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Spirit Knights #1
Girls Can't Be Knights
Even the Spirit Knights could not see this coming ...
Sixteen-year-old Claire wants her father back. His death left her only memories and an empty locket. After six difficult years in foster care, her vocabulary no longer includes "hope" and "trust." But everything changes dramatically when she encounters Justin, a Spirit Knight restlessly hunting dangerous ghosts that devour the living, who rides into her path on his magical horse and takes her under his wing. When an evil spirit threatens Claire's life, she'll need Justin's help to survive.
No one, including Claire, believes she can be a Spirit Knight, even when all signs show she is ready to become one. This is because the Spirit Knights have been a boys' club for over a thousand years. Worse yet, Claire will have to dive into the hair-raising ghost-hunting job before she gets full access to the Knights' order.
Fortunately for her, she has Justin as her private tutor. With the help of his sarcastic horse and saintly wife, he'll teach her the finer points of the job. Add in a little luck, and they both might survive long enough for her to learn it all.
Girls Can't Be Knights is a magical and unique adventure story that will touch your soul and raise your spirits.
Sixteen-year-old Claire wants her father back. His death left her only memories and an empty locket. After six difficult years in foster care, her vocabulary no longer includes "hope" and "trust." But everything changes dramatically when she encounters Justin, a Spirit Knight restlessly hunting dangerous ghosts that devour the living, who rides into her path on his magical horse and takes her under his wing. When an evil spirit threatens Claire's life, she'll need Justin's help to survive.
No one, including Claire, believes she can be a Spirit Knight, even when all signs show she is ready to become one. This is because the Spirit Knights have been a boys' club for over a thousand years. Worse yet, Claire will have to dive into the hair-raising ghost-hunting job before she gets full access to the Knights' order.
Fortunately for her, she has Justin as her private tutor. With the help of his sarcastic horse and saintly wife, he'll teach her the finer points of the job. Add in a little luck, and they both might survive long enough for her to learn it all.
Girls Can't Be Knights is a magical and unique adventure story that will touch your soul and raise your spirits.
246 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2015
100 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 8, 2021
A great start to a fantasy series.
June 21, 2015
I don't mean to be rude, but what the hell was that?
Okay, look. I could like this book. I don't think there is any chance that I could love it, but maybe I could like it. If it had something to like, I mean. Like, if it had some real characterization in it, and more than boring dialogue which sounded all wrong even without the boringness, or at least plot that would actually explain what the hell was going on.
Overall, it needed a lot more work. This whole thing doesn't look like even a first draft. Maybe next time. 0/5
Okay, look. I could like this book. I don't think there is any chance that I could love it, but maybe I could like it. If it had something to like, I mean. Like, if it had some real characterization in it, and more than boring dialogue which sounded all wrong even without the boringness, or at least plot that would actually explain what the hell was going on.
Overall, it needed a lot more work. This whole thing doesn't look like even a first draft. Maybe next time. 0/5
November 18, 2020
I'm calling it at the 40 percent mark. This book is terrible.
The main character is unbearably whiny. I don't typically say that about female leads. It's a common complaint in YA fiction amongst readers, but I find that comment distasteful and sexist. But this character literally whines - it's in the text. She's a teenager and reads like one. A very immature one.
And yet...there were times I found myself wondering whether this was actually a children's book. Sometimes it was very juvenile and I felt it read more like a middle grade book than a young adult book intended for teens. Then suddenly it would become racy. The main character is whisked away on a horse by a knight. She is a teenager and he is a married adult with children of his own. And she is on the back of his horse fantasizing about him "doing things other than riding the horse" with her. Then, multiple times, this grown man's wife accuses him of having a torrid love affair with an underage girl. She plays it off like a joke each time, but she keeps suggesting it, repeatedly, until it's clear she actually has genuine suspicions. Gross. The teenage girl also gets handsy with her (teenage) boyfriend in her bunkbed at their group home, but I kept forgetting he was in the story because he just randomly pops in and out.
There's quite a bit of vulgarity in this book. The story opens with the teenage girl being sexually harassed at school by several boys who are doing a lot worse than cat-calling, and her being scared that someone will follow her after school, as it has happened before. The fact that her school administration punishes her for defending herself and tries to force her to apologize to the boy she struck really infuriated me to the point I sincerely almost quit reading after the first chapter. I stuck it out only until I read the knight's wife "wagging her butt" at her husband for the second time and making remarks about her sexy red underwear, and then I was just over it. I don't mind adult content at all, but it just felt so weird and out of place in this story that it made me cringe every time.
