How well do you know the story about the real King Richard III? Not as well as 12 year old merchant’s son and trainee knight, Matthew Wansford. Set in 1482, when Matt arrives at Middleham Castle, home of King Edward IV’s brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester – valiant warrior, loyal brother, loving father, good master.
Soon Matt encounters a dangerous bully, Hugh, a fellow page who aims to make Matt’s life a living hell. He is a better swordsman, horseman and more skilled in all the knightly arts – and the son of an executed traitor. Thankfully, Matt finds the most steadfast of friends – Alys, Roger and the Duke’s only son, Edward – and together they forge a secret knightly fellowship, the Order of the White Boar, swearing an oath of lifelong loyalty to each other and to Duke Richard. Soon Matt and his friends will be thrown into the deadly games of the Wars of the Roses.
Stated as being for readers of 10 and above, ‘The Order of the White Boar’ – inspired by the dig that inspired the Steve Coogan film ‘The Lost King’ – tells the exciting adventures of Matt and his friends in the months leading up to the momentous events of 1483, the ‘Year of the Three Kings’.
With no noticeable errors to spoil the readers’ enjoyment, the original plotline is one that will interest not just the book’s target audience. The author has done very well in researching the history of the book’s setting and time period, the characters are all relatable and believable, ensuring that we are very much invested in their outcomes. Consistent pace throughout, the dialogue between characters is vividly realistic, and revelations of main character Matt’s thoughts add to the overall entertainment value. I highly recommend this book, I award 5 stars.
