The Youngest Templar: Orphan of Destiny (Book 3) by Michael Spradlin

Even though Tristan and his friends escaped Sir Hugh in France, it seems that every stop they make in England was ravaged by Sir Hugh and his men, including the total destruction of St. Alban's monks and monastery. Tristan knows he must eventually face Sir Hugh. And when Tristan's band arrives at the intended monastery in Scotland, Sir Hugh and his forces are waiting for them. Tristan must rely on his courage, his determination, and his friends to help him finally complete his quest of protecting the Holy Grail.

Orphan of Destiny is a satisfying, well-written end to Spradlin's Youngest Templar trilogy. Readers will see the friendship and teamwork, born in the first book, come into full bloom as Tristan, Robard, and Maryam face any challenge. Aside from the three teens' growing comradery, readers will also see more characters and elements of the Robin Hood legend come into play, like Little John, "Brother" Tuck, and Sherwood. A well-researched but action-packed story that deftly mixes history and legend into a fascinating read.

The Youngest Templar: Trail of Fate (Book 2) by Michael Spradlin

After falling overboard, Tristan washes up on the shores of Southern France. He is discovered by a group of riders lead by Celia, a beautiful Cathar girl whose people are constantly attacked by the Catholic Church for their beliefs. Robard and Maryam meet up with Celia's group and are reunited with Tristan. After witnessing the persecution of Celia's people, Tristan, Robard, and Maryam all agree that they must stay to help defend them, even at the cost of delaying their Holy Grail quest.

Spradlin’s second book maintains the excitement, action, and suspense that started in the first book. But even though this book is a rousing adventure, the story itself has real heart and character depth. When Tristan is reunited with his friends again, he realizes the power and protection that comes from true friendship. This protective friendship is something he desperately needs while transporting the Grail through enemy territory. But that friendship is constantly threatened while Sir Hugh is in the picture. Readers will be glued to Tristan's story as he and his friends help Celia's people and keep the Grail away from Sir Hugh's greedy hands. The final book in the series is Orphan of Destiny.

The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail by Michael Spradlin

Stories of the Crusades have reached fifteen-year-old Tristan and the monks at St. Alban's monastery. But King Richard is calling for reinforcements to defend the Christian settlements in Jerusalem. A group of Templar knights acting upon the king's request lodge at St. Alban's. One knight, Sir Thomas, meets Tristan and convinces him to be his squire. After a treacherous voyage, the Templar knights arrive in Jerusalem to witness a losing battle with the Saladin. During a siege, Sir Thomas reveals to Tristan that he has the Holy Grail and he entrusts it to Tristan to take it to a Scottish monastery. Tristan escapes the battle in hopes of securing a passage back to England.

Spradlin’s expertly mixes both history and legend to create an intense, well-written start to The Youngest Templar series. Readers will be fully immersed in the culture and life of an orphaned teenage boy as they follow Tristan in and out of the failed Crusade. But besides successfully exhibiting the time period, Spradlin also includes major players from the Robin Hood legend. Tristan's friend, Robard Hode is a King's Archer and a Saladin maiden, Maryam, joins their quest to return the grail. Because of the description of war and violence, this book is more appropriate for ages 10 and up. The second book in the The Youngest Templar trilogy is Trail of Fate.