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The Youngest Templar #3
Orphan of Destiny
Tristan and his companions have finally reached England with the Holy Grail. But his job of protecting the Grail is not over yet. For when they return, they find that much has changed for the worse in their country. Tristan's abbey has been destroyed, and Sherwood Forest suffers under the terrible reign of the Sheriff of Nottingham. As Tristan and his friends journey through England to deliver their precious cargo to the Templars, they must band together to navigate obstacles and fight one final difficult battle - and in the process, Tristan will also learn the fate of his own life. A fate that many would kill to keep secret.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
17 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Michael P. Spradlin
60 books130 followersMichael P. Spradlin is the author of more than a dozen books for children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 18, 2010
I wanted to give this book 5 stars, I really did.
Spradlin has done his homework for this trilogy, and it shows. He put painstaking effort into getting the nouns right of medieval objects and professions, he shows with great care how medieval warfare was fought, from hand to hand combat to battles to sieges, along with describing the equipment, the training, and the pain of getting hurt.
And his main characters get hurt. A lot.
Unlike a lot of other action writers, his trio does not come out of an action scene with only an artful smudge of dirt. Robard, Maryam and Tristan realistically bleed, bruise and ache their way through their quest, making do with 12th century med kits.
Book 3 picks up literally one second after Book 2 ended as Maryam was busy getting hanged, Robard was busy doing his shoot-the-rope trick, and Tristan was busy holding Eleanor of Aquitaine, her wrathful majesty, hostage.
Robard misses the rope – nice to see a young hero who isn’t perfect to begin with – and Maryam does a very nice job saving herself, thank-you-very-much.
Spradlin writes an excellent Action Girl character with Maryam, but she is never given the same amount of depth as Tristan and Robard are given. We find out a lot about the boys’ families, backgrounds, childhoods, motivations, friends, loves, hates, etc. All we know about Maryam is that she’s head over heels in love with Robard and that she fights as well as Xena.
We never learn how she joined the very much boys only Hashshashin group, why she was allowed to train, what her feelings are about the Third Crusade, or what happened to her family. She’s an excellent interpretation of the archetypes of the Love Interest, Fighter and Saracen characters seen in the Robin Hood stories. Given a little more depth, I would have called the best and most original Maid Marian I’ve ever seen. Even as written, I’ll put her in the top 5.
The trio finally get back to England – literally crashing into the country, because, Robard tries to argue, sailing is hard. Tristan tries to go home again and discovers his beloved abbey burned to the ground, nearly all the monks murdered. This is where the writing really shines as Spradlin brings out true pathos as he describes both the carnage and Tristan’s very realistic grief.
From there, it’s a matter of acquiring merry men as they make their way to Sherwood. Robard’s first meeting with Little John was a classic serving of the traditional bridge fight, and a splendid fight scene as Tristan does his best to keep the future best friends from killing each other. Then, meeting up with Will Scarlet and Alan Adale, Maryam shows off why she is not to messed with in another great fight scene.
When Robard finally, finally, finally gets back home, we find out he’s more an Ivanhoe character than just a regular peasant. It almost feels like a retcon, but it just manages to slide under the wire of Robard’s character. His mother is almost chibi like in the cheerfulness of her greeting, and the fact that she greets Maryam with equally open arms was extremely unrealistic but oh so very sweet!
There are two main plot threads at the end: a showdown with the shire reeve of Nottingham and the final resolution of the quest to get the grail to safety, away from Sir Hugh. The shire reeve is dealt with in a way that implies many future fights to come between the lord and the outlaws of Sherwood as we see Robard taking the final steps to becoming a leader and legend (And he learns to read just in time to read his own reward poster, which was hilarious.) meanwhile, the grail is finally out into hiding, heavily hinting at one of the places mentioned in the Da Vinci Code. The mad templar Sir Hugh is presumed dead, but the very words “no one could have survived that!” are suspect.
So, the first and final mystery, who is Tristan? is finally answered. The trilogy kept hinting at a birth kept hidden, noble parents, politics, danger, and Eleanor of Aquitaine out right said Tristan had a claim to the thrown.
MAJOR SPOILER
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Tristan is the illegitimate child of Henry II and his (in)famous mistress Rosamond.
