My main advice regarding this book is that although it is the first of a series, it comes very fast on the heels of another series (that I haven't read), and so I was really confused for pretty much the whole thing. The book was interesting enough, but I felt adrift the whole time since I didn't really know what was going on. Telemakos is a good character, but I strongly suggest reading the first series before you attempt it. ( )

Fourth book in Wein's series about Medraut's son. I'm anxiously awaiting the final installment! ( )

The 4th book in Elizabeth E. Wein’s (nominally, but not really) Arthurian series and part one of The Mark of Solomon, this one features Telemakos, who the protagonist of The Sunbird as well. I’d really recommend not reading this unless you’ve read The Sunbird, because a lot of it comes directly off events and characters in that book (and I personally don’t think you should read The Sunbird unless you’ve read the first two, The Winter Prince and A Coalition of Lions).

To give a non-Sunbird-spoiler description of The Lion Hunter, it’s about Telemakos being sent to live with the ruler of the nearby Himyar and getting caught up in the usual politics, intrigue, conspiracies, and spying. However, the pacing of the book (fairly slow for the first half) and the way it ended (cliffhanger!) make me wonder if The Mark of Solomon was originally meant to be one novel and was divided into two through the mysterious decisions of the publishing world. And so if you’re more patient than I, you might just want to wait until the second half comes out before picking up this one.

Elizabeth E. Wein has this delightful talent of being able to write a book where not much action happens in the way of plot, yet you’re so busy enjoying the non-action, the characters, and the writing that you never really notice until you’re done reading. And even then you don’t really mind. I think she’s an excellent ya author who doesn’t have anywhere near the recognition she deserves, and if you haven’t read her, do yourself a favor and get a copy of The Winter Prince. (And if you don’t like it, just hang on for the A Coalition of Lions, which I liked much more). ( )