First published 1931
Pierre stands at the threshold of knighthood in the glittering court of King Francis I. The young man faces rigorous training that will test both his sword arm and his character. Around him swirls the intrigue and splendor of sixteenth-century France, where courtly manners matter as much as martial skill. Pierre must navigate the complex world of nobles and servants, learning the codes of chivalry while discovering what kind of man he will become. His education extends far beyond the practice yard as he encounters the political machinations and personal rivalries that define court life. The path to knighthood demands more than Pierre initially understood, forcing him to confront difficult choices about loyalty, honor, and his own ambitions. Through trials that challenge his body and spirit, Pierre learns that becoming a true knight requires mastering not just the arts of war, but the deeper virtues of courage and wisdom.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, adventure, coming-of-age
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, fish-out-of-water
Setting: France
Period: Sixteenth Century
352 pages · Hardcover · Longmans, Green and Co.