>headdesk<
When the final back-story is revealed, the author loses all creditability to do research flies out the window as one of the Templars explains Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine never loved each other (lie, they love and then hated each other passionately), married to keep political peace (lie, their marriage threatened war to break out), and makes it sound as though Henry had only one mistress (lie, he had numerous love affairs), and that Tristan was his only child outside of marriage (such a lie).
One of the Templars mentions Eleanor of Aquitaine was determined to destroy all of Henry’s heirs except her own children, neglecting to add that her children were the only heirs. There were so many legitimate claims to the throne that chasing down every one of Henry’s illegitimate children (of which there were a lot) would have been a waste of time and resources that no one had to spare. No one would have taken Tristan’s claim to thrown seriously when there was already Richard, John, and their nephew Author.
A much better back story would have been to put Tristan along the same line as Prince Author – young, but, if the son of one of Richard’s deceased brothers, still a legitimate claim to te throne – something Eleanor would actually have to worry about, and did, as seen in the real true story of the Plantagenet family when she ended up being besieged by her own grandson as John and Arthur fought for power.
So, in summary, I wanted to love this trilogy of so very badly because there are so many awesome things about it, but every now and then Spradlin would get something sop tremendously wrong the effect was spoiled for me. Domage.
Spradlin has done his homework for this trilogy, and it shows. He put painstaking effort into getting the nouns right of medieval objects and professions, he shows with great care how medieval warfare was fought, from hand to hand combat to battles to sieges, along with describing the equipment, the training, and the pain of getting hurt.
And his main characters get hurt. A lot.
Unlike a lot of other action writers, his trio does not come out of an action scene with only an artful smudge of dirt. Robard, Maryam and Tristan realistically bleed, bruise and ache their way through their quest, making do with 12th century med kits.
Book 3 picks up literally one second after Book 2 ended as Maryam was busy getting hanged, Robard was busy doing his shoot-the-rope trick, and Tristan was busy holding Eleanor of Aquitaine, her wrathful majesty, hostage.
Robard misses the rope – nice to see a young hero who isn’t perfect to begin with – and Maryam does a very nice job saving herself, thank-you-very-much.
Spradlin writes an excellent Action Girl character with Maryam, but she is never given the same amount of depth as Tristan and Robard are given. We find out a lot about the boys’ families, backgrounds, childhoods, motivations, friends, loves, hates, etc. All we know about Maryam is that she’s head over heels in love with Robard and that she fights as well as Xena.
We never learn how she joined the very much boys only Hashshashin group, why she was allowed to train, what her feelings are about the Third Crusade, or what happened to her family. She’s an excellent interpretation of the archetypes of the Love Interest, Fighter and Saracen characters seen in the Robin Hood stories. Given a little more depth, I would have called the best and most original Maid Marian I’ve ever seen. Even as written, I’ll put her in the top 5.
The trio finally get back to England – literally crashing into the country, because, Robard tries to argue, sailing is hard. Tristan tries to go home again and discovers his beloved abbey burned to the ground, nearly all the monks murdered. This is where the writing really shines as Spradlin brings out true pathos as he describes both the carnage and Tristan’s very realistic grief.
From there, it’s a matter of acquiring merry men as they make their way to Sherwood. Robard’s first meeting with Little John was a classic serving of the traditional bridge fight, and a splendid fight scene as Tristan does his best to keep the future best friends from killing each other. Then, meeting up with Will Scarlet and Alan Adale, Maryam shows off why she is not to messed with in another great fight scene.
When Robard finally, finally, finally gets back home, we find out he’s more an Ivanhoe character than just a regular peasant. It almost feels like a retcon, but it just manages to slide under the wire of Robard’s character. His mother is almost chibi like in the cheerfulness of her greeting, and the fact that she greets Maryam with equally open arms was extremely unrealistic but oh so very sweet!
