Altdorf by J.K. Swift

Altdorf is the first in the two Forest Knights novels by J.K. Swift.

The year was 1314. After 30 years of being with the Hospitaller Knights of St. John, Thomas was finally back in his hometown of Schwyz and settled as a ferryman. He believed he was living the peaceful life he deserved until he transported an injured boy. With the boy was the famous outlaw Noll Melchthal. They were trying to cross the river to go to the healer, Seraina, a reclusive druid priestess.

Written in a conversational tone, the book is a delightful read. The dialogues are engaging and the fighting scenes are vividly described. The characters are lovable. Thomas is an ideal protagonist, quiet, hardworking, an accomplished healer, first-rate fighter and a loyal friend. Seraina is an admirable woman, generous, brave and compassionate. Noll is inspiring, stubborn and fearless. My favorite is Pirmin, Thomas' brother-at-arms. He is funny, sweet and endearing. Even Leopold is a well-developed character, mean and loathsome.

Needless to say, I enjoyed this book immensely and I would love to read the second book MORGARTEN. 

Congratulations to J.K. Swift on such a wonderful book!