In Camelot, King Arthur's dog encounters a world of danger and magic...
Follow Cavall as he embarks on a quest that will put the unbreakable bond between a dog and his person to the ultimate test.
When Cavall and his older brother, Glessic, leave the comfort of their simple barn to join the lavish court of Camelot, Cavall wants nothing more than to prove he's a good dog to the great knights and dogs of the castle--especially to King Arthur.
But Gless says only the best dogs are worthy of greatness, and Cavall has never been as strong, brave, or fast as his brother.
Meanwhile, malevolent forces lurk in Camelot, and Cavall must figure out how to protect his person. To make matters worse, Arthur's mysterious nightmares are threatening to shake his grip on reality and undermine his authority as king.
To fight back against the dangers of the dream world, Cavall will need help from some loyal hounds and the enchanting, sometimes frightening creatures who call themselves the fay.
In this captivating debut from Audrey Mackaman, Cavall will have to prove not only that he can be a good dog for his person, but that he is capable of a greatness all his own.
Who would have thought that I would enjoy a book about a talking dog? Actually, people, at least most people do not understand what Cavall is saying, but of course, the reader and other animals, do. Cavall is the younger pup and main character, along with older brother, Glessic. Both are in this interesting Camelot story. While the book is directed towards children, probably late elementary to middle school, I was fascinated by it, and will pass it on immediately to my grandchildren.
This is noted to be a debut novel for Author Mackaman, but I certainly hope more stories are to come, as she is a refreshing writer. When I finished the book, I was hoping for more!
This debut book from Audrey Mackaman is a King Arthur tale from a dog’s perspective and a real winner. All the traditional characters are present-Arthur, Merlin, Gwenevere, Lancelot, Mordred, Morgana and the rest, but this tale keeps middle grade students in mind by leaving out the more mature aspects of the tale and bringing readers a loyal dog to save King Arthur and Camelot. There is magic, action, subterfuge, friendship...all the components demanded by those in grades 4-8. This one will be on the first book order of the new year for both of my libraries and I look forward to seeing what mischief and heroics Cavall and the other dogs in the castle will find in book 2. (Review of digital ARC from Edelweiss Plus)
This novel was so good! I am a big fan of "seeing the story I know through a new character's perspective" and in particular stories about animals observing a story, so I really enjoyed the premise. The novel introduces Cavall and also Camelot through his eyes. This was definitely my favorite part of it: seeing the castle, the characters (especially Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Morgana, Tristan and Mordred) through the eyes of a dog full of hope and wonder.
There is also adventure, with Cavall having to save Arthur from evil magic, alongside Lancelot's dog and Tristan's dog. It was so sweet to see Cavall as a young new dog slowly becoming what Arthur became: a leading figure, but also a figure that believes everyone can be good, and violence/power is not all is needed to act and lead. I adored the parallel of what had to be Arthur's younger years.
Furthermore, Cavall is introduced as a learning character and I would almost put this novel into the coming of age category. One of the lessons the lady of the lake offers him is .
Arthur and Mordred were my favorite characters. Arthur because he was so deliciously humanized (his eagerness, his guilt and earnest almost naivity) and Mordred because I am dying to find out what is going on with him. I would definitely recommend this book to any Mordred fan!
A DOG IN KING ARTHUR'S COURT is told from the point of view of a dog named Cavall. While out running with his brother Glessic, they run into King Arthur while he's out on a hunt. King Arthur is in need of a hunting dog, so he takes in Cavall. Cavall is so excited to have a person, but it isn't as easy as he thought it would be.
In King Arthur's home, there are rules and Cavall must be on his best behavior to avoid embarrassing his person. He's lucky to have other dogs in the court to help show him the way. Cavall is happy his brother is with him too, but Glessic isn't as willing to have a person as Cavall is. As dangers present themselves, Cavall must be his best to protect his person at all costs.
I love dogs and King Arthur and it was so much fun to read a story that combined the two. This one held my attention the whole time and I didn't think I would like it as much as I did because it was from a dog's POV. Instead, it's refreshing and different and I look forward to more books like this.
Final Verdict: This book is perfect for fans of dogs, King Arthur, adventure, and standing up for what's right.
A great middle readers' book about Cavall, who was supposedly Arthur's favorite dog. Cavall and his brother, Glessic, run away to the woods where they're nearly trampled by knights - and Arthur - on a hunt. Arthur and Cavall take a shine to each other, while Glessic, a larger dog and somewhat more intelligent and finicky than Cavall, is shunted off on Mordred, much to their mutual displeasure. But the King sees something in both dogs and they are taken to Camelot where their adventures begin.
Since this is told from the POV of a young dog, barely out of puppyhood, everything is very exciting. He meets and befriends three other dogs of the castle before something happens - Arthur is attacked by a bear and gashed badly.
Mordred, seeing an opportunity, takes actions to use this injury to his advantage and it's up to Cafall and his two best friends to save the King.
A fun story and one of two; I'll be reading the second book as well.
This children's book is fresh, original and completely delightful. The protagonist, Cavall, still a puppy in this first volume of the series, is awkward, clumsy, knows nothing about anything and is not the sharpest tool in the box. But with courage, determination and a loving heart, he gathers friends and manages to save his human nevertheless.
I found it so refreshing to have an animal hero who was NOT the toughest, strongest, cleverest most accomplished beast in the forest. Cavall's lack of outstanding qualities makes him supremely relatable, and a perfect role model for children. It is his virtues. his moral qualities, and not any accident of birth that enables him to prevail, and this alone makes it an excellent piece of children's fiction, even without the many moral lessons that are slipped in among the action.
A great piece of work and I'll read more of the series.
How can you not love a story based on the legends of King Arthur that is told from a dog's point of view ... especially a dog as smart, brave and sensitive as Cavall? Young readers will really enjoy this action packed book that is filled with magic and warmth. Can't wait to see what adventures are in store in the next of this series. I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
The start of the book was bland the middle was bland but the ending picked up the pace a little even though the only good characters were the dogs (obviously) the rest of the characters were bland and though the story itself was a bit weird, I do really like Cavall, he's just a adorable guy with the best intentions.;-)
Very, very sweet story. It had a slow start but I thought it had a unique fae system and a surprisingly intense build to the climax. I would have liked said climax to be a little more drawn out, but other than I was very pleased with this read. I could not be more in love with Cavall. The epitome of a Good Dog!
This novel was cheerful and inspiring in its delivery. The colorful and diverse diction throughout the work was surprising to me and I greatly enjoyed it. This may include some of the best vocabulary I've encountered in a Middle Grade novel. Cavall's adventure was heartwarming and I teared up when Arthur described Cavall at the end. A truly wonderful read.
Told from a dog's point of view, A Dog in King Arthur's Court was a delightful read. Cavall was loyal, intelligent and brave, and I loved seeing the Camelot legend through his eyes. The author did a wonderful job bringing the animal and human stories together. Fresh and original, this story will appeal to younger readers and I look forward to the next instalment.
I generally don't love anthropomorphized animal books, but this was pretty cute. 3.5 stars.
I do love King Arthur stories & I'm a sucker for a heroic dog story, so this was pretty sweet even if it wasn't my favorite. Would absolutely recommend it to a young reader though!
Some wonderful quotes from the book:
"You needn't be afraid of what you don't understand," Merlin said. “You must only understand that you don’t understand it.”
and
"I know," he sighed. "A man cannot be brave without first being frightened."
Good old-fashioned happy-ending-but-there's-more-to-come dog story. (.yaw taht ni denoihsaf-dlo ton os, eid sgod oN) The tone is somewhere between Disney's Sword in the Stone and its source, the first book of T.H. White's Once and Future King. Themes of loyalty, learning, friendship, bravery, diverse abilities. Recommended especially for kids who are adjusting after moving to a new neighborhood.