As you know, I’m a huge fan of Ben Zackheim’s Shirley Link series. The Camelot Kids is the same but wholly different. It’s a story of a bright teen character solving problems. That’s about all Simon Sharp has in common with Shirley Link. He is an orphan, picked on by everyone, pretty much friendless, and gets whisked off from the New York ‘burbs to a baronial castle in Scotland, which is where his parents were killed in a plane crash.
And that’s one of those ‘or were they?’ moments, since even before he arrives in Scotland, weird things start to happen to him.
It doesn’t take much guesswork to know that Simon is about to become involved in Camelot, and the whole King Arthur legend. And although this is a short book, an introduction to the complete story, which is included as one large ebook now, you get the full flavour of Ben’s excellent descriptive and action-packed writing. There are more weird creatures here than in most Arthurian books I’ve read (although, to be fair, it’s not one of my strong points) and they are VERY vivid.
It’s a great introduction to the story, and I bought it from Amazon on a special offer, despite being offered a copy by the author! I may take him up on an offer of the next part, though.
Read and enjoy!
Oh, I should add there are some brilliant illustrations in the book, too.
Great recommendation, as I’m starting my Christmas list of kids’ books for the next season.
Put the set on it, Noelle!
It’s on my TBR list. So many books, so little time…but I greatly enjoy Shirley Link, so I know I’ll like these (though I’m not wild about the cover….).
It’s weirder than Shirley Link…
I love Arthurian fiction but I haven’t read any for younger age groups yet! This sounds fun!
I recommend Cheryl Carpinello’s Arthurian books too, Stacy!
Huge fan of Ben’s, I am up to the last book, hurrah, its a wonderful series. Thanks so much for joining the Kid Lit Blog Hop
You’re welcome, Julie!
Stopping by from the kid Lit Blog Hop. Thank you for the review. I am a fan of Arthurian legend and this sounds highly intriguing. will be adding it to my reading list.