There are two main plot threads at the end: a showdown with the shire reeve of Nottingham and the final resolution of the quest to get the grail to safety, away from Sir Hugh. The shire reeve is dealt with in a way that implies many future fights to come between the lord and the outlaws of Sherwood as we see Robard taking the final steps to becoming a leader and legend (And he learns to read just in time to read his own reward poster, which was hilarious.) meanwhile, the grail is finally out into hiding, heavily hinting at one of the places mentioned in the Da Vinci Code. The mad templar Sir Hugh is presumed dead, but the very words “no one could have survived that!” are suspect.
So, the first and final mystery, who is Tristan? is finally answered. The trilogy kept hinting at a birth kept hidden, noble parents, politics, danger, and Eleanor of Aquitaine out right said Tristan had a claim to the thrown.
MAJOR SPOILER
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Tristan is the illegitimate child of Henry II and his (in)famous mistress Rosamond.
>headdesk<
When the final back-story is revealed, the author loses all creditability to do research flies out the window as one of the Templars explains Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine never loved each other (lie, they love and then hated each other passionately), married to keep political peace (lie, their marriage threatened war to break out), and makes it sound as though Henry had only one mistress (lie, he had numerous love affairs), and that Tristan was his only child outside of marriage (such a lie).
One of the Templars mentions Eleanor of Aquitaine was determined to destroy all of Henry’s heirs except her own children, neglecting to add that her children were the only heirs. There were so many legitimate claims to the throne that chasing down every one of Henry’s illegitimate children (of which there were a lot) would have been a waste of time and resources that no one had to spare. No one would have taken Tristan’s claim to thrown seriously when there was already Richard, John, and their nephew Author.
A much better back story would have been to put Tristan along the same line as Prince Author – young, but, if the son of one of Richard’s deceased brothers, still a legitimate claim to te throne – something Eleanor would actually have to worry about, and did, as seen in the real true story of the Plantagenet family when she ended up being besieged by her own grandson as John and Arthur fought for power.
So, in summary, I wanted to love this trilogy of so very badly because there are so many awesome things about it, but every now and then Spradlin would get something sop tremendously wrong the effect was spoiled for me. Domage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2016
Wow. I am seriously impressed by just how much I have enjoyed "orphan of destiny" It was a vast improvement over the mess of the first two books, despite the "big reveal" that I totally saw from book 1. ;)
No. The mediocre writing hasn't suddenly gotten better. Tristan didn't suddenly stop being a Marty Stew & become a character I genuinely like. & we still don't know shit about Maryam's backstory.
BUT!
BUT!
The part were Tristan finally came home to the Abby was so SAD! Not ashamed to say I teared up a little! :D I might've hated the little bastard Marty Stew every page of the series, but that part was particularly well done. Which is great. But still terribly sad.
& the opening fight scene was very exciting & I really enjoyed the fevered dreaming scenes.
Plus, after spending two book sludging through bad historical fiction about going around Cyprus (not cool), dealing with flat EVIL bad guys & perfect boring good guys, teenage hormones getting in the way of important missions, a dog and a cup saving the main characters' asses half the time, & so Marty Stew & Mary Sue-ness I almost drowned in it, we FINALLY got to Sherwood!
Excuse me while I fangirl for a moment!
XD XD XD XD XD YAY! YAY! YAY! Little John! Will Scarlet! Allan a dale! sheriff of Nottingham!
(Funny that we actually get the historical William Wendell sheriff but we deliberately make King Richard go around cyprus.:/ don't get the logic!)
It was so great to finally see this! I only picked up the series on the first place because it was on a list of fictional Robin Hood books. I finally truly got what I paid for! :D so stoked.
& I won't spoil the ending, but I really liked it. :D
How could I not give it 4?
What with an actual Robin Hood adventures FINALLY underway & such a moving return home for Tristan. It was definitely the best book of the series. Sure, the book (& series as a whole) has some serious issues. I won't deny it. But I had so much FUN reading this last installment, I couldn't bare to give it less.
& isn't fun the reason for reading?
It was a very satisfying ending to the series, I felt. Despite my low rating of "keeper of the Grail" & "trail of fate" I LOVED this last book & highly recommend the series. Robard is a great character & even with all the flaws, it IS some good fun. :)
Give "the youngest Templar" series a try if you like Robin Hood or adventure stories.
No. The mediocre writing hasn't suddenly gotten better. Tristan didn't suddenly stop being a Marty Stew & become a character I genuinely like. & we still don't know shit about Maryam's backstory.
