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Roland Wright Future Knight — “Roland Wright” Series

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Awards

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Book Review

Roland Wright Future Knight by Tony Davis has been reviewed by Focus on the Family’s marriage and parenting magazine. It is the first book in the “Roland Wright” series.

Plot Summary

The year is 1409. At age 10, Roland Wright dreams of being a real knight someday. He knows it’s impossible, though. His family isn’t wealthy or prestigious enough for him to receive that kind of training.

Roland and his older brother, Shelby, work in their father’s shop making armor. Mr. Wright has developed a highly sought-after technique for creating stronger, safer armor. Roland’s favorite knight, Sir Gallawood, stops in one day to get Mr. Wright’s help in removing some bent armor. While he’s still in the shop, messengers from the king arrive. They tell Mr. Wright that his innovative armor recently saved the king’s life. Out of gratitude, they say, the king will endorse Wright’s armor. The king also has invited Mr. Wright to send one of his sons to live and work at the palace. Roland knows whichever son is chosen will eventually be able to train as a knight. The son who stays behind will take over the family business of armory.

Since both Roland and Shelby want the king’s honor, Mr. Wright says they will compete for it. He will create a series of tests. Whoever behaves in the most knightly manner will go to the palace. Roland feels discouraged, knowing he isn’t as strong as his brother. He decides to visit Sir Gallawood and ask his advice. The knight urges Roland to be true to himself. He tells the boy to behave justly, nobly and unselfishly. He also makes Roland promise to carry himself in a knightly fashion even if he doesn’t win the contest.

Mr. Wright’s contest involves tests of craftsmanship, archery and swordsmanship. Shelby doesn’t always play fair in competition. Roland is tempted to play dirty at times as well. Then he remembers his promise to Sir Gallawood, and he behaves with integrity. Though Roland isn’t the strongest fighter, or the winner of all the tests, his father praises him for making honorable decisions in difficult situations. Because of Roland’s noble decisions, Mr. Wright chooses Roland to go to the palace and train for knighthood.

Christian Beliefs

The only book Roland has ever seen is a Latin Bible read by the village priest. No one in his village works on Sunday because it is the Lord’s Day. They pray, go to Mass and eat a big Sunday meal.

Other Belief Systems

None

Authority Roles

The king acknowledges and rewards Mr. Wright for his fine craftsmanship. Sir Gallawood is also complimentary and respectful of Mr. Wright. He graciously gives Roland wise advice on how to behave like a knight. Mr. Wright thoughtfully creates a series of tests to determine which of his sons should go to the palace. He praises both for their efforts.

Profanity & Violence

The use of several medieval weapons are described in relation to arms being chopped off by a battle axe and the top of a head being removed by a sword (both cited as being rude for a knight to do). Another weapon is mentioned as being so sharp that it could pierce armor. Then blood would squirt out on both sides of the person.

Roland did not hit Jenny on the head with a sledgehammer because he liked her. Steel spikes are said to be able to cause a girl’s brains to fall out her ears like rope. None of this violence actually happened in the story. The violence mentioned is used as a description for how various weaponry can be used by a knight, and mostly shouldn’t be used.

Sexual Content

None

Discussion Topics

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Additional Comments

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Book reviews cover the content, themes and worldviews of fiction books, not their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. The inclusion of a book’s review does not constitute an endorsement by Focus on the Family.