Reviews

Gr 5-9-Maggie Mash's superb performance of K.M. Grant's debut novel (Walker, 2005) set in the Third Crusade of England's King Richard I will captivate listeners. The first in a projected trilogy, this adventure begins as 13-year-old William de Granville chooses an impractical warhorse from his father's stable. Hosanna, the small red stallion, is scoffed at for his unsuitability as a knight's steed. But his would-be critics soon learn that the creature possesses a marvelous speed and grace. When William's older brother Gavin rides Hosanna past the animal's endurance in a hunt, the horse is severely wounded and his spirit broken. William sends Hosanna to the monks for healing. To everyone's great joy, the plucky horse makes a miraculous recovery and proudly marches off to Jerusalem with the two brothers. Left behind is their cousin Ellie who is promised to Gavin in marriage upon his return. The young Crusaders find that war is not a glorious affair. Their father dies, friends are killed in bloody battles, Gavin loses an arm, and Hosanna is captured by a Saracen. Listeners will be spellbound by Mash's ability to slip into different voices as William, his gruff older brother, gentle Ellie, and the Muslim leader Salidan and his ambitious assistant, Kamil. The author treats both Saracen and Christian camps with equanimity and never romanticizes war. Through it all, Hosanna remains an unsinkable hero and a mystical talisman, uniting sworn enemies William and Kamil as they struggle together to save the horse after he is wounded in battle. This dramatic tale of honor, just causes, and loyalty would transfer well to the silver screen. Meanwhile, fans will beg for the second installment, Green Jasper, slated for April 2006 release.-Celeste Steward, Alameda County Library, Fremont, CA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.