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Three Days and Two Knights
Sir Alanbart avoids action, recoils from romance, and shuns self-sacrifice; yet when he finds himself drawn into a harebrained attempt to rescue King Arthur, he becomes a victim of all three, and then poor Alanbart must fight hard to stay true to his cowardly and indolent nature.
"Three Days and Two Knights" is a genre crossover that blends fantasy-adventure, comedy, and romance in a historical literary setting.
“Few tales tell of heroes and dragons, knights and giants, magic, miracles, love, a banshee, and the undead . . .” So begins Aelfric the Entertainer, this tale’s invasive, witty, and often philosophical narrator. Set on the moors of Scotland in the waning months of Arthur’s rule, "Three Days and Two Knights" tells how Sir Alanbart, an impoverished and spineless knight; Heather, an indomitable and irresistible serving maid; Scot, a pagan swordsman of questionable intelligence and sexuality, and Sir Gawain, the legendary romantic hero, form an unlikely alliance to free King Arthur from prison. The catch? They have just three days before the blue moon rises, at which time the red wizard Rabordath will use Arthur’s blood to conjure a dragon that will end a kingdom and set all of Britain aflame.
"Three Days and Two Knights" features characters, settings, artifacts, and events drawn from medieval myth and history, and will appeal to anyone who loves the middle ages, knights, monsters, magic, or King Arthur, especially those who grew up with "The Hobbit," Percy Jackson, and Cressida Cowell’s "How to Train Your Dragon" series.
"Three Days and Two Knights" is a genre crossover that blends fantasy-adventure, comedy, and romance in a historical literary setting.
“Few tales tell of heroes and dragons, knights and giants, magic, miracles, love, a banshee, and the undead . . .” So begins Aelfric the Entertainer, this tale’s invasive, witty, and often philosophical narrator. Set on the moors of Scotland in the waning months of Arthur’s rule, "Three Days and Two Knights" tells how Sir Alanbart, an impoverished and spineless knight; Heather, an indomitable and irresistible serving maid; Scot, a pagan swordsman of questionable intelligence and sexuality, and Sir Gawain, the legendary romantic hero, form an unlikely alliance to free King Arthur from prison. The catch? They have just three days before the blue moon rises, at which time the red wizard Rabordath will use Arthur’s blood to conjure a dragon that will end a kingdom and set all of Britain aflame.
"Three Days and Two Knights" features characters, settings, artifacts, and events drawn from medieval myth and history, and will appeal to anyone who loves the middle ages, knights, monsters, magic, or King Arthur, especially those who grew up with "The Hobbit," Percy Jackson, and Cressida Cowell’s "How to Train Your Dragon" series.
- GenresFantasy
324 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2016
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Scott Davis Howard
5 books18 followersScott Davis Howard holds an MA in British literature from the University of Montana, a BS in communications from Norwich University, is an Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year nominee, and was a semifinalist in the 2014 Norman Mailer Writing Contest for Educators. He spends his days regaling his twelfth grade students with thrilling tales about Beowulf, Sir Gawain, Macbeth, and Dorian Gray, and his nights ferrying his offspring between the soccer field and Cub Scout meetings. In his rare moments of quiet (when the children are eating snacks in the van, sprinkling crumbs all over the carpet), he wonders when and how he became a soccer mom. He wrote the original draft of his debut novel, "Three Days and Two Knights," on an outdated laptop, standing in his kitchen with an infant strapped to his chest.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 23, 2021
If you enjoy fantasy, this is the book for you. The storytelling and pacing are spectacular. A good combination of humor and adventure.
April 10, 2018
This is a delightful tale that is particularly enjoyable to a fan of Arthurian literature. Filled with plenty of action, adventure, battles, chivalry, romance, and a healthy dose of humor, this story takes the reader on quite a literary and legendary adventure.
The heroes of the story are all very likable characters. You will find yourself fantasizing that you are right there riding along with them in their adventures. Wonderful dialogue, witty and humorous, including the footnotes interspersed by the narrator of the tale.
My only complaint is that I grew a bid tired of the lengthy, very descriptive battle scenes. I understand they are necessary to such a story, but it was a bit much for me. What I enjoyed most was the humor and the conversations between the characters.
I listened to the audio version, narrated by Mark Topping, who did such a fantastic job. I particularly liked his portrayal of Scott. I would definitely read more by this author and listen to more by this narrator.
The heroes of the story are all very likable characters. You will find yourself fantasizing that you are right there riding along with them in their adventures. Wonderful dialogue, witty and humorous, including the footnotes interspersed by the narrator of the tale.
My only complaint is that I grew a bid tired of the lengthy, very descriptive battle scenes. I understand they are necessary to such a story, but it was a bit much for me. What I enjoyed most was the humor and the conversations between the characters.
I listened to the audio version, narrated by Mark Topping, who did such a fantastic job. I particularly liked his portrayal of Scott. I would definitely read more by this author and listen to more by this narrator.
March 24, 2018
This could have gone so badly. We already have a brilliant comedic arthurian tale given to us by the great Monty Python troupe. Something that is very hard to beat if you want to be honest. Shoot, I wouldn't even want to have my work compared to it. (Which I kind of guess that I am doing anyway). What I'm trying to say is, that if you are going to do an arthurian comedy, then you'd better have the chops to pull it off, and Howard does. In spades, too.
Truthfully, the book does start a bit slowly. It also played out more like a tell, don't show (bad idea) kind of story, and if it had stayed that way I would have dropped it pretty quickly. The point being, once it starts, I mean really starts, the story and the humor just escalates to points of absurdity it is so good. I'd hate to see this made into a movie, because then I'd be forced to pick a favorite; something I don't have to do so long as this remains a book.
The narration by Topper is just .....the......tops! He plays each role perfectly, and has a way of delivering the lines that only adds to the laughs. He was an excellent choice to read this book for others to hear. Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and in fact, inspired me to be more honest. In fact, getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.
If this review helped, please press the YES below. Thank you immensely!!!
Truthfully, the book does start a bit slowly. It also played out more like a tell, don't show (bad idea) kind of story, and if it had stayed that way I would have dropped it pretty quickly. The point being, once it starts, I mean really starts, the story and the humor just escalates to points of absurdity it is so good. I'd hate to see this made into a movie, because then I'd be forced to pick a favorite; something I don't have to do so long as this remains a book.
The narration by Topper is just .....the......tops! He plays each role perfectly, and has a way of delivering the lines that only adds to the laughs. He was an excellent choice to read this book for others to hear. Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and in fact, inspired me to be more honest. In fact, getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.
If this review helped, please press the YES below. Thank you immensely!!!
January 22, 2018
This was the most amazing book. I think anyone would like it. Even if you think the Arthurian works aren’t for you, it is more than that. It is so funny. I found myself rolling, especially when the author would throw in footnote and all kinds of puns to go along with the story. It would take a serious situation and throw in some humor to lighten the mood. It puts me in mind of some great stories I read back in college in all my literature classes, especially Don Quixote. I loved all the characters. I think children would love it. It does get pretty bloody and gorey. But that’s to be expected with a story set back in the days of knights and dragons. Battles were fought with swords and arrows. There wasn’t modern medicine or analgesics like today.
I recommend the audiobook if you like listening to stories. The narrator really brought it to life. I can’t imagine anyone doing a better job than him. I especially liked the crazy Druid, Cathbad (hope that correct spelling), voice. I could picture the whole story as a movie. Cathbad reminds me of Gargamel on the Smurfs for some reason. I would love to see this made into a movie. This author is so amazing! He should go down in history like all the other famous writers of literature, who knows, maybe he already has. I’m so glad I found him.
I recommend the audiobook if you like listening to stories. The narrator really brought it to life. I can’t imagine anyone doing a better job than him. I especially liked the crazy Druid, Cathbad (hope that correct spelling), voice. I could picture the whole story as a movie. Cathbad reminds me of Gargamel on the Smurfs for some reason. I would love to see this made into a movie. This author is so amazing! He should go down in history like all the other famous writers of literature, who knows, maybe he already has. I’m so glad I found him.
February 16, 2018
This humorous Arthurian tale will keep you laughing throughout it. I have never been so entertained in a long while. You have a beautiful Lady, two knights, the King, dragon, romance and many more characters along with philosophical dialogue to keep you so entertained! Plus, my favorite was the narrator's side comments. What a hoot! Whether you prefer to listen or read this novel you will enjoy it!
December 21, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It is very wise and clever and funny at times (though I don't think the author's obsession with defecation is particularly funny). However, it was difficult for me to form any connection to the characters. The book feels devoid of any passion - it is cleverly constructed in an over-calculating, rational manner. I somehow know I will not be re-reading this.
January 30, 2020
Such a tale! Humour and adventure, chivalrious knights, dragons, brave maidens and blushing warriors. This was a really fun book, an arthurian tale with plenty of humorous twists.
January 22, 2018
This was the most amazing book. I think anyone would like it. Even if you think the Arthurian works aren’t for you, it is more than that. It is so funny. I found myself rolling, especially when the author would throw in footnote and all kinds of puns to go along with the story. It would take a serious situation and throw in some humor to lighten the mood. It puts me in mind of some great stories I read back in college in all my literature classes, especially Don Quixote. I loved all the characters. I think children would love it. It does get pretty bloody and gorey. But that’s to be expected with a story set back in the days of knights and dragons. Battles were fought with swords and arrows. There wasn’t modern medicine or analgesics like today.
I recommend the audiobook if you like listening to stories. The narrator really brought it to life. I can’t imagine anyone doing a better job than him. I especially liked the crazy Druid, Cathbad (hope that correct spelling), voice. I could picture the whole story as a movie. Cathbad reminds me of Gargamel on the Smurfs for some reason. I would love to see this made into a movie. This author is so amazing! He should go down in history like all the other famous writers of literature, who knows, maybe he already has. I’m so glad I found him.
I recommend the audiobook if you like listening to stories. The narrator really brought it to life. I can’t imagine anyone doing a better job than him. I especially liked the crazy Druid, Cathbad (hope that correct spelling), voice. I could picture the whole story as a movie. Cathbad reminds me of Gargamel on the Smurfs for some reason. I would love to see this made into a movie. This author is so amazing! He should go down in history like all the other famous writers of literature, who knows, maybe he already has. I’m so glad I found him.
October 17, 2019
The writing is what drew me out of it.
The story isn't fantastic either but it could have been slogged through but the writing.
Badly in need of a rewrite. Maybe once Mr Howard has his teeth in he can try again and come out with a fantastic thing.
Not yet though
The story isn't fantastic either but it could have been slogged through but the writing.
Badly in need of a rewrite. Maybe once Mr Howard has his teeth in he can try again and come out with a fantastic thing.
Not yet though
October 21, 2019
Three Days and Two Knights was remarkably entertaining. It had intelligent and interesting characters, and a good amount of worldbuilding. The author’s clever use of footnotes help immerse and inform. If you’re a fan of medieval fantasy and comedy, it’s a must read.
May 7, 2018
what a surprise. i don't like knights stories but this was captivating and entertaining. very good.
February 9, 2021
Found this book while looking up a different Scott Howard's works. Unlike the person I was looking up, this book seems genuinely interesting. At times the book seems a bit pressed together like the author is attempting to place a two book story into one book but despite that crunch the story is engaging and well thought out.
May 3, 2023
Entertaining, great narration, a good take on the Arthurian legend.
October 26, 2024
An enjoyable adventure with amusing asides.
August 18, 2018
I wrote this one, so perhaps my review would be biased...
