THE LAST KNIGHT

Author: Hilari Bell ISBN: 0060825030 9/2007 FANTASY Publisher: HARPER COLLINS TEEN
Time Period: Medieval

Need a Hero? You've got one in Sir Michael Sevenson. Although there hasn't been a knight errant in over two hundred years, this young noble has decided to revive the trade. He's found himself a reluctant partner in Fisk, a clever rogue who has been given the choice of serving as Michael's squire or going to jail for a very long time. Now Michael and Fisk are on a quest to right wrongs, protect the innocent, and make the world a happier place. It's not going to be easy. On their first attempt at rescuing a damsel in distress, they break a lady out of a tower, only to discover she was there for good reason: awaiting trial for poisoning her husband. Now the would-be heroes must find Lady Ceciel and return her to justice or be condemned themselves.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE LAST KNIGHT is a fascinating medieval saga that is narrated by two individuals, both main characters in the novel. Sir Michael Sevenson has been a knight for over 200 years. He has decided to recruit more knights that can serve as squires and hopes that his recruitment will continue to grow. Michael's first attempt is a man named Fisk. Fisk is given the choice to serve with Michael or to stay in jail for a very long time. Reluctantly, Fisk decides to join Michael as his squire.

Their first assignment is to rescue a damsel in distress—Lady Ceciel. They rescue her from the tower in which she is being held, but then the truth of her incarceration comes to light. Lady Ceciel is being held because she is accused of poisoning her husband. Now, Fisk and Michael must return the condemned woman so she can properly stand trial for what she is accused of, and so that justice will be served.

This book was just fabulous. THE LAST KNIGHT is meant for a young adult audience, but it is something that anyone who loves to read will enjoy. The book is written from the points of view of Michael and Fisk, so the reader is getting two sides of the story. This novel also explores the values of honor and integrity, and the importance of honesty. This is a book that I am going to read to my 4th grader because I think he will find it fascinating. Bell does an outstanding job with THE LAST KNIGHT.

Kym Oetting