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Knightley Academy #2
The Secret Prince
Knightley Academy is back in session, and Henry Grim is confident that nothing else can prevent him from earning his knighthood. But Henry and his friends quickly discover that their professors have made some troubling changes to the curriculum—and there’s an old classroom filled with forgotten weapons. It is the discovery of this classroom that prompts Henry and Valmont to become the unlikely leaders of a secret battle society. But disaster strikes as Henry, Adam, and Frankie find themselves stuck as Partisan School servants—and something is rotten in Partisan Keep. When Henry is discovered by a secret society of outlaws with a sinister purpose, he must come to terms with a great sacrifice that will take him away from everything he has ever known and wanted. The stakes get higher and tension mounts in the second installment of Violet Haberdasher’s fresh, fast-paced, and always surprising Knightley Academy books.
514 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2011
15 people are currently reading
783 people want to read
About the author
Violet Haberdasher
5 books288 followersAuthor of "Knightley Academy" and 'The Secret Prince" (Knightley Academy #2). Pseudonym of Videoblogger Robyn Schneider.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 20, 2012
A very good sequel to a very good book! I really liked Ms. Haberdasher's debut novel and was very excited to get my hands on this sequel and it didn't disappoint. More fun, exciting, and page-turning adventures and misadventures for Henry and his friends at Knightley Academy. I liked the way the ending turned out as well. I can't wait for the next installment!
Now, I just want to add my two cents in to the whole Harry Potter comparison nonsense. The Harry Potter series happens to fit very neatly into a sub-genre of literature: school story (you can look it up on Wikipedia; I'm not making this up). School stories usually take place at a boarding school and cover all of the friendships, the bullies, the romances, and rules (and breaking thereof) that the protagonist encounters. Yes, Harry Potter was a unique series that took this genre into the fantastic, bringing magic into the equation. But, so too does Violet Haberdasher maker her own unique mark on the genre by creating a world where chivalry hasn't died and knights still abound in everyday society. It's a very cool concept and I think she carries it out well. I know I won't be able to stop the comparisons but it really is silly to compare the two. It's like comparing Sherlock Holmes to Hercule Poirot. Obviously there will be similarities and there will be differences. That's what genres are for!
Now, I just want to add my two cents in to the whole Harry Potter comparison nonsense. The Harry Potter series happens to fit very neatly into a sub-genre of literature: school story (you can look it up on Wikipedia; I'm not making this up). School stories usually take place at a boarding school and cover all of the friendships, the bullies, the romances, and rules (and breaking thereof) that the protagonist encounters. Yes, Harry Potter was a unique series that took this genre into the fantastic, bringing magic into the equation. But, so too does Violet Haberdasher maker her own unique mark on the genre by creating a world where chivalry hasn't died and knights still abound in everyday society. It's a very cool concept and I think she carries it out well. I know I won't be able to stop the comparisons but it really is silly to compare the two. It's like comparing Sherlock Holmes to Hercule Poirot. Obviously there will be similarities and there will be differences. That's what genres are for!
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May 30, 2011Yesterday, I reviewed KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY, the first in a trilogy. The second book, THE SECRET PRINCE, is even better than the first. If yesterday’s review didn’t convince you to read this series, hopefully this one will. I’ll do my best to write this review without any spoilers so that newcomers to the series (or even just this volume) will still be surprised.
What I already love about the KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY books is the way they’re evolving in a fashion similar to HARRY POTTER. Those books grew up with us, and so do these. The first volume, as fraught as it was with danger and mayhem, felt like child’s play compared to the newest installment. Filled with danger, romance, and even death, THE SECRET PRINCE is darker and more likely to make you chew your nails to the quick as you race through each new page. I can’t wait to see what Violet Haberdasher infuses into the final novel. I wish there were more than three, because I’m already not ready for this series to end!
THE SECRET PRINCE begins at the start of second-term, so Henry Grim and Co. are still first-year students. While much remains the same, a lot has changed, too. Characters set up to be loathed in the first book are given a more humane side and redeeming traits that most authors don’t often bother with. Other beloved characters take on sharper edges. Everything we thought we knew has changed. The first novel was very much an introduction to school life; now, everyone has settled in, so there are more issues to explore. At the same time, Henry can’t forget the events that changed his life during the first semester, so he’s much more cautious this time around. The Nordlands are once more up to no good. Disturbing tales of a doctor who goes around snatching citizens and “fixing them” when they’re out at night after curfew have made their way to London. During a trip to the country last semester, Henry discovered a combat room at a rival school, but under The Longsword Treaty, combat training isn’t allowed. The Knightley students find a secret room and start teaching themselves how to use weapons for battle, and when Henry discovers a chance to disguise himself as an envoy en route to The Nordlands, he jumps at the opportunity. However, this isn’t the smartest move, and our scrappy hero finds himself in over his head in ways no reader could foresee.
I REALLY like this series, bookworms. It has all of the elements I love in a series. I adore the way Haberdasher doesn’t leave us in suspense at the conclusion of each novel. Yes, there are loose ends that we want answers to, but HARRY POTTER does this as well. They end on the same note. Unlike HP, however, Haberdasher gives us the goods early on. There’s no sidestepping around issues such as romance and drawing things out. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am for the win! Only, not crude like I just made it sound. ^^; I really appreciate the way the author continues to flesh out characters that we thought we knew and shines them up until they become someone new. This is a great fantasy adventure for anyone who enjoys such genres.
What I already love about the KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY books is the way they’re evolving in a fashion similar to HARRY POTTER. Those books grew up with us, and so do these. The first volume, as fraught as it was with danger and mayhem, felt like child’s play compared to the newest installment. Filled with danger, romance, and even death, THE SECRET PRINCE is darker and more likely to make you chew your nails to the quick as you race through each new page. I can’t wait to see what Violet Haberdasher infuses into the final novel. I wish there were more than three, because I’m already not ready for this series to end!
THE SECRET PRINCE begins at the start of second-term, so Henry Grim and Co. are still first-year students. While much remains the same, a lot has changed, too. Characters set up to be loathed in the first book are given a more humane side and redeeming traits that most authors don’t often bother with. Other beloved characters take on sharper edges. Everything we thought we knew has changed. The first novel was very much an introduction to school life; now, everyone has settled in, so there are more issues to explore. At the same time, Henry can’t forget the events that changed his life during the first semester, so he’s much more cautious this time around. The Nordlands are once more up to no good. Disturbing tales of a doctor who goes around snatching citizens and “fixing them” when they’re out at night after curfew have made their way to London. During a trip to the country last semester, Henry discovered a combat room at a rival school, but under The Longsword Treaty, combat training isn’t allowed. The Knightley students find a secret room and start teaching themselves how to use weapons for battle, and when Henry discovers a chance to disguise himself as an envoy en route to The Nordlands, he jumps at the opportunity. However, this isn’t the smartest move, and our scrappy hero finds himself in over his head in ways no reader could foresee.
I REALLY like this series, bookworms. It has all of the elements I love in a series. I adore the way Haberdasher doesn’t leave us in suspense at the conclusion of each novel. Yes, there are loose ends that we want answers to, but HARRY POTTER does this as well. They end on the same note. Unlike HP, however, Haberdasher gives us the goods early on. There’s no sidestepping around issues such as romance and drawing things out. Wham, bam, thank you ma’am for the win! Only, not crude like I just made it sound. ^^; I really appreciate the way the author continues to flesh out characters that we thought we knew and shines them up until they become someone new. This is a great fantasy adventure for anyone who enjoys such genres.
July 2, 2013
The first few chapters reminded me a lot of the Harry Potter books, but then it spun into its own wonderful story. There are some really great and solid characters as well as unforeseen twists and turns. One involving Henry and Adam pretending to be servant boys and taking a train into Nordland to spy at the Partisan School.
I enjoyed the story quite well. A lot of it is Henry discovering new things that will lead up to a possible conflict between Nordland and the Britonian Isles. This includes finding out who his parents are and where he came from.
There’s quite a bit of mystery as well as a bit of action in this novel. And several secret clubs. I particularly enjoyed the Battle Society at Knightley. Even though you could say that it is similar to Dumbledore’s Army in Harry Potter, it is a different group. These boys know that they will have to go to war, fight and lose quite a few lives.
The characters in this book will surprise you from how they act and how some of them (re)appear. Henry becomes friends with some unlikely people, I would say. There’s a very neat moment in which he decides that he shouldn’t just stick to his trio and branches out to become friends with other people in his year. It’s such a beautiful moment because it reminds me of when I was a freshman in a small university. There were people who knew one another already and so getting to know them could have been deemed difficult, but I tried and succeeded.
This is one of those books that I sat down and read in about two sittings. There were some slow times and the story didn’t really resolve. It is the second book in the series, so I’m sure the third will give a bang. That’s just want Violet Haberdasher does, right? The Secret Prince is more about building relationships and self-discovery and more life-threatening situations than finding a resolve to Henry’s story. It had an ending that tells the reader that this is the calm before the storm.
I am really not trying to spoil, but there are some bits that will rock your world, some parts will scare you, and there will be at least one bit that will make you cry. And the latter is about a character that you would have never thought because he seems so hateful at times.
