Young Adult Literature; Coming of Age; Historical Fiction
Young Adult Literature
This is definitely a book geared toward teenagers. It stars a teenage protagonist and features a plot that really moves along, snatching readers up and refusing to let them go until they've finished reading the last word. And while Edmund might be a teen from a totally different era, as he encounters new situations and tries to figure out how to handle himself, his experience is pretty classic for teens no matter which centuries they're living in.
Coming of Age
Have you read up on Edmund over in the "Characters" section yet? Because you totally should. Not only is he the main character, but—the Crusades aside—his journey is really all about transforming from a naïve and meek boy who only understands himself as a servant into a young, battle-hardened man ready to make major life decisions for himself. If that's not a coming-of-age tale, then our name's not Shmoop (and it is, guys, Shmoop is totally our name).
Historical Fiction
The story centers on an actual historical event—the Crusades, and specifically the Third Crusade—plus it incorporates real people from the past, like Richard the Lionheart. There's also plenty of made-up stuff in the mix, though, which places this book firmly in the historical fiction genre.
To explore the factual historical components a bit more, get thee to the "Setting" section.