Review Blog

Feb 02 2009

Roland Wright at the joust by Tony Davis

cover image

Ill. by Gregory Rogers. Random House, 2008. ISBN 978174166329 7
(Ages: 7-12) This book highlights many positive human qualities, including friendship, loyalty and perseverance. It is the third novel in the Roland Wright series and shows Roland's progress as a page at Twofold Castle.
Roland, supported by his pet mouse Nudge, is continuing on his path towards becoming a knight and has been improving his sword fighting and jousting skills under the mentorship of his hero, Sir Lucas.
While Roland is looking forward to his first tournament, Jenny Winterbottom, a neighbour from his home village, unexpectedly arrives at the castle and becomes a surprising ally of Roland. The startling events of the tournament and the tension created by the antagonistic Hector, significantly impact on Roland's attitude. He achieves a greater understanding of what it truly entails to be a knight who maintains a sense of courage, loyalty and compassion, in spite of the unfortunate events that often arise in life. Roland is taught to remember the difficulties and rejoice in the triumphs.
Tony Davis appears to have thoroughly researched the medieval era and any unfamiliar terms are unobtrusively explained within the story. This novel can be easily read and understood without reading the previous books in the series. The characters are well rounded and all make important contributions to the plot and the illustrations and language are charming and often comedic. This story is likely to absorb children's attention as they begin to care about Roland and his ambitions and want to accompany him on his future adventures.
Louise Illingworth

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