BUT!
BUT!
The part were Tristan finally came home to the Abby was so SAD! Not ashamed to say I teared up a little! :D I might've hated the little bastard Marty Stew every page of the series, but that part was particularly well done. Which is great. But still terribly sad.
& the opening fight scene was very exciting & I really enjoyed the fevered dreaming scenes.
Plus, after spending two book sludging through bad historical fiction about going around Cyprus (not cool), dealing with flat EVIL bad guys & perfect boring good guys, teenage hormones getting in the way of important missions, a dog and a cup saving the main characters' asses half the time, & so Marty Stew & Mary Sue-ness I almost drowned in it, we FINALLY got to Sherwood!
Excuse me while I fangirl for a moment!
XD XD XD XD XD YAY! YAY! YAY! Little John! Will Scarlet! Allan a dale! sheriff of Nottingham!
(Funny that we actually get the historical William Wendell sheriff but we deliberately make King Richard go around cyprus.:/ don't get the logic!)
It was so great to finally see this! I only picked up the series on the first place because it was on a list of fictional Robin Hood books. I finally truly got what I paid for! :D so stoked.
& I won't spoil the ending, but I really liked it. :D
How could I not give it 4?
What with an actual Robin Hood adventures FINALLY underway & such a moving return home for Tristan. It was definitely the best book of the series. Sure, the book (& series as a whole) has some serious issues. I won't deny it. But I had so much FUN reading this last installment, I couldn't bare to give it less.
& isn't fun the reason for reading?
It was a very satisfying ending to the series, I felt. Despite my low rating of "keeper of the Grail" & "trail of fate" I LOVED this last book & highly recommend the series. Robard is a great character & even with all the flaws, it IS some good fun. :)
Give "the youngest Templar" series a try if you like Robin Hood or adventure stories.
December 29, 2014
Even though Tristan and his friends escaped Sir Hugh in France, it seems that every stop they make in England was ravaged by Sir Hugh and his men, including the total destruction of St. Alban's monks and monastery. Tristan knows he must eventually face Sir Hugh. And when Tristan's band arrives at the intended monastery in Scotland, Sir Hugh and his forces are waiting for them. Tristan must rely on his courage, his determination, and his friends to help him finally complete his quest of protecting the Holy Grail.
Orphan of Destiny is a satisfying, well-written end to Spradlin's Youngest Templar trilogy. Readers will see the friendship and teamwork, born in the first book, come into full bloom as Tristan, Robard, and Maryam face any challenge. Aside from the three teens' growing comradery, readers will also see more characters and elements of the Robin Hood legend come into play, like Little John, "Brother" Tuck, and Sherwood. A well-researched but action-packed story that deftly mixes history and legend into a fascinating read.
(Found on Children's Compass Chronicle: http://childrenscompasschronicle.blog...)
Orphan of Destiny is a satisfying, well-written end to Spradlin's Youngest Templar trilogy. Readers will see the friendship and teamwork, born in the first book, come into full bloom as Tristan, Robard, and Maryam face any challenge. Aside from the three teens' growing comradery, readers will also see more characters and elements of the Robin Hood legend come into play, like Little John, "Brother" Tuck, and Sherwood. A well-researched but action-packed story that deftly mixes history and legend into a fascinating read.
(Found on Children's Compass Chronicle: http://childrenscompasschronicle.blog...)
February 24, 2013
Not the ending I was expecting...but it was ok. This book was more emotional. I found myself crying a few times. Again...details are so realistic I felt as if I were watching a movie.
June 30, 2022
Creo que lo que debo mencionar del último libro de esta bella trilogía es el ✨maravilloso cierre✨ que se le da.
Sin duda me da pena tener que dejar a Tristán, Robard y Maryam (waxita RICAAAA💖), han pasado ya 4 años desde que los conocí, y 5 desde que mi tío abuelo Juan me haya regalado los dos primeros libros, que pronto se volvieron de mis favoritos.
No deseo hablar mucho de la trama, pues este libro es importante para en una forma más sentimental.
Puedo mencionar que en “Huérfano del Destino” se vuelven a ver personajes, y hay nuevos. El origen del protagonista se refleja rápido, y se conocen muchos hechos que atormentarán a los personajes.
Un gran libro ❤️🩹. Me da pena dejar esta trilogía.
Sin duda me da pena tener que dejar a Tristán, Robard y Maryam (waxita RICAAAA💖), han pasado ya 4 años desde que los conocí, y 5 desde que mi tío abuelo Juan me haya regalado los dos primeros libros, que pronto se volvieron de mis favoritos.
No deseo hablar mucho de la trama, pues este libro es importante para en una forma más sentimental.
Puedo mencionar que en “Huérfano del Destino” se vuelven a ver personajes, y hay nuevos. El origen del protagonista se refleja rápido, y se conocen muchos hechos que atormentarán a los personajes.
Un gran libro ❤️🩹. Me da pena dejar esta trilogía.
January 23, 2024
3.25 stars.. It's been 10 years since I read Book 2: Keeper of the Grail. I liked the story until I don't understand why a templar book needed this twist. Was it supposed to be cute or funny? Other people may not be as annoyed as me.
Many injuries, many enemies and many battles drive this story.
Many injuries, many enemies and many battles drive this story.
March 26, 2020
Solid end to the trilogy. More focused and back-on-track than the second book (and finally following up on the initial premise of a new take on the Robin Hood legend). The story is still a bit cliched but nevertheless an entertaining read.
February 9, 2018
Loved it!
March 6, 2018
Excellent Juvenile Series! We need a book 4
March 18, 2019
Great wrap to the series!
This was a great trilogy filled with adventure. Not just a great read for kids but adults alike. Highly recommended!
This was a great trilogy filled with adventure. Not just a great read for kids but adults alike. Highly recommended!
May 5, 2019
Audiobook
September 11, 2019
One will never see Maid Marian the same again! Loved!
December 25, 2019
A very good story. I wouldn't mind a book 4.
April 11, 2021
This is an amazing book
July 17, 2025
lo leí cuando era adolescente y me encantó
September 20, 2016
My name is Robard, and I didn't think it was possible for Tristan, Maryam, and I to anger so many people. I've lost count of the number of different soldiers trying to kill us. I know there's more to Tristan's quest than simply delivering a message, but I've promised to accompany him to the end. Sir Hugh and the Templars are after him, the King's Guards are after him, and now I've insulted and embarrassed Shire Reeve, the wicked cur stealing property from the citizens of Nottingham. I'm honored that he's made me a wanted man! Even though I've just returned to my home in Sherwood Forest, I must leave to help Tristan his quest. He's revealed the truth of it to me, but the real reason for the pursuit of the King's Knights was shocking. I must keep him alive at all costs!
I enjoyed this series very much. The conclusion seemed to be a bit rushed after the trials and tribulations of the extended plot, but the events were interesting and satisfying. It contained plenty of adventure and action, as the trio always seemed to be getting into trouble. Tristan constantly said he had plans, but that didn't keep the others from teasing him, especially Robard. Their back-and-forth banter was entertaining. However, the three main characters were tight and fiercely loyal to each other. There was a dog named Angel that traveled with the group. This dog saved them numerous times during the plot, but the resolution revealed an interesting truth about her. If you know anything about Robin Hood, you should enjoy the many references to his tale. The characters are aided by a friar named Tuck, a blacksmith named John Little, and the Merry Men who are loyal to Robard Hode. As I mentioned in my book 2 post, I think this series could have been written as one long book, but I still recommend it very much.
I enjoyed this series very much. The conclusion seemed to be a bit rushed after the trials and tribulations of the extended plot, but the events were interesting and satisfying. It contained plenty of adventure and action, as the trio always seemed to be getting into trouble. Tristan constantly said he had plans, but that didn't keep the others from teasing him, especially Robard. Their back-and-forth banter was entertaining. However, the three main characters were tight and fiercely loyal to each other. There was a dog named Angel that traveled with the group. This dog saved them numerous times during the plot, but the resolution revealed an interesting truth about her. If you know anything about Robin Hood, you should enjoy the many references to his tale. The characters are aided by a friar named Tuck, a blacksmith named John Little, and the Merry Men who are loyal to Robard Hode. As I mentioned in my book 2 post, I think this series could have been written as one long book, but I still recommend it very much.
