightly older than middle age maybe
December 12, 2012
This was a pretty good follow up to the first book, though I wonder why it was spaced so far from the last volume. In any case, the adventure was good and the story had enough intriguing twists to keep me interested. I enjoyed it and intend to read the last volume in the series as well.
July 13, 2011
Cute serious. Perfect for boys reluctant to read anything. Nice and short. Jousting and bloodshed? What boy wouldn't like it?
July 13, 2011
Cute series especially for boys who don't like picking up books. Nice and short and full of action.
May 21, 2012
Great little book about knights and jousting. Some humor and of course a princess.
Perfect for 3-4 grades who want a little adventure book.
Perfect for 3-4 grades who want a little adventure book.
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December 6, 2013Awesome
February 14, 2014
These books are funny and very quick reads. Loved it!
June 30, 2015
Fun illustrations and an exciting story. The third graders couldn't wait to read it each day.
March 3, 2018
A satisfactory wee story and Chris Riddell's illustrations are always a joy.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews