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The Prince Martin Epic #1
Prince Martin Wins His Sword
High-stakes adventure. Electrifying full-color art.
Narnia meets Old Yeller in this unforgettable debut!
This adventure's a throwback to simpler times. It appears to be prose—but it secretly rhymes. Kids can read to themselves. They can read it aloud. It's about a young boy who is brave and unbowed.
The kid goes on a quest, and when danger appears, he discovers true grit—and he conquers his fears.
When the dust has all settled and Martin returns, he makes difficult choices and finally learns that it's not always easy to do the right thing...
But he makes it back home to his father, the King. When his quest is complete and brave deeds have been done, he discovers at last that his sword has been won!
There's bright art that explodes, popping right of the page—a feast for the eyes, irrespective of age.
There's adventure aplenty...and frightening foes. There is also a knight—and he follows his nose, sniffing out those in danger to serve and protect. But this boldest of knights isn't whom you'd expect...
There's much more than just action and marvelous art: there's a moral embedded to enter the heart and the mind of your child. It will challenge and thrill. This book won't be forgotten like other ones will.
And the very best part? Martin makes a new friend!
When kids finish this book, they won't want it to end.
- GenresChildrens
56 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2017
About the author
Brandon Hale
10 books14 followersWhen Brandon Hale was a young boy, he lived in South America. It was a great place to be a kid, and his mom let him play outside as much as he wanted. He had a dog named Okie, a slingshot, and an awesome tree house his dad built. The tree was full of pink mangoes, jabbering parrots, and fat iguanas! When he was older, his family moved home to Oklahoma, and he began second grade. His favorite classes were Reading and History. He still got to spend a lot of time outdoors, and sometimes his uncles would take him hunting—with their falcons! His favorite tales were Treasure Island, The Swiss Family Robinson, Old Yeller, and The Hobbit.
After finishing 19 years(!) of school, Brandon went to work as a lawyer. In 2001, a very beautiful lady agreed to marry Brandon. Now they have five great kids and live on the Oklahoma plains. Regarding Prince Martin, Brandon didn’t even know he existed until he popped into his head one day! And when he had to go overseas for a long time in 2015, Brandon would tell his young son Prince Martin stories on the phone. In fact, the boy named some of the most important characters! Now Brandon wakes up real early every morning (when the house is unusually quiet) and writes about Prince Martin.
After finishing 19 years(!) of school, Brandon went to work as a lawyer. In 2001, a very beautiful lady agreed to marry Brandon. Now they have five great kids and live on the Oklahoma plains. Regarding Prince Martin, Brandon didn’t even know he existed until he popped into his head one day! And when he had to go overseas for a long time in 2015, Brandon would tell his young son Prince Martin stories on the phone. In fact, the boy named some of the most important characters! Now Brandon wakes up real early every morning (when the house is unusually quiet) and writes about Prince Martin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 22, 2017
I enjoy poetry, I enjoy epic poems, I enjoy action and adventure stories. But in my opinion this book does not pull off the epic poem especially with the intended audience. I read this book ahead of reading it with my son. It is not a long volume and my son wanted to read it so I pushed my way through, to finish the book. Then when I went to read it with my son we did not even finish the first chapter. The verse was just to forced and he gave up on it.
It is a good idea for a story. And the series looks like it has potential. But this book just does not pull it off. On Amazon the ratings for this book are either 4 or 5 stars before I wrote my review. On Good reads it is an equal split of 3 or 5 stars. I enjoyed the plot of a young boy growing in maturity and virtues, of his needing to earn his sword, and his going on adventure.
The same week I read this book I read Nicholas Gilroy: Our Lady and the Guardian and I must admit that for as much as I loved that book. Prince Martin left me saying meh. I really believe that if this same story was done it prose, or even poetry without the forced rhyming it would have been a much better read. And after my son did not finish this one, I am unlikely to pick up future volumes even for my own reading.
The illustrations by Jason Zimdars remind me a lot of the classic Tin-Tin books I read in French immersion school. They are well done and really add to the overall story. Without the illustrations being so strong my review might have dropped to two stars.
So over all good idea, good plot but weak execution.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
It is a good idea for a story. And the series looks like it has potential. But this book just does not pull it off. On Amazon the ratings for this book are either 4 or 5 stars before I wrote my review. On Good reads it is an equal split of 3 or 5 stars. I enjoyed the plot of a young boy growing in maturity and virtues, of his needing to earn his sword, and his going on adventure.
The same week I read this book I read Nicholas Gilroy: Our Lady and the Guardian and I must admit that for as much as I loved that book. Prince Martin left me saying meh. I really believe that if this same story was done it prose, or even poetry without the forced rhyming it would have been a much better read. And after my son did not finish this one, I am unlikely to pick up future volumes even for my own reading.
The illustrations by Jason Zimdars remind me a lot of the classic Tin-Tin books I read in French immersion school. They are well done and really add to the overall story. Without the illustrations being so strong my review might have dropped to two stars.
So over all good idea, good plot but weak execution.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
February 22, 2020
I kid you not: I pulled this out the other night because I needed a bedtime story. For myself. You know—something quick, positive, and easy to digest before I drifted off.
And I read most of it aloud, since the whole book rhymes. A win!
And I read most of it aloud, since the whole book rhymes. A win!
December 27, 2021
I paid $20 for the hardback so trust me when I say I was trying to stretch this one out for multiple readings 😂 but despite my intentions we binged the book in one sitting! Loved it and can't wait for the rest of the series.
CW: violence and one "heck"
CW: violence and one "heck"
May 24, 2023
The rhymes were cute and my son loved the story!
March 7, 2018
This Will Be a Children's Classic in Our Home!
My 5 year old is fascinated with knights and adventure so when I saw this on Amazon kindle I had to give it a try. I was suspicious of the rhyming aspect as I am not a fan of poetry but was pleasantly surprised! Read outloud, it flows beautifully; only two or three times I stumbled with the rhythm but it's made me want to read it again and do it justice! My 5 year old was entranced and insisted we finish the entire story in one sitting. The chapters are short and the book was easily finished in a half hour. He loved Sir Ray and I found myself choking back tears at the two innocent heroes bravery and loyalty. I am going to buy the real book version of this and treasure it as a family classic to be read to all our children and future grandchildren! This is exactly the book you want your young sons to be reading: promoting bravery and loyalty. Don't pass this by...it was a treasure to a 31-year old and a 5 year old.
My 5 year old is fascinated with knights and adventure so when I saw this on Amazon kindle I had to give it a try. I was suspicious of the rhyming aspect as I am not a fan of poetry but was pleasantly surprised! Read outloud, it flows beautifully; only two or three times I stumbled with the rhythm but it's made me want to read it again and do it justice! My 5 year old was entranced and insisted we finish the entire story in one sitting. The chapters are short and the book was easily finished in a half hour. He loved Sir Ray and I found myself choking back tears at the two innocent heroes bravery and loyalty. I am going to buy the real book version of this and treasure it as a family classic to be read to all our children and future grandchildren! This is exactly the book you want your young sons to be reading: promoting bravery and loyalty. Don't pass this by...it was a treasure to a 31-year old and a 5 year old.
January 5, 2019
The story is written for new chapter-book readers, especially boys. It is the first book in a series written by a father (Bandon Hale) to his son. In the story, a boy called Prince Martin is encouraged by his father the king to pursue good character traits such as bravery, loyalty and truth. The story itself is an adventure full of danger, along with the temptation to quit and run. Prince Martin perseveres and receives his father's approval (and a special reward). The story is motivational, engaging for active boys, and very well-written.
November 5, 2017
Hale has written an original, charming chapter book that began as a way to keep in touch with his son while Hale was away from home. The book is divided into eight short chapters that are completely written in verse. Hale does not shy away from challenging vocabulary in a book that is written for the six to ten age group.
