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Knights of the Roundish Table
Invaders are pouring into Xander’s kingdom. If he can’t recruit knights able to stop them, Britain will be lost.
Fortunately, there’s Sir Dwain, whose life’s ambition is to be a nightclub comedian; Keesh, who giggles whenever faced with making a decision; Robin, whose horse is actually a sheep; and Longfellow, whose temper may doom them all. Together with an incompetent magician, a terrifying queen, the warrior Gene of Arc, and a minstrel who might just have more common sense than the rest of them combined, King Xander faces the worst foes the sixth century has to offer, and fights for the freedom of turnip growers everywhere against the Questing Beast, dragons, and the sinister Green Knight.
This book contains eight hilarious tales spoofing the King Arthur stories, written by a historian specializing in medieval England, its literature and legends. Humour, history, and fantasy combine in this reimagining of the most popular myth of the Middle Ages. Join the adventure and get ready to laugh with King Xander and his Knights of the Roundish Table.
From the author of the bestselling historical novel The Scarlet A Tale of Robin Hood.
Fortunately, there’s Sir Dwain, whose life’s ambition is to be a nightclub comedian; Keesh, who giggles whenever faced with making a decision; Robin, whose horse is actually a sheep; and Longfellow, whose temper may doom them all. Together with an incompetent magician, a terrifying queen, the warrior Gene of Arc, and a minstrel who might just have more common sense than the rest of them combined, King Xander faces the worst foes the sixth century has to offer, and fights for the freedom of turnip growers everywhere against the Questing Beast, dragons, and the sinister Green Knight.
This book contains eight hilarious tales spoofing the King Arthur stories, written by a historian specializing in medieval England, its literature and legends. Humour, history, and fantasy combine in this reimagining of the most popular myth of the Middle Ages. Join the adventure and get ready to laugh with King Xander and his Knights of the Roundish Table.
From the author of the bestselling historical novel The Scarlet A Tale of Robin Hood.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2025
19 people want to read
About the author
A.E. Chandler
5 books254 followersA. E. Chandler holds a Master of Arts with Merit from the University of Nottingham, where she wrote her dissertation on the social history behind Robin Hood. While earning a BA in Ancient and Medieval Studies at the University of Calgary, she also took courses in publishing and creative writing.
Chandler has had short stories, poetry, and articles published, in addition to a book of collected non-fiction entitled Into the World, the Questionable Quizzes series, and the bestselling novel The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood. To get exclusive bonus content, including the original 2nd chapter of The Scarlet Forest, visit Chandler's author website.
Living in England, and travelling in Europe, Asia, and Africa have also contributed to her stories and characters - she has been chased by a camel rider through the Sahara Desert, skated down a volcano in Sicily, and gotten unintentionally locked inside of a medieval prison in France. Currently, she lives in Calgary, where she is a visiting expert with the Glenbow Museum’s military collection, and writes historical fiction as well as contemporary fiction concerning history.
Chandler has had short stories, poetry, and articles published, in addition to a book of collected non-fiction entitled Into the World, the Questionable Quizzes series, and the bestselling novel The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood. To get exclusive bonus content, including the original 2nd chapter of The Scarlet Forest, visit Chandler's author website.
Living in England, and travelling in Europe, Asia, and Africa have also contributed to her stories and characters - she has been chased by a camel rider through the Sahara Desert, skated down a volcano in Sicily, and gotten unintentionally locked inside of a medieval prison in France. Currently, she lives in Calgary, where she is a visiting expert with the Glenbow Museum’s military collection, and writes historical fiction as well as contemporary fiction concerning history.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 21, 2025
Knights of the Roundish Table
by A. E. Chandler is composed of eight short stories parodying the King Arthur tales by exaggerating their typical characteristics. It is full of humor and the stories are in chronological order, although they weren’t written in that order. The setting is sixth century Britain. Additionally, there is an Introduction and a British History quiz at the end of the book.
The first story introduces the readers to the characters including King Xander and his wife Queen Jennivere as well as several of the knights. With that in place, the stories continue with humor and good character interactions.
I loved the tournaments, quests, and humor, including items such as Sir Robin the Bold riding a sheep instead of a horse. The author does a great job of characterization and world-building. While I know these medieval stories are meant to play on the general conventions and tropes of the King Arthur tales, the mention of items such as doorbells, post offices, radios, and other objects took it a little too far for me. Additionally, the pacing was a little slow for me at times.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun novel with some historical situations included.
The author provided a complimentary copy digital copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was January 1, 2025.
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My 3.22 rounded to 3 stars is coming soon.
