The Book of the Lion
The Book of the Lion
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1982
Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 12th Century
1982
YA
12-18 years
Super Short Summary
Set in the Middle Ages during the reign of Richard I of England, Michael Cadnum’s young adult fiction, The Book of the Lion (2000), tells the story of a young English squire facing the horrors and moral contradictions of the Crusades. The first of Cadnum's Crusader Trilogy, the book received a nomination for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature.
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
265 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Book of the Lion by Michael Cadnum receives mixed reviews. Praised for its lyrical prose and vivid historical detail, the book effectively immerses readers in the Crusades era. However, some criticize its slow pacing and underdeveloped characters. Overall, it provides an engaging, though occasionally sluggish, historical narrative for young adult readers.
Who Should Read The Book of the Lion?
Readers who enjoy The Book of the Lion by Michael Cadnum are typically fans of historical fiction with a focus on the medieval era. They would appreciate the rich detail and adventurous spirit akin to works such as Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman and The Midwife's Apprentice by Karen Cushman.
265 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 12th Century
1982
YA
12-18 years
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