Blaze of Silver

Blaze of Silver concludes the De Granville Trilogy, set during the Third Crusade in the 12th century. The story centers on a dangerous mission to deliver King Richard's ransom while navigating treachery and revenge. Will and Ellie must transport the ransom across perilous terrain alongside their companions Kamil and Hosanna. The mission becomes increasingly complex when the leader of the Assassins targets Kamil, setting in motion a chain of betrayals that threaten their entire quest. The novel blends historical events with elements of adventure, friendship, and equestrian detail. Themes of loyalty, redemption, and the cost of vengeance run through this final installment of the medieval series.

Readers rate this historical YA novel as an engaging conclusion to the de Granville trilogy, though some found it less compelling than previous books. Readers appreciated: - The continued development of Will and Ellie's relationship - Integration of historical details about the Crusades - Fast-paced action sequences - Resolution of ongoing storylines from earlier books Common criticisms: - More predictable plot than earlier books in series - Less complex character development - Some found the ending rushed - Religious themes felt heavy-handed to some readers One reader noted: "The historical accuracy adds authenticity but occasionally slows the pace." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (138 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (12 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (6 ratings) Most readers recommend reading the full trilogy in order rather than starting with this book, as character relationships and plot points build throughout the series.

The King's Arrow by Douglas Boyd A young squire in medieval England becomes entangled in royal intrigue while mastering archery and proving his worth during the Third Crusade.

The Book of the Lion by Michael Cadnum A teenage squire joins Richard the Lionheart's crusade and faces the realities of war, faith, and loyalty in the Holy Land.

Knight's Fee by Rosemary Sutcliff An orphaned stableboy rises through medieval society to become a knight while navigating political alliances and battlefield challenges.

Sword of the Rightful King by Jane Yolen A retelling of Arthurian legend focuses on the political machinations and warrior training in medieval Britain.

The Red Knight by Miles Cameron A mercenary captain leads his company through a medieval world where magic and military strategy intersect with political power struggles.

🔹 King Richard I's actual ransom in 1194 was an astronomical 150,000 marks, equivalent to around $3.3 billion in today's money, making it one of the largest ransoms ever paid in medieval history. 🔹 Author K.M. Grant draws from her own extensive experience with horses, having been a riding instructor and lifelong equestrian, which adds authenticity to the horse-related aspects of the narrative. 🔹 The Crusades period featured in the book (late 12th century) saw unprecedented developments in medieval warfare technology, including the widespread use of crossbows and siege engines. 🔹 The De Granville Trilogy was inspired by the author's discovery of her own family history, which traces back to Norman knights who participated in the Crusades. 🔹 Medieval warhorses, like those featured in the book, were specially bred destriers that could cost up to ten times more than a regular horse, making them as valuable as small estates.