I found this story rather strange. I didn’t feel like I truly understood the motivation of the main characters because I didn't know enough about them to care about them and they were all trying to save a character that I didn’t meet until at least 80% of the way through this book. I also found that a lot of the plot twists at the end seemed to come out of nowhere and were kind of unnecessary.

This was a brilliant book, with a great balance of adventure and great characters that I think readers will find really accessible.

Although having higher expectations for this book, I wasn't overly disappointed - not that I would pick up the next title or something, but it didn't have me wishing to leave it at DNF state...

Young Prince Gavin wishes for nothing more than to grow up quickly and become a knight like the rest of his royal family. So does his friend, Bryan, a blacksmith apprentice. So when an old man they both consider dear gets accused of having stolen a jewel very important for Gavin's kingdom, they enlist the help of their other friend, Phillip, and rush to help prove the man innocent. But the adventure they find themselves into might prove much harder than they originally thought...

Honestly, there were some parts I found fine thanks to the plot twists and some others I could have done without. It;s a good thing that the pace was fast and the story short, so it didn't take me too long to finish the book. If I had been some years younger, I would have immensely enjoyed it. So, if we're talking about middle grade, this is a perfect book. However, it doesn't fall in that category of middle grade fantasy that adults could enjoy as well.

That being said, I'm not into finding out the rest of Gavin's life - even with the new member added to the royal family, which was a total shocker, if you ask me.

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***

This is a great book for introducing young people to the time of King Arthur! The author introduces you to a young Prince named Gavin, and his two friends, Philip and Bryan. Gavin is learning how to be a knight, Philip is a day laborer and Bryan is an blacksmith's apprentice.
These three friends have to work together to save one of their friends from being executed as a murderer and a thief by finding the real killer! Two of the boys have to go into enemy territory and fight for their lives to help their friend!

Arthur is King and with the Knights of the Round Table the country is stable. Enter the next generation! Prince Gavin and his friends Philip and Bryan take an oath to save their friend the Wild Man who has been accused of murder and theft of the valuable King's Ransom. Each is plagued with self-doubt which they must confront to accomplish their individual quests. The book moves quickly with a surprise twist at the ending.

I loved this book! It was a short easy read that was packed with a great story! I didn't know what to expect but I'm very satisfied with the story!

I am sorry I should not have requested this. I always assume that something new on here is newly published. Now I see that this was published last August. I review for the Maine Student Book Award and we are currently reading 2017 publications.