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The White Knight
"You have to stop looking backward for your motivation and start looking forward for it. We can't fix the past, but we can fight for a better future. The future can always be made better. If you want to be a hero, that's what you have to do this for."Lance Locke's focus should be on improving his GPA and enhancing his resume as the final semester of his college career draws to a close with no job prospects on the horizon. But after a vigilantism fantasy becomes a reality, he embraces his new role as campus protector instead. When he uncovers a scheme led by the university's primary donor, who doubles as one of the most powerful men in the nation, Lance will need more than his dad's old nightstick to keep his fellow students safe. With his university threatened by a man who will stop at nothing to see his vision carried out, will Lance be able to keep those he cares most about and the campus they call home safe? Or will his inexperience lead to a failure that forces him to question ever becoming a hero to begin with?For those who enjoy superhero stories and prefer reading novels, this book is a perfect choice.
- GenresFantasy
294 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2024
2 people are currently reading
1868 people want to read
About the author
K.B. Kirtley
2 books12 followersK.B. is an author from Oklahoma writing the stories he always wanted to read. K.B. holds a lifelong love of superheroes and reading, but has always struggled to fall into comics the same way he has with books. His debut series combines the kind of stories he loves in the format he most connects with in a collection of books and short story series introducing a new universe of superheroes.
Read the first short story series, The Street Rat, for free at KirtleyBooks.com!
Read the first short story series, The Street Rat, for free at KirtleyBooks.com!
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 5, 2024
An action packed story of a justice seeking college student equipped with a very cool sword 🗡️
It isn’t often that I read stories along the lines of superheroes, but after reading and loving The Street Rat by Kirtley, I had to read The White Knight as well.
This one moves quickly and packs a punch with witty banter, found family, and a complex villain.
I loved the exploration of what justice truly is and how it can be interpreted differently across groups of people. Lance is the protagonist you just can’t help but root for!
I was lucky enough to received an advanced copy of this one for free so I wanted to be sure to leave a review!
It isn’t often that I read stories along the lines of superheroes, but after reading and loving The Street Rat by Kirtley, I had to read The White Knight as well.
This one moves quickly and packs a punch with witty banter, found family, and a complex villain.
I loved the exploration of what justice truly is and how it can be interpreted differently across groups of people. Lance is the protagonist you just can’t help but root for!
I was lucky enough to received an advanced copy of this one for free so I wanted to be sure to leave a review!
March 30, 2024
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) Review
I received an advanced copy for free, but I am leaving my review voluntarily. I wish I could give half stars, because I would give this 3.5.
The White Knight had a very intriguing premise, following a college student turned vigilante with a goal of protecting his university. The book dives into vigilante justice, and solidifies that things aren’t always black and white.
I enjoyed the storyline and the fact that the book was fast paced. It was easy to read and follow, and flew by before I knew it.
With that being said, the dialogue could use some more emotion and description instead of just words being exchanged back and forth.
Overall, if you enjoy books about superheroes, found family and justice, this is a good read.
I received an advanced copy for free, but I am leaving my review voluntarily. I wish I could give half stars, because I would give this 3.5.
The White Knight had a very intriguing premise, following a college student turned vigilante with a goal of protecting his university. The book dives into vigilante justice, and solidifies that things aren’t always black and white.
I enjoyed the storyline and the fact that the book was fast paced. It was easy to read and follow, and flew by before I knew it.
With that being said, the dialogue could use some more emotion and description instead of just words being exchanged back and forth.
Overall, if you enjoy books about superheroes, found family and justice, this is a good read.
January 6, 2025
I enjoyed this superheroes story trying their best to save a college which seems always in trouble with harassment type crimes and fights between college fraternities. Later on organized criminals get involved using some students and professors to use lab for developing some illegal drugs. What i like most is how easy it was to read in few sittings. I also like the complexity in friends relationships and i think it was done well.
May 12, 2024
What an interesting take on superheros. This felt refreshing and so dang relatable.
College was a time to take on the world, and our main character wants to do that literally.
Caught between the shadow of the past and the uncertainty of his future, this is filled with emotion and action.
College was a time to take on the world, and our main character wants to do that literally.
Caught between the shadow of the past and the uncertainty of his future, this is filled with emotion and action.
June 4, 2024
I binged the whole second half of this in one evening and am ready for the second one ASAP @KB Kirtley!!!!
May 11, 2024
(ARC review)
°There are plenty of small grammatical errors, a comma that didn't belong, and a missing word here or there. Overall no biggie, I knew what it was meant to say and will likely be fixed later.
°Conversations feel clunky, redundant, and just not genuine to how real people speak. "I'm sure we'll begin to know more soon." When it could have been "I'm sure we'll see soon enough." Or "I'm sure we'll know more soon." Another example, he says "I've got class in seven! I will see you in class later." Why use "I've" but not "I'll"? There are quite a few instances where the characters repeat themselves a few times in similar words and phrases like the author couldn't decide which way to say something so he chose all of them. Or maybe was trying to reach a specific word count.
°Inconsistencies in abilities. Lance doesn't feel confident having taken down one bad guy because he hasn't been working out since he stopped playing sports and thinks he just got lucky. He goes to the gym exactly one time before his next encounter with, not one, but three drunk men. But this time he's suddenly confident he can take all three down, even if they were sober, because of some undisclosed "training" he had as a child? Where was that confidence when there was only one assailant?
°Lance is a jerk to his friends. He starts being the vigilante to protect people from dangers like one of his friends ended up in but when his friends start noticing him missing and tired a lot and confront him about it he punches one of them in the face and decides he doesn't actually need friends anyway. In the beginning of the book were introduced to Lance's journalist friend by Lance telling her to her face that he doesn't like or respect journalists but then throughout the book uses her without her knowledge to boost his popularity on campus in her papers. The three guy friends seem to have short tempers and get mad and punch each other over what seems like any little thing. This will never be discussed. They'll just forget about it and act as if nothing happened.
°Lance throws such a "poor me" about not having been able to prevent his friends assault that the girl that was assaulted feels guilty and has to comfort HIM for not having been able to stop her assault. Then they end up fighting and he doesn't talk to her for what might have been a week or might have been a few days. It's hard to tell.
°WHY WONT HE/THEY GO TO A HOSPITAL? Hit by a car, eh walk it off. Severely beaten, it's cool, we've got a "kit" at the apartment, I'm sure that'll do. Internal bleeding definitely isn't a thing that exists. And you can definitely diagnose fractured bones at home. Hospital who? We don't know her.
°The timelines don't make sense.
Fractures and broken bones are said to be fully healed in about a week, but then are also spoken about as if it was only a few days ago that it happened. The secret base and new gear are made literally overnight but spoken about as if it was in the works for a long time. Time goes back and forth to satisfy the plot and it was hard for me to tell how much time had actually passed at any given time.
All that said, I think some of these issues are things that in comic form wouldn't be as noticeable as in a book. I felt this was easier to read when I imagined it in my head as a comic.
°There are plenty of small grammatical errors, a comma that didn't belong, and a missing word here or there. Overall no biggie, I knew what it was meant to say and will likely be fixed later.
°Conversations feel clunky, redundant, and just not genuine to how real people speak. "I'm sure we'll begin to know more soon." When it could have been "I'm sure we'll see soon enough." Or "I'm sure we'll know more soon." Another example, he says "I've got class in seven! I will see you in class later." Why use "I've" but not "I'll"? There are quite a few instances where the characters repeat themselves a few times in similar words and phrases like the author couldn't decide which way to say something so he chose all of them. Or maybe was trying to reach a specific word count.
°Inconsistencies in abilities. Lance doesn't feel confident having taken down one bad guy because he hasn't been working out since he stopped playing sports and thinks he just got lucky. He goes to the gym exactly one time before his next encounter with, not one, but three drunk men. But this time he's suddenly confident he can take all three down, even if they were sober, because of some undisclosed "training" he had as a child? Where was that confidence when there was only one assailant?
°Lance is a jerk to his friends. He starts being the vigilante to protect people from dangers like one of his friends ended up in but when his friends start noticing him missing and tired a lot and confront him about it he punches one of them in the face and decides he doesn't actually need friends anyway. In the beginning of the book were introduced to Lance's journalist friend by Lance telling her to her face that he doesn't like or respect journalists but then throughout the book uses her without her knowledge to boost his popularity on campus in her papers. The three guy friends seem to have short tempers and get mad and punch each other over what seems like any little thing. This will never be discussed. They'll just forget about it and act as if nothing happened.
°Lance throws such a "poor me" about not having been able to prevent his friends assault that the girl that was assaulted feels guilty and has to comfort HIM for not having been able to stop her assault. Then they end up fighting and he doesn't talk to her for what might have been a week or might have been a few days. It's hard to tell.
°WHY WONT HE/THEY GO TO A HOSPITAL? Hit by a car, eh walk it off. Severely beaten, it's cool, we've got a "kit" at the apartment, I'm sure that'll do. Internal bleeding definitely isn't a thing that exists. And you can definitely diagnose fractured bones at home. Hospital who? We don't know her.
°The timelines don't make sense.
Fractures and broken bones are said to be fully healed in about a week, but then are also spoken about as if it was only a few days ago that it happened. The secret base and new gear are made literally overnight but spoken about as if it was in the works for a long time. Time goes back and forth to satisfy the plot and it was hard for me to tell how much time had actually passed at any given time.
All that said, I think some of these issues are things that in comic form wouldn't be as noticeable as in a book. I felt this was easier to read when I imagined it in my head as a comic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2024
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) Review: 3.5 Stars (can't mark halves on the review unfortunately)
The White Knight by KB Kirtley presents readers with a compelling narrative that transcends traditional superhero tropes. The White Knight delves into Lance Locke's journey from a struggling college student to an unexpected campus protector.
As Lance Locke grapples with the pressures of his final semester in college and the looming uncertainty of his future, he finds himself unexpectedly (but willingly) thrust into the role of a campus vigilante. Faced with the daunting task of protecting his fellow students from a corrupt university donor, Lance must navigate the complexities of heroism while confronting the harsh realities of power and privilege. As the stakes escalate, Lance's resolve is put to the test as he confronts adversaries both within and outside the university walls while trying to balance his friendships along the way.
Kirtley's narrative in his debut novel is anchored by a poignant exploration of themes such as redemption, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. The character of Lance Locke is well crafted, with his internal struggles and growth mirroring the external challenges he faces. The author's prose is engaging, blending elements of superhero fiction with the thought-provoking reality of just what money can do when used for the wrong reasons. The plot unfolds quickly and takes the reader along for the ride.
While The White Knight excels in many aspects, some readers may find certain plot developments to be somewhat predictable. Additionally, the pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the exposition-heavy sections. However, these minor flaws are outweighed by the novel's overall strengths and thematic depth.
Fans of superhero stories, often found in comic books and not novels, will find much to love in The White Knight, which offers a fun take on the genre. Kirtley's novel delves into the complexities of heroism and moral ambiguity, making it a standout choice for readers seeking a superhero story in a prose rather than graphic format.
Overall, The White Knight is a captivating story that transcends the confines of its genre, offering a great take on power, privilege, and the nature of heroism. With its characters, engaging plot, and timely themes, it is sure to resonate with readers discovering this author and seeking a fun and engaging superhero tale. I highly recommend it to anyone and cannot wait to see how Kirtley continues to grow in this genre now that he has his first novel under his belt!
(Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
The White Knight by KB Kirtley presents readers with a compelling narrative that transcends traditional superhero tropes. The White Knight delves into Lance Locke's journey from a struggling college student to an unexpected campus protector.
As Lance Locke grapples with the pressures of his final semester in college and the looming uncertainty of his future, he finds himself unexpectedly (but willingly) thrust into the role of a campus vigilante. Faced with the daunting task of protecting his fellow students from a corrupt university donor, Lance must navigate the complexities of heroism while confronting the harsh realities of power and privilege. As the stakes escalate, Lance's resolve is put to the test as he confronts adversaries both within and outside the university walls while trying to balance his friendships along the way.
Kirtley's narrative in his debut novel is anchored by a poignant exploration of themes such as redemption, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. The character of Lance Locke is well crafted, with his internal struggles and growth mirroring the external challenges he faces. The author's prose is engaging, blending elements of superhero fiction with the thought-provoking reality of just what money can do when used for the wrong reasons. The plot unfolds quickly and takes the reader along for the ride.
While The White Knight excels in many aspects, some readers may find certain plot developments to be somewhat predictable. Additionally, the pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the exposition-heavy sections. However, these minor flaws are outweighed by the novel's overall strengths and thematic depth.
Fans of superhero stories, often found in comic books and not novels, will find much to love in The White Knight, which offers a fun take on the genre. Kirtley's novel delves into the complexities of heroism and moral ambiguity, making it a standout choice for readers seeking a superhero story in a prose rather than graphic format.
Overall, The White Knight is a captivating story that transcends the confines of its genre, offering a great take on power, privilege, and the nature of heroism. With its characters, engaging plot, and timely themes, it is sure to resonate with readers discovering this author and seeking a fun and engaging superhero tale. I highly recommend it to anyone and cannot wait to see how Kirtley continues to grow in this genre now that he has his first novel under his belt!
(Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
March 24, 2024
I was pretty fortunate to get an advanced copy for free to this book I had recently found out its existence and was excited to read, so here I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I saw a few posts about the book on Instagram and saw the inspiration for the main character, Lance, and I just had to read it. I mean, Oliver Queen, Dick Grayson and Matt Murdock being the character inspirations?? It was definitely a must-read for me.
So, no surprise I liked Lance, our hooded vigilante/hero in a college campus, trying to keep people safe.
The book was really fast-paced which was great because I never felt bored or like things were being dragged out, I was eager to know what was going to happen next and couldn't be fast enough to read the next pages.
The story was interesting and had a lot of action, which is something I really like and not always find in books.
The characters were great, and I mean, Taylor and Jason were such good and supportive friends! I loved their dynamic with Lance.
I liked how we were able to see both Lance's life as a college student and a vigilante at night, and it wasn't something he did and had no repercussions on his daily life nor his relationships with his friends.
Though I did enjoy the book, I found some grammar (and other) mistakes and the dialog between characters to be a bit... lacking. It felt as if there was no real meaning nor emotion behind, but more the make believe. I think it's normal and temporary because it's the author's first book, and I'm sure he'll be greater as he keeps on writing.
Overall, a good book that I'm excited to know how the story will keep going, because that ending... I definitely need more.
I saw a few posts about the book on Instagram and saw the inspiration for the main character, Lance, and I just had to read it. I mean, Oliver Queen, Dick Grayson and Matt Murdock being the character inspirations?? It was definitely a must-read for me.
So, no surprise I liked Lance, our hooded vigilante/hero in a college campus, trying to keep people safe.
The book was really fast-paced which was great because I never felt bored or like things were being dragged out, I was eager to know what was going to happen next and couldn't be fast enough to read the next pages.
The story was interesting and had a lot of action, which is something I really like and not always find in books.
The characters were great, and I mean, Taylor and Jason were such good and supportive friends! I loved their dynamic with Lance.
I liked how we were able to see both Lance's life as a college student and a vigilante at night, and it wasn't something he did and had no repercussions on his daily life nor his relationships with his friends.
Though I did enjoy the book, I found some grammar (and other) mistakes and the dialog between characters to be a bit... lacking. It felt as if there was no real meaning nor emotion behind, but more the make believe. I think it's normal and temporary because it's the author's first book, and I'm sure he'll be greater as he keeps on writing.
Overall, a good book that I'm excited to know how the story will keep going, because that ending... I definitely need more.
May 15, 2024
Whoops, I totally forgot to update Goodreads when I finished this one! This story is packed with action & excitement. The characters are great & have interesting dynamics that tie them together. Each fight scene is filled with incredible description. I thought there would be only so many ways you could describe a fight, but the author made them creative & fresh every time! Add in the suits, the weapons, & the base — it’s all well done & creative.
