Sir Callie and the Dragon's Roost (Sir Callie #2)
by Esme Symes-Smith (Author)
The battle is won, but the war is far from over. In this thrilling sequel, a twelve-year-old nonbinary hopeful knight fights for the heart of their kingdom in a magical medieval world filled with dragons, shape-shifters, and witches.
Thanks to Callie and their friends, Helston seems to be changing for the better: Boys are allowed to explore their magic, and girls are permitted to train as warriors. Callie is an official Helston page, Willow in on track to become king, and Elowen and Edwyn are finally safe and free of their father. Everything is...perfect. Except it isn't. Not in Helston, where every step forward is accompanied by a storm of opposition. Even Queen Ewella and Sir Nick are struggling against the wave of fear and anti-magical sentiment growing daily, while the encroaching threat from across the bridge looms.
Callie isn't foolish; they notice the suspicious glances thrown Neal's way and hear the doubtful murmurs following Willow. They know what people think about them, too. Tolerance is not the same as acceptance, and when the fragile peace finally shatters, Callie and their friends have no choice but to leave their home and run. On the other side of the bridge, old secrets are revealed and new allegiances are formed that will throw into question everything Callie thought they knew about their world. Including what it means to be a hero.
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Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
Gr 3-7--This fantasy sequel to Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston is just as exciting as the first, and begins a few months later. Nonbinary Callie, 12, is now a page, and Prince Willow, 12, is expected to soon take the reins of power of Helston. Magic-wielding Elowen and her brother Edwyn are recovering from their banished father's physical and emotional abuse. Soldiers from Helston are attacked and killed in neighboring Dumoor, and Teo, a Dumoor shapeshifting human-dragon who uses xe/xem/xir pronouns, is captured. After Edwyn is outed to the court for being able to do magic, a practice boys are now reluctantly permitted, the distrustful Queen imprisons him and Elowen, and Edwyn is tortured. Callie and Willow rescue them and Teo, and they flee to Dumoor across Helston's bridge, pursued by the Helston soldiers. Callie and Elowen's growing relationship is threatened by Elowen's burning desire for revenge against Helston. Secrets are exposed, alliances tested, and heartbreak endured as the shocking ending guarantees more adventures. The intersectional cast that cues as white are fully realized, especially stubborn and determined Callie, as each character struggles to be found worthy and have agency in a world where adults erroneously believe they know best. (Author's note includes content warning). VERDICT This page-turning second book in a rousing fantasy series that's both an action-packed adventure and psychological study of young people persevering despite tremendous odds.--Sharon Rawlins
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV060000 - Juvenile Fiction | LGBT
Fantasy
Fantasy fiction
Knights and knighthood
Gender identity
Novels
