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Black Horses for the King
This fast-moving historical fantasy by bestselling author Anne McCaffrey traces the beginnings of the British cavalry, as recounted by a boy growing up in exciting and perilous times.
After his father’s death, young Galwyn Varianus is apprenticed to his uncle, who puts the boy to work on the high seas. But horses, not ships, are Galwyn’s passion. Luckily, a passenger aboard, Lord Artos (later to rule as the legendary King Arthur), is bound for the great horse fair at Septimania. Risking his life, Galwyn abandons his uncle to serve the gallant leader. Galywn’s calming way with horses quickly impresses Lord Artos and his men. But what no one expects is how crucial Galwyn will be to their upcoming battles—as he masters the secrets of the iron shoes that will protect the exotic horses’ delicate hooves. . . .
After his father’s death, young Galwyn Varianus is apprenticed to his uncle, who puts the boy to work on the high seas. But horses, not ships, are Galwyn’s passion. Luckily, a passenger aboard, Lord Artos (later to rule as the legendary King Arthur), is bound for the great horse fair at Septimania. Risking his life, Galwyn abandons his uncle to serve the gallant leader. Galywn’s calming way with horses quickly impresses Lord Artos and his men. But what no one expects is how crucial Galwyn will be to their upcoming battles—as he masters the secrets of the iron shoes that will protect the exotic horses’ delicate hooves. . . .
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1996
32 people are currently reading
2091 people want to read
About the author
Anne McCaffrey
478 books7,753 followersAnne Inez McCaffrey was an American writer known for the Dragonriders of Pern science fiction series. She was the first woman to win a Hugo Award for fiction (Best Novella, Weyr Search, 1968) and the first to win a Nebula Award (Best Novella, Dragonrider, 1969). Her 1978 novel The White Dragon became one of the first science-fiction books to appear on the New York Times Best Seller list.
In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named McCaffrey its 22nd Grand Master, an annual award to living writers of fantasy and science fiction. She was inducted by the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on 17 June 2006. She also received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for her work in 2007.
In 2005 the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named McCaffrey its 22nd Grand Master, an annual award to living writers of fantasy and science fiction. She was inducted by the Science Fiction Hall of Fame on 17 June 2006. She also received the Robert A. Heinlein Award for her work in 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
February 4, 2022
While in the past I have read the author's Dragonriders of Pern series I had been totally unaware of this excellent horse story she had written. This is a coming of age story of a young man living in the days of Camelot. Galwyn had always loved horses but after his father dies he ends up serving under his uncle on a ship; something he is ill suited for. But then he meets Lord Artos who in the future will become famous as King Arthur.
And this is totally unlike any King Arthur story I have ever read before for this is the tale of a farrier and how the horse sandal had been invented. Before they were known as horse shoes they were apparently called horse sandals. And they had been made of different materials to discover what works the best. For Arthur needs big strong horses for his knights to ride but without a good strong hoof you don't have a horse! And unfortunately the land where Arthur lived was more wet than what these Libyan horses were used to. That led to hoof rot. And hard riding as during war times (the Saxons are coming) can lead to more damaged hooves. This is that story as only Anne McCaffrey can write it.
And I absolutely loved this! I read the whole thing in one sitting too. I just loved how Galwyn loved the horses in here: his pony Spadix, Arthur's huge black Cornix and later the African grey Ravus. He is willing to give his life for these horses. And while he has great skill he also is full of self doubt. He has humility and never brags about himself. He is very humble and an honest person.
And before reading this I had never really thought of where Arthur had gotten horses from or that finding ones big enough would be a problem. But they came from the horse fair at Septimania. There is a map at the beginning of the book but it is hard to read in my edition. But the entire story is told from the very beginning: Arthur going on the journey to buy the horses and then transporting them and the training. They were Libyan horses.
If you love horses you definitely need to read this! A grand adventure story that is very horse centered and includes lots of horse information, especially about the hoof and legs.
And this is totally unlike any King Arthur story I have ever read before for this is the tale of a farrier and how the horse sandal had been invented. Before they were known as horse shoes they were apparently called horse sandals. And they had been made of different materials to discover what works the best. For Arthur needs big strong horses for his knights to ride but without a good strong hoof you don't have a horse! And unfortunately the land where Arthur lived was more wet than what these Libyan horses were used to. That led to hoof rot. And hard riding as during war times (the Saxons are coming) can lead to more damaged hooves. This is that story as only Anne McCaffrey can write it.
And I absolutely loved this! I read the whole thing in one sitting too. I just loved how Galwyn loved the horses in here: his pony Spadix, Arthur's huge black Cornix and later the African grey Ravus. He is willing to give his life for these horses. And while he has great skill he also is full of self doubt. He has humility and never brags about himself. He is very humble and an honest person.
And before reading this I had never really thought of where Arthur had gotten horses from or that finding ones big enough would be a problem. But they came from the horse fair at Septimania. There is a map at the beginning of the book but it is hard to read in my edition. But the entire story is told from the very beginning: Arthur going on the journey to buy the horses and then transporting them and the training. They were Libyan horses.
If you love horses you definitely need to read this! A grand adventure story that is very horse centered and includes lots of horse information, especially about the hoof and legs.
August 21, 2011
Black Horses for the King is an Arthurian novel, but focuses mostly on an original character, Galwyn, as he joins Arthur's men and helps to look after his horses, and eventually becomes involved in making prototype horse shoes for them.
It's a little odd for an Arthurian novel, as it has nothing to do with the now-traditional focus of the stories on Lancelot and Guinevere, and barely even follows the well-known characters -- the minor characters among Arthur's knights are original ones, while Bedwyr, Cei and Gwalchmei are mentioned a couple of times, but no more. The drama of this story is very minor, when set against the usual Arthurian plotline: the main antagonist is a bully of a young man who wants to kill Arthur's horse as revenge for it throwing him.
That might be a welcome change of pace for some, and it certainly served to fill a lazy Sunday afternoon for me, but it fits oddly: I'm not sure I would've cared much to finish it if it weren't for my interest in Arthuriana. In the end, it's more of interest to those who are interested in horses.
The historical research seems accurate, in the sense that nothing in it sits very badly with me. The afterword made me wince: she claims not to include Merlin because Gildas and Nennius, chroniclers contemporary with Arthur, didn't mention him. Do note that Gildas doesn't mention Arthur at all, let alone Merlin. Her research on that front doesn't appear to have been stellar.
It's a quick read, though, in any case -- it took me only a little over an hour to finish it, I think -- and the content is suitable for all ages.
It's a little odd for an Arthurian novel, as it has nothing to do with the now-traditional focus of the stories on Lancelot and Guinevere, and barely even follows the well-known characters -- the minor characters among Arthur's knights are original ones, while Bedwyr, Cei and Gwalchmei are mentioned a couple of times, but no more. The drama of this story is very minor, when set against the usual Arthurian plotline: the main antagonist is a bully of a young man who wants to kill Arthur's horse as revenge for it throwing him.
That might be a welcome change of pace for some, and it certainly served to fill a lazy Sunday afternoon for me, but it fits oddly: I'm not sure I would've cared much to finish it if it weren't for my interest in Arthuriana. In the end, it's more of interest to those who are interested in horses.
The historical research seems accurate, in the sense that nothing in it sits very badly with me. The afterword made me wince: she claims not to include Merlin because Gildas and Nennius, chroniclers contemporary with Arthur, didn't mention him. Do note that Gildas doesn't mention Arthur at all, let alone Merlin. Her research on that front doesn't appear to have been stellar.
It's a quick read, though, in any case -- it took me only a little over an hour to finish it, I think -- and the content is suitable for all ages.
August 30, 2016
This was the book that turned me on to Arthurian fiction, which then led me to Elizabeth Wein's "The Winter Prince," which remains one of my favourite books today. This Anne McCaffrey novel is a historical fiction novel set in the time of King Arthur. Arthur, or Artos, as he is known in this story, is searching for black horses large enough for his warriors to ride. To help him find and trade for the Libyan black steeds that he
needs, he hires a young ship's apprentice, Galwyn. Awesome writing.
needs, he hires a young ship's apprentice, Galwyn. Awesome writing.
February 8, 2020
McCaffrey had taken the Arthurian legends and retold part of it from a different viewpoint, that of a young fellow who likes horses. Also, the story is well researched to make it more realistic (no magic, just people working hard and surviving).
I love her writing, but I'm more used to her science fiction stories set in the future. This one took me back to medieval England after Rome has abandoned the island and the Saxons are threatening to take over the entire island.
Riveting - entertaining - hard to put down.
Update 2/8/20: Read it again. Still good. The story is well-researched and avoids the popular Arthurian hoopla and instead places the story in a more authentic world of post-Roman England.
I love her writing, but I'm more used to her science fiction stories set in the future. This one took me back to medieval England after Rome has abandoned the island and the Saxons are threatening to take over the entire island.
Riveting - entertaining - hard to put down.
Update 2/8/20: Read it again. Still good. The story is well-researched and avoids the popular Arthurian hoopla and instead places the story in a more authentic world of post-Roman England.
January 8, 2020
King Arthur needs horses and someone to keep them well shod.
I loved this new twist on a very old tale because it focuses on obtaining fighting horses and isn't just another story about Merlin or the infamous love triangle.
Well done, Anne!
I loved this new twist on a very old tale because it focuses on obtaining fighting horses and isn't just another story about Merlin or the infamous love triangle.
Well done, Anne!
August 30, 2025
I have to admit that I am not especially interested in horseshoes, so this book was a bad pick for me. But since it’s quite short and I like Arthurian tales, I decided to persevere. Surely there would have to be a plot, right? Even a short YA book needs more to it than the continual repetition of “No hoof, no horse.”
Alas, not really. The MC is a bit of a Gary Stu, and the attempt at a villain is cartoonishly simple. Also CW for the murder of a pony, for no other reason than the villain (a scruffy, nasty, cocky pagan tribesman) has held a grudge against the hero (a virtuous, humble hardworking Christian lad) for years and just randomly pops up to harass him.
I’m sure this is a great book for the right audience, but it definitely wasn’t for me.
Alas, not really. The MC is a bit of a Gary Stu, and the attempt at a villain is cartoonishly simple. Also CW for the murder of a pony, for no other reason than the villain (a scruffy, nasty, cocky pagan tribesman) has held a grudge against the hero (a virtuous, humble hardworking Christian lad) for years and just randomly pops up to harass him.
I’m sure this is a great book for the right audience, but it definitely wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2011
A straight historical novel which focuses solely on one point - horseshoes.
If, as some theorize, King Arthur, in the 5th century, imported impressive Libyan horses to Britain from the Middle East, how did he deal with the problems which would have occurred when animals used to a dry, desert climate were transferred to wet and soggy England? Hoof rot and mold & all kinds of horsey health issues would undoubtedly have occurred.
McCaffrey gives us her how-it-might-have-happened, through the story of Galwyn, a young man who throws his lot in with the Comes Artos - partly to get away from his apprenticeship to his nasty mariner uncle, and partly because he loves horses and is impressed by Artos. He learns from Artos' experienced horsemen and smiths, and a radical new technique - shoeing horses in iron - is developed. Galwyn becomes one of the first experienced farriers.
There's not really too much of a plot here - the most evil villain is a resentful and vindictive guy who was fired from Artos' service and wants to get back at the company and the horses - and if you have no interest in the specifics of things equestrian, this book probably won't interest you much. However, if you're a fan of horses in general, this short book is a quick read which definitely reflects the author's own love of horses.
If, as some theorize, King Arthur, in the 5th century, imported impressive Libyan horses to Britain from the Middle East, how did he deal with the problems which would have occurred when animals used to a dry, desert climate were transferred to wet and soggy England? Hoof rot and mold & all kinds of horsey health issues would undoubtedly have occurred.
McCaffrey gives us her how-it-might-have-happened, through the story of Galwyn, a young man who throws his lot in with the Comes Artos - partly to get away from his apprenticeship to his nasty mariner uncle, and partly because he loves horses and is impressed by Artos. He learns from Artos' experienced horsemen and smiths, and a radical new technique - shoeing horses in iron - is developed. Galwyn becomes one of the first experienced farriers.
There's not really too much of a plot here - the most evil villain is a resentful and vindictive guy who was fired from Artos' service and wants to get back at the company and the horses - and if you have no interest in the specifics of things equestrian, this book probably won't interest you much. However, if you're a fan of horses in general, this short book is a quick read which definitely reflects the author's own love of horses.
August 12, 2021
Read this years ago, and have barely any memory of the actual story, but I remember liking how historically based it all felt, and the unusual perspective on Arthurian legend.
July 19, 2009
I may have been reading too much experimental fiction lately, but I found BHFTK pretty juvenile and melodramatic.
Pros first: the historical research is impeccable, including Roman place names and established trading posts. It includes amazing detail of shipping practices, the travel of Jews and Arabs (later reviled and curtailed by Christian influence), and the importance of good horseflesh to military practices. The characters comment on each other's physical build, armaments, and accoutrements. All of this is exceptional.
However.
The main character, Galwyn, is either bipolar or incredibly stupid. While he can be kind and forgiving with his mother (who is a world-class b***h), he runs away from his indenturement because his uncle is mean to him. He constantly moans and whines in worry about every little thing EXCEPT hunger, thirst, and a safe place to sleep, which would be the top 3 concerns on my list. The second most-interesting character, an aging horse trainer, is made inane by repeating his favorite axiom over and over. The third most-interesting character, Arthur himself, only appears for a couple of pages at the beginning of the story, then briefly at the end.
The villain, a local tribesman who bears a grudge because Arthur won't let him ride his horse, must be a psychopath, but we wouldn't really know because he only appears for a few seconds before he disappears to become a shadowy figure who flits across the edge of the page a couple of times inthe rest of the story.
The most interesting part of the story is the invention of the horseshoe, but it's only in 1/3 of the book, and is tangential to the plot.
None of this would have stopped me reading BHFTK when I was 10. I had just gotten my first horse and knew little to nothing about the Arthur saga (either fact or fiction). I was also fascinted with all things British. If you know a kid who fits into either of these categories, I'd recommend this book. More mature readers might find it rough going.
Pros first: the historical research is impeccable, including Roman place names and established trading posts. It includes amazing detail of shipping practices, the travel of Jews and Arabs (later reviled and curtailed by Christian influence), and the importance of good horseflesh to military practices. The characters comment on each other's physical build, armaments, and accoutrements. All of this is exceptional.
However.
The main character, Galwyn, is either bipolar or incredibly stupid. While he can be kind and forgiving with his mother (who is a world-class b***h), he runs away from his indenturement because his uncle is mean to him. He constantly moans and whines in worry about every little thing EXCEPT hunger, thirst, and a safe place to sleep, which would be the top 3 concerns on my list. The second most-interesting character, an aging horse trainer, is made inane by repeating his favorite axiom over and over. The third most-interesting character, Arthur himself, only appears for a couple of pages at the beginning of the story, then briefly at the end.
The villain, a local tribesman who bears a grudge because Arthur won't let him ride his horse, must be a psychopath, but we wouldn't really know because he only appears for a few seconds before he disappears to become a shadowy figure who flits across the edge of the page a couple of times inthe rest of the story.
The most interesting part of the story is the invention of the horseshoe, but it's only in 1/3 of the book, and is tangential to the plot.
None of this would have stopped me reading BHFTK when I was 10. I had just gotten my first horse and knew little to nothing about the Arthur saga (either fact or fiction). I was also fascinted with all things British. If you know a kid who fits into either of these categories, I'd recommend this book. More mature readers might find it rough going.
September 24, 2020
McCaffrey - one of my favourite authors - tick.
Horses - my passion - tick.
And completely unexpected - King Arthur - a favourite subject - tick.
