The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail is the first novel I've written with a male protagonist. I've already received feedback from teachers and librarians who have praised me for writing a ‘boy book'. I know how difficult it is to get boys reading these days and getting positive responses from those on the frontline is tremendously gratifying.

But let's not forget the girls! In addition to Tristan and Robard Hode, the hero and his sidekick, The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail also features a tough as nails female character, Maryam, a young Muslim girl who enters the story first as an enemy, then joins with Tristan and Robard to help them complete Tristan's mission to carry the Holy Grail to safety.

Maryam is a member of the mysterious warrior cult Al Hashshashin or ‘the Assassins' as it is translated to English. The Assassins were fanatical and ferocious fighters and Maryam is a proud member of their ranks. When she is wounded in an attack, Tristan insists they nurse her back to health. Grateful for their help, she guides them to Tyre where they hope to catch a ship to England.

Maryam is the kind of character I love. As the father of a sixteen year old girl, I'm very particular about how I portray the female characters in my novels. Maryam is every bit the equal of Tristan and Robard. With her twin daggers, she isn't afraid of a scrap, and she's not one to wait around for ‘the boys' to rescue her. Smart and capable, that's Maryam.

The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail is much richer for Maryam's presence, not just because of her physical abilities, but she also quickly becomes the moral center of the book. She constantly questions Robard and Tristan, challenging them in their beliefs and making sure they maintain their focus and do what's right. If you enjoy characters like Buffy from Buffy, the Vampire Slayer or Clare, the cheerleader from Heroes, I think you're really going to enjoy Maryam.

Maryam, at least fictionally, survives and thrives in a time when woman were not expected to taken on such roles. But that's one of the great things about being a novelist. I get to make up the rules.

And I say Maryam rocks.

Michael Spradlin, The Youngest Templar, young adult fiction, Knights Templar, Holy Grail,historical fiction,books, Penguin Books