The Lion Hunter (Mark of Solomon) [Hardcover]

I am a tough reader. My critical antennae are so twitchy that it's hard for me to be completely immersed in a book--I'm easily distracted by clunky writing, or obvious plot machinations, or by characters that seem unreal.

This book, though--wow. I read it straight through and loved every word. The bond between Telemakos and his baby sister Athena is so beautifully developed. I loved that, even as a baby, Athena is a force to be reckoned with. I loved Telemakos's courage and gentleness and intelligence. The recovery of Telemakos from injury and terrible memories is well handled as the story moves into new adventures and intrigues without forgetting about those old pains. The writing itself is fluid and clear, great storytelling.

This book makes me want to go read everything Elizabeith Wein has written. It's one of my favorite books of the year so far.

The second book in the historical fantasy series is called The Empty Kingdom. Wein's other books, The Sunbird, The Winter Palace and A Coalition of Lions all feature the same characters from ancient Arthurian Britain and Ethiopia (Aksum) and Yemen (Himyar).

This is the first in a series about twelve-year-old Telemakos, a noble of ancient Ethiopia. His father is Medraut, a physician and wise man. Telemakos has recovered from his recent exploit (The Sunbird), and is overjoyed to hear of the birth of his sister. His father comes to tell him while Telemakos is playing with the pet lions of Emperor Gebre Meskal, and when he runs to his father the lions sense "prey" and attack him. It is a terrible mistake, and it leaves him changed for life. His injury and recuperation are so horrible that his parents despair of losing him, and they neglect the new baby--but Telemakos becomes close to little Athena, as he names her. They become inseparable. But dark times lay ahead--his aunt Goewin, the ambassador from Britain, and advisor to the Emperor, has been receiving death threats, as has the whole household. His parents discuss sending him away, and his life changes completely.

The settings, characters, and adventure are all dazzling. This is a series to pursue.

Note: Publisher said for middle reader, age 10 & up, however some of the violence would lead me to recommend this to an older child.

Armchair Interviews says: Read her other book, A Coalition of Lions--a young adult read.

OMG I am glad I have the next book sitting here. I understand this was written as one book or some such thing - this is The Mark of Solomon - book one. I will pick up book two when I finish this report. This book actually follows the first three books; The Winter Prince, A Coalition of Lions, and The Sunbird. The first book is very very loosely based on the Arthurian legend but we are way past that in this book - other than this one continues with the story of Medraut's (Mordred of Arthur legend)half Ethiopian son, Telemakos. I seldom read books about twelve year old boys, but this author has drawn me into a world I am unable and unwilling to give up. It's difficult to explain exactly why that is.

In this book Telemakos, who is still recovering from his injuries from his ordeal as a government spy in the desert and the subsequent mauling by a lion, is sent with his young sister to live with Abreha. Abreha is the ruler of Himyar and a long time enemy of Telemakos people, but now considered a friend. Telemakos finds himself an honored guest and revels in the freedoms at this amazing palace and the friends he acquires. But he is troubled by no contact from his aunt Goewin who warned him of dangers in this place. They had agreed on a code of sorts but there have been no letters received. I do not want to tell the story here, but everything comes crashing down on Telemakos in one day and evening, and he comes close to losing his life as a spy and a traitor. It is very tense writing as I have learned this author is very capable of dishing out. When I came to the last page and it said:

To be continued in THE EMPTY KINGDOM.....

I took a fast look at the shelf by my chair to be sure The Empty Kingdom was sitting there - sure enough it is!

I really liked some of what the author wrote at the end of the book so will share it here.

"There is an Ethiopian proverb that goes, 'To lie about a far country is easy.' The world of Telemakos's adolescence is a world that exists mostly in my head, though parts of it bear passing resemblances to ancient places in the world we know. My maps are imperfect. Too often, when I can't find an accurate record of something, I make it up."

"I do my best to make these details accurate to the time and place I am writing about, but I cannot guarantee that accuracy. Is Le Morte D'Arthur an accurate portrayal of King Arthur's court? It postdates the historical Arthur by a thousand years. I do not like to draw attention to my own inaccuracies, but I know they exist. This is a work of fiction. Enjoy these lies about a far country, and if you can, forgive them."

I forgive. It's a great story she tells.