The Kestrel facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Lloyd Alexander |
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| Cover artist | Charles Mikolaycak |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Westmark trilogy |
| Genre | Fantasy novel |
| Published | 1982 (E. P. Dutton) |
| Media type | Print (hardcover & paperback) |
| Pages | 244 (first, hard) |
| ISBN | 0-525-45110-2 (first edition, hard) |
| OCLC | 7877126 |
| LC Class | PZ7.A3774 |
| Preceded by | Westmark |
| Followed by | The Beggar Queen |
The Kestrel is an exciting fantasy novel written by Lloyd Alexander. It came out in 1982. This book is the second part of a three-book series called the Westmark trilogy. The story won the Parent's Choice Award in 1982.
The book takes place in a make-believe country called Westmark. This land feels a lot like Europe in the 18th century. It's a mix of history and fantasy.
Contents
What Happens in The Kestrel?
Theo's Journey and Westmark's Troubles
The story follows Theo as he travels through Westmark. He is learning about the country because he will soon marry Princess Augusta. She used to be Mickle, a girl he knew from the streets. Theo sees that many people in Westmark are very poor. His friend Florian knows about the unfair ways of the rich and powerful.
One day, an assassin named Skeit tries to hurt Theo. This event starts a big war in Westmark. The war changes everything. It turns ordinary people into fighters. Mickle becomes a military leader. Theo himself changes a lot, becoming someone he barely recognizes.
War and New Leaders
Theo and Mickle are in love. But a dishonest general works with another country. He plans to give up easily in the war. This would let a country with a different kind of government take over. They do not like Princess Augusta because she is close to people like Florian, who want more fairness for everyone.
The general does surrender, but his soldiers refuse to stop fighting. What started as a small fight becomes a full war. The people of Westmark fight for their own future.
Theo Becomes The Kestrel
Just like in history, when powerful countries tried to control France, a foreign country tries to control Westmark. But the people of Westmark fight back. Their army is led by Florian, Theo, and Justin. Theo is now known as "The Kestrel." He becomes a general, which means he has to make tough choices. This job changes the artistic and thoughtful Theo deeply. He has to give up parts of himself to help his country.
Mickle's Government in Exile
Meanwhile, Mickle has to lead her government from a different place. This is called a "government in exile." Musket and his master, Count Las Bombas, become her helpers. Mickle asks for Las Bombas's advice. He used to be a soldier, and even though he talks a lot, he is a true friend. He is a bit like the character Fflewddur Fflam from The Chronicles of Prydain.
Solving Problems and Future Plans
There are also smaller stories in the book. Some involve clever children. There are also problems within the group of bad guys, including Cabbarus from the first book. In the end, good wins, not just by fighting, but by finding a way to agree.
The young king, Constantine, was supposed to be harmed by his guardian. Instead, he is captured. He and Mickle talk and agree on a peace treaty. This treaty helps both countries. Mickle then sets up a government where people can choose their leaders. This means she and Theo have to wait to get married.
