The Noble Rogues

by Jaz Azari

For the past ten years, the respected Lord Greencrest has relentlessly pursued the Phoenix throughout the land of Korian. The warlord's quest to capture the infamous rogue wanted for thievery and murder has grown so legendary that every town in Korian has rallied to his cause. But in the village of Calcaerwey, Finn Rhedwyng is wary. He suspects there is more to the story than of the warlord's heroism and the villain's treachery. Even as he attempts to balance the demands of his lessons at school, an apprenticeship with the local saddler, and life with a domineering father and fretful mother, Finn is caught up in a mystery that takes him beyond the borders of Calcaerwey. Together with his younger sister, Calli, and his best friend, Will, he is willing to face whatever dangers may lie ahead to discover the truth-because the survival of his village depends on it.

Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

Reviews

[Samantha Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book at the Renaissance Festival in Maryland this year and had the absolute pleasure of meeting the author and having my copy signed. I was super excited to jump into this book and was not disappointed. It was described to me as Hogwarts without the magic but It was more like a YA version of the Secret History mixed with the Raven Boys. The combination was a perfect start to my fall reading and was just the right level of adventure. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a cozy read.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel opens with a beautiful description of the town Calcaerwey that tickles all of the senses. We are introduced to its inhabitants from afar, characters we learn more about as the story progresses. I was immediately drawn to Finn, Calli, and Will’s adventurous spirits and humorous banter.

I especially enjoyed the chapters that took place in the school, Valgray. We learn about the world through the eyes of Finn and his classmates, and it feels like we are taking fencing lessons from Master Kyreno, exploring the woods, and searching for the Phoenix right alongside them.

While the novel takes place in fantastical Korian, the protagonists navigate challenges that youth encounter in the real world—complicated parental relationships, bullying, demanding schoolwork, and staying true to one’s beliefs in a changing political climate. Finn and his classmates serve as excellent role models and propel the plot forward in twists and turns that defied my best predictions.

[Alli Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well told feel good story.

[Melika · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was in the fifth grade, Jaz gave me a copy of The Noble Rogues. At that point I was still on 100 book challenge, and was a dedicated fan of some royal diaries series. I wasn't prepared for this book, and to dismiss the notion that I read it with the biased position of a person with ties to the author, I'll tell you I didn't read it. I couldn't. It is not your basic adventure story meant for the kid in the fifth grade. Not me anyways. I really read the book two or three years after, when also on my bookshelf I had Fahrenheit 451 and The Gatherer. Far better acquaintances. I was immediately surprised by the detail of the world in which the story takes place, and could not tie it to a single country or time period-the inspiration for the novel was clearly widespread.

I liked the main character, Finn. I could identify with him, but I also envied him. His ambition in the novel is admirable, and it's interesting to see him grow up and into his character. I suppose the correct term to use would be a bildungsroman. His role in the story becomes increasingly important, as the pace in the story quickens and cliffhangers are chiseled out at every turn. The ending was the biggest surprise of all, and I enjoy a book that can end on an unanticipated note. I hope if you do find this book, you'll pick it up and read it.