If you have been following us for some time, you'll know that we are HUGE fans of Wendy Leighton-Porter's Shadows from the Past series. In each book, the heroes of the tale, Joe and Jemima Lancelot are pursuing their lost parents as they travel to historically relevant times or locations taking along with them their friend Charlie and their cat Max. In past books, they have traveled to Atlantis, ancient Greece, Troy, Egypt, and Italy. The beauty about each book is how the author brings alive the experiences of the people living in past times and places. Wendy Leighton-Porter does this so well. In The Shadow of Camelot, Leighton-Porter brings to life the legend of King Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table, and the magical land of Camelot.
There has always been the question as to whether King Arthur and Camelot really did exist - were they real or are they legend? The author has managed to merge snippets from the legend of King Arthur (e.g., Guinevere, the wizard Merlin, the evil Morgana) with historically real people (e.g., Aelle, the brutal Saxon leader); real events (e.g., the Battle of Mount Baden); and real places (e.g., Bath) to create a spell-binding story for middle graders. Particularly amusing was the character of the French-speaking Sir Lancelot who just happens to share a name with our twins, Joe and Jemima Lancelot - making them distant relatives! I also enjoyed how the story speculates about the true origins of the mythical sword Excalibur. You'll have to read the book to find out!
I like how The Shadow of Camelot focused on more fully developing Max's character. In previous books, Max has always been a bit of a tag-along scaredy-cat (although he does rise to the occasion and has contributed significantly to the success of each of the previous quests). In this book, he is "the one" prophesized by Merlin the Wizard, to save Camelot:
"A Lion from the future will come to save the Bear,
Accompanied by children three, one dark, the others fair.
With coat of cream, eyes like the sea and points of mushroom-grey,
His noble heart will crush our foe; the Bear will win the day."
Max is able to conquer his fears and bravely go forth to fulfill the prophecy. I feel like this is an important development for his character and I can't wait to see how it plays out in future books with his newly found courage.
My Bottom Line:
The Shadow of Camelot is another adventure-filled, time-travel tale featuring the endearing trio of child heroes Joe, Jemima, and Charlie, along with their very special cat, Max, who become part of history as they travel to the mythical land of Camelot. It was a delight to read a story featuring some very famous characters such as King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Gawain, Merlin, and others, written specifically for a middle grade audience. And by this, I mean that there is no bad language, minimal violence (aside from the story of the Green Knight), and the plot is sufficiently complex to engage middle grade and reluctant readers. Another great read in this fantastic series that I can't stop raving about! I think girls and boys would equally like this book as it features both genders. Ages 8+
* I was given this book free-of-charge by the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own. *
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- Iona McGregorReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 27, 2020
Off on another time travelling adventure
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