This little book had a lot to live up to, but I thought it was brilliant. McCaffrey goes down the realism route with Arthur - a British war leader just after the fall of the Roman Empire, seeking to rid the Saxons from his territory. But what he needs is horses big enough to carry his men into battle and travels abroad to find the biggest and the best. Enter Galwyn, a bullied cabin boy with a love of horses who gets caught up in events as Arthur heads towards his first battle.
The horses definitely take centre stage here and I loved the fact that this is also a story about the beginning of farriery and the invention of the horse shoe. You can imagine the incredulity as people started nailing bits of metal to a horses foot!
I'm not sure if this is aimed at adults or children, as it is quite simplified for an adult story, but I'm not sure if a child would follow it all. Still, no matter, I loved it.
Horses - my passion - tick.
And completely unexpected - King Arthur - a favourite subject - tick.
This little book had a lot to live up to, but I thought it was brilliant. McCaffrey goes down the realism route with Arthur - a British war leader just after the fall of the Roman Empire, seeking to rid the Saxons from his territory. But what he needs is horses big enough to carry his men into battle and travels abroad to find the biggest and the best. Enter Galwyn, a bullied cabin boy with a love of horses who gets caught up in events as Arthur heads towards his first battle.
The horses definitely take centre stage here and I loved the fact that this is also a story about the beginning of farriery and the invention of the horse shoe. You can imagine the incredulity as people started nailing bits of metal to a horses foot!
I'm not sure if this is aimed at adults or children, as it is quite simplified for an adult story, but I'm not sure if a child would follow it all. Still, no matter, I loved it.
October 8, 2015
An Anne McCaffrey book I've never read before! This was a jewel for me, not only because I love Arthurian literature, but because Anne McCaffrey was one of my go-to authors when I was growing up, and she remains one of my most beloved authors today. I can't believe I've never read this one before.
I found this to be an utterly delightful tale. I'll read Arthurian legends in just about any format you give it to me, but I really enjoyed the story of Galwyn and his journey to becoming a farrier for King Arthur. I thought it was unique, and a refreshing change from the usual Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot drama.
Reading a lovely story about horses is also something I always welcome, and I feel in love with the fiery Corvix, the brave Ravus, and sweet Spadix.
Enthusiastically recommended for all lovers of horses, Arthurian legends, Anne McCaffrey, or just a nice tale to read with your kids.
I found this to be an utterly delightful tale. I'll read Arthurian legends in just about any format you give it to me, but I really enjoyed the story of Galwyn and his journey to becoming a farrier for King Arthur. I thought it was unique, and a refreshing change from the usual Arthur-Guinevere-Lancelot drama.
Reading a lovely story about horses is also something I always welcome, and I feel in love with the fiery Corvix, the brave Ravus, and sweet Spadix.
Enthusiastically recommended for all lovers of horses, Arthurian legends, Anne McCaffrey, or just a nice tale to read with your kids.
September 17, 2018
A fun read about the famous black horses of Arthur's court--a story as anchored in fact as possible, without the mythical elements you might be familiar with. It's still full of excitement, as the mere process of obtaining the horses and bringing them back is an ordeal. Travel was not easy in those days.
Galwyn starts out in wretched circumstances, and is pretty wretched himself. He has some great character development, however.
A good read for fans of history, and especially for fans of horses.
Galwyn starts out in wretched circumstances, and is pretty wretched himself. He has some great character development, however.
A good read for fans of history, and especially for fans of horses.
September 26, 2020
This was my favorite book when I was 12 years old.
November 16, 2024
My librarian is truly undefeated. The same person recommended Annals of the Western Shore to me, and this is the same kind of beautifully slow fantasy that focuses on household tasks and the details of craftsmanship in the center while typical epic storylines happen on the fringes. This one is, at the edges, a King Arthur story, but it is so much more a story of a boy growing into a good man with the tutelage and support of other hardworking, good men, and of his foil who is cast out of that supportive environment and is then so consumed by bitterness and a desire for revenge that he seeks to destroy what he once loved. And mostly it is a story about horses and specifically their hooves; no hoof, no horse! Anyway, I need a comprehensive list of other stories that do this special thing that this book accomplishes so perfectly.
Also, less important but just a note, this is written in first person in the past tense, which is such a welcome contrast to more contemporary books for young people which all seem to be written in first person present tense. And for what? I imagine someone thought it makes it feel like it’s really driving the action of the story, but it really doesn’t do it for me. I much prefer a slower, reflective tone like what we have here - and there are still urgent moments when it really matters.
Also, less important but just a note, this is written in first person in the past tense, which is such a welcome contrast to more contemporary books for young people which all seem to be written in first person present tense. And for what? I imagine someone thought it makes it feel like it’s really driving the action of the story, but it really doesn’t do it for me. I much prefer a slower, reflective tone like what we have here - and there are still urgent moments when it really matters.
September 18, 2021
This is an excellent addition to any library of an Anne McCaffrey fan. The theme of humbleness versus pride is the overarching theme. The rise of the humble Galwyn to friend and loyal servant of Lord Artos (King Arthur) is a fantastic tale in the Arthurian legend. This is excellently written. I loved it.⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 10, 2021
This book was a school book and wasn't actually that bad...
April 13, 2025
LOVED THIS BOOK. One of the best Arthurian inspired stories I’ve ever read. Definitely will read this as a family.
March 22, 2019
The kids and I really enjoyed this riveting tale set in Camelot.
September 5, 2016
Not much need for a review. After all, its author is Anne McCaffrey. That's recommendation enough right there.
On the other hand, this is not a fantasy book like her Dragonrider series. While set in Arthurian times, Merlin isn't hanging around casting spells, there are no magic swords, the lake contains only fish, not mermaids.
Since this book appears to be out of print, you'll have to look for a used copy. Some are offered on Amazon. There is no ebook version I know about.
Anyway, find a copy if you're into McCaffrey or different takes of the Arthur legend.
On the other hand, this is not a fantasy book like her Dragonrider series. While set in Arthurian times, Merlin isn't hanging around casting spells, there are no magic swords, the lake contains only fish, not mermaids.
Since this book appears to be out of print, you'll have to look for a used copy. Some are offered on Amazon. There is no ebook version I know about.
Anyway, find a copy if you're into McCaffrey or different takes of the Arthur legend.
January 19, 2008
I really enjoyed this story. I think that it would have been an easier read if my phonics trained mind could wrap itself around character names like Iswy, Bwlch, Gwalchmei, and Cyfwlch. So I did what I usually do and inserted dofers instead.
April 17, 2011
A great little historical novel about the early years of King Arthur, imagining how he acquired horses large enough to carry his Companions. Absolutely of the quality fans of McCaffery have come to expect.
December 20, 2017
A good quick read of historical fiction. The ending seemed a bit rushed as the emphasis on the book seemed to be more of story of how to be a farrier rather than anything else. Still it was enjoyable.
December 22, 2008
Nice little book about King Arthur's cavalry. An interesting aside from the author says that Black Horse Inns only appear along the route Arthur would have used in fighting the Saxons.
February 24, 2011
A very factual look at how a pre-Saxon warlord could have made himself and his knights into a powerful force to defend Britain. Entertaining and well-researched.
June 14, 2013
Ohh....I LIKED this one - a King Arthur story that doesn't focus on King Arthur - but on his horses and the men around him. Great tale, all the way around and very very highly recommended!
June 20, 2015
It's a slow-paced tale about (Welsh/Roman) King Arthur's farrier. IDK you're either here for it or you're not.
December 5, 2023
Galwyn works in service of his uncle - supposedly as an apprentice but in actuality as little more than a slave. Having lost his father, and his father's fortune, in ill-luck not of his own making, Galwyn would rather live his life on horseback than at sea. When Lord Artos makes an appearance on his uncle's ship and offers him a temporary position as his translator, Galwyn leaps at the opportunity. His uncle begrudges him the chance but is no match for Lord Artos. And so Galwyn's adventures begin as he shows his new employer, eventually to become King Arthur, his skills not only as translator but also with horses. Lord Artos is building an army to help the Britons defeat the Saxons and protect the new haven that was Camelot. Galwyn first aids Lord Artos in finding the big black war horses he needs to carry his heavily armored (and very large) soldiers, and then participates in the newly discovered method for shoeing the horses. No hoof no horse is the refrain, and a good deal of this book focuses on early farrier techniques and how they were developed.
Black Horses for the King is an Arthurian story unlike the stories that have come before it. It's a horse lovers dream, and a refreshing change of pace from the traditional tales of King Arthur (eliminating Merlin's magical efforts and the love triangle with Guinevere and Lancelot). I loved the unexpected elements and found the farrier trade fascinating. Galwyn is a hard worker with a good attitude and a love for horses, I find him a courageous hero for the story who holds his own even among the greater personalities of Lord Artos, his Companions (as his soliders are called), and even the impressive Canyd, horse handler extraordinaire. The horses were an absolute delight, and we got to know several of them in detail through Galwyn. Plenty of action and adventure, and a really inspiring coming of age story, makes this an immersive read.
Black Horses for the King is an Arthurian story unlike the stories that have come before it. It's a horse lovers dream, and a refreshing change of pace from the traditional tales of King Arthur (eliminating Merlin's magical efforts and the love triangle with Guinevere and Lancelot). I loved the unexpected elements and found the farrier trade fascinating. Galwyn is a hard worker with a good attitude and a love for horses, I find him a courageous hero for the story who holds his own even among the greater personalities of Lord Artos, his Companions (as his soliders are called), and even the impressive Canyd, horse handler extraordinaire. The horses were an absolute delight, and we got to know several of them in detail through Galwyn. Plenty of action and adventure, and a really inspiring coming of age story, makes this an immersive read.
March 23, 2020
Written in 1996, A semi-historical, YA novel. Not the usual Anne McCaffrey book. Written about King Arthur, before he was King, and what a "nice guy" he was. Told from the viewpoint of an 11 - 14 year old boy (approximately), Galwyn Varianus, who travels with 'Lord Artos' the purpose being to rid the kingdom of Saxons in A.D. 500. This tells how Lord Artos (with Galwyn's help) purchases and develops Libyan horses (black) big and strong enough for his knights, which are 15 - 17 hands (nearly 6') tall.
Galwyn is apprenticed for a time to 'Uncle Gralior' who is a taskmaster of a ship captain. Galwyn has learned several languages and can read, which endears him to Artos and his Companions. Galwyn swears fealty to Artos ('My loyalty, my heart, my soul are yours' as he drops to his knee and brings the hem of his garment to his forehead, 'to do with as you will') and runs away from Uncle Grailor. He negotiates for Spadix, a pony his size, and they begin the adventure.
.
Galwyn follows Canyd, a horseman who has an idea about 'sandals' for the horses (well, horseshoes), the iron may have been possible at that time, and Canyd has sound advice to pass on to Galwyn about other illnesses of horses (seedy toe?), which Galwyn studies and absorbs. Artos chooses Cornuix (the Raven) as his stallion for battle, and Spadix becomes Cornix' stablemate. Galwyn visits Camelot, Septimania and Devan, and travels between those places. Galwyn's mother seems interested only in the money Galwyn can provide, although his sisters love him and take his side against Uncle Gralior when they see him as a dressed messenger for Lord Artos. Yes, their is a villian, Iswy, who reappears throughout the book, and is finally defeated by Galwyn. Spadix, well, it's sad, so I won't spoil it all, but this is a well-written YA story of some 200 pages.
Galwyn is apprenticed for a time to 'Uncle Gralior' who is a taskmaster of a ship captain. Galwyn has learned several languages and can read, which endears him to Artos and his Companions. Galwyn swears fealty to Artos ('My loyalty, my heart, my soul are yours' as he drops to his knee and brings the hem of his garment to his forehead, 'to do with as you will') and runs away from Uncle Grailor. He negotiates for Spadix, a pony his size, and they begin the adventure.
.
Galwyn follows Canyd, a horseman who has an idea about 'sandals' for the horses (well, horseshoes), the iron may have been possible at that time, and Canyd has sound advice to pass on to Galwyn about other illnesses of horses (seedy toe?), which Galwyn studies and absorbs. Artos chooses Cornuix (the Raven) as his stallion for battle, and Spadix becomes Cornix' stablemate. Galwyn visits Camelot, Septimania and Devan, and travels between those places. Galwyn's mother seems interested only in the money Galwyn can provide, although his sisters love him and take his side against Uncle Gralior when they see him as a dressed messenger for Lord Artos. Yes, their is a villian, Iswy, who reappears throughout the book, and is finally defeated by Galwyn. Spadix, well, it's sad, so I won't spoil it all, but this is a well-written YA story of some 200 pages.
January 3, 2019
I loved this book! Black Horses for the King by Anne McCaffrey is the most interesting horse genetics theory book I have come across yet. I read the dragons of pern in the past which was also written by the same author, so when I picked up this book the author's name was familiar. I expected it to be boring something that contained only a few mentions of horses. But instead, I got an action-packed story about how the horses that King Arthur and the Knights of the round table rode came to be. We follow the main character as he escapes from a terrible apprenticeship to his mean uncle and joins a traveling lord who wants to improve the breeding stock of the native horses of his country. He buys huge Libyan horses to both crossbreed them to the native ponies to improve them and to breed to each other to get mounts that are suitable to carry the heavy knights and their armor. The horses were artfully thought out with every detail being thought about. They each had their own personality. And while it was a historical fiction book and the story was mostly about the human characters. The horses seemed so real it was like you could read them right out of the book, or you could read their minds. The main character learns from who is considered the horse healer about the horse hooves. His favorite saying is "No foot, no horse." Meaning if you don't take care of the horse's feet there isn't anything to ride. That quote is used many times throughout the book when they run into trouble. As you can probably tell I don't really care about the humans, what truly matters is the horses so I won't give away the main conflict but this book is a page turner I will tell you that!
May 16, 2020
In a past life, I once read nothing else but books on early medieval Britain and the historical King Arthur (or Artos). While the theory of Arthur’s heavy cavalry and the idea of “black horse taverns” have been discredited among historians (the latter for obvious reasons), McCaffrey nonetheless clearly did extensive research for this novel and does her best to produce a plausible tale that is, refreshingly, uncompelled to hit the “high points” of the traditional historical Arthurian narrative.
I appreciated how grounded the story was, its simplicity, and the way that the horses were characters in their own right rather than mere props (the bond between humans and animals is still something I am trying to built in my own writing).
However, the fact that this such a simple story also works against it. According to the introduction, this began as a short story inspired by Rosemary Sutcliffe’s Sword at Sunset, and I wonder if it should have stayed as a short story or at least a novella. Our main character, Galwyn, has very little to distinguish him as a protagonist. He seems like a nice enough fellow, but most of the time he’s just...there to observe things and fix horseshoes. Our antagonist is even less memorable.
If the novel had centered around the relationship between Galwyn and Iswy, either as rivals of equal merit (ie. Artos values Iswy as much as Galwyn and Galwyn is jealous) or as friends-turned-enemies, then I think it could really have gone somewhere.
Also I’m calling this book Horse Sandals and you can’t stop me.
3 stars.
I appreciated how grounded the story was, its simplicity, and the way that the horses were characters in their own right rather than mere props (the bond between humans and animals is still something I am trying to built in my own writing).
However, the fact that this such a simple story also works against it. According to the introduction, this began as a short story inspired by Rosemary Sutcliffe’s Sword at Sunset, and I wonder if it should have stayed as a short story or at least a novella. Our main character, Galwyn, has very little to distinguish him as a protagonist. He seems like a nice enough fellow, but most of the time he’s just...there to observe things and fix horseshoes. Our antagonist is even less memorable.
If the novel had centered around the relationship between Galwyn and Iswy, either as rivals of equal merit (ie. Artos values Iswy as much as Galwyn and Galwyn is jealous) or as friends-turned-enemies, then I think it could really have gone somewhere.
Also I’m calling this book Horse Sandals and you can’t stop me.
3 stars.
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