I would recommend Knightley Academy: The Secret Prince to anyone who read the first book and wants more of Henry’s story. Also, to anyone who wants to read a rather intelligent Middle Grades novel.
I enjoyed the story quite well. A lot of it is Henry discovering new things that will lead up to a possible conflict between Nordland and the Britonian Isles. This includes finding out who his parents are and where he came from.
There’s quite a bit of mystery as well as a bit of action in this novel. And several secret clubs. I particularly enjoyed the Battle Society at Knightley. Even though you could say that it is similar to Dumbledore’s Army in Harry Potter, it is a different group. These boys know that they will have to go to war, fight and lose quite a few lives.
The characters in this book will surprise you from how they act and how some of them (re)appear. Henry becomes friends with some unlikely people, I would say. There’s a very neat moment in which he decides that he shouldn’t just stick to his trio and branches out to become friends with other people in his year. It’s such a beautiful moment because it reminds me of when I was a freshman in a small university. There were people who knew one another already and so getting to know them could have been deemed difficult, but I tried and succeeded.
This is one of those books that I sat down and read in about two sittings. There were some slow times and the story didn’t really resolve. It is the second book in the series, so I’m sure the third will give a bang. That’s just want Violet Haberdasher does, right? The Secret Prince is more about building relationships and self-discovery and more life-threatening situations than finding a resolve to Henry’s story. It had an ending that tells the reader that this is the calm before the storm.
I am really not trying to spoil, but there are some bits that will rock your world, some parts will scare you, and there will be at least one bit that will make you cry. And the latter is about a character that you would have never thought because he seems so hateful at times.
I would recommend Knightley Academy: The Secret Prince to anyone who read the first book and wants more of Henry’s story. Also, to anyone who wants to read a rather intelligent Middle Grades novel.
July 15, 2011
This was a good book ... pretty much only because it basically copied Harry Potter. For instance, the main character, Henry (some people mistakenly call him "Harry" ... hmmm, wonder where they got that idea) forms a secret defense association, involving many more members than he initially expected, which helps boost the spirits of all those involved. Sound like the D. A. (from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)? Yeah, because it is. Or how about Lord Havelock, a tall, sinister, creepy-looking guy who, for no apparent reason, loathes Henry and his two best friends, Adam and Rohan? Yeah ... he's Snape. Or let's look at Henry's roots: he's an orphan, forced to be a servant at the Midsummer school for boys, bullied by a larger and stronger boy (Fergus Valmont, who is Dudley and Malfoy combined), with no proper family to see during the holidays ... almost exactly Harry's circumstances. And on the book jacket of the first book, Violet Haberdasher borrows the format of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, replacing the names of Harry, Ron and Hermione with those of her own characters (whose personalities are exactly the same).
Basically, this book was Harry Potter without the magic or the originality. That's not to say it wasn't good, because it was; Harry Potter is good, and this book is basically word-for-word, complete with Harry -- oh, I mean Henry -- nervously flattening his hair whenever anything goes wrong. And it does; for Henry, like Harry, has a penchant for sneaking around the castle at night (oh yeah, Knightley Academy is set in a large, dilapidated Hogwartsian castle) and discovering things that he shouldn't.
Violet Haberdasher took J.K. Rowling's good ideas, ignored some of the interesting back stories, and came up with this: a two-dimensional peek into a Harry Potter universe without the Harry Potter spark.
Who knew plagiarism could be so fun?!
Note: there was one good thing about this book: the insults (which were frequent) were quite original; my favorite was "insufferable butt-trumpeter."
Basically, this book was Harry Potter without the magic or the originality. That's not to say it wasn't good, because it was; Harry Potter is good, and this book is basically word-for-word, complete with Harry -- oh, I mean Henry -- nervously flattening his hair whenever anything goes wrong. And it does; for Henry, like Harry, has a penchant for sneaking around the castle at night (oh yeah, Knightley Academy is set in a large, dilapidated Hogwartsian castle) and discovering things that he shouldn't.
Violet Haberdasher took J.K. Rowling's good ideas, ignored some of the interesting back stories, and came up with this: a two-dimensional peek into a Harry Potter universe without the Harry Potter spark.
Who knew plagiarism could be so fun?!
Note: there was one good thing about this book: the insults (which were frequent) were quite original; my favorite was "insufferable butt-trumpeter."
July 11, 2011
I feel bad for Miss Haberdasher AKA Robyn Schneider, she's trying to tell us something and some people just aren't getting it. I fought with my 4 stars with this one because I did seriously enjoy this book yet by the end it felt like such a setup for the next part it turned me off a bit. That's not to say I am no longer a fan, it's just that I wanted so bad to not have that "continuation of a series" taste in my mouth as I got to those last pages.
Speaking of pages I actually had to turn them this time around since there is no audiobook available. I'm not sure if it was a money, time, or whatever thing but I thought Robyn Schneider did a nice job reading the first part and at times found her super cute with her acting out each of the characters. I say this now because I hadn't realized how much I missed it until it wasn't there.
The KA2 was a great read cause we get a chance to see the friends interact with others in the school. It's a nice dynamic to see them once they're not necessarily the outcasts anymore. Some of the new teachers didn't get a lot of time in the book but as I think about it there isn't much you miss. Keeping to the school setting you've got to have teachers for the students in classes right?
A little note for if you're still with me. There were so many fine moments during the book that made me smile. She has a way with her characters. Even when they don't seem like themselves she still keeps them true. Sadly though quoting some of the finer moments totally ruins the fun of the book so I'm going to say this again. Give her a chance. Just let yourself read it without thinking about anything else and I promise you'll be glad you did.
Speaking of pages I actually had to turn them this time around since there is no audiobook available. I'm not sure if it was a money, time, or whatever thing but I thought Robyn Schneider did a nice job reading the first part and at times found her super cute with her acting out each of the characters. I say this now because I hadn't realized how much I missed it until it wasn't there.
The KA2 was a great read cause we get a chance to see the friends interact with others in the school. It's a nice dynamic to see them once they're not necessarily the outcasts anymore. Some of the new teachers didn't get a lot of time in the book but as I think about it there isn't much you miss. Keeping to the school setting you've got to have teachers for the students in classes right?
A little note for if you're still with me. There were so many fine moments during the book that made me smile. She has a way with her characters. Even when they don't seem like themselves she still keeps them true. Sadly though quoting some of the finer moments totally ruins the fun of the book so I'm going to say this again. Give her a chance. Just let yourself read it without thinking about anything else and I promise you'll be glad you did.
September 21, 2020
HOW DARE YOU END A BOOK LIKE THAT AND THEN JUST... DISCONTINUE (???) IT
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May 14, 2011
Really enjoyable book! One way I judge just how much I like a book is how jittery I get while waiting for a time to be able to read the book. This book definitely made me impatient to keep reading it!
This second book of the Knightley Academy series continues the story of Henry Grim, who is now slightly less out of place at a prestigious boarding school in a alternative late Victorian style Britain on the brink of war with their mysterious neighbors to the north. The boys at the school are nervous about the possibility of having to fight their counterparts in the Nordlands and take measures to prepare themselves. Henry’s role at the academy undergoes a transformation as he becomes more of a leader by working with, instead of against, some of his school enemies. Henry’s relationships with his friends are changing too, and it is becoming more difficult to handle his friendship with the headmaster’s daughter, Frankie. The most surprising part of the story comes near the end when Henry and his friends decide to take matters into their own hands in order to find out more about what is going on in the Nordlands.
I really enjoyed this book. It has good further development of existing characters with twists that make the story quite interesting. Very few characters are allowed to have a stagnant personality; they change and grow with the plot of the story. Harry Potter fans will find that the general structure of this book is similar to a Harry Potter novel: a school story without magic, but complete with holiday break, headmaster speeches, quirky teachers, and secret defense societies. There is also a quickening sense of danger as the political intrigue become deeper and the boys are not sure what the adults expect from them. My favorite part is the tantalizing ending that makes me pine for book three!
This second book of the Knightley Academy series continues the story of Henry Grim, who is now slightly less out of place at a prestigious boarding school in a alternative late Victorian style Britain on the brink of war with their mysterious neighbors to the north. The boys at the school are nervous about the possibility of having to fight their counterparts in the Nordlands and take measures to prepare themselves. Henry’s role at the academy undergoes a transformation as he becomes more of a leader by working with, instead of against, some of his school enemies. Henry’s relationships with his friends are changing too, and it is becoming more difficult to handle his friendship with the headmaster’s daughter, Frankie. The most surprising part of the story comes near the end when Henry and his friends decide to take matters into their own hands in order to find out more about what is going on in the Nordlands.
I really enjoyed this book. It has good further development of existing characters with twists that make the story quite interesting. Very few characters are allowed to have a stagnant personality; they change and grow with the plot of the story. Harry Potter fans will find that the general structure of this book is similar to a Harry Potter novel: a school story without magic, but complete with holiday break, headmaster speeches, quirky teachers, and secret defense societies. There is also a quickening sense of danger as the political intrigue become deeper and the boys are not sure what the adults expect from them. My favorite part is the tantalizing ending that makes me pine for book three!
March 8, 2014
Well obviously it was too much to carry on with a brown character as a member of the "hero's" troupe so of course Rohan was scraped, made into a cowardly snob, and sent to the sidelines. And to think I'd been so happy to finally have found a book that had a POC in the leading trio!
Disappointment abounds.
The Secret Prince was like I was reading a re-hash of The Order of the Phoenix set in a steampunk England with a touch of The Diary of Anne Frank. Of course Henry is a prince. I only wished that revelation hadn't come out of the left, plot-wise (nothing original, as if the title wasn't a dead giveaway. I mean, seriously?). Definitely needed more red herrings. Also a lot more world building.
That is the reason Harry Potter is Harry Potter, while this series is not.
Disappointment abounds.
The Secret Prince was like I was reading a re-hash of The Order of the Phoenix set in a steampunk England with a touch of The Diary of Anne Frank. Of course Henry is a prince. I only wished that revelation hadn't come out of the left, plot-wise (nothing original, as if the title wasn't a dead giveaway. I mean, seriously?). Definitely needed more red herrings. Also a lot more world building.
That is the reason Harry Potter is Harry Potter, while this series is not.
July 9, 2011
I will start off by saying the book is entertaining. It is a quick read and a fun story. However, the similarities to Harry Potter are ridiculous. Absolutely maddening at times. A group of three misfits with a leader named Henry (seriously?) who attend a boarding school. A teacher who does not like them and they think he is against them but really he is on their side. The formation of a secret battle society for a war no one believes is coming; the meetings for this are held in a hidden room that just so happens to be equipped with everything they need and has no windows. The list goes on and on. Please do try to come up with your own material from now on, Ms. Haberdasher.
October 2, 2011
You may recall, in my review of the first Knightly Academy book, that I liked it but was sort of put off by the endless Harry Potter similarities. You may even recall that I said of book two:
"What I would truly like to see in the next books is for Violet/Robyn to pull away from the Harry Potter story arc and build her own non-referencing world. Honestly, no story which mimics Harry Potter will end up coming out well in the comparison so I wouldn't recommend it."
Well, past me, there is still a heavy Harry Potter leaning (secret fighting club and discoveries about Henry's parents are the newest Harry Potter thefts.), but still I managed to thoroughly enjoy this book.
Sigh, however much it pains me to admit it, it appears I am more then capable of being wrong.
In book the second we see a growing discomfort and fear of the Nordlands starting to crop up among teachers and students at Knightly Academy. Although Henry's discoveries at the Partisan School convinced him war was at hand the authorities are not as convinced, and as long as the pact stands the students at Knightly will continue their peaceful training, much to Henry's frustration. Meanwhile now that first year is over and Henry, Rohan and Adam have proven themselves as knightly students, a strange conundrum has come up. Now that they're more popular why risk their places at knightly by continuing to illicitly hang out with Frankie?
Although friendships shift and change in book two, it is still my favourite part of Robyn/Violets books. Like Harry Potter, Henry Grim is a boy of his word who does well by all, if he can help it. His amusing side kick Adam (so very Ron like) and his issues with both bullies and Frankie are really what makes this story for me once again.
I still find the Nordlands and the strange issues with them a bit confusing as an enemy, but more became clear in The Secret Prince. As the title so thoroughly gives away, the discovery of the Secret Prince at the end of book two is the big cliff hanger and it was a great twist (even though you see it coming from the moment you first pick up the book), and it should spice up book three considerably.
In the end after rolling my eyes considerably over the new wealth of Harry Potter references I still thoroughly enjoyed myself, so if you can look past a little light plagiarism I highly recommend you continue on with this series.
PS- The Knightly Academy website is still woefully out of date, although more up to date then previously. According to today's headlines I can pre-order my copy of The Secret Prince today! for it's June release date. Someone needs to let Robyn/Violet and her webmaster know it's August
"What I would truly like to see in the next books is for Violet/Robyn to pull away from the Harry Potter story arc and build her own non-referencing world. Honestly, no story which mimics Harry Potter will end up coming out well in the comparison so I wouldn't recommend it."
Well, past me, there is still a heavy Harry Potter leaning (secret fighting club and discoveries about Henry's parents are the newest Harry Potter thefts.), but still I managed to thoroughly enjoy this book.
Sigh, however much it pains me to admit it, it appears I am more then capable of being wrong.
In book the second we see a growing discomfort and fear of the Nordlands starting to crop up among teachers and students at Knightly Academy. Although Henry's discoveries at the Partisan School convinced him war was at hand the authorities are not as convinced, and as long as the pact stands the students at Knightly will continue their peaceful training, much to Henry's frustration. Meanwhile now that first year is over and Henry, Rohan and Adam have proven themselves as knightly students, a strange conundrum has come up. Now that they're more popular why risk their places at knightly by continuing to illicitly hang out with Frankie?
Although friendships shift and change in book two, it is still my favourite part of Robyn/Violets books. Like Harry Potter, Henry Grim is a boy of his word who does well by all, if he can help it. His amusing side kick Adam (so very Ron like) and his issues with both bullies and Frankie are really what makes this story for me once again.
I still find the Nordlands and the strange issues with them a bit confusing as an enemy, but more became clear in The Secret Prince. As the title so thoroughly gives away, the discovery of the Secret Prince at the end of book two is the big cliff hanger and it was a great twist (even though you see it coming from the moment you first pick up the book), and it should spice up book three considerably.
In the end after rolling my eyes considerably over the new wealth of Harry Potter references I still thoroughly enjoyed myself, so if you can look past a little light plagiarism I highly recommend you continue on with this series.
PS- The Knightly Academy website is still woefully out of date, although more up to date then previously. According to today's headlines I can pre-order my copy of The Secret Prince today! for it's June release date. Someone needs to let Robyn/Violet and her webmaster know it's August
June 27, 2015
In The Secret Prince, the author veers from an enjoyable homage to Harry Potter in the first book to an absolute carbon copy. This book is virtually identical to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. School won’t teach the students how to fight despite a looming danger to them out in the real world, so the students take matters into their own hands, under the leadership of the uncommonly skilled protagonist.
So many of the story beats were taken from Order of the Phoenix, I felt I might as well have read that. What makes that so much better is that it was earned – after four years and four books, shaking up the status quo felt like an important shift, and seeing Harry take a leadership role was an awesome moment of growth after seeing him come into his own. This author has done none of that, yet writes as if she had. “Oh no, these teachers we barely know are acting odd!” “Oh, isn’t it a great moment when Henry suddenly has mad fighting skills and teaches his faceless and nameless classmates!”
This book somewhat picks up when Henry ends up infiltrating the enemy land to find out what’s up. But it then transforms into a walking checklist of clichés for the resolution.
I also can’t understand if this was meant to be a duology and this book is just a failure as a finale, or if more installments were intended and just haven’t materialized. The author has not said one way or the other. But either way, save yourself the trouble and just reread Order of the Phoenix, as this is just a cheap knockoff.
So many of the story beats were taken from Order of the Phoenix, I felt I might as well have read that. What makes that so much better is that it was earned – after four years and four books, shaking up the status quo felt like an important shift, and seeing Harry take a leadership role was an awesome moment of growth after seeing him come into his own. This author has done none of that, yet writes as if she had. “Oh no, these teachers we barely know are acting odd!” “Oh, isn’t it a great moment when Henry suddenly has mad fighting skills and teaches his faceless and nameless classmates!”
This book somewhat picks up when Henry ends up infiltrating the enemy land to find out what’s up. But it then transforms into a walking checklist of clichés for the resolution.
I also can’t understand if this was meant to be a duology and this book is just a failure as a finale, or if more installments were intended and just haven’t materialized. The author has not said one way or the other. But either way, save yourself the trouble and just reread Order of the Phoenix, as this is just a cheap knockoff.
August 31, 2012
Oh my goodness! Oh my goodness! That was awesome. I am dying to find out what happens next!
The characters developed so well, and the relationships between them changed so much! I love how, not only do they bleed the good side of a bad character through, but they also show the bad side of a good one. It really makes the story interesting, and keeps you guessing. And boy was I guessing. I kind of saw what was revealed at the end, but, at the same time, I really didn't. The next book was set up beautifully, and I anticipated it eagerly!
The characters developed so well, and the relationships between them changed so much! I love how, not only do they bleed the good side of a bad character through, but they also show the bad side of a good one. It really makes the story interesting, and keeps you guessing. And boy was I guessing. I kind of saw what was revealed at the end, but, at the same time, I really didn't. The next book was set up beautifully, and I anticipated it eagerly!
September 11, 2011
For a more in-depth review, and other reviews check out http://vivaladolcevita14.blogspot.com/
This is a FANTASTIC sequel! Holy crap it blew my mind! Especially that once scene in a library, my eyes just went O.O. The story is so well written, expanding on the world that was created, the characters were also well developed, even though I thought Rohan kind of became a butthead. Valmont shocked me in so many ways, all of them wonderful.
If you're a fan of Knightley Academy, and are also a Nerdfighter, pick this up!
This is a FANTASTIC sequel! Holy crap it blew my mind! Especially that once scene in a library, my eyes just went O.O. The story is so well written, expanding on the world that was created, the characters were also well developed, even though I thought Rohan kind of became a butthead. Valmont shocked me in so many ways, all of them wonderful.
If you're a fan of Knightley Academy, and are also a Nerdfighter, pick this up!
November 14, 2014
I really like these books. The world that Knightley Academy is set in is realistic, if a bit hard to understand sometimes. That characters are wonderful, but of course, my favorite character is Henry. The plot was just as exciting as the previous book, if it started out a bit slow. There needs to be a third book, but I haven't seen anything about it, and I'm loathe to think these books are finished.
June 26, 2018
My only criticism: there's no third book!!!!!!!!
Hilariously charming, these characters captured my heart! A must-read for adventure fans, especially of Harry Potter and/or Ranger's Apprentice!
Ms. Haberdasher, I need closure on the friendships/relationships! As it is, I'm going to have to write my own epilogue, and I know it could never be as good as yours!!!!
At the very least, I need to know whether or not any main characters die in the upcoming rebellion and/or war!!!!!
Hilariously charming, these characters captured my heart! A must-read for adventure fans, especially of Harry Potter and/or Ranger's Apprentice!
Ms. Haberdasher, I need closure on the friendships/relationships! As it is, I'm going to have to write my own epilogue, and I know it could never be as good as yours!!!!
At the very least, I need to know whether or not any main characters die in the upcoming rebellion and/or war!!!!!
August 19, 2015
I thought this book was okay.
It was basically a copy of Harry Potter. Many of the characters where like those in Harry Potter and so was plot line. i think the ending is were it began to differ. if it wasn't for the ending, I probably would have rated the book 2 stars but the ending was really interesting .
But that's just my opinion
It was basically a copy of Harry Potter. Many of the characters where like those in Harry Potter and so was plot line. i think the ending is were it began to differ. if it wasn't for the ending, I probably would have rated the book 2 stars but the ending was really interesting .
But that's just my opinion
March 29, 2011
So so so good! I wish I could blog about it because this book was amazing. It made want to always have this world of Knightley to pretend in. Haberdasher is a true visionary and I am literally dying for the third installment.
June 10, 2011
It was brilliant. I loved the first one, but this one went to a whole new, deeper, darker place. I'll probably do a video review of this one and the first one together.
April 21, 2021
These Knightley Academy books have always been my favorite, and when I recently discovered The Secret Prince I read it faster than a Bullet. By experience, I would definitely read this book again along with the 1st one just to experience the emotions the book made me feel as a Reader. As much as I really love these books, this book seemed to be rushed. The conflict ended so quickly and near the end of the book too, in other words it was cut short and felt like a cliff hanger. The character's reactions are short as well, I mean one character's uncle passed away and despite so he didn't show any character changes from it. He also got over it so quickly and forgave Henry, the main character, despite blaming him for it. I get that the Author's purpose was to show how change is unstoppable and how change is natural, but this change just magically occurred through thin air. Henry's love for Frankie came out of nowhere and the book didn't make the Reader question if Henry really deserved her over Adam when Adam stayed by her side the whole time. However, from this book I am sure to remember strawberry tarts with more meaning in the coming years. The most frustrating part of this book was the fact that the Antagonist, Sir Fredrick, got away with the revenge. Henry seemed so worried about Sir Fredrick's revenge at the beginning of the book and yet he barely mentioned it after it occurred near the end of the book. Honestly, if there was another book to add more closure to the story it would definitely gain it's two stars back all together. If there was something I could change about the book, I would add more hints leading up to these major changes. Show more frustration other than a few words for characters that undergo a stressful situation. Henry should've started showing signs of his feelings for Frankie since book one, and the book should've made the Reader debate between Henry or Adam. Instead it just came to that conclusion even though based on what I've read and my personal thoughts, Adam has shown more signs than Henry and he's given the Reader more rights. To put this review into conclusion, there should be a book three and there should be more details leading to certain situations. Along with more rational reactions to all of the conflicts in the story. Therefore, that's why I end this review with 3 stars instead of 5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2020
While I gave this 4 stars because it kept me wanting to know what would happen, I do have to say, I can't stand how the characters make such stupid decisions. There really is nothing to justify the risks they take. And, *spoiler alert* I didn't really understand why Henry would be king in the Nordlands when there were all kinds of other lords around. But it does make for a fun story.
May 24, 2021
In het begin weer even goed nadenken wie ook al weer wie was. Uiteindelijk rol je wel in het verhaal. Het heeft soms wel (inderdaad) wat weg van Harry Potter. Maar eerlijk, lijken veel fantasy-boeken niet enigszins op elkaar? Hier is geen sprake van magie. Je herkent de koude oorlog zeg maar terug, maar dan begin 20e eeuw en alleen spelend in groot-Brittannië.
March 10, 2019
I had so much fun reading the first one, and this one was even better! It's sad to think there is most likely not going to be another book? There was so much of the world I was excited to find out about but... Well. One can always daydream!
May 7, 2017
I wish there was a third one. The end just made me sad ish.
January 18, 2019
The age of chivalry, war, thinly veiled communist threat/shades if the French Revolution. School story, friends, dangerous adventure
December 3, 2019
The main character lost everything in the past and now he is the last remaining member of royalty and the next KING! Talk about feeling the pressure
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 19, 2021
Another really good book in this series. I genuinely just love the author's writing style and thank you for not being scared to kill off a character!
April 14, 2025
Almost 4 stars. I enjoyed the story almost-but-maybe-not-quite as much as the first one. The ending was good, but it seems like there should be another book yet. I wish there was!!
August 15, 2012
3 1\2 stars. The sequel to "Knightley Academy." Still charming and full of schoolboys, mostly Henry, running around trying to prevent a war and still retain good grades. Frankie is up to her usual shenanigans in losing her chaperone and playing cards with the boys. Valmont and Henry form an alliance of sorts and start training most of the other boys in fighting to help prepare them if war should occur. When an envoy is sent to the Nordlands and Henry and Adam pose as servants so they can come along as spies, they run into Frankie, who was trying to run away to the City and accidentally took the wrong train. They are stuck being servants by day and spying at night. When the envoy is leaving and Frankie is going to be left behind, the boys stay behind like gentlemen should to help Frankie. Throw Grandmother Winter, propriety, Professor Havelook, conspiracies, rebellion, bloodlines, secret societies, posh schoolboys, lowly servants, gallows, branding rings, and a kiss into the mix and you have the second installment in the Knightley Academy series. Henry is not actually a prince as that would have been a really bad cliche. And I hate cliches. You find out his lineage though. This book could have done with some editing and more action but over all I am excited to see where Haberdasher (that has to be a pen name, right?) is going to take this series and the characters. Especially with Henry becoming somebody's ward, Adam being pretty much who he always was, Rohan becoming a bit of a letdown, Valmont becoming much more likable and relatable, and Frankie getting sent to finishing school. Boys, I think, would enjoy this series probably more than girls. Good read.
August 6, 2016
So, after reading and nearly loving Knightley Academy by Violet Haberdasher I read the sequel The Secret Prince... and I did not love it as much. It was good, parts of it I absolutely reveled in. However, it's not as great as the first book.
Henry and co. at Knightley are concerned about the Partisan school. When Henry was there months earlier he discovered a secret, illegal combat room. Worried that the Nordlandic students are planning a war the students at Knightley form a secret battle society to learn to defend themselves. Things come to a head when Francesca, the headmaster's daughter, goes missing. Henry and Adam sneak of to the Nordlands to spy on them and all manner of hell breaks loose.
It's a rather curious book. Actually... it feels like 3 books smashed into one. That's part of the problem. Part one feels like book 5 in the Harry Potter series... a lot like book 5. The second chunk is interesting but long... terribly... long. The whole thing could have probably been trimmed down a 100 pages and I would have been happier. I found myself growing bored and losing interests in spots. As much as I liked these characters I could have stood with less of them.
That said, I liked the twists and turns of this book. It definitely feels a lot more of a fleshed out drama than the first book. This one took all of the characters on a roller coaster. I will definitely read another one... despite this one's problems.
3.5 stars. Out of 5. I wanted to love it. I'm hoping the third book is better.
- review courtesy of www.bibliopunkkreads.com
Henry and co. at Knightley are concerned about the Partisan school. When Henry was there months earlier he discovered a secret, illegal combat room. Worried that the Nordlandic students are planning a war the students at Knightley form a secret battle society to learn to defend themselves. Things come to a head when Francesca, the headmaster's daughter, goes missing. Henry and Adam sneak of to the Nordlands to spy on them and all manner of hell breaks loose.
It's a rather curious book. Actually... it feels like 3 books smashed into one. That's part of the problem. Part one feels like book 5 in the Harry Potter series... a lot like book 5. The second chunk is interesting but long... terribly... long. The whole thing could have probably been trimmed down a 100 pages and I would have been happier. I found myself growing bored and losing interests in spots. As much as I liked these characters I could have stood with less of them.
That said, I liked the twists and turns of this book. It definitely feels a lot more of a fleshed out drama than the first book. This one took all of the characters on a roller coaster. I will definitely read another one... despite this one's problems.
3.5 stars. Out of 5. I wanted to love it. I'm hoping the third book is better.
- review courtesy of www.bibliopunkkreads.com
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