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The Squire's Tales #2
The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady
Squire Terence and Sir Gawain are off questing again, but this time their journey is overshadowed by their ultimate destination: Gawain is to meet up with the Green Knight in a contest that could easily lead to Gawain's death. Along the way the two have a slew of hair-raising adventures and encounter the usual odd assortment of characters, including the plucky Lady Eileen. Sparks instantly fly between Terence and Eileen as she joins the squire and his knight on their travels. As they weave their way between the world of men and the Other World, Gawain and Terence discover much about themselves. The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady is the sequel to Gerald Morris's debut book, The Squire's Tale, about which the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books raved, "This Arthurian road trip will have readers wondering why there aren't more books like this one and hoping that Morris will do it again." And so he has.
242 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
69 people are currently reading
1757 people want to read
About the author
Gerald Morris
25 books495 followersGerald Morris is an award-winning author, best known for his retellings of Arthurian legends for preteen and teen readers.
His first series, The Squire's Tales, focuses primarily on a squire named Terence, alongside his knight, Sir Gawain. The ten-book series began with The Squire's Tale, first published in 1998.
His second series, The Knights' Tales, is for younger readers and began with The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great, published in 2008, followed by The Adventures of Sir Givret the Short in the same year.
Morris was born in Riverside, California in 1963, the son of Russell A. Morris. He was educated at the Oklahoma Baptist University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He married Rebecca Hughes, has 3 children, and now lives in Wausau, Wisconsin. He also lived for a short time in Oklahoma. Apart from writing, Morris teaches theology and serves as a pastor for church.
His first series, The Squire's Tales, focuses primarily on a squire named Terence, alongside his knight, Sir Gawain. The ten-book series began with The Squire's Tale, first published in 1998.
His second series, The Knights' Tales, is for younger readers and began with The Adventures of Sir Lancelot the Great, published in 2008, followed by The Adventures of Sir Givret the Short in the same year.
Morris was born in Riverside, California in 1963, the son of Russell A. Morris. He was educated at the Oklahoma Baptist University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He married Rebecca Hughes, has 3 children, and now lives in Wausau, Wisconsin. He also lived for a short time in Oklahoma. Apart from writing, Morris teaches theology and serves as a pastor for church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
August 1, 2014
Gerald Morris retells the classic tale of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" in a funny, yet multi-demensional story. It is told through the eyes of Gawain's young squire, Terence, who is one of my favorite heroes in any story, up there with Prince Caspian from Narnia and Faramir from Middle Earth.
I especially like the way this book dealt with the romance between Lancelot and Guinevere. It was a sub-plot, but I liked how it portrayed the relationship from the perspective of those who were on Arthur's "side" during the whole affair.
Terence and his ladylove, Eileen, are not featured in any other Arthurian tales besides Morris' retelling, but most of (if not all) the other chracters appear in classical Arthurian literature. This book takes the traditional and turns it into something that is both true to the legends and at the same time fresh.
One of my favorite reads EVER!
I especially like the way this book dealt with the romance between Lancelot and Guinevere. It was a sub-plot, but I liked how it portrayed the relationship from the perspective of those who were on Arthur's "side" during the whole affair.
Terence and his ladylove, Eileen, are not featured in any other Arthurian tales besides Morris' retelling, but most of (if not all) the other chracters appear in classical Arthurian literature. This book takes the traditional and turns it into something that is both true to the legends and at the same time fresh.
One of my favorite reads EVER!
October 14, 2023
A book of mysterious provenance, found on the ‘M’ shelf of my fiction and chosen to accompany me on my flight because it didn’t need to make the return trip, necessarily.
Turned out to be quite engaging - full of delightful, other worldly creatures: we hear of Conn Annowns, (aka Cŵn Annwns) we meet Hag Annis, even Parsifal in the raw, and learn of many legendary heroes while we accompany others on their quests into and out of the Other World.
“Gawain went on. ‘The Puck of whom I have heard is an imp, a mischievous sprite who’d rather cause trouble than eat, a merry little good-for-nothing whose greatest delight is to make fools of humans.’
‘Ay, that’s the fellow,’ Terrance agreed.
Robin looked pleased, but he murmured, ‘As if humans needed my help.’”
I might just have to read more by this fellow, and even carry this book home for my partner to read.
Turned out to be quite engaging - full of delightful, other worldly creatures: we hear of Conn Annowns, (aka Cŵn Annwns) we meet Hag Annis, even Parsifal in the raw, and learn of many legendary heroes while we accompany others on their quests into and out of the Other World.
“Gawain went on. ‘The Puck of whom I have heard is an imp, a mischievous sprite who’d rather cause trouble than eat, a merry little good-for-nothing whose greatest delight is to make fools of humans.’
‘Ay, that’s the fellow,’ Terrance agreed.
Robin looked pleased, but he murmured, ‘As if humans needed my help.’”
I might just have to read more by this fellow, and even carry this book home for my partner to read.
June 6, 2012
This book, like the first, goes off at a galloping pace. It's a relatively simple version of the Green Knight story, with humour and understanding, and links to other traditions like the Welsh Gwalchmai (who I consider one and the same as Gawain, but Morris plainly doesn't) and the Irish Cuchulainn. It's fun, as someone who knows the tradition well, to pick out what Morris got from where, whether it be a Middle High German romance or T.H. White.
It isn't the best retelling of this story I've read, but it's full of life and doesn't take itself too seriously. Recommended especially for young teens, I'd say.
I do approve of Morris' interpretation of Gawain -- and come to that, his version of Guinevere and what motivates her is both sad and interesting.
It isn't the best retelling of this story I've read, but it's full of life and doesn't take itself too seriously. Recommended especially for young teens, I'd say.
I do approve of Morris' interpretation of Gawain -- and come to that, his version of Guinevere and what motivates her is both sad and interesting.
March 9, 2021
A perfect sequel! This tale endears the reader all the more to the characters. We laughed and (I’ll admit) teared up occasionally while reading this out loud. An extremely easy to read introduction to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Interesting and thought-provoking themes from Christianity. Some great one-liners. Very highlighter worthy. No wonder I loved these books as a kid.
Interesting to read more about this author. Interested to read more by this author.
Interesting to read more about this author. Interested to read more by this author.
August 25, 2021
I can't even count the number of times I read this as a kid. After the latest Green Knight movie came out, I found myself reminiscing about this series and how I frankly thought this children's adaptation did a better job balancing the humor and the seriousness of Gawain and Terence's adventures to give it greater emotional impact. The fact that there are so many funny moments makes the darker times all the more effective. It's a pretty fast read for an adult, but just as enjoyable as it was when I was in middle school.
March 9, 2021
Really enjoying this series.
August 26, 2024
There’s a time jump in this sequel, and I was pretty jarred to find Terrence change from a modest, uncertain 14-year old to a snarky, swaggering young man. Time jump aside, he just didn’t seem at all the same character. Other than that, this had all the humor and fun adventure of the first book.
December 17, 2021
Wow! What a superb tale of adventure, friendship, and love. This episode of the Squire's Tale series was based on the 14th-century poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." Part of Morris' motivation in writing is his admiration for the legendary knight Gawain. This story further explores the rise of Sir Lancelot, while contrasting worldly fame with deeds of true honor which perhaps remain unheralded.
One key theme was failure which leads to shame. One character compromised his sense of honor in a life-threatening situation, which he then interpreted as a lifelong burden of shame. This is a tale and time of thrilling quests and grand accomplishments. True humility is seen in bearing this shame and not even hiding it in the retelling. The greatest test of the one shamed is his response to others.
Parallel to the tension between celebrity and humility, the novel explored the human world and "the other world," the one of faeries, elves, and more. Those who have experienced a taste of the other find that time-among other things-is dynamic. Lessons learned there are impossibly difficult to translate to those with little comprehension of the greater, deeper, other world. In fact, oftimes the travelers content themselves with their own knowledge, not needing to advertise their doings publicly.
Morris expertly depicted the Guenivere-Lancelot affair with undertones of the biblical prophet Hosea. This was a minor subplot but written with great depth of feeling and intriguing explanation of various characters' motives. The entire court was affected by this affair.
My favorite of many enjoyable lines came when someone lamented to the king that many knights seemed to seek fame by rote, simply doing a set number of tasks like "trained dogs." Morris writes, "Arthur looked fondly at the knights before him. 'Not dogs; children' " This exemplefied some of the echoes of Christlike behavior we saw in King Arthur throughout this book. Another instance came when Arthur paid homage to someone of lesser rank. Upon observing this break with convention, another character maveled that this king could honor another and only increase his own majesty. What a striking thought.
I love a good romance, which does not feature largely in this series so far, but one particular romantic pairing in this book was very satisfying and heartwarming to me.
This masterpiece of a tale still has me ruminating on certain scenes, dialogue, and the considerable depth of warm, devoted friendship. I highly recommend it!
One key theme was failure which leads to shame. One character compromised his sense of honor in a life-threatening situation, which he then interpreted as a lifelong burden of shame. This is a tale and time of thrilling quests and grand accomplishments. True humility is seen in bearing this shame and not even hiding it in the retelling. The greatest test of the one shamed is his response to others.
Parallel to the tension between celebrity and humility, the novel explored the human world and "the other world," the one of faeries, elves, and more. Those who have experienced a taste of the other find that time-among other things-is dynamic. Lessons learned there are impossibly difficult to translate to those with little comprehension of the greater, deeper, other world. In fact, oftimes the travelers content themselves with their own knowledge, not needing to advertise their doings publicly.
Morris expertly depicted the Guenivere-Lancelot affair with undertones of the biblical prophet Hosea. This was a minor subplot but written with great depth of feeling and intriguing explanation of various characters' motives. The entire court was affected by this affair.
My favorite of many enjoyable lines came when someone lamented to the king that many knights seemed to seek fame by rote, simply doing a set number of tasks like "trained dogs." Morris writes, "Arthur looked fondly at the knights before him. 'Not dogs; children' " This exemplefied some of the echoes of Christlike behavior we saw in King Arthur throughout this book. Another instance came when Arthur paid homage to someone of lesser rank. Upon observing this break with convention, another character maveled that this king could honor another and only increase his own majesty. What a striking thought.
I love a good romance, which does not feature largely in this series so far, but one particular romantic pairing in this book was very satisfying and heartwarming to me.
This masterpiece of a tale still has me ruminating on certain scenes, dialogue, and the considerable depth of warm, devoted friendship. I highly recommend it!
March 24, 2011
I have to say I was excited when I found out that this was a series of books. I really liked Terrence and Sir Gawain and wanted to see what would happen next. This story takes place a few years later. Terrence, who is now about 17, is still squire to Sir Gawain. He has no desire to become a knight and is getting bored hanging around Camelot. Lucky for Terrence the Green Knight appears and challenges Sir Gawain, so they are off on another quest and have more adventures along the way. They meet Lady Eileen, who joins them on their quest and at first, she and Terrence do not get along but later on realize they are in love. There are some gory bits in this book and the previous one (i.e. beheadings) as Sir Gawain is challenged by other knights(because I guess that's what knights do) and reluctantly winds up fighting them. They obviously fight to the death and since Sir Gawain is one of the best knights around (and one of the main characters in the story), he's not the one who's going to die. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I was looking forward to reading the 3rd installment of the series.
February 12, 2014
"Does Guinevere love him?"
Gawain hesitated, then spoke gently. "Forgive me, sire, but I do not think the queen is able to love anyone very deeply."
"Anyone?"
"No, sire. For her, love is the trappings of love — love letters, whispered compliments, gifts. It is like Sir Griflet's notion of knighthood — strong on armor and banners and riding peacocky horses in tournament parades, but short on honor and sacrifice. I do not think that Guinevere has ever known love as you have known it."
Arthur looked absently at the forest. "And I am not easy to love, am I?"
"No. You are the king, the master of all you behold, the servant of none."
"And Lancelot?"
"He is her slave."
Slowly, a tear formed in Arthur's eye, then rolled down his cheek. Terence, ashamed to look on his king's grief, turned away. His own eyes misted. Gawain's eyes, too, were bright with tears. "Am I a fool to love her, Gawain?"
"If so it is a divine foolishness," Gawain said.
Thank you, Gerald Morris, for getting this part of King Arthur's story absolutely right.
May 7, 2009
I thought the story line was really good (except for the affair between Guenivere and Lancelot was maddening - BAH!!), but think the descriptions of events and places could have been much more beautiful and exciting. The way it was written was quite anti-climatic.
February 19, 2015
Very enjoyable quick read
I really enjoyed this book. It only took a few hours to get through it, but it was a lot of fun. Some funny parts, some serious parts, good morals. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially those who enjoy Arthurian legends.
I really enjoyed this book. It only took a few hours to get through it, but it was a lot of fun. Some funny parts, some serious parts, good morals. I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially those who enjoy Arthurian legends.
December 25, 2019
A little less sophisticated than I remember it being, but still a /really/ good balance between the outright dehumanization of women/servants in the original tales and not being too ~modern.
April 21, 2020
A classic questing story, funny and easy to read!
May 30, 2024
After reading A Squire's Tale, I knew I had to read all of the books in this series.
This book is just as good. In this story, Sir Gawain offers to fight and die in battle to The Green Knight. He has to quest to find him, and they all believe that he will not return.
Also, running through this tale is the story of Lancelot and Guinevere. I could never decide how I felt about their story. This version makes Lancelot into the high school quarterback. Everyone loves him because he is so shiny, beautiful, and talented. Guinevere loves him because he is the it guy of the moment. It makes it hard to like either of them.
Gawain and Terrence, his squire, take off to find the green knight and find many adventures that become greatly exaggerated. That kind of explains how the stories of King Arthur and his knights became so well known and loved.
Gawain tells Terrence over and over that Terrence is ready to be a knight. It is only later after he is willing to give his life to save Gawain that he begins to believe it himself.
Along the way, they find Eileen, who falls in love with Terrence. Her father is not too pleased, but he doesn't know that Terrence is fae royalty.
This means, of course, that Terrence and Gawain enter the world of the fae. Gawain never wants to leave once he is reunited with his lady love. For some reason, the King tells them that they have to go back to their own world, but not for forever or not for long.
The call back from Terrence's only joust in the forest coming back at the end was great writing. It brings Arthur's story back around to where it should be. ( If you can forgive other people for their shallowness).
This book is just as good. In this story, Sir Gawain offers to fight and die in battle to The Green Knight. He has to quest to find him, and they all believe that he will not return.
Also, running through this tale is the story of Lancelot and Guinevere. I could never decide how I felt about their story. This version makes Lancelot into the high school quarterback. Everyone loves him because he is so shiny, beautiful, and talented. Guinevere loves him because he is the it guy of the moment. It makes it hard to like either of them.
Gawain and Terrence, his squire, take off to find the green knight and find many adventures that become greatly exaggerated. That kind of explains how the stories of King Arthur and his knights became so well known and loved.
Gawain tells Terrence over and over that Terrence is ready to be a knight. It is only later after he is willing to give his life to save Gawain that he begins to believe it himself.
Along the way, they find Eileen, who falls in love with Terrence. Her father is not too pleased, but he doesn't know that Terrence is fae royalty.
This means, of course, that Terrence and Gawain enter the world of the fae. Gawain never wants to leave once he is reunited with his lady love. For some reason, the King tells them that they have to go back to their own world, but not for forever or not for long.
The call back from Terrence's only joust in the forest coming back at the end was great writing. It brings Arthur's story back around to where it should be. ( If you can forgive other people for their shallowness).
June 19, 2018
It took me two books, but I finally figured out what this series reminds me of: The Chronicles of Prydain, but not as well written and with less characterization.
The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady made me laugh quite a bit, and had some thoughtful moments (gosh darn if that scene where Arther mourns Guinevere didn't give me the feels), but now I just want to read Prydain again. In fact, I think I WILL go read Prydain again!
So farewell Terence, Eileen, and Gawain. I wish you luck on your next adventures. Maybe in a few years, when I'm in a mood for King Arthur lite, I'll pick you up again and join you.
The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady made me laugh quite a bit, and had some thoughtful moments (gosh darn if that scene where Arther mourns Guinevere didn't give me the feels), but now I just want to read Prydain again. In fact, I think I WILL go read Prydain again!
So farewell Terence, Eileen, and Gawain. I wish you luck on your next adventures. Maybe in a few years, when I'm in a mood for King Arthur lite, I'll pick you up again and join you.
January 12, 2022
An excellent follow-on to the first book. Terence the squire grows into his full potential and falls in love. All while experiencing Arthurian quests, battles, and ladies. Mr. Morris has a deft hand at mixing standard Arthurian stories with a nice view of what is really important in life. Arthur continues to come through as the consummate gentleman and king - why can't we find political leaders like him now? Sir Gawain continues to impress as he discovers what true knights do and believe.
July 5, 2024
rereading 2024: Another installment much like the first of the series where most of the adventures happen abruptly without explanation or reason. Our heroes remain very likeable and the banter delightful. Morris starts to explore deeper feelings here in a very effective way.
June 7, 2020
Ahhh amazing! loved it! RTC
January 13, 2025
Oh my gosh, this was so good! Gawain and Terence are such strong characters. Terence especially grew on me this time. His savageness kind of reminds me of Harry Potter. And his romance with Eileen was so fun and adorable. These books so far are just nice little warm hugs and so clever with characters confusing the NPCs by breaking out of the predetermined script. Also teaches an important lesson on shame and how it humbles you. So excited to read the third one now!
May 13, 2011
The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady by Gerald Morris is the sequel to The Squire's Tale. Though not quite as good as its predecessor, I found it to be an excellent and adventurous story.
Squire Terence and Sir Gawain are back! Several years have passed since the first book and, with peace now in the land, life at Camelot is starting to get boring. When a magical Green Knight comes to Camelot with a challenge, to take a blow and return it in one year’s time from any knight of the Round Table will to take the challenge, Sir Gawain agrees. He chops off the Green Knight's head...only to watch as the man puts it back on again! Now Gawain and Terence travel to what looks to be Gawain's last moments....surrendering his neck to the Green Knight.
Similar to the first book, The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady involve Gawain and Terence in a whole bunch of adventures and skirmishes outside of the "main plot". The book is filled with great humor and charming characters, including the fiesty Lady Eileen who gets saved by Terence (and Gawain) and promptly joins them on their quest.
With more "Other World" interacton, Terence learns more about his Father, his future, and the meaning of courage.
If reading this series doesn't make me a life-long fan of Sir Gawain (The Maiden's Knight) I'll eat my shoe. There is just something charming about his character you can't help love. Terence is also a great character, still unannoying. Lady Eileen...well, I didn't quite like her as much. She got on my nerves. No girl is that perfect. She was kind of shallow and one-dimmensional compared to Gawain and Terence, and though I think you're supposed to love her...you kind of don't.
I loved Arthur in this book. Seriously, he is awesome. The best of all knights, the most corteous and wise, just plain awesome.
I loved Lancelot's character only because I dislike him so much. That is, I dislike Lancelot and he is a proper idiot in this book. Very well done. Guinevere got on my nerves, but by the end she was amusing.
Also like the first book, what I particularly enjoyed in The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady was the deep elements. While I found them ellusive in the first book to pin down, the second one talks about courage, the meaning bravery, shame, and more on love. It gets ya thinking, yet is subtle. Very good.
Okay, here comes, why is it less than the first? Well, if it is possible, the romance is even more unlikely. Morris should stick to buddy stories.
Anyway, good book. Charming. Loved it =D
Squire Terence and Sir Gawain are back! Several years have passed since the first book and, with peace now in the land, life at Camelot is starting to get boring. When a magical Green Knight comes to Camelot with a challenge, to take a blow and return it in one year’s time from any knight of the Round Table will to take the challenge, Sir Gawain agrees. He chops off the Green Knight's head...only to watch as the man puts it back on again! Now Gawain and Terence travel to what looks to be Gawain's last moments....surrendering his neck to the Green Knight.
Similar to the first book, The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady involve Gawain and Terence in a whole bunch of adventures and skirmishes outside of the "main plot". The book is filled with great humor and charming characters, including the fiesty Lady Eileen who gets saved by Terence (and Gawain) and promptly joins them on their quest.
With more "Other World" interacton, Terence learns more about his Father, his future, and the meaning of courage.
If reading this series doesn't make me a life-long fan of Sir Gawain (The Maiden's Knight) I'll eat my shoe. There is just something charming about his character you can't help love. Terence is also a great character, still unannoying. Lady Eileen...well, I didn't quite like her as much. She got on my nerves. No girl is that perfect. She was kind of shallow and one-dimmensional compared to Gawain and Terence, and though I think you're supposed to love her...you kind of don't.
I loved Arthur in this book. Seriously, he is awesome. The best of all knights, the most corteous and wise, just plain awesome.
I loved Lancelot's character only because I dislike him so much. That is, I dislike Lancelot and he is a proper idiot in this book. Very well done. Guinevere got on my nerves, but by the end she was amusing.
Also like the first book, what I particularly enjoyed in The Squire, His Knight, and His Lady was the deep elements. While I found them ellusive in the first book to pin down, the second one talks about courage, the meaning bravery, shame, and more on love. It gets ya thinking, yet is subtle. Very good.
Okay, here comes, why is it less than the first? Well, if it is possible, the romance is even more unlikely. Morris should stick to buddy stories.
Anyway, good book. Charming. Loved it =D
September 27, 2013
I will never cease to be amazed at good writers and their ability to turn a phrase. Morris is among those good writers, and his wit and humor are on full display in these books. I can't begin to count the number of times I have found myself laughing out loud. Morris also has some good lessons to teach, and he strikes a great balance, being both straightforward and gentle during his teaching moments.
I think these books are a great introduction to the world of King Arthur and his knights for young readers. It's certainly better than starting off with something as daunting as Le Morte D'Arthur or The Once and Future King.
I also like the way he paints certain characters such as Gawain, Lancelot, and Guinevere. He doesn't follow the conventional portrayal of each of these characters, but he paints each of them in a somewhat new light, and I rather think I like his version better. And while I'm on the subject of characters, Morris's are delightful and genuine, and it's not long before you feel you've known them for ages.
I love these books. As an adult (I'm still not used to calling myself that, even if it is true) I still enjoy many children's and young adult books because a book doesn't have to be at the adult level to be engaging, well-written, or to teach a good lesson. Reading books like this also helps me to keep a certain childlikeness that I hope I never lose.
I think these books are a great introduction to the world of King Arthur and his knights for young readers. It's certainly better than starting off with something as daunting as Le Morte D'Arthur or The Once and Future King.
I also like the way he paints certain characters such as Gawain, Lancelot, and Guinevere. He doesn't follow the conventional portrayal of each of these characters, but he paints each of them in a somewhat new light, and I rather think I like his version better. And while I'm on the subject of characters, Morris's are delightful and genuine, and it's not long before you feel you've known them for ages.
I love these books. As an adult (I'm still not used to calling myself that, even if it is true) I still enjoy many children's and young adult books because a book doesn't have to be at the adult level to be engaging, well-written, or to teach a good lesson. Reading books like this also helps me to keep a certain childlikeness that I hope I never lose.
January 5, 2016
This was a delightful read, although it started a bit slow. I had complained that The Squire's Tale didn't cover the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, but that was before I found out it was the start of a series and this one has that story as its focus. It's also the best treatment I've read of the tension caused by the open secret of Lancelot and Guinevere's infatuation, couched in the historical shift from the origin of the King Arthur legends to its later enhancement to add Lancelot and courtly love.
The wry handling of ancient gender roles and modern sensibilities is still here, like it was in the first book, except more subtle & low key -- it's not the focus of the story this time. At the same time, the author does a good job of presenting the virtues of that age without mocking them. In addition, I think Morris has weaved more period language into his writing, and I've enjoyed it more because of that.
The wry handling of ancient gender roles and modern sensibilities is still here, like it was in the first book, except more subtle & low key -- it's not the focus of the story this time. At the same time, the author does a good job of presenting the virtues of that age without mocking them. In addition, I think Morris has weaved more period language into his writing, and I've enjoyed it more because of that.
June 20, 2023
Lol this author cannot write women
RTC
Okay, the actual review:
I had read another version of this tale just a week earlier (didn't realise that going in) so I wasn't as focused on the plot as usual. And that led me to realise... this author cannot write characters. They are all bland and predictable. Now, yes, a character should be predictable, but because they have an actual personality, not because they are stereotypes.
Let's start with Terence. 4 years have passed since book 1, so his personality obviously changed a bit. But it shouldn't have changed as much as it did. Terence has gone from the shy, naive, sweet boy we met to a sarcastic, flirty, outgoing squire. In summary, he has become just like Gawain and every single other good guy.
And yes, now we get to the women. Whoo! In this book, they exist to kiss the men. Also, they get into petty fights over who is the most beautiful at a party.
First, Eileen. Short backstory: her parents dead, she now lives with her evil uncle in his scary castle. When Terence first meets her, she is angry that he doesn't show her the respect she thinks she deserves and threatens him with a beating. But wait! When Terence accuses her of being like everyone else in the castle, her voice starts "throbbing with emotion" and she decides to help him. Lol.
Later, Eileen tries to show them the way to where Gawain's weapons are and can't tell the difference between left or right. She's sixteen.
And then this happens:
.... What? Guys, please tell me if this is an actual stereotype that exists because I have never heard this one before (the book was written in 1999 so maybe it was a thing back then). It would have made way more sense if - for example - she showed them the way but stopped to ask a guard for directions. It would still have been a dumb stereotype, but also kinda funny. This, though, is just really weird.
Anyway, they escape from the castle. Eileen packs quickly (thank goodness) and Terence thinks "of course she'd have to have a comb". Not sure here if this is sarcasm - in which case, dumb - or just an observation - in which case, unnecessary. Quick aside here, the books mentions that basically everyone in the castle is cruel and mean. All the soldiers laugh over some story of sawing a knight in half. But then - when the plot needs our heroes to escape - everyone suddenly decides they've had enough of being mean and they kill their own lord. Okay.
Eileen gets captured by a hag. When the hag gets dumped in a fire, she roars out a "very masculine bellow". Lol I don't actually have anything to say about that, I just think it's funny and also kinda weird.
When they arrive at some fancy castle, Eileen gets a new dress and a shower.
I'm sorry but that's the funniest dumb thing I've heard in a long while.
Whatever you say, Gawain.
Because of course these two people with no chemistry whatsoever are in love. Sure.
Oh, and then Terence starts crying and Eileen uses a strand of her hair to gently wipe away a tear from Terence's cheek. New favourite flirting tactic.
And lastly, after Gawain and Terence fight a whole legion of boarheaded warriors (idk guys) they collapse into a faint. And what does Eileen say? That that's "just like a man". Because as we all know, women are constantly complaining about how lame men are, especially if they just slayed a horde of murderous boars to defend us.
Now for M. (I don't remember her full name and I don't care). While at that castle I mentioned, Gawain enjoys his rest while the lord of the castle goes out to hunt. Guess who comes into his room naked? The lady of the castle, of course. Because Gawain is hot and that is how women act, duh. The "only way" to get her to leave is to give her a kiss. Gawain also mentions that he knows she will come back tomorrow. So what does he do? Does he (a) lock the door; (b) put a chair in front of the door; (c) tell her husband? The answer is (d) none of these. He just lets its happen. Are you absolutely sure you aren't happy with her actions, Gawain?
Also, his reasoning for not telling the husband is a bit weird. So okay. Earlier in the book, Guinevere (Arthur's wife) is cheating with Lancelot. The view on her actions: she is a shallow, unintelligent lady so she should be glad to have Arthur. Now the view on M.: she is brighter than her husband so it would be a shame to discredit her to him. Um, okay. So what I'm getting is it's okay to cheat as long as you can do better. Oh, I might also mention that although Guinevere is admittedly a cheat, the way she is treated is rather nasty. It very much feels like the description of how she is aging is supposed to show that she is becoming... idk, less. Yuck.
And then lastly, the description Terence's father gives of his mother:
Yeah, idk, maybe I'm just overreacting but that really only tells me she was a happy person. Like pretty much every dead mother in a book. But yeah, that's not something special to this book, more a thing with YA fiction in general.
Add to that that the books show nothing but derision for any religious figure and um... yeah no thanks.
RTC
Okay, the actual review:
I had read another version of this tale just a week earlier (didn't realise that going in) so I wasn't as focused on the plot as usual. And that led me to realise... this author cannot write characters. They are all bland and predictable. Now, yes, a character should be predictable, but because they have an actual personality, not because they are stereotypes.
Let's start with Terence. 4 years have passed since book 1, so his personality obviously changed a bit. But it shouldn't have changed as much as it did. Terence has gone from the shy, naive, sweet boy we met to a sarcastic, flirty, outgoing squire. In summary, he has become just like Gawain and every single other good guy.
And yes, now we get to the women. Whoo! In this book, they exist to kiss the men. Also, they get into petty fights over who is the most beautiful at a party.
First, Eileen. Short backstory: her parents dead, she now lives with her evil uncle in his scary castle. When Terence first meets her, she is angry that he doesn't show her the respect she thinks she deserves and threatens him with a beating. But wait! When Terence accuses her of being like everyone else in the castle, her voice starts "throbbing with emotion" and she decides to help him. Lol.
Later, Eileen tries to show them the way to where Gawain's weapons are and can't tell the difference between left or right. She's sixteen.
And then this happens:
"Oh for heaven's sake, why can't women ever tell their left from their right?" Terence moaned.
.... What? Guys, please tell me if this is an actual stereotype that exists because I have never heard this one before (the book was written in 1999 so maybe it was a thing back then). It would have made way more sense if - for example - she showed them the way but stopped to ask a guard for directions. It would still have been a dumb stereotype, but also kinda funny. This, though, is just really weird.
Anyway, they escape from the castle. Eileen packs quickly (thank goodness) and Terence thinks "of course she'd have to have a comb". Not sure here if this is sarcasm - in which case, dumb - or just an observation - in which case, unnecessary. Quick aside here, the books mentions that basically everyone in the castle is cruel and mean. All the soldiers laugh over some story of sawing a knight in half. But then - when the plot needs our heroes to escape - everyone suddenly decides they've had enough of being mean and they kill their own lord. Okay.
Eileen gets captured by a hag. When the hag gets dumped in a fire, she roars out a "very masculine bellow". Lol I don't actually have anything to say about that, I just think it's funny and also kinda weird.
When they arrive at some fancy castle, Eileen gets a new dress and a shower.
Firelight glimmered in her hair, and Terence wondered with amazement whatever had happened to her freckles. They were gone, and she did not look at all like a child.
I'm sorry but that's the funniest dumb thing I've heard in a long while.
"[...] Nor could there be a more courageous questing lady than the Lady Eileen."
Whatever you say, Gawain.
She wore a long dress of pale yellow that just matched her hair. Terence beckoned her in and, with a vague sense of surprise, realized that he loved her.
Because of course these two people with no chemistry whatsoever are in love. Sure.
Oh, and then Terence starts crying and Eileen uses a strand of her hair to gently wipe away a tear from Terence's cheek. New favourite flirting tactic.
And lastly, after Gawain and Terence fight a whole legion of boarheaded warriors (idk guys) they collapse into a faint. And what does Eileen say? That that's "just like a man". Because as we all know, women are constantly complaining about how lame men are, especially if they just slayed a horde of murderous boars to defend us.
Now for M. (I don't remember her full name and I don't care). While at that castle I mentioned, Gawain enjoys his rest while the lord of the castle goes out to hunt. Guess who comes into his room naked? The lady of the castle, of course. Because Gawain is hot and that is how women act, duh. The "only way" to get her to leave is to give her a kiss. Gawain also mentions that he knows she will come back tomorrow. So what does he do? Does he (a) lock the door; (b) put a chair in front of the door; (c) tell her husband? The answer is (d) none of these. He just lets its happen. Are you absolutely sure you aren't happy with her actions, Gawain?
Also, his reasoning for not telling the husband is a bit weird. So okay. Earlier in the book, Guinevere (Arthur's wife) is cheating with Lancelot. The view on her actions: she is a shallow, unintelligent lady so she should be glad to have Arthur. Now the view on M.: she is brighter than her husband so it would be a shame to discredit her to him. Um, okay. So what I'm getting is it's okay to cheat as long as you can do better. Oh, I might also mention that although Guinevere is admittedly a cheat, the way she is treated is rather nasty. It very much feels like the description of how she is aging is supposed to show that she is becoming... idk, less. Yuck.
And then lastly, the description Terence's father gives of his mother:
Her cheeks were always red and warm, even before the first fire was lit on a frosty winter morning; her lips were never far from smiling. Though she was young, her eyes already had the wrinkles at the corners that distinguish a merry life. I wanted to give her everything, but I never gave her as much as she gave me.
Yeah, idk, maybe I'm just overreacting but that really only tells me she was a happy person. Like pretty much every dead mother in a book. But yeah, that's not something special to this book, more a thing with YA fiction in general.
Add to that that the books show nothing but derision for any religious figure and um... yeah no thanks.
December 4, 2011
A delightful read! :) I do in fact love this series mostly because I am a total King Arthur nerd...one of my favorite tv series' is 'Merlin' :) I like these books because they're adventurous and fun, but I'm not really attached to the characters. Which also means that this series is not my absolute favorite, but really fun to read. But back to this book specifically, I love that Terrence finally found a girl :). I also loooooooooooove that he's all humble and doesn't really care about becoming a knight.
May 6, 2019
My favorite treatment of the Guinevere/Lancelot story. Morris is the king of witty banter.
April 15, 2015
I'll do something of a review when I've read this in the past two years.
January 2, 2021
(reading Amber’s favs) well...I guess I need to read more about King Arthur, because this was adorbs.
September 20, 2020
Sir Gawain, His Squire and His Lady follows from its predecessor which I have not read. I found no problems starting with this book however, as all plot details from the first book which affect the plot of this second book are reiterated. My favourite thing about this book was its interesting use of Arthurian legends. The book's main plot is a retelling of the poem Gawain and the Green Knight and not much from that tale is changed, though it is told in such a way as to appeal more to its younger audience. Particularly interesting was Morris' handling of the affair between Guinevere and Lancelot, as well as some of the more magical elements of the 'original' legends (inasmuch as we know which versions of these stories are the 'original' ones).
Like several other children's Arthurian legends (Arthur High King of Britain by Michael Morpurgo and Here Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve spring to mind), Sir Gawain, His Squire and His Lady is told through a series of smaller tales which make up a greater whole. Most of the narrative takes place in the year between the Green Knight's visit to Camelot and Gawain's second meeting with the Green Knight a year later. Rather than painstakingly detail every event which occurs during this year, Morris engages in lengthy and frequent time skips and discusses only the most important mini-quests and adventures which happen during this year. Where this book falls short in comparison to Morpurgo's and Reeve's books, however, is in the inefficient detail given about these intervals. Arthur High King of Britain takes the form of a retelling of a select few stories, and we are told which stories will be told to us; Here Lies Arthur treats time skips in much the same way as Sir Gawain, His Squire and His Lady does, but Reeve does more to explain a general overview of these time skips than does Morris and, crucially, Reeve gives more detail as to how the events during these time skips - which are nevertheless not described in as much detail as the other events in the book - affect the characters. Morris does not offer proper detail as to how the characters develop over these long periods of time, instead telling us how a character now feels or thinks after the fact and not showing how the character changed which would explain why the character now feels or thinks that way. That being said, Morris is highly skilled at using time to describe big battles such as the one in the first chapter, where the scale of the battle is sufficiently delivered to the reader while also not giving any unnecessary information.
Morris' failures in his use of time are, however, particularly irksome when concerning the protagonist, Terence: the titular squire. Terence is first introduced to the reader in this book (though he was also the protagonist of the previous book) as an arrogant and self-righteous squire who knows more about fighting than the other squires at Camelot but does not wish to become a knight himself. This does not stop him from silently critiquing his fellow squires who do wish to become knights, however, and condescendingly instructing them as to where they are going wrong. If such behaviour would put you off a character, then you will certainly not take to Terence at the beginning of the book, and indeed I did not either. Furthermore, such behaviour is not critiqued; Terence is not supposed to be seen as arrogant or self-righteous, even though his behaviour indicates that he is. This is a shame, because the characters which surround Terence - and most notably Gawain and King Arthur - are very well-developed and likeable characters, to the point where I would prefer to read the same story without Terence in it at all. Yet this is the second book in The Squire's Tales series, which aims to "bring the Arthurian legends and famous knights to life through the eyes of their squires and pages" (so says the back cover). It is thus unfortunate that the squire through whose eyes we are meant to be seeing these familiar stories is the one character who the reader wishes were not in the story at all.
Like several other children's Arthurian legends (Arthur High King of Britain by Michael Morpurgo and Here Lies Arthur by Philip Reeve spring to mind), Sir Gawain, His Squire and His Lady is told through a series of smaller tales which make up a greater whole. Most of the narrative takes place in the year between the Green Knight's visit to Camelot and Gawain's second meeting with the Green Knight a year later. Rather than painstakingly detail every event which occurs during this year, Morris engages in lengthy and frequent time skips and discusses only the most important mini-quests and adventures which happen during this year. Where this book falls short in comparison to Morpurgo's and Reeve's books, however, is in the inefficient detail given about these intervals. Arthur High King of Britain takes the form of a retelling of a select few stories, and we are told which stories will be told to us; Here Lies Arthur treats time skips in much the same way as Sir Gawain, His Squire and His Lady does, but Reeve does more to explain a general overview of these time skips than does Morris and, crucially, Reeve gives more detail as to how the events during these time skips - which are nevertheless not described in as much detail as the other events in the book - affect the characters. Morris does not offer proper detail as to how the characters develop over these long periods of time, instead telling us how a character now feels or thinks after the fact and not showing how the character changed which would explain why the character now feels or thinks that way. That being said, Morris is highly skilled at using time to describe big battles such as the one in the first chapter, where the scale of the battle is sufficiently delivered to the reader while also not giving any unnecessary information.
Morris' failures in his use of time are, however, particularly irksome when concerning the protagonist, Terence: the titular squire. Terence is first introduced to the reader in this book (though he was also the protagonist of the previous book) as an arrogant and self-righteous squire who knows more about fighting than the other squires at Camelot but does not wish to become a knight himself. This does not stop him from silently critiquing his fellow squires who do wish to become knights, however, and condescendingly instructing them as to where they are going wrong. If such behaviour would put you off a character, then you will certainly not take to Terence at the beginning of the book, and indeed I did not either. Furthermore, such behaviour is not critiqued; Terence is not supposed to be seen as arrogant or self-righteous, even though his behaviour indicates that he is. This is a shame, because the characters which surround Terence - and most notably Gawain and King Arthur - are very well-developed and likeable characters, to the point where I would prefer to read the same story without Terence in it at all. Yet this is the second book in The Squire's Tales series, which aims to "bring the Arthurian legends and famous knights to life through the eyes of their squires and pages" (so says the back cover). It is thus unfortunate that the squire through whose eyes we are meant to be seeing these familiar stories is the one character who the reader wishes were not in the story at all.
July 3, 2024
I made the mistake of reading this immediately after The Squire's Tales (book 1). This book was very odd as a sequel. Terrence is pretty much unrecognizable. In Book 1, Terrence is shy, quiet, and meek. By the end, he's gained some confidence, but he's still quiet and prefers the background. His relationship with Gawain is that of idolizing his older brother. In Book 2 (this one), Terrence is pithy, impulsive, and goes between mothering Gawain and bantering with him like a very close friend. Yes, several years have passed between Book 1 and Book 2 and Terrence went from 14 to 17? 18? older?, but it's frustrating to have a main character change so much off stage. It's really best if you don't think of this book as a sequel.
On it's own merits, the book was fine. It was a little weird to be thrown into a war in chapter 1 then be questing by Chapter 4, but the book moves at its own pace. It's nice to go through a series of tales, but some are better than others. Gerald Morris struggles to describe chaotic scenes, which is unfortunate when the main characters are fighters. Any time there was quick-paced action, you'll need to imagine most of the scene yourself. Some stories he just doesn't seem as interested in, and the story sort of moves on quickly in a hand-wavy way. At times we're asked to just sort of roll with the plot points, because, you know, that's just how the story goes and let's not ask too many questions. The dialogue is where the book shines- the banter between Gawain and Terrence is sweet, and you quickly become fond of Eileen based on her back-and-forth with Terrence. Unfortunately, all we really know of Eileen is her banter- she drops a bit of her back-story, but we don't learn anything about her interests, hopes or fears. Terrence is similarly great in the dialogue, but feels two dimensional. He is defined purely by his relationships to Gawain, Eileen and his father. When he's left to his own devices, he just sort of moves where the plot tells him (that final scene made no sense. It was a nice picture, but made absolutely no sense). The only characters that feel fleshed out are Gawain and Arthur. in the Author's Note, Morris describes his fascination with Gawain, and it shows. Gawain is a really interesting character and has a great growth arc. Arthur is also interesting, and it one of the most human portrayals of Arthur I've seen. He's compassionate but frustrated and disciplined. There's a certain scene with just him and Terrence that could have been hokey, but instead makes Arthur feel more real to me. Again, I think this is where Morris's love of Arthurian legend really comes through in the writing.
The story does a good job building on Arthurian legend. We hear the familiar stories of legend, but with new twists. Several of the stories are a nice addition to the lore. But the storytelling is variable, and the actual main character doesn't have a growth arc.
On it's own merits, the book was fine. It was a little weird to be thrown into a war in chapter 1 then be questing by Chapter 4, but the book moves at its own pace. It's nice to go through a series of tales, but some are better than others. Gerald Morris struggles to describe chaotic scenes, which is unfortunate when the main characters are fighters. Any time there was quick-paced action, you'll need to imagine most of the scene yourself. Some stories he just doesn't seem as interested in, and the story sort of moves on quickly in a hand-wavy way. At times we're asked to just sort of roll with the plot points, because, you know, that's just how the story goes and let's not ask too many questions. The dialogue is where the book shines- the banter between Gawain and Terrence is sweet, and you quickly become fond of Eileen based on her back-and-forth with Terrence. Unfortunately, all we really know of Eileen is her banter- she drops a bit of her back-story, but we don't learn anything about her interests, hopes or fears. Terrence is similarly great in the dialogue, but feels two dimensional. He is defined purely by his relationships to Gawain, Eileen and his father. When he's left to his own devices, he just sort of moves where the plot tells him (that final scene made no sense. It was a nice picture, but made absolutely no sense). The only characters that feel fleshed out are Gawain and Arthur. in the Author's Note, Morris describes his fascination with Gawain, and it shows. Gawain is a really interesting character and has a great growth arc. Arthur is also interesting, and it one of the most human portrayals of Arthur I've seen. He's compassionate but frustrated and disciplined. There's a certain scene with just him and Terrence that could have been hokey, but instead makes Arthur feel more real to me. Again, I think this is where Morris's love of Arthurian legend really comes through in the writing.
The story does a good job building on Arthurian legend. We hear the familiar stories of legend, but with new twists. Several of the stories are a nice addition to the lore. But the storytelling is variable, and the actual main character doesn't have a growth arc.
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