Donato and the Cartege Blade
Author Fiona Jordan
Publisher: Mary Egan Publishing
ISBN: 9780473437367
RRP: $25
Format: paperback
Date of Publication: September, 2018
Ages: 9-14 years
Reviewer’s name: Jayne Downes
Reviewer’s Job title: Library Manager
Reviewer’s School name: Kaikorai Valley College
How highly are you recommending this book? Recommended.
A boy called Donato is the main character in this historical fiction story set in the fictional land of Portalia. After his father died he was left to live in a monastery under the care of Brother Francesco. He didn’t enjoy his life in the monastery which he found dull and miserable. One day while visiting the city of Dhogra with the monks, he is separated from them in the crowd and finds himself inside the castle. When he overhears a plot to assassinate the King Donato intervenes and saves the King. The grateful King rewards Donato by allowing him to stay in the castle and mix with the royal family however he is now a target for the thwarted assassins. He must learn to defend himself and is trained in fighting skills by a knight. Donato becomes friends with Lady Rosamund, daughter of the knight Sir Roderick; she likes to dress in boys clothes and join in on the action. Donato learns the amazing truth about his parents and events that happened after his birth; which completely changes the direction of his life. This story will appeal to able readers who enjoy action stories set in medieval times.