Lady’s Knight: A Delightful Foray into a Whimsical Medieval Adventure
When I first stumbled upon Lady’s Knight, co-authored by the brilliant Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner, I couldn’t resist its promise of a fierce, funny, and unapologetically queer feminist twist on medieval legend. With buzzwords like "lady knights," "sapphic romance," and "dragons," it felt like an invitation to a world both familiar and refreshingly new. As a reader who adores tales blending whimsy with heart, this book quickly captured my eager attention.
Set against the backdrop of a medieval world replete with knights, witches, and a dash of magical realism, Lady’s Knight draws readers into an epic quest for honor, freedom, and, ultimately, love. The protagonist, Gwen, is a bold and earnest character, fueled by ambitions for equality and her unwavering desire to make a difference. She navigates her world with a seriousness that contrasts beautifully with Isobelle, the initially stereotypical noble, whose layers unfold to reveal a sharp intelligence and unexpected depth.
The narrative is laced with humor, thanks in part to the quirky interludes narrated by an anonymous storyteller that infuse the story with a delightful playfulness. Kaufman and Spooner’s writing is intricate and whimsical, making it easy to get lost in the adventure. However, while the prose sparkles, I found myself yearning for a deeper exploration of the knightly tournaments that form the crux of the plot. The stakes are high—especially with the constant threat of Gwen’s secret being revealed—and yet, at times, it felt like the authors prioritized entertainment over a cohesive plot.
One of my favorite aspects was how the relationship between Gwen and Isobelle developed organically, devoid of unnecessary drama or instalove. Their bond grows through trust and shared goals, which is refreshing in YA literature. Yet, this focus on their emotional journey sometimes overshadowed the central theme of the knight tournament. I couldn’t help but crave more scenes of the training and competition, which felt underrepresented in the story’s overall structure.
As we hit the 75% mark, the pacing finally picks up with an engaging climax that leaves you hanging, eager for more. However, it does raise questions—was the depth of intelligence displayed by Gwen and Isobelle sufficient to support their aspirations and the narrative itself? Such moments of confusion made it harder to fully invest in their journey.
Overall, Lady’s Knight is an entertaining romp—perfect for a YA audience seeking a simple, vibes-filled read. It balances humor with moments of unyielding earnestness, even if it occasionally sacrifices depth for entertainment. As I closed the last page, I found myself pondering whether to follow this adventure into a sequel. Perhaps, like Gwen and Isobelle, I yearn for a bit more depth and less frivolity to fully immerse myself in their world.
If you enjoy whimsical tales that blend laughter with a touch of heart—where the stakes are high, but the vibes are higher—Lady’s Knight might just be the delightful escape you need. Thanks to Amie Kaufman, Meagan Spooner, Electric Monkey, and NetGalley for the ARC; even with its flaws, it brought joy and laughter into my reading experience.