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Reviewed by Richard Prause for Readers' Favorite
In Ari Magnusson's Knights Without Ceremony: Insurrection, Gorum is just coming out of war, and the kingdom’s peace is shaky and uncertain. The king allows boys from all classes to train as knights, which is a new decree. Ettan, a poor thirteen-year-old who looks after his younger brother Gerrit, joins the program hoping it will give them a chance at a better life. He quickly sees how unfair things are. Noble children cheat the system, while the knights in charge don’t stop them. Ettan changes his fighting style to survive the difficult trials, but constant provocation and unfair decisions make it all much more challenging for him. At the same time, Gerrit helps hungry children, risking their safety to do what he believes is right. As hidden political agendas unfold, the idea of knighthood begins to seem hollow. Will Ettan ever get a fair chance in a system that seems designed to hold him back?
Knights Without Ceremony: Insurrection by Ari Magnusson is a YA fantasy adventure that looks at political and social issues through the eyes of a courageous teen boy. The plot is simple and easy to follow, letting Gorum's unfairness show itself without any extra dramatics. The kingdom is strict and rigid, where tradition protects the powerful, and the training grounds reflect that in every challenge the boys face. Ettan's growth is influenced by frustration and harsh lessons about people with authority and power. Gerrit offers a softer perspective, helping people in little ways that push back against the unfair rules. The book also looks at honor and shows how it can be used to hide selfish motives and corruption. Magnusson doesn’t glorify corrupt knights but shows who really gains from this unjust system. Fans of fantasy and YA social class stories will enjoy it.