The first story introduces the readers to the characters including King Xander and his wife Queen Jennivere as well as several of the knights. With that in place, the stories continue with humor and good character interactions.
I loved the tournaments, quests, and humor, including items such as Sir Robin the Bold riding a sheep instead of a horse. The author does a great job of characterization and world-building. While I know these medieval stories are meant to play on the general conventions and tropes of the King Arthur tales, the mention of items such as doorbells, post offices, radios, and other objects took it a little too far for me. Additionally, the pacing was a little slow for me at times.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun novel with some historical situations included.
The author provided a complimentary copy digital copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date was January 1, 2025.
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My 3.22 rounded to 3 stars is coming soon.
November 11, 2025
5 Stars for Knights of the Roundish Table (ebook) by A. E. Chandler.
This was so much fun to read. I’m not sure why turning English history into a comedy works so well but it does. The book seems to be written in the spirit of Monty Python and the Holy Grail but with unique characters, quests and challenges. The book is made up of several stories that build upon each other using many of the same characters. Some of my favorite parts were the wonderful misspelled letter. I really enjoyed reading that. And the song with music, the author must be able to read and write music too. And the wonderful exclamation “Holly Gila Monster”. I loved that since I live in the land of the Gila Monster. I would recommend this to all of the Monty Python fans out there and anyone who likes a little comedy along with their Knights and Kings and their quests. I really hope that this becomes a big success and it’s made into a movie.
This was so much fun to read. I’m not sure why turning English history into a comedy works so well but it does. The book seems to be written in the spirit of Monty Python and the Holy Grail but with unique characters, quests and challenges. The book is made up of several stories that build upon each other using many of the same characters. Some of my favorite parts were the wonderful misspelled letter. I really enjoyed reading that. And the song with music, the author must be able to read and write music too. And the wonderful exclamation “Holly Gila Monster”. I loved that since I live in the land of the Gila Monster. I would recommend this to all of the Monty Python fans out there and anyone who likes a little comedy along with their Knights and Kings and their quests. I really hope that this becomes a big success and it’s made into a movie.
Want to read
October 4, 2025Can't wait to read this book from the talented author, AE Chandler!
Plus, who doesn't love a story about Knights of the Roundtable!
Pre-ordered $7.99 on Kindle!
Plus, who doesn't love a story about Knights of the Roundtable!
Pre-ordered $7.99 on Kindle!
December 9, 2025
**Read 4.5 STARS!**
This very engrossing and enjoyable fantasy novel but with lots of historical elements is a read to cherish.
Storytelling is excellent, all characters are very funny but also lifelike, and although they have some name changes, these stories are still clear and overall an amusing humorous read in its originality.
The book evolves around King Xander and his Knights of the Roundish Table, and their deeds to keep Britain save from invasion and other dangers.
Loads of comical familiar names will come along to make this a whole new experience in reliving the Arthurian times, and so a feast to look forward to.
Lots of funny happenings will occur to keep the reader occupied with quite a lot of funny moments to savour, but all with a certain twist of fantasy.
At the end of the book you'll see an Introduction with some useful explanations concerning these short stories.
Highly recommended, for these short fantasy historical with a comical twist stories are a joy to read and bring a smile to your face, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Delightful Knights Collection"!
Last but not least a huge thank you to author A.E. Chandler for my PDF, but my honest opinion and thus review is my own.
This very engrossing and enjoyable fantasy novel but with lots of historical elements is a read to cherish.
Storytelling is excellent, all characters are very funny but also lifelike, and although they have some name changes, these stories are still clear and overall an amusing humorous read in its originality.
The book evolves around King Xander and his Knights of the Roundish Table, and their deeds to keep Britain save from invasion and other dangers.
Loads of comical familiar names will come along to make this a whole new experience in reliving the Arthurian times, and so a feast to look forward to.
Lots of funny happenings will occur to keep the reader occupied with quite a lot of funny moments to savour, but all with a certain twist of fantasy.
At the end of the book you'll see an Introduction with some useful explanations concerning these short stories.
Highly recommended, for these short fantasy historical with a comical twist stories are a joy to read and bring a smile to your face, and that's why I like to call this book: "A Delightful Knights Collection"!
Last but not least a huge thank you to author A.E. Chandler for my PDF, but my honest opinion and thus review is my own.
December 6, 2025
I started this book while waiting for my flight to Malaga, and it turned out to be the perfect travel companion. It was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review, and what I found was a light, clever, and unexpectedly charming twist on Arthurian legend.