The worldbuilding is weak. It feels like some vague attempts were made but nothing is concrete or even interesting. The "knight" is just some dude on a talking horse (which only he can hear), dressed in full chainmail only from the waist-up. From the waist-down he is wearing jeans and work boots. And he is riding his horse along the Portland highway during rush hour and that's just...allowed. Cops question why he is in the company of a teenage girl, but they don't even ask about the horse. It's just so unrealistic. If this were a comedy, being halfway dressed as knight might be funny, but it's supposed to be taken seriously and it's not explained at all. (At least, not up to the 40 percent mark, where I gave up on this book.)
From what I could gather from the sort-of plot, this knight interrogates animals that have been possessed by dead people's spirits. To this end he manhandles a cat and then his horse chomps its head off. I was not here for this type of content.
I'm not interested in finishing this volume or in continuing the series. Almost halfway through the first book was just a day in the life of the story and it was all filler dialogue and a barely-there plot that I had no interest in following.
The main character is unbearably whiny. I don't typically say that about female leads. It's a common complaint in YA fiction amongst readers, but I find that comment distasteful and sexist. But this character literally whines - it's in the text. She's a teenager and reads like one. A very immature one.
And yet...there were times I found myself wondering whether this was actually a children's book. Sometimes it was very juvenile and I felt it read more like a middle grade book than a young adult book intended for teens. Then suddenly it would become racy. The main character is whisked away on a horse by a knight. She is a teenager and he is a married adult with children of his own. And she is on the back of his horse fantasizing about him "doing things other than riding the horse" with her. Then, multiple times, this grown man's wife accuses him of having a torrid love affair with an underage girl. She plays it off like a joke each time, but she keeps suggesting it, repeatedly, until it's clear she actually has genuine suspicions. Gross. The teenage girl also gets handsy with her (teenage) boyfriend in her bunkbed at their group home, but I kept forgetting he was in the story because he just randomly pops in and out.
There's quite a bit of vulgarity in this book. The story opens with the teenage girl being sexually harassed at school by several boys who are doing a lot worse than cat-calling, and her being scared that someone will follow her after school, as it has happened before. The fact that her school administration punishes her for defending herself and tries to force her to apologize to the boy she struck really infuriated me to the point I sincerely almost quit reading after the first chapter. I stuck it out only until I read the knight's wife "wagging her butt" at her husband for the second time and making remarks about her sexy red underwear, and then I was just over it. I don't mind adult content at all, but it just felt so weird and out of place in this story that it made me cringe every time.
The worldbuilding is weak. It feels like some vague attempts were made but nothing is concrete or even interesting. The "knight" is just some dude on a talking horse (which only he can hear), dressed in full chainmail only from the waist-up. From the waist-down he is wearing jeans and work boots. And he is riding his horse along the Portland highway during rush hour and that's just...allowed. Cops question why he is in the company of a teenage girl, but they don't even ask about the horse. It's just so unrealistic. If this were a comedy, being halfway dressed as knight might be funny, but it's supposed to be taken seriously and it's not explained at all. (At least, not up to the 40 percent mark, where I gave up on this book.)
From what I could gather from the sort-of plot, this knight interrogates animals that have been possessed by dead people's spirits. To this end he manhandles a cat and then his horse chomps its head off. I was not here for this type of content.
I'm not interested in finishing this volume or in continuing the series. Almost halfway through the first book was just a day in the life of the story and it was all filler dialogue and a barely-there plot that I had no interest in following.
dnf
February 1, 2023I just cannot with this book and MC character, Claire. Mostly because she's TSTL and a bit of a door mat for someone destined to become a knight.
Also, the story is really meh, at best.
Also, the story is really meh, at best.
July 1, 2015
“Portland has a ghost problem. Sixteen-year-old Claire wants her father back. His death left her only memories and an empty locket. After six difficult years in foster care, her vocabulary no longer includes "hope" and "trust". Everything changes when Justin rides his magical horse into her path and takes her under his wing. Like the rest of the elite men who serve as Spirit Knights, he hunts restless ghosts that devour the living. When an evil spirit threatens Claire's life, she'll need Justin's help to survive. And how could she bear the Knights' mark on her soul? Everybody knows Girls Can't Be Knights. “
Girls Can't Be Knights is a younger urban fantasy style book. The story mixes fantasy elements in a modern day setting. Usually this is limited to older protagonists from the age 25-30. I love urban fantasy style books but the first few pages slightly put me off due to it being about a teenage girl being bullied in high school (which is one of those themes that I tend to avoid). The topic of bullying, books about kids being in the system or the death of parents are too draining emotionally. I read to be uplifted and escape into a wonderful or entertaining world.
I must say that I was glad that it was different from the usual paranormal twist to a teenage love story. Focused on the struggles of the main character and her attempts to persevere no matter the obstacle faced. I originally found the main character, Claire, to be strong w/o being annoying or abrasive (except to those who treat her harshly). However, over the course of the novel I found that her character was too unbelievable and devolved in many areas. For example, no matter what was told to her or who it was said by, without any shred of evidence, she would believe and accept anything. In the first few chapters she went off w/ Justin to his house based on a feeling of him being a safe bet despite him just robbing a historical museum. She also immediately accepted the idea of knights and a secret dimension (the palace) without any proof.
3.5/5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot presented in the story and would have given it a higher rating if it were not for the characters. All of the characters were a bit unbelievable and portrayed in an extreme manner. If one character was nice then they would gladly adopt someone they met two days ago, and if they were mean they would abuse a teenager.
Lately I have found that female characters are increasingly being better portrayed by male authors. This further showed this situation. I had so much trouble with the “development” of the Claire that it heavily took away from the novel.
I received this for review through Net Galley in exchange for an honest opinion.
Girls Can't Be Knights is a younger urban fantasy style book. The story mixes fantasy elements in a modern day setting. Usually this is limited to older protagonists from the age 25-30. I love urban fantasy style books but the first few pages slightly put me off due to it being about a teenage girl being bullied in high school (which is one of those themes that I tend to avoid). The topic of bullying, books about kids being in the system or the death of parents are too draining emotionally. I read to be uplifted and escape into a wonderful or entertaining world.
I must say that I was glad that it was different from the usual paranormal twist to a teenage love story. Focused on the struggles of the main character and her attempts to persevere no matter the obstacle faced. I originally found the main character, Claire, to be strong w/o being annoying or abrasive (except to those who treat her harshly). However, over the course of the novel I found that her character was too unbelievable and devolved in many areas. For example, no matter what was told to her or who it was said by, without any shred of evidence, she would believe and accept anything. In the first few chapters she went off w/ Justin to his house based on a feeling of him being a safe bet despite him just robbing a historical museum. She also immediately accepted the idea of knights and a secret dimension (the palace) without any proof.
3.5/5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot presented in the story and would have given it a higher rating if it were not for the characters. All of the characters were a bit unbelievable and portrayed in an extreme manner. If one character was nice then they would gladly adopt someone they met two days ago, and if they were mean they would abuse a teenager.
Lately I have found that female characters are increasingly being better portrayed by male authors. This further showed this situation. I had so much trouble with the “development” of the Claire that it heavily took away from the novel.
I received this for review through Net Galley in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 28, 2016
The first sign that a book really isn't going to be great? The fact that you had completely forgotten you were reading it. Only when I went to pull down my Prime book for August did I realize that my July book was still sitting partially read on my Fire. So I picked this book back up and continued on.
The whole thing is nothing but a chase, and not an exciting one at that. Cynical Claire, scarred by a life in the foster system, has miraculously decided to completely trust and want to live with (in an adoptive sense, not romantic - so I can give the author bonus points for that choice at least) a total stranger she met after being rescued by him from attacking animals. At their introduction he kills a possessed cat right in front of her (Killing cats?! Especially possible somebody's pet cats? All bonus points removed, plus -573 deducted from score). That's a great way to win trust. Yet Claire decides to run off (again, not romantically) with Justin. They then spend the remainder of the book constantly running and escaping their pursuers.
There is no further development than the rather shallowly written chase, and the whole premise of the title Girls Can't Be Knights is barely even touched upon, let alone explained why it's so taboo beyond that they've never had a girl in the ranks before. Whoo-hoo, big deal. Women's lib was nearly 50 years ago folks. Seeing as how that is the title, I would've expected it'd be a wee bit more critical to the story. And the characters? The author clearly thought she was being witty with their dialogue, but it landed flat and/or trite every time, producing eye rolls rather than laughter. I can't believe there's already three books in this series.
The whole thing is nothing but a chase, and not an exciting one at that. Cynical Claire, scarred by a life in the foster system, has miraculously decided to completely trust and want to live with (in an adoptive sense, not romantic - so I can give the author bonus points for that choice at least) a total stranger she met after being rescued by him from attacking animals. At their introduction he kills a possessed cat right in front of her (Killing cats?! Especially possible somebody's pet cats? All bonus points removed, plus -573 deducted from score). That's a great way to win trust. Yet Claire decides to run off (again, not romantically) with Justin. They then spend the remainder of the book constantly running and escaping their pursuers.
There is no further development than the rather shallowly written chase, and the whole premise of the title Girls Can't Be Knights is barely even touched upon, let alone explained why it's so taboo beyond that they've never had a girl in the ranks before. Whoo-hoo, big deal. Women's lib was nearly 50 years ago folks. Seeing as how that is the title, I would've expected it'd be a wee bit more critical to the story. And the characters? The author clearly thought she was being witty with their dialogue, but it landed flat and/or trite every time, producing eye rolls rather than laughter. I can't believe there's already three books in this series.
June 10, 2015
I received this ARC from KS Communications and Myddrin Via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Rating- 2.5
This book was cute...if not really, really confusing.
I'm pretty sure that this is the first book in the series but the terminology and the way the story went on, it was like I was supposed to know who, what, when and where these things were.
The writing is very lovely, I wish the characters had more depth, and the interaction was more deep and meaningful too. The plot went way to fast and didn't explain enough of what was happening, so I kept wondering at what was going on and why were characters reacting a certain way.
ah well.
I liked it, I didn't love it but I like it.
Stay Wonderful!
-The Book Herald
Tweet me @thebookherald
Rating- 2.5
Life is not simple for sixteen year old Claire.
Her family died in a fire, extinguishing the life of those she held dear to her heart.
She goes into the foster care system.
Abused. hated. looked down. unwanted.
Claire just wants what she once had year ago...a family.
One day a knight in shining armorliterally comes to save her life.
Justin doesn't understand why horrid little ghosts are trying to get to Claire,
Girls can't possibly be knights!
This book was cute...if not really, really confusing.
I'm pretty sure that this is the first book in the series but the terminology and the way the story went on, it was like I was supposed to know who, what, when and where these things were.
The writing is very lovely, I wish the characters had more depth, and the interaction was more deep and meaningful too. The plot went way to fast and didn't explain enough of what was happening, so I kept wondering at what was going on and why were characters reacting a certain way.
ah well.
I liked it, I didn't love it but I like it.
Stay Wonderful!
-The Book Herald
Tweet me @thebookherald
July 31, 2015
I liked Girls Can’t Be Knights. I found the story to be fast paced and interesting. Told from both Claire and Justin’s viewpoints, this is the story of a young girl who has spent much of her life being bullied by the kids in her school. Her father has passed away leaving memories and a locket. And Claire in the foster system, never really belonging anywhere. By the time we meet Claire she is 16 years old, and has beaten up a kid who was bullying her. Of course she ended up suspended from school.
Justin is a Spirit Knight, just as Claire’s father was… and as Claire is – but usually Spirit Knights are male. Just because she’s not doesn’t mean that she cannot be a great Spirit Knight. Justin is an older man with a wife and kids of his own. It is his charge to protect, teach and guide Claire into being a Spirit Knight.
I enjoyed reading this novel. There is more violence than I expected in a Young Adult novel, but considering what they are chasing it makes sense. This is a quick read, of an interesting premise.
*I received an e-ARC of Girls Can’t Be Knights from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Justin is a Spirit Knight, just as Claire’s father was… and as Claire is – but usually Spirit Knights are male. Just because she’s not doesn’t mean that she cannot be a great Spirit Knight. Justin is an older man with a wife and kids of his own. It is his charge to protect, teach and guide Claire into being a Spirit Knight.
I enjoyed reading this novel. There is more violence than I expected in a Young Adult novel, but considering what they are chasing it makes sense. This is a quick read, of an interesting premise.
*I received an e-ARC of Girls Can’t Be Knights from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
November 25, 2019
I found the title and description interesting, and I was looking forward to reading this series. Not a lot of ratings, but they were fairly high. However, I gave up on this book at the halfway point. I really wasn't into the book from the beginning but kept reading hoping it would get better. Sadly, for me, it did not.
