Let the Games Begin!

The Kingdom of Wrenly #7

by Jordan Quinn, Robert McPhillips (Illustrator)

In this seventh chapter book in the fantastical Kingdom of Wrenly series, Clara sets out to prove that girls can be knights too.

The diverse subjects of Wrenly have traveled far and wide to participate in the kingdom’s Grand Tournament. Dragons will fly, trolls will juggle, and knights will duel. But when a snobby squire declares that girls can’t be knights, it’s time for Clara to prove that she can do anything she sets her mind to!

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, The Kingdom of Wrenly chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

Genres: Fantasy, Chapter Books, Childrens, Fiction, Middle Grade, Audiobook, Dragons

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2015

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Reviews

[Meg Mueller · Rating 3 out of 5]

We were introduced to even more characters and my favorite part about this novel is that it briefly recapped a lot of major events from the first six books which got conversations started with my daughter while we read.

Her favorite parts in this book were the big race that happened at the end and the dragon race because dragons are the best.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because I like tournaments. I also enjoyed this book because I liked the part when Clara won the horse racing contest.

[Andrew J · Rating 1 out of 5]

In the seventh book of The Kingdom of Wrenly, there's to be a Grand Tournament and anyone in the kingdom can compete. One of Prince Lucas's idols, the knight of Thornwood (aka Sir Hugh), has come with his squire, Gilbert. Frankly, Gilbert is a sexist jerk and Lucas was a terrible friend to Clara in this. Full offense, but only a selfish person hangs out with someone as if they did nothing wrong after they were insulting to someone they know just because they want to have fun. Lucas was completely disloyal to his friend in this one, and the fact that he is a prince is completely irrelevant. He didn't endear himself to me when he only defended her where Gilbert couldn't hear it. Perhaps he didn't have to stand up to Gilbert to be loyal to his friend, but he could've at the very least told Gilbert he couldn't be friends with someone who treated people the way Gilbert treated Clara. Then -- though, admittedly not as bad -- later, Lucas and Clara are helping her father with baking sweets for the event only to completely abandon him. I never got away with this growing up and I have seen other people tell their kids to come back and finish what they were doing before running off to have fun. "They're just kids" is not a valid excuse in my opinion. So, unfortunately, this book in this series seems to endorse selfishness... Sorry, but I am giving this one only 1 star.

[Aileen]

Look -I like this series. A lot. They've been really wonderful for my son, who is a reluctant reader. But this one - this Let the Games Begin - was disappointing. I was going to let it go, because it is just a quick, short book. Sawyer read it to me before bedtime. It's already better than the quick short books about girls and "girly" vs nongirly things that were available when I was my son's age. Decades ago. But it could have been better. And, just in case the author is reading this, here's why - yes, Clara was a strong female character. Confident. Resilient. I loved that. I loved my son reading that. But I wish my son had read about a strong, female character _and_ her best friend (my son's age) who stood up for her when it would have been easy to just let her walk off. It isn't enough just to be friends with girls who are strong and resilient. I want my son to know that he does not have to be, and shouldn't be, a silent passerby when his female friends encounter misogyny - especially when it's uttered right in front of him.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Review: I have really been enjoying this series so far, it has some great adventures and lessons. It can also appeal to young boys and girls even with the main character being a boy. In this book in particular there is a message about girls being able to do things that boys do, sometimes even better if they work really hard. I did have a bit of an issue with this one as one of my biggest pet peeves in books reared it's ugly head, in a few places the word reign was used in place of the correct one rein; I know it is a weird and minor issue but it is one that really irritates me, especially since this book is geared towards younger readers who are still learning and it may lead to confusion. But besides that one point it is still a great book and a series that I will continue reading and adding to my shelves.

[Efox · Rating 2 out of 5]

So... other than Lucas being a terrible friend to Clara in this one because the cool new squire comes along and is just HORRIBLY sexist and he kind of steps up but also kind of not in a weird way that was like, this doesn't work for me, this book was totally fine. I really actually enjoyed the return from characters in previous adventures.

Again - kids really enjoy these.

[Zazie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series. I bought it for my niece when she learns to read but I'm checking out what it's about before I had it to her. She will definitely enjoy the whole series and I can't wait to give it to her.

I recommend this whole series to your kids for sure.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read these books to my first graders! They loved it, especially the boys!! The stories are well written that keep the attention of little readers. I would change my voice to the character and brought the books to life for them. What a wonderful series!!!

[Lindsay-Ann Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids love these books. We are finishing up this series for our January read aloud time.

[Andrea Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still loving this series although this one did not have the adventure aspect so much. Excited to read the rest of the series to see what happens to the dragon.

[Beth Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read aloud at the beach

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only one we didn’t appreciate of the series. Clara is belittled by a squire, and she stands up for herself which is wonderful. However, we were disappointed with Lucas and his response to the situation.
Good discussion on bullying, and standing up for your friends.

[Ilinca · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I honestly did not enjoy this book at all.
I didn’t like it because the rest of the
books had a actual adventure and
This one didn’t.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

James liked that there was a big festival full of competitions. He also liked that there were things like dragons, fairies, gnomes, and wizards in attendance.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 8yo said this was his favorite one so far.

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara is right. Girls can be knights.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one has to be my favorite one so far! An amazing message of believing in yourself and your ability to do whatever you set your mind to, exactly what every child needs to hear.

[Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

[Ferren · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 8 year old daughter loved the girl power and reminder of all the previous books in this story! She gives this 4 stars.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm reading the series with my 7 yo and we love it!

[Meg]

Cleaning out my desperate reads from 2024 :(

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute as always.

[Jack Kawata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the book was a four star book because Clara won 🥇 the horse race 🏇 .

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover: I love it. It is so bright, cheerful, and colorful. I love that it shows everything on the cover that has been incorporated into the stories so far. I love that it will keep the children's attention.

Things that I liked: I love that what has been written so far with the series as been included in this one book. It takes everything that the author, Jordan Quinn, has written thus far and brings it all together. I love that it continues the adventures of these little children.

Things that I didn't like: I have no issues here.

Overall: I really enjoyed reading this one. I rated this book a 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommend.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the carnival, Lucas and Clara meet a boy named Gilbert that is a night's squire. He laughs at Clara for wanting to be a night. Clara gets really mad. Will she be able to prove to him that she can be just as good a night as he can be? Read the book to find out.

I just love this series! It is the best series ever!

[Courtney Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

My six year old thoroughly enjoyed this. Not a complicated story - really, it’s more like a chance to visit a magical kingdom - but there were detailed illustrations on every page, so this was an excellent bridge between picture and more advanced picture books. The six year old asked me to buy the series!

[AMY · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fiction 117 pgs; More adventures when the kingdom hosts games to test everyone's skills. Clara decides to enter the horse race and prove she can ride against Gilbert, squire to Prince Lucas' favorite knight. Gr. 3-4; Recommended.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming soon!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the games in this book. by Keith

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun addition to The Kingdom of Wrenly series. I love the fact that Clara proves girls can do anything boys can, especially during the time of "knights in shining armor."