The Orphan King by Sigmund Brouwer is medieval arthurian fantasy for teens. It is book one in the Merlin’s Immortals series.
My greatest fear was that they would find us and make of us a sacrifice beneath a full moon. Now you, Thomas, must help us destroy the circle of evil.
The last words of a dying woman would change the life of young Thomas. Raised behind monastery walls, he knows nothing of his mysterious past or imminent destiny. But now, in the heart of medieval England, a darkness threatens to strangle truth. An ancient order tightens their ghostly grip on power, creating fear and exiling those who would oppose them. Thomas is determined fulfill his calling and bring light into the mysterious world of the Druids and leaves the monastery on an important quest.
Thomas quickly finds himself in unfamiliar territory, as he must put his faith in unusual companions—a cryptic knight, a child thief, and the beautiful, silent woman whom may not be all she seems. From the solitary life of an orphan, Thomas now finds himself tangled in the roots of both comradery and suspicion.
Can he trust those who would join his battle…or will his fears force him to go on alone?
I love Sigmund Brouwer’s fantasy (Especially the dystopian Broken Angel and Flight of Shadows. Oooh! Christian Dystopian fiction! New post idea!) so I was really excited to see he had a new series for teens coming out. Actually The Orphan King is a rewritten version of Brouwer’s earlier work for adults, Wings of Dawn, which I’ve read in the past. I liked it then and I like it now. My only complaint is that I didn’t feel that the story ever really got going, (which is probably due to the fact that Orphan King is only a small piece of the story) it felt very serialized. It also felt a little young and to short for a teen audience. I feel it would have been better marketed to a Juvenile audience. But Brouwer is a fantastic writer and I can’t wait to see how this series develops! I’m tempted to go back and reread Wings of Dawn, but my to-read list is kind of astronomical right now so that probably won’t happen… I guess I’ll just have to wait until February 19th when Fortress of Mist comes out to find out what happens to Thomas next!
*I recieved a review copy of this book free from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program.
ADDLibrarian 
I also reviewed this book and really enjoyed it. I also read Arena. Lots of great authors and new types of books to read. I love it! :O)
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