Review: Highly recommended!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 6, 2011
Lions of the Grail is set in the early 1300s and is based on two actual events of that era, one well known and the other lesser known. The well-known event is the suppression and persecution of the Knights Templar at the instigation of the King of France. The lesser known is the invasion of Ireland by a Scotts army in connection with the Scottish wars of independence led by Robert the Bruce against Edward II of England though neither king was directly involved in the invasion. Lions is a first rate example of the high adventure tradition with lots of action, intrigue and romance (no explicit sex). Author Tim Hodkinson's extensive research shows in the authentic detailing of attitudes, customs, costumes, culture, weapons, dwellings (from hovels to castles), combat and more. The characters are well developed and believable. As the title implies there is a Grail quest theme, but it is handled realistically and not as fantasy. If you loved Ivanhoe as I did, you won't go wrong with this one. However, some may not find this suitable as a YA book because there's a lot of graphic violence. As adult fare, it is more than fine.