June 21, 2017
Put all the "spirit knight" stuff to the side for a second - I found the main characters believable, and that's what makes a good story of any type. There's obviously a lot more to learn about these spirits that will hopefully be revealed in future installments, so I'm eager to get to those. Claire is a good heroine - things aren't easy for her, but she shows toughness, resourcefulness, and even that she can make poor choices. She is no Mary Sue! And sometimes she gets herself out of a jam, and sometimes she needs help... just like a normal person.
I did think the issue at the end with... I guess this is technically a spoiler, but, come on, the series is named Spirit Knights, so it really isn't!... was resolved a little too easily, but on the other hand, I didn't want it to really be a problem, so I'm glad it went away quickly.
It also seems that . If so, it would have been good to see a little of that part of the character arc.
But those are personal preferences; YMMV. Overall, it was a good book, a quick read, and it left me wanting more. Thank you!
I did think the issue at the end with... I guess this is technically a spoiler, but, come on, the series is named Spirit Knights, so it really isn't!... was resolved a little too easily, but on the other hand, I didn't want it to really be a problem, so I'm glad it went away quickly.
It also seems that . If so, it would have been good to see a little of that part of the character arc.
But those are personal preferences; YMMV. Overall, it was a good book, a quick read, and it left me wanting more. Thank you!
February 11, 2021
a fun read
Writing’s a bit choppy, the setup unbelievable, but that’s often par for the course with YA fantasy. Claire is a strong character, although she changed much too fast from an unloveable foster kid with a huge chip on her shoulder and absolutely no use for adults and their rules to a sweet kind teenager. I liked very much that neither her Knight mentor nor Claire herself had any wonderful ideas or amazing powers. Yeah, there was magical healing and a talking mount, but whenever they needed a plan, the MCs mostly failed to have one, and no miraculous saves occurred. They got themselves out of trouble with a lot of determination though in one case, they had entirely too much luck—that one bothered me.
SPOILER
I just cannot suspend belief enough to stay in the story when the author has one of his MCs get arrested, then break out of jail, beating up a whole police station full of cops plus a doctor, and somehow the police never put out an APB on the guy? Especially when he’s completely identifiable as he rides city streets on a horse wearing armor and carrying a sword? The imagination rebels at that...and it’s the third reason I chose a lower rating for this book.
Writing’s a bit choppy, the setup unbelievable, but that’s often par for the course with YA fantasy. Claire is a strong character, although she changed much too fast from an unloveable foster kid with a huge chip on her shoulder and absolutely no use for adults and their rules to a sweet kind teenager. I liked very much that neither her Knight mentor nor Claire herself had any wonderful ideas or amazing powers. Yeah, there was magical healing and a talking mount, but whenever they needed a plan, the MCs mostly failed to have one, and no miraculous saves occurred. They got themselves out of trouble with a lot of determination though in one case, they had entirely too much luck—that one bothered me.
SPOILER
I just cannot suspend belief enough to stay in the story when the author has one of his MCs get arrested, then break out of jail, beating up a whole police station full of cops plus a doctor, and somehow the police never put out an APB on the guy? Especially when he’s completely identifiable as he rides city streets on a horse wearing armor and carrying a sword? The imagination rebels at that...and it’s the third reason I chose a lower rating for this book.
February 1, 2020
Easy-to-read , easy to like , easy to love,
I gave this a five-star rating because I started the second book after I finish this one and really realized just how much I enjoyed the first . So I decided to come back and leave my rating. As you can see I gave it a five .
I love the depth of character development , and I love the way the characters and their stories interwove with each other.
I might come back and give more information and opinion on this first book but I'm really excited to begin the next I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did . This book is great with coffee ,cookies, cake and whatever other kinds of sweets you enjoy. Please do not forget your big comfy chair or bed and of course whatever furry animal decides to curl up with you . This book if you are a quick reader will probably give you a good six hours of reading enjoy
I gave this a five-star rating because I started the second book after I finish this one and really realized just how much I enjoyed the first . So I decided to come back and leave my rating. As you can see I gave it a five .
I love the depth of character development , and I love the way the characters and their stories interwove with each other.
I might come back and give more information and opinion on this first book but I'm really excited to begin the next I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did . This book is great with coffee ,cookies, cake and whatever other kinds of sweets you enjoy. Please do not forget your big comfy chair or bed and of course whatever furry animal decides to curl up with you . This book if you are a quick reader will probably give you a good six hours of reading enjoy
May 6, 2017
A quick, sweet, fun read. I almost didn't continue once I hit the 'high school' part in the beginning. My first thought was, "great, a high school insta-lovey dovey immature stint".. it wasn't anything like that. There's love, but the love of family and friendships, steady companions and stability. Poor Claire has had it rough, and the Knight in Shining Armor swooped in just when things were about to get worse for her. Like a big brother, or a stand in for the dad she lost.. NOT like the insta-love kind. But still a knight, in literal armor. ;)
They both have quite a mess to deal with before Claire can claim her knighthood.. but together, with a few trustworthy friends and companions, they manage to get through. Really looking forward to diving into book 2.
They both have quite a mess to deal with before Claire can claim her knighthood.. but together, with a few trustworthy friends and companions, they manage to get through. Really looking forward to diving into book 2.
January 29, 2018
This is a overall review for all first three books. I came across the first book by accident I listen to all the books over 4 days.
The Narrators where good but the young voices where really whining nothing one can do about it I did enjoy them all.
Am halfway the third book and the one thing I can say is, If a 16 year old teenage girl can shake a millennial institution just by being female then they don't deserve the to be called Knights at all.
I will finish the series and follow the author I did enjoy the previews books yet the idea that is was all because of a petty man is a little nerveraking.
The Narrators where good but the young voices where really whining nothing one can do about it I did enjoy them all.
Am halfway the third book and the one thing I can say is, If a 16 year old teenage girl can shake a millennial institution just by being female then they don't deserve the to be called Knights at all.
I will finish the series and follow the author I did enjoy the previews books yet the idea that is was all because of a petty man is a little nerveraking.
May 7, 2017
A Young Adult novel with a really great mood. Fun, encouraging, warm, and human. The first in a series, it brings the "chosen one" young hero archetype down to street level. Characters are just as down on their luck, but they're living in our world. Rather than reduce the luster of the story, it adds some relatability.
Girls Can't Be Knights plainly builds a world and sets up future stories. Yet, the end remains the definite closing of this chapter.
Overall, very enjoyable.
Some disclosure. I infrequently cross paths with the author online and wanted to read her work.
Girls Can't Be Knights plainly builds a world and sets up future stories. Yet, the end remains the definite closing of this chapter.
Overall, very enjoyable.
Some disclosure. I infrequently cross paths with the author online and wanted to read her work.
November 4, 2018
Unexpectedly amazing
I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. It was more about the relationships than the spirit stuff and it worked. I loved the main characters and the relationship they developed. The talking animals were also amusing.
I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did. It was more about the relationships than the spirit stuff and it worked. I loved the main characters and the relationship they developed. The talking animals were also amusing.
November 29, 2018
A fun read. Geared towards YA audiences, it's enjoyable and head good storytelling. However if things that don't make logical sense beyond a surface inspection on some of the world building bothers you, this might too.
June 20, 2019
It was fine - definitely a YA book, with a plan to build a persistent universe after this particular story is complete. I wasn't a fan how young=annoyingly bad, inexplicable decision-making but I see what the author was going for.
June 16, 2017
Good one. Very cute.
December 15, 2017
Great book!
I loved it amazing, full of adventures! Very addicting, you just can’t put it down. Great humor too, really funny.
I loved it amazing, full of adventures! Very addicting, you just can’t put it down. Great humor too, really funny.
October 11, 2018
Enjoyable story
Very enjoyable story beginning to end. Characters in the story are fun and iinteresting. Not sure any page could be improved.
Very enjoyable story beginning to end. Characters in the story are fun and iinteresting. Not sure any page could be improved.
January 24, 2019
Nice and original.
March 15, 2019
I am so going to read the rest of them!
June 18, 2019
Quite a meager storyline... But as an audiobook, it was okay. It can be nice to listen to a book that required no thinking or extra attention at all. I am not finishing the series, though.
September 6, 2019
TWR: yes they can
September 20, 2020
2.5 stars. Listening this audio I believe it may be a book which would be quite enjoyable to 10-13 age group.
August 8, 2022
Knights, knights, knights everybody! #IAWThoughts
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June 9, 2015Title: Girls Can’t Be Knights
Author: Lee French
Type: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
Rating: 3 Stars
I really wanted to like this book. I really did. I just tried…but I couldn’t! So much frustration…
Let me explain. When I read the blurb of the book, I was like, “wow! Looks like this book will be going to my favorite bookshelf!”. But no. This book had so much potential, and I was left disappointed. If you liked this book, then I respect your opinion. There are some good points in the book, which is why I gave it three stars, but to give it a full five stars? I’m sorry, to be honest, I can’t do that. Okay, time for my detailed explanations.
First of all, the characters. When I start reviews, I usually start with the main character and my opinion about them, but the main character just blended in with the rest of the characters that I didn’t know who I should focus on! So, the protagonist, I think, is Claire, a girl who lost her family. She’s coping with her grief, and combined with bullying at school, she is obviously not liking her life. Claire was actually a cool character, only there was nothing amazing about her. She had a personality, like characters should, her opinions, like characters should, she contributed something to the story, which characters SHOULD, but nothing really happened. She just realized what her parents wanted for her when they died and became a Knight. The end. There was one problem I had with Claire, however, and that was her beginning lust for Justin. Ummm…sorry, but lusting over the guy who is old enough to be your father and who is married to a perfectly nice woman who also cares for you is not cool. Did I also mention Justin has kids?
That brings us to Justin, the rescuer of Claire from her horrible life. He has a wife and kids, and is a perfect family guy. He’s also pretty rude to Claire (inside his mind) because he complains about Claire’s attitude (I think her reaction to things are fine), wishing that his daughters do not end up like Claire. Wow. He’s also quite dense, like not being able to create a plan even he was a grown up when trouble struck, and doing REALLY stupid things in front of Claire, like when he cut off a kitten’s head in front of her (the cat was possessed, but still). I didn’t totally hate Justin because he was so nice to his kids and loves them, which I found adorable.
The antagonists weren’t really how I thought they were going to be. Sure, they did some ‘evil’ stuff, but nothing that characterizes them as truly ‘evil’. Their goals were pretty basic, like get power or dominate the whole world. Yay. I did find it interesting that one of the villains had a son who bullied Claire in school, and that connection surprised me a bit ;).
And now for the story. This is what I was frustrated about. I thought this book would focus on how the main character struggles to find herself in a male-dominated position, and how she’ll through some trials and crazy adventures while she’s trying to achieve this. I also expected the fantasy part, with the phasms and Knights, which made me pretty excited. However, I read about a main character (Claire) agreeing to go with a guy who she doesn’t know about just right off the bat, and finding out about Knights, her locket, and her parents. It was just…ugh. The first few chapters also just talks about Claire’s discovery about Knights and it goes on and on and on…then after a few chapters, we finally get to the action, which was nonexistent. There was a harebrained plan to break someone out, some kidnapping, and phasms chasing after the characters, but that was it! Nothing else. Even the kidnapping wasn’t exciting. Sigh. The ending felt to rushed, and the girls can’t be knights part just appeared just there (maybe just a tiny, tiny bit in the beginning) and that was all.
My final verdict? I would maybe consider recommending this book to my friends, but I can see more room for improvement in the future for the author. This book had so much potential that it only had to expand more to make it a great book :(, which makes my rating a three stars over five.
*I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Author: Lee French
Type: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
Rating: 3 Stars
I really wanted to like this book. I really did. I just tried…but I couldn’t! So much frustration…
Let me explain. When I read the blurb of the book, I was like, “wow! Looks like this book will be going to my favorite bookshelf!”. But no. This book had so much potential, and I was left disappointed. If you liked this book, then I respect your opinion. There are some good points in the book, which is why I gave it three stars, but to give it a full five stars? I’m sorry, to be honest, I can’t do that. Okay, time for my detailed explanations.
First of all, the characters. When I start reviews, I usually start with the main character and my opinion about them, but the main character just blended in with the rest of the characters that I didn’t know who I should focus on! So, the protagonist, I think, is Claire, a girl who lost her family. She’s coping with her grief, and combined with bullying at school, she is obviously not liking her life. Claire was actually a cool character, only there was nothing amazing about her. She had a personality, like characters should, her opinions, like characters should, she contributed something to the story, which characters SHOULD, but nothing really happened. She just realized what her parents wanted for her when they died and became a Knight. The end. There was one problem I had with Claire, however, and that was her beginning lust for Justin. Ummm…sorry, but lusting over the guy who is old enough to be your father and who is married to a perfectly nice woman who also cares for you is not cool. Did I also mention Justin has kids?
