"A huge grey horse, whose tail-hairs crinkled the glassy water, was drinking in the pool, and the ripples about his muzzle flashed like melted gold."

Try to read that sentence without getting a vivid mental image dancing across your mind. Impossible, I know.

Kipling is a terrific writer, able to communicate more atmosphere in a single sentence than many authors manage in entire books. Additionally, he's that rare strand of author whom can weave historical details into his narratives with a deft hand without it ever feeling strained or unnatural. In this sense he reminds me of Susannah Clarke, though Kipling's writing style is more paternal in nature as compared to Clarke's prevailing witticism.

The various tales of adventure, knights, and piracy are tied together in a frame story that harkens back to traditional Enligsh fairy tales, and it astounds me how well-versed Kipling seems to be not only in the written accounts of British history, but also in the mythical elements therein. Puck genuinely feels like a British elf - not because of how he looks (not exactly Legolas), but because of how he acts. If that isn't a testament to writing ability I don't know what is.

The various stories are all told from the point-of-view of their respective protagonists, whom the children encounter alongside Puck. Each of these characters is sympathetic, interesting, and feel deeply layered. The lives of these characters all intersected with important historical periods which the children explore through their tales of woe and adventure.

Parnesius' tales of Hadrian's Wall was a personal favourite, but the stories involving Sir Richard Dalyngridge were also stellar examples of storytelling. I'll grant that the last story didn't really grip me the same way the previous did, but the preceding tales were of such quality that I didn't really mind.

In addition to the marvelous fairy tales (and frame story) this book also overflows with paternal love for children. It's apparent to me that despite his flaws Kipling seemingly adored and respected children. This book contains, in my opinion, some of the best advise one could hope for at a young age: it extols the importance of honesty, friendship, and character, all explored through interesting stories.

This book is 125 pages long, and that includes plenty of songs that I joyfully skipped past (if songs and poems are your cup of tea then I suppose you'll be delighted), and I'm left with more vivid mental images from the scenes in this short collection of stories than The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear combined (1664 pages).

I mean, just look at this:

"'I sacrifice to my dead youth,' he answered, and, when the flames had consumed the letter, he ground them out with his heel."