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The Intern's Tale
For intern and jousting valet Kip Pureweather, a little insubordination goes a long way. In defying the oppressive knight-executives of the Incorporated Realms of America’s largest corporation, Kip sets in motion a revolution across the country and a civil war within his own conscience about the life he’s been pursuing.
By sparing the family farm of office maiden Abbey Fairchild from foreclosure, Kip has brought the wrath of the country’s royal class down on himself and anyone brave enough to stand with him. In an attempt to protect those he cares about, Kip flees on mechanical horseback to the forbidden Empty Lands north of the Realms. Venturing into the Lands reveals a secret the corporations have kept since the time of the war that brought them to power and ushered in the second Dark Ages.
With a new war in the Realms imminent, Kip returns to York City to warn his friends. Enlisting the help of a slave, a mailroom clerk, a tabloid princess, and a marginalized scientist, Kip and Abbey take a final stand against Vassalcorp and the army of genetically enhanced soldiers that have been unleashed from the north to crush the country back into submission.
By sparing the family farm of office maiden Abbey Fairchild from foreclosure, Kip has brought the wrath of the country’s royal class down on himself and anyone brave enough to stand with him. In an attempt to protect those he cares about, Kip flees on mechanical horseback to the forbidden Empty Lands north of the Realms. Venturing into the Lands reveals a secret the corporations have kept since the time of the war that brought them to power and ushered in the second Dark Ages.
With a new war in the Realms imminent, Kip returns to York City to warn his friends. Enlisting the help of a slave, a mailroom clerk, a tabloid princess, and a marginalized scientist, Kip and Abbey take a final stand against Vassalcorp and the army of genetically enhanced soldiers that have been unleashed from the north to crush the country back into submission.
- GenresPost ApocalypticFantasy
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2012
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 14, 2012
I won the original manuscript from member librarything giveaways, but since then Shawn Keenan has heavily updated the novel to have more character development, changes to the ending and plot arc, and to give it a more modern voice.
And let me say that it has been an honor to watch this novel grow to a 5 star novel over time.
The Intern's Tale (originally known as The Errant Intern) is a dystopian YA of sorts, with a twist. Kip is an intern at a company in a world controlled by corporate domination. His world changes when he realizes that his goals may not be in sync with his morals. I won't give away anything else, as the developments are fun to watch unfold.
We are introduced to a varied and fascinating cast of characters, from the main protagonists Kip and Abbey (a terrific kick-butt female character that takes care of herself and rescues Kip more than he rescues her to my delight), to Alabaster (one of my favorite characters of all time who is best described as an amalgam of Dumbledore and Dr. Walter Bishop, a character from the TV show Fringe). There are a lot of other great characters including Jeweleigh, who probably is the most vastly changed character in the book other than Kip. She's not at brainless as one would suspect!
The plot arc is fantastic, scenes beautifully described, and what can I say? I desperately want to own a mechomare. The ending is the perfect ending for this novel, and one that is greatly satisfying and left a big smile on my face.
Shawn Keenan is a terrific writer, and I am excited to see what he has up his sleeve next. This book is a must read, and I hope everyone takes a look at it! It's well worth your time.
And let me say that it has been an honor to watch this novel grow to a 5 star novel over time.
The Intern's Tale (originally known as The Errant Intern) is a dystopian YA of sorts, with a twist. Kip is an intern at a company in a world controlled by corporate domination. His world changes when he realizes that his goals may not be in sync with his morals. I won't give away anything else, as the developments are fun to watch unfold.
We are introduced to a varied and fascinating cast of characters, from the main protagonists Kip and Abbey (a terrific kick-butt female character that takes care of herself and rescues Kip more than he rescues her to my delight), to Alabaster (one of my favorite characters of all time who is best described as an amalgam of Dumbledore and Dr. Walter Bishop, a character from the TV show Fringe). There are a lot of other great characters including Jeweleigh, who probably is the most vastly changed character in the book other than Kip. She's not at brainless as one would suspect!
The plot arc is fantastic, scenes beautifully described, and what can I say? I desperately want to own a mechomare. The ending is the perfect ending for this novel, and one that is greatly satisfying and left a big smile on my face.
Shawn Keenan is a terrific writer, and I am excited to see what he has up his sleeve next. This book is a must read, and I hope everyone takes a look at it! It's well worth your time.
February 2, 2012
AMAZING!!! I love the overall idea of the landscape and people. Going back into a medieval living. Moats, drop bridges and jousting. Mechomares sound amazing! I want one!
Want to Read
July 21, 2012I FINALLY WON SOMETHING!!!! Review to come!
December 3, 2025
Advanced copy of
THE INTERNS TALE by Shawn Keenan
The Interns Tale: A unique love story set in the future where corporations run a regressing society from the point of view of an “intern” with hopes of becoming a “knight-executive”.
Before I begin, I will say I appreciate a young adult story that does not include characters only 19 and younger, it allows for a more appropriate relationship between the protagonist and the female interest.
I give this review 4/5 stars for the plot alone. It truly is a unique idea to have a pseudo-apocalyptic society that regressed from society as we know it to a more feudal system that mirrors times when we had kings and knights making all the decisions. I could tell this story wanted to be a little bit sci fi with the description of the robot horses (mechomares) as well as the modern swords and lances that were high tech but still took inspiration from the past.
Kip, the main character, openly struggles with his grip on morality and is forced to determine what he wants to stand for; does Kip want to do what he feels is right and protect the community that raised him, or does he want to focus on money being the main motive for all that he does.
I found the plot very fully realized and could easily picture life ruled under corporate kings throughout this story. Where I think this writing could be more impactful is that:
1. The writing is sometimes too long, I really think many points could get across with less descriptions. I felt like this story was struggling between wanting to be an action packed tale, with every move and action fully executed but often left other things, as I will explain below, a little open ended.
2. I feel like the characters, although they had big personalities, could have been fleshed out a bit more. ,any of the characters are interjected into the story without much of an introduction and I found myself wondering, is this a character that is important enough to remember or will the story never bring this character up again?
3. I feel like this story would have benefitted with more of a focus on the sci fi aspect of the story, only because there are so many new technologies introduced that, although feel familiar due to their relation to medieval inspiration, could have used more description before throwing them into the story, kind of like the characters also were.
All in all, the plot is very interesting and I really enjoy how its underlying message could be applied to American life as it is current playing out in 2025. There were a few things missing to make this a perfect well rounded story but not enough missing to demote further points from my review.
Take a look at this book if you want to escape into a fully unique young adult world that shares a society not much unlike our own, with similar morals, dreams, and values for human dignity but takes place in a future fiefdom under corporate rule!
THE INTERNS TALE by Shawn Keenan
The Interns Tale: A unique love story set in the future where corporations run a regressing society from the point of view of an “intern” with hopes of becoming a “knight-executive”.
Before I begin, I will say I appreciate a young adult story that does not include characters only 19 and younger, it allows for a more appropriate relationship between the protagonist and the female interest.
I give this review 4/5 stars for the plot alone. It truly is a unique idea to have a pseudo-apocalyptic society that regressed from society as we know it to a more feudal system that mirrors times when we had kings and knights making all the decisions. I could tell this story wanted to be a little bit sci fi with the description of the robot horses (mechomares) as well as the modern swords and lances that were high tech but still took inspiration from the past.
Kip, the main character, openly struggles with his grip on morality and is forced to determine what he wants to stand for; does Kip want to do what he feels is right and protect the community that raised him, or does he want to focus on money being the main motive for all that he does.
I found the plot very fully realized and could easily picture life ruled under corporate kings throughout this story. Where I think this writing could be more impactful is that:
1. The writing is sometimes too long, I really think many points could get across with less descriptions. I felt like this story was struggling between wanting to be an action packed tale, with every move and action fully executed but often left other things, as I will explain below, a little open ended.
2. I feel like the characters, although they had big personalities, could have been fleshed out a bit more. ,any of the characters are interjected into the story without much of an introduction and I found myself wondering, is this a character that is important enough to remember or will the story never bring this character up again?
3. I feel like this story would have benefitted with more of a focus on the sci fi aspect of the story, only because there are so many new technologies introduced that, although feel familiar due to their relation to medieval inspiration, could have used more description before throwing them into the story, kind of like the characters also were.
All in all, the plot is very interesting and I really enjoy how its underlying message could be applied to American life as it is current playing out in 2025. There were a few things missing to make this a perfect well rounded story but not enough missing to demote further points from my review.
Take a look at this book if you want to escape into a fully unique young adult world that shares a society not much unlike our own, with similar morals, dreams, and values for human dignity but takes place in a future fiefdom under corporate rule!
December 4, 2025
The Intern’s Tale is a wildly creative spin on corporate dystopia, mixing jousting knights, mechanical steeds, and office politics into a surprisingly cohesive and compelling story. Kip Pureweather makes for an engaging, conflicted hero, and his journey, from rebellious intern to reluctant revolutionary, carries real emotional weight. The worldbuilding shines, skewering modern corporate culture while delivering clever twists, especially in the mysterious Empty Lands and the secrets hidden there. Though the cast grows large and the plot occasionally sprints ahead, the narrative’s humor, heart, and inventive absurdity keep it thoroughly entertaining. A bold and refreshing take on dystopian fantasy.
August 24, 2025
The Intern’s Tale is an absolute joy to read! I loved following Kip’s medieval adventures set in the fascinating Incorporated Rhelms of America—a setting that feels both imaginative and refreshingly unique. The story brought back the charm of timeless classics like The Wizard of Oz and Robin Hood, but with a clever twist that makes it feel completely original.
This is a light, fun read perfect for all ages. The characters are well-developed and genuine, making it easy to become invested in their journeys. If you’re looking for an adventure that blends humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia, this book is a must-read!
This is a light, fun read perfect for all ages. The characters are well-developed and genuine, making it easy to become invested in their journeys. If you’re looking for an adventure that blends humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia, this book is a must-read!
September 9, 2025
A light fun fast moving read. This book puts a Renaissance twist on a sort of post apocalyptic story of corporate America. Unique and fun.
November 22, 2019
This books hard to get into. The themes really class in this book, medieval, dystopian, futuristic, science fiction. I just felt like it didn't work. I was confused between Kip and Kian in the beginning, similar names. I also felt like some 'new' terms would have worked better if they would have been explained right from the git go, as an example: Generex. I tend to get bored if I'm not understanding words or terms. I find that it's best if they are right away defined. Also, what is the purpose behind Kian giving Kip and assignment when he appears to loathe him so? This action seems totally out of class. I'm not a fan of Kip, at all. Things that seem insignificant to the story get explained a lot more than things that seem important. I didn't realize what Generex even meant until almost near the end, it must have been subtly implied. The story is not very elaborate at times; there's a lot more that should be elaborated on, filler as it were, to make it feel more real. The story felt too rushed. Too many things didn't make sense to me as I read. The two main characters, Kip and Abbey constantly explode in each others faces; these are signs of an obvious emotionally abusive relationship. The ending felt inappropriate in my opinion.
So what did I actually like? The character Alabaster Siberius Winters talks a bit about the Generex history, he also has a really cool name so that doesn't hurt. I do like the card swipe idea, but it sounds like everyone can watch everything you're doing and control where you can go, so in a sense that would suck in reality. On the plus side, this book has some good quotes and I like the idea of the retractable weapons, though it felt a bit too much like lightsabers. The subjugators are interesting bad guys, but I'd like more details about them. Overall this book as potential, but I feel like it could be expanded on more thoroughly.
So what did I actually like? The character Alabaster Siberius Winters talks a bit about the Generex history, he also has a really cool name so that doesn't hurt. I do like the card swipe idea, but it sounds like everyone can watch everything you're doing and control where you can go, so in a sense that would suck in reality. On the plus side, this book has some good quotes and I like the idea of the retractable weapons, though it felt a bit too much like lightsabers. The subjugators are interesting bad guys, but I'd like more details about them. Overall this book as potential, but I feel like it could be expanded on more thoroughly.
April 17, 2013
3.5 stars, rather than only 3.
I guess this is one of those books that will either make it or break it: the alliance of science-fiction and feudal systems may seem quite uncanny and implausible to some, while it'll be highly appealing to others. I'm in the latter case: I really dug the mechomares, the blending of corporate 'customs' with a mediaeval-like system, and so on. If such ideas seem appealing to you as well, then this book may very well be for you. Being familiar with sci-fi/fantasy in general will also be of help, because the author gives some information in ways that demand they be pieced together by the reader. Among those are the Generex and Subjugators, for instance; I had no trouble understanding early enough, but I'm used to this kind of information-dishing.
The story also features a really kick-ass female lead, a.k.a. Abbey, who shows initiative, thinks for herself, and fends for herself. The Damsel In Distress trope is actually reversed more than often here, and I appreciated this.
On the other hand, I think some things were a little rushed. Some events I'd have deemed key-points were treated too fast to my liking, and a few times, I got the feeling that the author rushed through those to get the characters reunited as fast as possible. In itself, it's not a bad choice, but considering said characters' circumstances, I would've wanted to be given more details. (And I can't help but feel that somehow, the story calls for a sequel!)
I guess this is one of those books that will either make it or break it: the alliance of science-fiction and feudal systems may seem quite uncanny and implausible to some, while it'll be highly appealing to others. I'm in the latter case: I really dug the mechomares, the blending of corporate 'customs' with a mediaeval-like system, and so on. If such ideas seem appealing to you as well, then this book may very well be for you. Being familiar with sci-fi/fantasy in general will also be of help, because the author gives some information in ways that demand they be pieced together by the reader. Among those are the Generex and Subjugators, for instance; I had no trouble understanding early enough, but I'm used to this kind of information-dishing.
The story also features a really kick-ass female lead, a.k.a. Abbey, who shows initiative, thinks for herself, and fends for herself. The Damsel In Distress trope is actually reversed more than often here, and I appreciated this.
On the other hand, I think some things were a little rushed. Some events I'd have deemed key-points were treated too fast to my liking, and a few times, I got the feeling that the author rushed through those to get the characters reunited as fast as possible. In itself, it's not a bad choice, but considering said characters' circumstances, I would've wanted to be given more details. (And I can't help but feel that somehow, the story calls for a sequel!)
July 13, 2012
Wow! This book really surprised me! I wasn’t too sure if this was my kind of story at first, but I should’ve known this author wouldn’t disappoint! This is definitely a unique story. Kind of a dystopian, set in a time when corporations have taken over & the world is being rebuilt to their specifications. They top executives have gone back to old sport of jousting to decide who is “top dog” but in this case, the horses are metal machines rather than animals. I love the mixture of old-school and futuristic things. The characters won me over immediately. Kip is a lowly but honorable intern trying to make it to the top. Abby is a quick-witted, smart-mouthed office maiden who is determined to live on her own terms. Together they make quite an interesting team! The rest of their friends are equally unique and entertaining! Altogether a great story that will keep you on your toes the whole way through!
June 20, 2012
A futuristic Chaucerian urban fantasy tale, “The Intern’s Tale” is not anything I could have thought to expect, but nevertheless is a very logical outgrowth of what we do know of contemporary society-in other words, yes, Virginia-this really could happen! Two of the best aspects of this novel are the humour-something I’ve not encountered often in any form of fantasy, with the possible exception of Mercedes Lackey; and the dual protagonists, Kip and Abbey, who are both adorable, determined, independent, just a little cynical (who wouldn’t be, living in those circumstances) yet hopeful-agreeable, and clever (again-cleverness is needed going up against creatures such as Cian Kingsley, and indeed the entire horrible Megacorporate setup). I was glad to find that some of the secondary characters, who could have easily become caricatures, were instead fleshed out and made real folks.
May 13, 2012
I loved the outlaw feel to the main characters and the female had a strong role. In my personal opinion it earns a lot of points as I am a reader who loves a strong female role. It was slow starting off, but I was able to get into it more the further I got into the book. There were so many things that were happening that would spike adrenaline while reading, and I could almost visualize everything. There were areas I would have loved to read more about, for instance maybe more inventions and what they were capable of. Maybe even more history and details behind Kip and Kian and the Company and the town etc. Over all it was a decent read, and thank you for the chance to enjoy yet another of your master pieces :)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews