The Lion Hunter

Cover 

Title: The Lion Hunter: Mark of Solomon Part One

Author: Elizabeth E. Wein

Summary: Telemakos, a young prince of Aksum, Africa (and grandson to King Arthur of Britain) is still recovering from the horrors he endured as a government spy when he is horribly wounded by the pet lions he had trained for the emperor. But that is only the beginning of his tale: When it is feared that his identity has been revealed to Aksum’s enemies, he and his baby sister Athena are sent to live abroad with Abreha, the king of Himyar. Just as Telemakos begins to feel safe, his world is turned upside down again when he realizes that Abreha is keeping secrets of his own.

This book carries on the story from an earlier trilogy by the author, but you don’t need to read them to get into Telemakos’ story. He is a hero with real problems who has to work very hard to overcome his past injuries, both physical and emotional. While it is a fantasy book, it also provides some history of an era that people often don’t learn about – ancient Ethiopia and Arabia. And the character of baby Athena (as far as I’m concerened) is one of the coolest kids in books today. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, The Empty Kingdom.

Who will like this book?: People interested in King Arthur, mythology, or looking for a fantasy that isn’t too far-fetched or out-of-this-world.

If you like this, try this: Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Sandell, the Arthur books by Kevin Crossley-Holland, The Winter Prince, also by Elizabeth E. Wein.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian