Author: Violet Haberdasher
Publication Date: March 9, 2010
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Copy provided by: Library
Summary (via Goodreads):Henry Grim has never been in trouble for borrowing a sword from the headmaster's private stores. He has never discovered a forbidden room in a foreign castle, or received a death threat over breakfast.
All Henry knows is life as an orphaned servant boy at the Midsummer School, bullied by the privileged sons of aristocracy. But all that changes when Henry is the first commoner to pass the entrance exam for the prestigious Knightley Academy, where he will be trained as a modern-day knight alongside the cleverest and bravest fourteen-year-olds in the country.
Henry and his roommates, two other students from decidedly un-Knightley backgrounds, are not exactly greeted with open arms by their classmates. In fact, it soon becomes apparent that someone is going to great lengths to sabotage the trio's chances at becoming knights. But Henry soon learns that there is more at stake than his future at Knightley, and only he can sound the alarm. Is anyone going to believe a former servant on the brink of expulsion?
Brimming with wry humor, page-turning suspense, and surprising twists, this first adventure in a memorable new series is sure to enthrall readers of all ages.
Why I read this: It's a debut novel this year and it really looked interesting when I read the summary of it online one day.
Plot: Let's just say that I think it rivals that of Harry Potter. It has that same friendship interaction, forms of bullying, and the underlying evil plot that will hopefully bring everyone together by the end of the series. I think this is the next big thing. It's epic enough, involving enough and it has the diversity that every series needs. I have a big thing for underdogs getting what they deserve in life and this book is it.
Definitely check this book out if you want nearly 500 pages of engaging YA literature that will keep you thinking for days.
Characters: I said this a bit up there a bit - but the characters are diverse and they're underdogs. I really enjoyed how well they teamed up and got along, helping each other out of sticky situations. Definitely characters I want to get to know and root for throughout this series.
Relatability: If you've been an underdog, felt like one, or just really like rooting for them - you'll love this book. OR if you have a fascination with Knights... :-D
Cover Commentary: I really like it, gives it the epic feeling that this book deserves.
Rating: 5/5 Roses 
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I didn't get the historical part-- I thought it was modern. I do remember that it had a distinct lack of magic, but I kept waiting for it to appear. It's done well in my library.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound good! I did eye this one but the thought of starting a new series where each book will most likely be around 500pgs doesn't really thrill me at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it. I really want to read this. I'll have to see if it is at the library here.
ReplyDeleteI liked this one too. I thought it had many similarities to Harry Potter but without the magic. I don't know if it will appeal to the same audience because of the lack of magic. I'll have to pull it off the shelves and see if I can sell it to some of my readers. My review is here.
ReplyDeleteWow-it rivals HP? I'm definitely going to read this now!
ReplyDeleteRivalling Harry Potter is quite a compliment...it must be good! I didn't realize before that this one is nearly 500 pages...practically a tome :D
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by the concept of modern day knights. I would wonder how they would interact with society at large and what role they would play. I'm interested in checking this series out. By the way, the cover is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteFunny that you mentioned a Harry Potter feel/connection because that's exactly what I thought while reading the synopsis.
ReplyDeleteI may have to check this one out (although I don't do a lot of YA) simply for the twists (love them) and wry humor (can't get enough).
And on a purely shallow note, I think the cover is absolutely stunning.
It sounds like the movie Knight's Tale, but I don't think it's something I'd ordinarily pick up, especially without magic :")
ReplyDeleteWow, sounds really great! I've seen this one around and although I've already added it to my tbr list, you convinced me to get it soon ;) Great review!
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