You have to suspend some disbelief here & there, but is there a superhero story where that isn’t the case? I will say, I found it much more realistic than others. A couple times I found myself thinking, “That wouldn’t really happen...”, then the author came along & made it make sense as if he heard my thoughts.
If you’ve attended college, it’s hard to read this & not to imagine the settings written as your own experience. I found myself dreaming up what it would be like if my school had a vigilante!
There are moments where the dialogue can be lengthy & doesn’t feel like a realistic conversation due to the lack of emotion sprinkled in. Given this is book one of a series, there is a lot to explain to the reader in exposition & I get that dialogue is one of the best ways to do that. I know the author will only continue to improve his technique as he adds to the series.
K.B. Kirtley leaves the reader ready for more at the end. I kept swiping on my Kindle to be sure I hadn’t missed something. Eager to read & find out what happens next!
You have to suspend some disbelief here & there, but is there a superhero story where that isn’t the case? I will say, I found it much more realistic than others. A couple times I found myself thinking, “That wouldn’t really happen...”, then the author came along & made it make sense as if he heard my thoughts.
If you’ve attended college, it’s hard to read this & not to imagine the settings written as your own experience. I found myself dreaming up what it would be like if my school had a vigilante!
There are moments where the dialogue can be lengthy & doesn’t feel like a realistic conversation due to the lack of emotion sprinkled in. Given this is book one of a series, there is a lot to explain to the reader in exposition & I get that dialogue is one of the best ways to do that. I know the author will only continue to improve his technique as he adds to the series.
K.B. Kirtley leaves the reader ready for more at the end. I kept swiping on my Kindle to be sure I hadn’t missed something. Eager to read & find out what happens next!
March 3, 2024
In this story we follow Lance as he becomes the school vigilante following some crimes occurring there.
I really liked the plot of this I thought Lance was a great MC and I personally really liked Taylor and Jason as well as friends.
It was a super fast paced book so super easy to get through.
The university college as background for the story was super cool as well as I really liked both the daily life and the vigilante missions.
I liked the ending as well as it left space for the next book to happen. Overall a really good book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked the plot of this I thought Lance was a great MC and I personally really liked Taylor and Jason as well as friends.
It was a super fast paced book so super easy to get through.
The university college as background for the story was super cool as well as I really liked both the daily life and the vigilante missions.
I liked the ending as well as it left space for the next book to happen. Overall a really good book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 12, 2024
I absolutely love Kirtley's niche of superhero stories as novels, not comics. (Love a good comic too though). The White Knight is The Green Arrow meets a university in Missouri (MSU?? 🧐).
Some of the pacing and passive voice took me out of the story a few times, but overall, I loved the concept, the characters, and the book. There is definitely a superhero loving audience out there, and I hope to see Kirtley's stories continue!
If you're into vigilantes, give The White Knight a read.
Some of the pacing and passive voice took me out of the story a few times, but overall, I loved the concept, the characters, and the book. There is definitely a superhero loving audience out there, and I hope to see Kirtley's stories continue!
If you're into vigilantes, give The White Knight a read.
June 10, 2024
The White Knight is a fast-paced superhero novel that is a perfect, action-packed quick read! This one took me back to being in college: late nights, hanging with friends, studying for finals, etc. I think it honors the various superhero tropes while also providing something unique. I hope KB Kirtley continues this series because I can’t wait to see how he grows as an author!
January 3, 2025
I’d like to shake this authors hand.
April 29, 2024
A good read!
I’d definitely recommend this book. A good story of a young man finding his way in the world and struggling with ethical dilemmas. A great read for any hero lover!
I’d definitely recommend this book. A good story of a young man finding his way in the world and struggling with ethical dilemmas. A great read for any hero lover!
June 9, 2024
I won this book in a Story graph giveaway.
I enjoyed the writing of this book and the story was good. I stayed interested throughout. The characters were a little bit flat for me at times but it was a fun read and I would continue with the series.
I enjoyed the writing of this book and the story was good. I stayed interested throughout. The characters were a little bit flat for me at times but it was a fun read and I would continue with the series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews