Keeper of the Grail

Sweet and smooth as English toffee is Paul Boehmer's narration of the first novel in Spradlin's trilogy. The boyish anticipation that Boehmer gives Tristan, the hero of the story, is palpable. But Boehmer falls short in his vocal portrayals of the other characters in this story. His undistinguished depictions of these characters threaten to be confusing for teens and young adults, who may struggle to visualize the story as it unfolds. In the first of the series, the youngest Templar, Tristan, follows Richard the Lionheart into battle in the Holy Land during the Crusades. When the Christians are defeated, Tristan is given the task of returning the Holy Grail safely to England. Along the way, he makes friends, and enemies, as he struggles to fulfill his promise. J.P.D. (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine