The Paladin Prophesy: Book 1 by Mark Frost

The Paladin Prophesy: Book 1 by Mark Frost. Random House, 2012. 560 pages.

Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15
Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18)

One-line Summary: If they can sift the humanist worldview and dismiss the occasional profanity, discerning teens and reluctant readers may enjoy this action-packed, save-the-world fantasy scenario.

One sunny morning in southern California, Will West says goodbye to his mom on his way to school, little dreaming that he will never see her again. Or rather, the woman who comes to school that morning to excitedly congratulate him after he learns that he scored off the charts on an achievement test and is offered a full scholarship to the Center for Integrated Learning in Wisconsin—that lady, who’s a dead ringer for his mom, he’s pretty sure is not his mom. Whoever it is appears to be under the control of fellows who wear black caps and drive black sedans. And it’s pretty clear the bad guys are ultimately after Will so he books a last-minute flight to Wisconsin, staying barely a step ahead of them with the help of a burly Aussie veteran named Dave. Dave has some uncanny powers—but then so does Will, and he’s discovering more all the time. When he finally arrives at the school, more or less intact, the four students who share a suite with him will gradually reveal their special powers. To no one’s surprise, a battle royal is brewing. This one is between the shadowy “Knights of Charlemagne” and the ragtag bunch of good guys (Will & Co.) who will come to call themselves the Alliance.

It’s a standard plotline on the young-people-save-the-world model, into which the author throws everything but the kitchen sink. Medieval lore, animatronic creatures, giant insects from the other world, angelic beings, men in black (sedans), ancient prophesies,  and Native American shamanism all take a turn. Also several biblical references but no biblical theology. The basic conflict: Satan called. He wants his planet back. The humanist worldview is pervasive, particularly in Will’s dad’s list of “Rules to Live By” (e.g., It’s not what you’re told to believe that matters; it’s what you choose to believe) scattered throughout the text.  Some of these maxims are real wisdom and some not; it may take a discerning reader to sort them out.  That said, even though it’s not original it’s rather fun, and the author has a witty way with dialogue, as befits a former screenwriter.

Cautions: Language (some mild curse words and profanity), Worldview (secular humanism)

Overall Value: 3 (out of 5)

• Worldview/moral value: 3
• Artistic value: 3

Categories: Fantasy, Young Adult

Cover image from Amazon