This is a comedic retelling of Camelot that balances historical detail with an irreverent sense of humour. The tone feels almost medieval, yet sharply modern in its wit. The world is familiar but delightfully off-centre — a kingdom that is legendary in theory and chaotic in practice.
As a dyslexic reader with ADHD, I often struggle to visualise scenes, especially in stories with many characters. What helped here was treating the book as a series of comic sketches rather than one linear storyline. The structure is episodic, the pacing brisk, and the humour creates natural anchors that make the story easier to follow. Once I accepted it as a playful tapestry rather than a dense myth, the entire world opened up.
Chandler’s knights are earnest, flawed, and wonderfully ridiculous. King Arthur tries to bring order to a kingdom that refuses to cooperate. Merlin’s wisdom misfires more often than it helps. The knights themselves are brave in the way real people are brave — full of hope, bluster, and human clumsiness. Their failures are part of the charm, and the book never mocks them unkindly. Instead, it reveals the gap between legend and reality with warmth.
Beneath the humour, there is a gentle truth: myths are built by imperfect people doing their best. That is what makes them enduring.
Overall, Knights of the Round(ish) Table is a funny, engaging, and surprisingly thoughtful read. A good choice for anyone who enjoys historical humour, Arthurian parody, or stories that celebrate human imperfection with intelligence and heart.
This is a comedic retelling of Camelot that balances historical detail with an irreverent sense of humour. The tone feels almost medieval, yet sharply modern in its wit. The world is familiar but delightfully off-centre — a kingdom that is legendary in theory and chaotic in practice.
As a dyslexic reader with ADHD, I often struggle to visualise scenes, especially in stories with many characters. What helped here was treating the book as a series of comic sketches rather than one linear storyline. The structure is episodic, the pacing brisk, and the humour creates natural anchors that make the story easier to follow. Once I accepted it as a playful tapestry rather than a dense myth, the entire world opened up.
Chandler’s knights are earnest, flawed, and wonderfully ridiculous. King Arthur tries to bring order to a kingdom that refuses to cooperate. Merlin’s wisdom misfires more often than it helps. The knights themselves are brave in the way real people are brave — full of hope, bluster, and human clumsiness. Their failures are part of the charm, and the book never mocks them unkindly. Instead, it reveals the gap between legend and reality with warmth.
Beneath the humour, there is a gentle truth: myths are built by imperfect people doing their best. That is what makes them enduring.
Overall, Knights of the Round(ish) Table is a funny, engaging, and surprisingly thoughtful read. A good choice for anyone who enjoys historical humour, Arthurian parody, or stories that celebrate human imperfection with intelligence and heart.
Read
October 19, 2025Review posted via the Historical Novel Society.
December 1, 2025
Miss those good old days when there were new Monty Python sketches to look forward to?
Well, I have good news! The spirit of Monty Python is alive and well in this collection of medieval stories from A.E. Chandler.
Eight stories explore the medieval times with humor and heart.
Here are some of the great features of this new read:
🤣Every page has laugh-out-loud moments. Chandler really worked some magic and humor into these pages. My favorite plot twist was the cowapaults!
🤔The stories are related with many of the same characters moving forward in time in a chronological manner -- with the exception of Mervin, who is living his life backwards and he won't let you forget it!
❓Want to test your knowledge of English History? There is a quiz you can take at the end of the book. While I am far from having the expertise and knowledge that Chandler has, I did pretty good on that quiz.
✍Also at the end of the collection is an informative Introduction written by Chandler to help sum things up and give us some background. One of my favorite chapters.
If you are in the mood for some medieval humor, look this one up and get ready to laugh as you go on adventures with The Knights of the Roundish Table.
A big thank you to A.E. Chandler for providing a PDF of this collection so I could provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Well, I have good news! The spirit of Monty Python is alive and well in this collection of medieval stories from A.E. Chandler.
Eight stories explore the medieval times with humor and heart.
Here are some of the great features of this new read:
🤣Every page has laugh-out-loud moments. Chandler really worked some magic and humor into these pages. My favorite plot twist was the cowapaults!
🤔The stories are related with many of the same characters moving forward in time in a chronological manner -- with the exception of Mervin, who is living his life backwards and he won't let you forget it!
❓Want to test your knowledge of English History? There is a quiz you can take at the end of the book. While I am far from having the expertise and knowledge that Chandler has, I did pretty good on that quiz.
✍Also at the end of the collection is an informative Introduction written by Chandler to help sum things up and give us some background. One of my favorite chapters.
If you are in the mood for some medieval humor, look this one up and get ready to laugh as you go on adventures with The Knights of the Roundish Table.
A big thank you to A.E. Chandler for providing a PDF of this collection so I could provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews