The Letter for the King 12+

About this book

Sixteen-year-old Tiuri must spend hours locked in a chapel in silent contemplation if he is to be knighted the next day. But as he waits by the light of a flickering candle, he hears a knock at the door and a voice desperately asking for help.

A secret letter must be delivered to King Unauwen across the Great Mountains--a letter upon which the fate of the entire kingdom depends. Tiuri has a vital role to play, one that might cost him his knighthood. He must trust no one. He must keep his true identity secret. Above all, he must never reveal what is in the letter . . .

Tiuri's journey will take him through dark, menacing forests, across treacherous rivers, to sinister castles and strange cities. He will encounter evil enemies who would kill to get the letter, but also the best of friends in the most unexpected places.

Reviews

Praise for The Letter for the King:

"Dragt's orderly prose describes a journey of refreshing unpredictability and unusual wisdom. Her unhurried style and sustained narrative perspective give the tale a lucidity[.] Tiuri is a thinking as well as an acting hero, whose judgment deepens and broadens through leadership and friendship." --Horn Book

"Dragt conjures up elements of Tolkien and the Arthurian mythos, combining the traditional hero's journey with an episodic structure, as though the novel was made for serial storytelling, or to be read aloud. [T]he rich language, lush descriptions, and sense of wonder allow it to hold its own against any competitor." --Publishers Weekly

"[R]eaders . . . will be enchanted by its timeless sense of wonder and adventure. This hero's journey evokes a legend in the making, and Tiuri embodies the classic knightly ideals of honor, valor, and chivalry." --Booklist (online)

"The English translation of a prizewinning 1962 Dutch historical adventure exhibits . . . old-school charms[.]" --Kirkus Reviews

"[T]he characters are appealing and the action will keep readers engaged." --School Library Journal

"[A] timeless tale . . . This is a book for those who have enjoyed legendary or contemporary stories of the battle between good and evil. [T]he clarity and beauty of the writing make it suitable for all ages." --VOYA

International praise for The Letter for the King:
"The story has the quality of a legend."--Nederlands Bagblad, Netherlands
"There ought to be a warning written on it: 'Watch out: Whoever reads this book will forget everything that's happening around them.'"--Die Ziet, Germany
"Cinematic in its visual detail."--Irish Times, Ireland
"The plot is central, and extremely gripping, but the writing also delivers lovely detail and evocative description."--The Guardian, England

Selected Book of the Year by three British publications: The Times, The Sunday Times, and Metro