Entry Title: Arbalest, Legend of the Horn Author: H. J. Courtright Judge Number: 84 Entry Category: Middle-Grade/Young Adult books Judge’s Commentary: An imaginative tale that springs from a universal plotline: the rescued infant growing up as a pauper, then being thrust into a soul-building, dangerous challenge to reclaim what is rightfully his. Author takes this proven theme and gives it a fresh spin via exceptional setting descriptions that wow the reader throughout. Author has a true talent in creating a world, then describing it with so much depth and sensory details. Very well done. The story is richer, and the experience of it deeper, because of the author’s stellar scene-setting. Well done. Dialogue is true to the genre, carrying a lovely formality and beauty of speech patterns. Author has done well to blend the formality a bit so that it never seems stiff, but rather rings authentic with a touch of natural speech pattern. Excellent. I did get a little bit confused by a section naming Ailie, Allie and Arial, so watch out for too-similar character names and what looks like a typo. This stumble over the names drew me out of the story right at a pivotal end section where I should have been fully entranced. Arial is a good leader, standing out with her decision to go to the castle gate, where they will be least expected. We nod in agreement and follow the action with greater interest, since it rings true to the mind of a good warrior and leader. I liked the imagination behind the horn being powered by the moon, and felt pulled to the question of where one’s power truly resides (It may be attributed to some outer element, but will be something within.) Very good descriptions here, making the horn something of a character on its own. Well done. Home