February 19, 2011
Even though this is the third book in the series, I had no trouble keeping track of everything and never felt lost. While I enjoy watching series characters grow and joining them on their adventures, I'm impressed when an author is able to have a series book stand on it's own. I've lost track of how many times I've picked up a book and had no idea what was going on because I didn't know that it was part of a series.
The main character is Tristan, a squire who's on a quest for his lord knight. He's assisted on his journey by talented archer Robard Hode and a female assassin named Maryam. Robard grew up in Sherwood Forest, is attracted to Maryam, and discovers a nemesis in the evil Shire Reeve of Nottingham. They also meet several other characters inspired by the Robin Hood legend, such as Friar Tuck, Little John, and Will Scarlett. I may be easily amused, but I really enjoyed the Robin Hood tie-in!
This was a fun story for me, but I wasn't sure if the target audience was young adult or middle grade. There were parts that might not be appropriate for MG, as there is some violence and people get hurt as well as actually die. But other sections seemed aimed at a younger audience. Could just be me, but I was a little confused on whether or not this would be suitable for my niece. Ultimately decided no because she's too young, but depending on the child, they might be able to handle it.
Gave this a 3/5 as it was an okay story for me and I enjoyed it, but it didn't wow me. Was a little young for my tastes, but I've seen other reviewers that have loved it. If you've read this one, I'd be curious to hear what you thought of it and what age group you think it's aimed at?
The main character is Tristan, a squire who's on a quest for his lord knight. He's assisted on his journey by talented archer Robard Hode and a female assassin named Maryam. Robard grew up in Sherwood Forest, is attracted to Maryam, and discovers a nemesis in the evil Shire Reeve of Nottingham. They also meet several other characters inspired by the Robin Hood legend, such as Friar Tuck, Little John, and Will Scarlett. I may be easily amused, but I really enjoyed the Robin Hood tie-in!
This was a fun story for me, but I wasn't sure if the target audience was young adult or middle grade. There were parts that might not be appropriate for MG, as there is some violence and people get hurt as well as actually die. But other sections seemed aimed at a younger audience. Could just be me, but I was a little confused on whether or not this would be suitable for my niece. Ultimately decided no because she's too young, but depending on the child, they might be able to handle it.
Gave this a 3/5 as it was an okay story for me and I enjoyed it, but it didn't wow me. Was a little young for my tastes, but I've seen other reviewers that have loved it. If you've read this one, I'd be curious to hear what you thought of it and what age group you think it's aimed at?
November 20, 2012
Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars
So the last of this trilogy made up for some of the issues I had with the previous two books. It had an actual ending even though it did not tie up all of the endings, unlike the cliff hangers of the previous two books. From what I can gather, Michael P. Spradlin will be writing a fourth novel set in the Youngest Templar. There is short story that is supposed to be the introduction to it, Youngest Templar: Robard's Revenge Part 1. I will be interested in seeing how that one goes when it comes out.
All in all this was a fun series to read through.
Overall Series Rating: 3.5-4 Stars
So the last of this trilogy made up for some of the issues I had with the previous two books. It had an actual ending even though it did not tie up all of the endings, unlike the cliff hangers of the previous two books. From what I can gather, Michael P. Spradlin will be writing a fourth novel set in the Youngest Templar. There is short story that is supposed to be the introduction to it, Youngest Templar: Robard's Revenge Part 1. I will be interested in seeing how that one goes when it comes out.
All in all this was a fun series to read through.
Overall Series Rating: 3.5-4 Stars
January 29, 2014
This final book in the trilogy of Tristan, the young squire to a Templar Knight, takes an interesting turn. Tristan somewhat gets sidelined in his story, so another character can take center stage in what becomes an origin story for Robin Hood. Tristan's friend and traveling companion, Robard Hode, finally makes it home to Sherwood Forest. Along the way, Robard, Tristan, and their final traveling mate, Maryam, who I assume becomes Maid Marian, pick up new companions who all become members of Robin Hood's Merry Men. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed this little detour, but during the first two books, this was really Tristan's story of how he was to get the Holy Grail back to Scotland and out of the hands of dangerous men. That story does get a satisfying conclusion with the requisite bad guys meeting their fates and the good guys getting closure and send offs worthy of these books.
