Hunchback

by Randall Wright

"You!" shouted a voice from near the willow tree. "Stop!"Hodge heard the jangle of a horse's bridle. He spun about the other way, but a dark shape jumped out of the shadows and knocked him to the ground. Light flashed into his face as a lantern was uncovered."A spy," hissed the figure. "A stinkin' spy."A glorious adventure of castles, kings, traitors-and one humble hunchback who has to save them allLong ago, Castle Marlby rang with the comings and goings of kings and princes. Now the castle is a quiet, sleepy place where everyone seems to have forgotten those golden days. Everyone but Hodge, that is. Though his hunched back earns him the unlovely job of mucking out the latrine, he dreams of serving a prince someday. But when one finally appears, he is nothing like Hodge expected.Prince Leo is kept hidden away behind locked doors, as if he were in terrible danger. Or is he himself the dangerous one? When Hodge discovers the truth, he tumbles headlong into an adventure that proves far more exciting than he could ever have imagined. It will take all his strength to survive-and all his heart.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Daron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Randall Wright at locally sponsored book signing. I had many questions, but he kindly took the time to talk about himself, his book, and other things which I appreciated. I bought the signed book for my 11 year old boy for Christmas, but as I typically do, I "borrowed" the book so I could read it myself. I like to do that with most of the books I get for the kids, especially if it falls within one of my favorite genres.

It is a rare book that causes me to have to get out a dictionary, and my "Noah Webster 1828" reprint at that. There are now at least 10 new words relating to castle life for which I have picked up more than a guessed meaning. I thought the book was very well written, and the story quite heart warming. I plan on seeking out other books by this author. This is one I would highly recommend.

[Gloriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this, it was interesting, and well written. The characters were developed well, and it was a sweet story. Hodge, the main character, is a courageous, sweet, and wonderful character who I love, and the bond between him and his brother Fleet is very sweet. The prince was a little confusing, though, because he wasn't necessarily a "good guy", actually quite the opposite, but until you know that, you actually like him, so it's dissapointing when you find out he's not as honorable as you thought.
The only other thing is that it wasn't slow moving, but not exactly fast-paced. It didn't keep me riveted to the pages, but it was still interesting enough that I wanted to know how it would end.
Overall, though, that was my only real issue with it, I definitely enjoyed and recommend it :)

[Jodi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hodge has always dreamed of serving royalty. Instead, the young hunchbacked teen is the lowest of the servants. He mucks out latrines, ovens and stalls. When Prince Leo arrives at Hodge's keep everything changes and Hodge discovers that getting what you want isn't always the best thing. I found the story depressing and was a little unclear on why it mattered that Hodge was a hunchback because it didn't seem to cause him any problems and gave him advantages in some instances but those advantages didn't really matter.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hodge has always dreamed of serving a prince, just like in the stories. But no one comes to Castle Marlby anymore, and who would let a hunchback serve a prince? His brother Fleet doesn't believe in him either. But one day a prince does come, but he seems to be a prisoner. Hodge befriends him when he delivers his meals, and helps the prince escape. But life isn't a story, and things don't go acording to plan. Hodge must choose his path . . .

[Tamra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the setting of this novel and the twists and turns it took. The author seemed to have a good grasp of the medieval time period which helped to enhance the story. It dragged a bit in places and the ending felt rushed but it kept me interested and wanting to know what happened to the characters after the book ended.

[Emilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming story about midevil times. Don't let the title sway you and think Notre Dame. I couldn't put it down. It ended kind of abruptly and therefore I wish he would write sequel. A woman in my ward named Fae. Her son wrote the book.

[Macy-Morgan Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't going to bother with this book because it was disappointing that it wasn't the hunchback of notre dame but I liked this story even better it was so wonderful I'd recommend this book to anyone it was so sweet and wonderful I was crying with happiness and despair all at the same time.

[Mallory Pinson]

Good Book

[Phil Hodge · Rating 2 out of 5]

A light forgettable tale of knights and commoners. The only item of note is that the hero is a young man named Hodge.