Here's the back cover copy:
Sir Alanbart avoids action, recoils from romance, and shuns self-sacrifice; yet when he finds himself drawn into a harebrained attempt to rescue King Arthur, he becomes a victim of all three, and then poor Alanbart must fight hard to stay true to his cowardly and indolent nature.
"Three Days and Two Knights" is a genre crossover that blends fantasy-adventure, comedy, and romance in a historical literary setting.
“Few tales tell of heroes and dragons, knights and giants, magic, miracles, love, a banshee, and the undead . . .” So begins Aelfric the Entertainer, this tale’s invasive, witty, and often philosophical narrator. Set on the moors of Scotland in the waning months of Arthur’s rule, "Three Days and Two Knights" tells how Sir Alanbart, an impoverished and spineless knight; Heather, an indomitable and irresistible serving maid; Scot, a pagan swordsman of questionable intelligence and sexuality, and Sir Gawain, the legendary romantic hero, form an unlikely alliance to free King Arthur from prison. The catch? They have just three days before the blue moon rises, at which time the red wizard Rabordath will use Arthur’s blood to conjure a dragon that will end a kingdom and set all of Britain aflame.
"Three Days and Two Knights" features characters, settings, artifacts, and events drawn from medieval myth and history, and will appeal to anyone who loves the middle ages, knights, monsters, magic, or King Arthur, especially those who grew up with "The Hobbit," Percy Jackson, and Cressida Cowell’s "How to Train Your Dragon" series.
Here's the back cover copy:
Sir Alanbart avoids action, recoils from romance, and shuns self-sacrifice; yet when he finds himself drawn into a harebrained attempt to rescue King Arthur, he becomes a victim of all three, and then poor Alanbart must fight hard to stay true to his cowardly and indolent nature.
"Three Days and Two Knights" is a genre crossover that blends fantasy-adventure, comedy, and romance in a historical literary setting.
“Few tales tell of heroes and dragons, knights and giants, magic, miracles, love, a banshee, and the undead . . .” So begins Aelfric the Entertainer, this tale’s invasive, witty, and often philosophical narrator. Set on the moors of Scotland in the waning months of Arthur’s rule, "Three Days and Two Knights" tells how Sir Alanbart, an impoverished and spineless knight; Heather, an indomitable and irresistible serving maid; Scot, a pagan swordsman of questionable intelligence and sexuality, and Sir Gawain, the legendary romantic hero, form an unlikely alliance to free King Arthur from prison. The catch? They have just three days before the blue moon rises, at which time the red wizard Rabordath will use Arthur’s blood to conjure a dragon that will end a kingdom and set all of Britain aflame.
"Three Days and Two Knights" features characters, settings, artifacts, and events drawn from medieval myth and history, and will appeal to anyone who loves the middle ages, knights, monsters, magic, or King Arthur, especially those who grew up with "The Hobbit," Percy Jackson, and Cressida Cowell’s "How to Train Your Dragon" series.
August 19, 2018
This was cute and entertaining. The pacing felt slow in places, but I did like the overall storytelling (especially the footnotes).
This isn't a tale of Arthur, if that's what you're looking for, nor is it Monty python. It's definitely an original. It's a small story with fun characters, which takes place in a short time period and is focused on an unknown, cowardly knight and the escapade he unwillingly finds himself in.
Unfortunately, I didn't *love* it, it might be that I'm just too old? (In my thirties). But I did enjoy it, and found myself smiling in places.
The audiobook narrator was wonderful, loved the different voices and accents. Very versatile.
This isn't a tale of Arthur, if that's what you're looking for, nor is it Monty python. It's definitely an original. It's a small story with fun characters, which takes place in a short time period and is focused on an unknown, cowardly knight and the escapade he unwillingly finds himself in.
Unfortunately, I didn't *love* it, it might be that I'm just too old? (In my thirties). But I did enjoy it, and found myself smiling in places.
The audiobook narrator was wonderful, loved the different voices and accents. Very versatile.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews