S.W. Lothian – Author

THE CAMELOT KIDS (PART 2)
by Ben Zackheim  ★★★★★
Kindle edition purchased from Amazon

Simon Sharp just got kidnapped by a troll on the shore of Scotland’s Loch Duich. But before he can get his head around that incredible fact, he’s saved by a 7-foot tall elderly man who calls himself Merlin. It’s hard to deny that something odd is going on.

But what?

Join Simon as he takes his first steps into New Camelot, a castle city of unparalleled beauty. But his stay won’t always be a pleasant one as he trains to become a warrior side-by-side with 149 other kids… all descendants of the original Knights of the Round Table.

The Camelot Kids: Part Two answers many questions from Part One, and adds a few more that will keep you guessing until the end! (Goodreads)

My Review

Part 2 of this series picks up at the same point part one finished. Simon, Merlin and Maille (carrying an ugly troll on her back) are on their journey to New Camelot, a place where Simon soon learns that has a huge relevance. Apparently, he has some very important and famous family links. This means that it’s impossible for his arrival to go unnoticed and he is completely taken by surprise at the reactions towards him. Think Rock star/Hero/Amazing Person just arrived.

Ben Zackheim has created a wonderful setting known as New Camelot, which I’m sure will build and grow as the story progresses. It’s a setting that’s full of magic, amazing creatures and interesting characters, where Simon learns that he is a descendant of someone very very famous (I won’t let on who), and his arrival at New Camelot is seen as a very significant event.

Enter a rival, who happens to be a long-forgotten apprentice of Merlin. This rivalry will no doubt feature more later in the story.
Simon is guided by Merlin, who is mysterious and moody, and Maille (who is Merlin’s new apprentice). This part of the story is where we follow Simon as he learns his way around his new surroundings, discovering it’s secrets and traditions. Destined to lead, Simon embarks on a training regime with a bunch of descendants of the Knights of the Round Table. I get the feeling that he’s not too thrilled about it either.

The frequently grumpy Merlin seems to be in control and we are teased with glimpses that he has a bigger agenda on the go. It will be interesting to see what eventuates. I really enjoy Ben’s writing. It is clear and easy to follow. He has created a character in Simon that I’m sure readers can relate to and barrack for.

This is another great instalment in the series. Part 2 is an entertaining read, which has left me eagerly awaiting Part 3. Be warned, there is an unexpected twist at the end of this one.

Note: I don’t claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I try to focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on typos, writing style or structure.

If you’re keen to know more, then click below to head on over to Ben’s website.