Martin is a young prince who lives in a faraway kingdom. At the beginning of the tale, Martin experiences a dream in which he fights a dragon with a loyal dog at his side. One of Martin’s favorite pastimes is visiting the castle armory, where all types of swords and weapons are stored. Unfortunately, the king permits his son to possess only a wooden staff and a slingshot, until the prince is able to prove that he is loyal, brave and true. Martin is unsure of how to do so, but he is determined to set forth out of the castle to the forest beyond.
Chapters two through eight covers the adventures that await Martin. He will meet a farmer who warns him of wild hogs, a deer whose fawn is trapped, and a brave dog who is willing to defend the helpless with his life. Martin must face his own fears as well as bullies. Will Martin find the courage and strength to survive and prove himself worthy?
The rhymes are perfect for a read aloud. Younger children might need the help of an adult to decipher some of the vocabularies. Color illustrations in each chapter enhance the adventure. This first book in a series should appeal especially to boys who love adventures, dragons, swords, and dogs. Highly recommended for elementary and middle school age children.
Martin is a young prince who lives in a faraway kingdom. At the beginning of the tale, Martin experiences a dream in which he fights a dragon with a loyal dog at his side. One of Martin’s favorite pastimes is visiting the castle armory, where all types of swords and weapons are stored. Unfortunately, the king permits his son to possess only a wooden staff and a slingshot, until the prince is able to prove that he is loyal, brave and true. Martin is unsure of how to do so, but he is determined to set forth out of the castle to the forest beyond.
Chapters two through eight covers the adventures that await Martin. He will meet a farmer who warns him of wild hogs, a deer whose fawn is trapped, and a brave dog who is willing to defend the helpless with his life. Martin must face his own fears as well as bullies. Will Martin find the courage and strength to survive and prove himself worthy?
The rhymes are perfect for a read aloud. Younger children might need the help of an adult to decipher some of the vocabularies. Color illustrations in each chapter enhance the adventure. This first book in a series should appeal especially to boys who love adventures, dragons, swords, and dogs. Highly recommended for elementary and middle school age children.
February 20, 2022
My review is biased; my husband has read my son the entire series, one of my daughter's makes sure she's nearby when any are being read aloud (although she won't admit to listening cause it's a "boy's book"), and I've met the author and illustrator.
What I most value about this particular book is the moral fabric woven throughout. Brave, loyal, and true, facing fears, standing up for the weak, pushing through physical pain for a good cause even when an easier option is available... These are all character traits I want my son to develop. To have found a modern book with attainable chapters that grabs the attention of my ADHD/ASD 7 year old son... This series is a gem.
What I most value about this particular book is the moral fabric woven throughout. Brave, loyal, and true, facing fears, standing up for the weak, pushing through physical pain for a good cause even when an easier option is available... These are all character traits I want my son to develop. To have found a modern book with attainable chapters that grabs the attention of my ADHD/ASD 7 year old son... This series is a gem.
April 4, 2024
Excellent book! The rhyming pattern is well-done and encompasses a wide-ranging vocabulary. It is a good length for a read-aloud or for a more advanced young child to read on his own. The messages are classic and simply (yet inspiringly) conveyed: courage is acting to defend another, and you must prove your character to be entrusted with more responsibility. 4 stars only because I find the perilous element to be a bit much for the target audience.
April 8, 2020
Cute Story of bravery
I am super impressed with the author's ability to rhyme throughout the book! I downloaded this book because my almost 5 year old is an avid reader and I wanted something a bit more exciting then the normal books for his age, but it still needed pictures. This fit the bill. A bit of a challenge in some parts, but a lovely story that kept his interest.
I am super impressed with the author's ability to rhyme throughout the book! I downloaded this book because my almost 5 year old is an avid reader and I wanted something a bit more exciting then the normal books for his age, but it still needed pictures. This fit the bill. A bit of a challenge in some parts, but a lovely story that kept his interest.
December 17, 2021
A book in rhyming prose about a medieval prince who sets out to prove that he is brave, loyal, and true in order to win his sword. Meant to be about character-building. Not great literature, but not bad. Used for homeschooling - trying to teach my sons (7 & 9) about medieval history (this is NOT history) and about virtue and character, so this wasn't bad.
October 15, 2022
The Prince Martin Epic series is exactly the kind of thing my two boys would have rushed to read in elementary school. The colorful illustrations peppered through the short chapters add to the valuable life lessons and adventure Brandon Hale delivers in cleverly written, rhyming prose. Prince Martin Wins His Sword will be a go-to gift for all of the young children on my shopping list.
October 8, 2024
A young prince sets out to prove he is brave, loyal, and true. Enter in talking animals, including wicked, wild hogs and a dog knight. Short chapters and rhyming sentences fun to read. I read this aloud to my boys (5 & 7) and they couldn’t get enough of it. I think I’ll look for the rest of the series.
April 15, 2018
Cute children's book about a young prince who during an adventure in the woods was able to show the four characters of a true leader (without even trying). It shows that true and good character comes from the heart and is displayed when called upon.
October 1, 2018
Beautifully written
Choose as a bedtime story for my 2nd grader. Vocabulary is advanced, recommend reading it with younger readers. The story is engaging and entertaining; nice accompaniment for anyone interested in Netflix's The Dragon Prince
Choose as a bedtime story for my 2nd grader. Vocabulary is advanced, recommend reading it with younger readers. The story is engaging and entertaining; nice accompaniment for anyone interested in Netflix's The Dragon Prince
March 6, 2019
A great adventure and a great lesson!
I read this book to my son in about 20-30 minutes, it's a little above his reading level but it's right up his alley for story interest. He loved the characters and the adventure. We can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommend!
I read this book to my son in about 20-30 minutes, it's a little above his reading level but it's right up his alley for story interest. He loved the characters and the adventure. We can't wait to read the next book. Highly recommend!
June 30, 2023
This is a rhyming story about a young prince who longs to have a sword of his own. Before he can earn his sword, he must learn a few things about doing the right thing. This is a cute story with some wonderful messages of values and integrity.
August 10, 2017
My boy wouldn't let me stop reading
My son was enthralled from beginning to end. Such a fun read - can't wait for the next one. . .
My son was enthralled from beginning to end. Such a fun read - can't wait for the next one. . .
August 11, 2017
My kids loved it and it's fun to read to them too!
It's was great. My boys are ages 4 and 5. At the end of the each chapter they would more. Fun to read aloud too!
It's was great. My boys are ages 4 and 5. At the end of the each chapter they would more. Fun to read aloud too!
April 6, 2018
Great book for teaching young boys to become courageous, honorable men. I found the rhyme a bit awkward a time or two, but not enough to decrease the rating.
December 31, 2018
An okay story. Rhyming is sometimes forced.
January 17, 2019
Love Love Love!
So much fun reading with my kiddos! Love the rhyming! Such a great read for young boys who love adventure and action! Very impressive!
So much fun reading with my kiddos! Love the rhyming! Such a great read for young boys who love adventure and action! Very impressive!
August 11, 2019
B. fiction, children's fiction, grade 2, fantasy, adventure, rhyme, series, (Prince Martin Epic, #1)
August 12, 2019
Refreshing
I liked the verse! This is a great read aloud for young boys. Full of good lessons for heroes in training.
I liked the verse! This is a great read aloud for young boys. Full of good lessons for heroes in training.
August 21, 2019
Cute story. My 4 year old really enjoyed it. My 8 year old thought it was just ok.
January 22, 2020
Enjoyed reading this story to my nephew who seemed to enjoy it
April 2, 2020
This was a fun read aloud. My 6 year old Son gives it 4.5 stars and is excited for the next book.
January 19, 2021
Family read aloud. We all enjoyed it and look forward to more of the series.
September 28, 2021
It’s fun
My daughter loved this story. Listening to the entire book in one sitting. The rhyming was one great to read out loud.
My daughter loved this story. Listening to the entire book in one sitting. The rhyming was one great to read out loud.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews