Book review of "Men of Iron" by Howard Pyle

Men of Iron is the riveting tale of Myles Falworth, a young man in Medieval times who is a squire at the estate of the Earl of Mackworth and hopes someday to be a knight. Myles’ father was formerly very rich and in possession of the family castle, but when Myles was only a lad, his father made the mistake of housing an old friend of his who turned out to be involved in a plot to assassinate the king. His family had to swiftly go into hiding in an obscure farmhouse to avoid the wrath of the king and the wiles of a mysterious enemy that Myles has only heard hinted at.
Now, all hope of restoring the family of Falworth to their former estate and position of honor rests on the shoulders of young Myles. He must become a knight among knights if he is to be worthy to someday face his father’s enemy and present the name of Falworth without blemish. 

Men of Iron is an epic story of knights and chivalry, lords and fair ladies, enemies and duels. It is also the story of Myles’ journey from innocent boyhood to courageous manhood.  In a sense, it is a coming of age story, one that will definitely intrigue boys and certainly intrigued me. Howard Pyle, the acclaimed author of “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” includes such authentic details that I literally supposed he lived in Medieval times. Turns out he didn't.
One thing more I must say in closing: All dialogue in this book is in “Thees” and “Thous.” However, once you concentrate, understanding the character’s old-fashioned way of speaking comes easily enough. In the meantime; "A fair reading to thee!"      

Inspirations 4 Writing

Howard Pyle describes Myles in such a way that you feel as if he is real. As the book continues and Myles grows older, you feel as if you are getting to know him more and more and you watch eagerly as he approaches knighthood. What do you think Howard Pyle did to make you feel this way? Was it the way he described Myles? How can you be inspired by this for your own writing?

Book Review  of “The Great and Terrible Quest” by Margaret Lovett

This novel is a long-time favorite of mine. Trad, a boy in medieval times, is an orphan who lives with his abusive grandfather. One day when he is out hunting Trad stumbles across a knight with wild white hair who has recently received a head wound and is apparently suffering from amnesia. All the poor man knows is he his on a quest…a quest both great and terrible. However, he cannot remember what the quest is for. Trad makes the decision to run away from his grandfather and aid the knight on his quest, hoping that the knight will find the key to unlock his memory. Soon Trad finds himself involved in something far greater then he at first thought, something that might not only unlock the white-haired knight’s past, but his own.

I love how this book is a quest for identity, remembering or discovering for the first time who you are and what is your lineage. Filled with danger, sword fighting, and secret identity, this is a masterpiece you will want to read again and again.

Story Prompters

• Write a story about someone who has no idea what his lineage is or where he fits in. Write about this person’s journey in which he discovers his past.
• With anything you write make sure to include details that make it believable, whether it  is fantasy, historical fiction, or science fiction.