An Earthly Knight - Hardcover

Janet McNaughton

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 006008992X ISBN 13: 9780060089924

Publisher: HarperTeen, 2004

Synopsis

A cloud has descended over the
household of Lady Jeanette Avenel.

THe year is 1162. Sixteen-year-old Jenny has always enjoyed her freedom as second daughter of a Norman nobleman in Teviotdale, Scotland. But when Jenny's sister, Isabel, disgraces the family by running away with a dangerous suitor, Jenny is thrust reluctantly into the role of elder daughter. While Jenny worries about her sister's future, her father's attention turns keenly toward Jenny, and finding her a worthy suitor.

When Jenny is chosen as a potential bride for William de Warenne, brother of the king of Scotland and heir to the crown, redemption of her family's name seems within reach. Amid formal banquets and jousting tournaments, she struggles to impress the aloof Earl William. At the same time, however, she finds herself drawn to Tam Lin, a mysterious young man. Rumored to have been kidnapped by fairies, Tam harbors a dark secret from his past that threatens everyone close to him . . . including Jenny.

Glimmering with exquisite detail, Janet McNaughton's beautifully woven story transports readers to a magical medieval world where one young woman navigates the forceful tides of tradition and the ancient power of fairies to define her own destiny.

About this title

About the Author:

JANET McNAUGHTON is the multi-award-winning author of many books, including The Secret Under My Skin, An Earthly Knight and her most recent novel, Dragon Seer, which was shortlisted for the prestigious TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as both the CLA Young Adult Book Award and the Book of the Year for Children Award. McNaughton lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland, with her family. Visit her online at www.janetmcnaughton.ca.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 8 Up--Love and religious and political intrigue abound in this retelling of the legend of Tam Lin set in 12th-century Scotland. When her older sister, Isabel, disgraces the family, it is up to 16-year-old Jenny to save her father's reputation and prosperity. Then, she meets Tam Lin in the forest and befriends him. Stories of his insanity and odd behavior fuel the locals' fear of him, so Jenny keeps their relationship a secret. When she is brought to the royal court as a potential bride for the king's womanizing brother William, she takes an instant dislike to him. She also realizes that she is in love with Tam Lin, and, after a hazily described night of passion, she becomes pregnant. The betrothal ceremony for Jenny and William is set against her wishes, but a last second burst of courage allows her to reveal her secret. Following the ancient legend, the teen braves the fairy queen to rescue Tam from his enchantment, and the young lovers are reunited. The author does an excellent job of interweaving legend and history to create an exciting and engaging tale. A side story about Isabel is equally well developed. The women, though bound by tradition and societal standing, show gumption and fortitude, and the role of the early church in politics and daily life is interestingly explored. Fans of Elizabeth Marie Pope's The Perilous Gard (Houghton, 2001), also a retelling of Tam Lin, will enjoy this novel as well.--Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI
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About this edition

• Publisher: HarperTeen
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 006008992X
• ISBN 13: 9780060089924
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272