Nix, Garth, and Sean Williams. Have Sword, Will Travel. Scholastic, 2017. $17.99. ISBN 9780545259026. Ages 10-14. P7Q
Small, quicksilver Eleanor wants to be a knight, like her mother. Odo, the miller’s son, is brawny, but has no desire to leave their small village. However, the once mighty Silverrun River has slowed to a trickle and as the two friends fish for eels, they find a magical sword which chooses Odo as its knight, leaving Ellie to be the squire. The two friends and the sword– Hildebrand Shining Foebiter (Biter for short)—take on the quest to free the dying river, facing and solving numerous problems along the way.
Verdict: Australian authors Nix and Williams have worked together on previous books, though Williams has not been published in the United States as often as has Garth Nix. Have Sword, Will Travel is a solid fantasy for middle grade readers that shows both protagonists growing and changing as they accomplish their quest. Highly recommended for public, middle and high school libraries. This story leaves room for sequels, so be prepared to purchase not only the first, but also subsequent titles.
January 2017 review by Jane Cothron.
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