I did enjoy the entire series and welcome them on the shelves of my classroom library. I am sure my students will enjoy them. I sure did.
I did enjoy the entire series and welcome them on the shelves of my classroom library. I am sure my students will enjoy them. I sure did.
April 11, 2011
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Tristan and his companions, Robard and Maryam, have finally made their way back to England. They managed to escape capture from Sir Hugh. However, Tristan became injured during the escape. Now, he's trying to heal as they travel North to deliver the package to Rosslyn.
As they continue on their way, they encounter old friends, make new ones, learn of death and destruction of loved ones, and attempt to hide their tracks from old and new enemies.
They stop briefly at Robard Hode's estate before the three friends continue their journey. When they arrive at the end location, they encounter a grave danger that might cost them everything.
ORPHAN OF DESTINY is the end of THE YOUNGEST TEMPLAR trilogy filled with action, danger, friendship, betrayal, and loyalty. I love how the tale weaves in historical/mythical people such as Robard Hode (Robin Hood), Maryam (Maid Marian), Little John, and Friar Tuck with the Holy Grail.
Tristan and his companions, Robard and Maryam, have finally made their way back to England. They managed to escape capture from Sir Hugh. However, Tristan became injured during the escape. Now, he's trying to heal as they travel North to deliver the package to Rosslyn.
As they continue on their way, they encounter old friends, make new ones, learn of death and destruction of loved ones, and attempt to hide their tracks from old and new enemies.
They stop briefly at Robard Hode's estate before the three friends continue their journey. When they arrive at the end location, they encounter a grave danger that might cost them everything.
ORPHAN OF DESTINY is the end of THE YOUNGEST TEMPLAR trilogy filled with action, danger, friendship, betrayal, and loyalty. I love how the tale weaves in historical/mythical people such as Robard Hode (Robin Hood), Maryam (Maid Marian), Little John, and Friar Tuck with the Holy Grail.
Read
October 17, 2016Orphan of Destiny: The Youngest Templar Trilogy
By: Michael P. Spradlin
The third and final book of The Youngest Templar Trilogy was a great finally to the series. It includes almost nonstop suspense and has a satisfying conclusion. This book is for anyone ten to thirteen.
This book takes place near the end of Tristan’s journey. Tristan is the squire to a template in the Holy Crusades, he was tasked by his knight to deliver the Holy Grail to a priest in Scotland when the city their regimen was in became over run.
Tristan and his two companions, Robard and Maryam, struggle to reach Scotland. The trio have the danger of being captured by a power hungry knight called Sir Hugh.
Orphan of Destiny is a fantastic mix of historical fiction and fantasy. Between the intriguing characters and plot that will keep any reader on the edge of their seats, everyone between the ages ten and thirteen should read this book.
By: Michael P. Spradlin
The third and final book of The Youngest Templar Trilogy was a great finally to the series. It includes almost nonstop suspense and has a satisfying conclusion. This book is for anyone ten to thirteen.
This book takes place near the end of Tristan’s journey. Tristan is the squire to a template in the Holy Crusades, he was tasked by his knight to deliver the Holy Grail to a priest in Scotland when the city their regimen was in became over run.
Tristan and his two companions, Robard and Maryam, struggle to reach Scotland. The trio have the danger of being captured by a power hungry knight called Sir Hugh.
Orphan of Destiny is a fantastic mix of historical fiction and fantasy. Between the intriguing characters and plot that will keep any reader on the edge of their seats, everyone between the ages ten and thirteen should read this book.
April 19, 2012
Finally! I read the third and final book in this exciting trilogy. The library here didn't have the third book until recently. It had been some time since I'd read the first two, but everything came back to mind and the book picked up right where it had left off (which, by the way, was a cliff hanger for sure!). I really enjoyed these books. Action, wit, humor, tiny bit of romance, honor, loyalty, friendship and of course fighting, blood shed, evil, bad guys, deceit, cunning, revenge. If these were made into movies I'd definitely go see them. I was laughing out loud at the end of this book when they met up with some Scots and couldn't understand a word they were saying. Those were some funny pages. Anyway, Robard tends to use a bit of language such as "my arse" and so beware of that and a few others that are timely cut off mid-word.
May 6, 2011
This is the final part of the Michael Spradlin's trilogy about the Knights Templar and the quest of young Tristan to save the Holy Grail (the real one!) This installment picks up exactly where the second ended, with Marian about to be hung. It's a great beginning that gets your blood pumping. There are some slow spots (like the VERY long section where everyone goes back to Robard's hometown and has to confront an evil Sherrif. Of course, they do it in A-Team style, which was cute, but could have been avoided.) The series ends with this story and it's a decent conclusion to a good adventure. If you like this, I would strongly recommend the Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan!
July 30, 2013
I really enjoyed this series...it had good action, characters I enjoyed, villains I hated, twisting plots, some historical fiction (heavy on the fiction!)...it was just a lot of fun. There are 3 books in the series, but I wouldn't be surprised if the author writes another one. It was left open enough that the story could continue. Was this amazing writing, maybe not, but I enjoyed the storyline and felt caught up in the adventure! I might change a few things about the ending, but I can't complain too much. A great book for 5th grade and up. Especially for those who like the Ranger's Apprentice series.
December 11, 2010
The action picks up right where The Youngest Templar: Trail of Fate leaves off. Tristan, Robard, and Maryam are traveling to England and then Scotland to return the Holy Grail to a safe place. This book introduces a host of familiar Robin Hood characters, and finds the trio traveling to Robard's home in Sherwood forest. Full of action and adventure the final chapter in Tristan's quest does not disappoint.
September 1, 2014
The Youngest Templar
Books 1,2and 3 of this story about the Knights Templars are books that anyone interested in their history should read. It is a story of trial and tribulations that the Templars faced during their time when they were at the peak of their history. It doesn't matter that the books might have been written for young adults, they are a delight for all people. I would highly recommend these these books to anyone who likes to read.
Books 1,2and 3 of this story about the Knights Templars are books that anyone interested in their history should read. It is a story of trial and tribulations that the Templars faced during their time when they were at the peak of their history. It doesn't matter that the books might have been written for young adults, they are a delight for all people. I would highly recommend these these books to anyone who likes to read.
September 29, 2015
The story is set in 1191 and starts out in Calais, France. Tristan and his companions cross the Channel and make their way through the English countryside on their way to Scotland.
In the final leg of Tristan's quest, the legend of Robin Hood is born.
There is also the satisfying anticipated final confrontation between Sir Hugh and Tristan.
This book wraps up the series, as is a good conclusion to a well written historical fantasy.
In the final leg of Tristan's quest, the legend of Robin Hood is born.
There is also the satisfying anticipated final confrontation between Sir Hugh and Tristan.
This book wraps up the series, as is a good conclusion to a well written historical fantasy.
March 7, 2011
I really liked it. Lots of great action.
Is it perfect? No. I got tired of the way Robard and Maryam always look to Tristan to answer any question. And the pacing doesn't seen quite even (the resolution seems very quick compared to the rest of the series).
But I would totally still recommend this book/series to any fan of adventure or fantasy. It's the grand hero cycle.
Is it perfect? No. I got tired of the way Robard and Maryam always look to Tristan to answer any question. And the pacing doesn't seen quite even (the resolution seems very quick compared to the rest of the series).
But I would totally still recommend this book/series to any fan of adventure or fantasy. It's the grand hero cycle.
March 4, 2011
I enjoyed this book a lot more than the second. I finally figured out the whole Robin Hood thing, I read a review saying that about the first book and I was like 'What?!' Now, I get it! Enjoyable, but for me the end was not completely satisfying. Still, it's hard to stop reading Spradlin's novels.
May 27, 2016
I didn't love it, but it was good and I can easily recommend it to others, particularly teen or tween guys who want some adventure. I like all of the supporting characters more than I like Tristan, but that could be because I'm a big Robin Hood fan, so the characters I'm already familiar with steal the show a little bit and I cared more about their situations than Tristan's.
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