Whether you’re a middle-grade reader hungry for a magical adventure or an adult who wants to dip back into a Tamora Pierce–like world, Esme Symes-Smith’s new novel, Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston, out November 8 from Labyrinth Road, is a worthwhile addition to your to-read pile.
Symes-Smith’s fantastical tale feels both comfortingly familiar and refreshing in its take on the classic tropes that come along with magic, medieval times, and knights in shining armor. The protagonist, Callie, is nonbinary and wishes to be a knight in a world where knight training is for boys and magic is for girls. Callie is expected to pursue a magical education, but when their father is sent to the royal capital, Helston, to train a hapless prince, Callie finally gets their chance to be the knight they know they are. But it takes all the essentials of a great middle-grade read—determination, heart, and some fantastic friends—for our hero to get there.
Symes-Smith’s debut reaches out a hand to readers who maybe haven’t seen themselves and their struggles reflected within the childhood fantasy stories they love. Callie has many such trials: rigid societal rules and constant and malicious misgendering, in addition to the standard fantasy hurdles. And luckily, theirs is not a singular tale: A second book dedicated to the adventures of Sir Callie is already slated for publication early next year.
Catch Symes-Smith at The Novel Neighbor (7905 Big Bend) for a launch event and conversation with author Catherine Bakewell on November 8.
