My First Review

Could a wandering mistrel have actually shaped the fate and fortune of a future king? Step back in time with local author Anna Questerly's delightful first novel called The Minstrel's Tale.

Her story begins with 14-year-old Anna from Phoenix - and seamlessly weaves back into the 13th century through her unique storytelling ability. Using fictional and non-fictional figures in the book, The Minstrel's Tale is centered around one of the youngest kings in history. It's a clever narrative of adventure, drama and great stroy telling - with a young boy coming to rule over one of the most powerful countries in the world, during one of the most turbulent and troubled periods in medieval Europe.

Throughout the book, Questerly uses Anna's ancestor - a valuable and wise minstrel named Amos - for the pivotal figure in the young king's life as he entertains crowds from city to city. The story allows readers to feel like they are right by his side as he travels from town to town entertaining and giving the townspeople a chance to forget their troubles and get news from other places.

It's a great book, with carefully depicted characters and a wonderful plot. Questerly makes a great connection with history and today's teenage lifestyle at the same time.

Katherine Koenig CITYSunTimes May 2011 issue.