This novel feels historically and culturally authentic and it is exciting.įifteen–year–old Conan, the son of a baron, is living in a neighboring fief and training to become a knight under the patronage of Sir Roger. I think that it could be enjoyed by younger readers in a family read-aloud setting but that it may be too long to hold their attention in something like an audiobook.

The subtitle of this book is “A story of Burgundy in year 1165.” At the end of the story, Bethlehem Books has included a short note about the author indicating that Allen French spent his life writing serious works of history but, in the words of his wife, “his imagination fired his mind to the point where it blazed and he would take to fiction to let off the heat!” Bethlehem Books rates this 370-page novel as for readers aged 10 and up. As I was reading, I kept saying to my John Flanagan Rangers Apprentice-loving readers: this is the story that Horace deserves! I loved it, and I am sure that my pre-teen and teens will love it as well. I spent two days with my head in this exciting 370-page story of adventure and honor, and I am delighted to be able to recommend it to families. I reached for The Red Keep to preview before I put it in her “holds” box. In my lending library, Plumfield Living Books Library, I have a young patron who loves the Middle Ages. This week our internet was completely down, so I enjoyed a reading vacation of sorts, and I read a number of fantastic books, including The Red Keep.

The Red Keep by Allen French