The Leopard Sword.

THE LEOPARD SWORD. Michael Cadnum. 2002/2003, Read by Ron Keith. 4 tapes. 5.25 hrs. Recorded Books. 1-4025-5577-6. $36.00. Vinyl; plot, reader notes. S*

From KLIATT's starred review of the book, Sept. 2002: "Though this sequel [to The Book of the Lion] can stand alone, it takes up where the first book ends, as the siege of Acre has ended and the 'sick and war-battered' knights and their squires begin the long sea journey home to England. The narrator ... is Edmund's friend Hubert, the 18-year-old squire to injured Sir Nigel. This stirring, violent tale of life in the Middle Ages is replete with details of food, garments, armor and battle, bringing to life the adventures and tribulations of the Crusaders. Cadnum continues his exploration of 'the call that war has on young people ... this terrible paradox--that caring, responsible individuals can engage in acts of brutality--both baffles and fascinates me.'"

Keith gives the novel the rousing full-voiced narration it deserves. He captures the war-weary narrative voice of Hubert, the 18-year-old squire who accompanies the gravelly voiced Sir Nigel on the Crusades. His fellow squire and friend Edmund is equally effective, as well as Osbert, the thieving, cringing servant, and an attractive young lady he meets in Rome. Keith is especially good at the action scenes, of which there are many, both at sea and on land, for even when they return to England, they are beset by enemies who must be defeated during a bloody joust. The settings are also vividly realized by Keith, whose narration is a selling point for this medieval adventure for YAs. Janet Julian, Grafton, MA