That brings us to Justin, the rescuer of Claire from her horrible life. He has a wife and kids, and is a perfect family guy. He’s also pretty rude to Claire (inside his mind) because he complains about Claire’s attitude (I think her reaction to things are fine), wishing that his daughters do not end up like Claire. Wow. He’s also quite dense, like not being able to create a plan even he was a grown up when trouble struck, and doing REALLY stupid things in front of Claire, like when he cut off a kitten’s head in front of her (the cat was possessed, but still). I didn’t totally hate Justin because he was so nice to his kids and loves them, which I found adorable.
The antagonists weren’t really how I thought they were going to be. Sure, they did some ‘evil’ stuff, but nothing that characterizes them as truly ‘evil’. Their goals were pretty basic, like get power or dominate the whole world. Yay. I did find it interesting that one of the villains had a son who bullied Claire in school, and that connection surprised me a bit ;).
And now for the story. This is what I was frustrated about. I thought this book would focus on how the main character struggles to find herself in a male-dominated position, and how she’ll through some trials and crazy adventures while she’s trying to achieve this. I also expected the fantasy part, with the phasms and Knights, which made me pretty excited. However, I read about a main character (Claire) agreeing to go with a guy who she doesn’t know about just right off the bat, and finding out about Knights, her locket, and her parents. It was just…ugh. The first few chapters also just talks about Claire’s discovery about Knights and it goes on and on and on…then after a few chapters, we finally get to the action, which was nonexistent. There was a harebrained plan to break someone out, some kidnapping, and phasms chasing after the characters, but that was it! Nothing else. Even the kidnapping wasn’t exciting. Sigh. The ending felt to rushed, and the girls can’t be knights part just appeared just there (maybe just a tiny, tiny bit in the beginning) and that was all.
My final verdict? I would maybe consider recommending this book to my friends, but I can see more room for improvement in the future for the author. This book had so much potential that it only had to expand more to make it a great book :(, which makes my rating a three stars over five.
*I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
June 13, 2015
“There’s no law that says a girl can’t be a Knight.” (Page 250).
Claire doesn’t let bullies get her down, she fights back. On school grounds fighting is cause for suspension, but that didn’t stop her from beating up the bully. She will probably be known for beating up a guy, but she won’t know because she’s not allowed to go back to school until her suspension is over. In the meantime, Claire is suddenly a target of all the neighborhood animals and at her wits end when a cat tries to claw off her face Justin arrives. He is a Knight. Literally. A knight. But he’s happily married with children, still, he must protect Claire from forces she never knew existed.
The juxtaposition of Justin’s viewpoint and thoughts and Claire’s perspective and thoughts gives the book a rich variety in flavor as the two characters are very different. Justin is a young father of two girls. He only learned to be a father through a mentor and sometimes doesn’t always understand Claire. He wants to protect Claire and doesn’t mind killing Ur-phasms, hitting innocent people over the head, or stealing hats. Claire, on the other hand, doesn’t think too hard before taking action, is out to protect herself even when she isn’t always able, and follows the law until it would lead to her harm. She also doesn’t always understand Justin.
Claire fights at school and sticks up for herself, even when it gets her in trouble, yet when she’s faced with real problems and life or death fights, she wishes her knight would save her. After the first few times when he doesn’t immediately come to save her, she realizes she still must rely on herself to get out of the sticky situation, but still, her plans don’t always work out. Finally the knight saves her, but through her struggles to figure out what really happened to her father and what the heck a Spirit Knight is, she will learn that she actually can save herself.
Kids bully Claire at school. Adults tell her what to do and what not to do. The system dictates where she lives and who she lives with. And everyone who knows about the Knights tells her that Girls Can’t Be Knights. Every time. Sometimes they say it incredulously, because it’s never happened before while sometimes they say it disdainfully because they can’t comprehend a change in the familiar, a girl knight. Claire is convinced that she can be a knight and is glad to have been chosen. It gives her life a purpose.
Overall the story was interesting and fun to read while speeding along at a rapid pace. The concepts French introduced were intriguing and I loved her play on gender. If there is a second book I would love to see more on how the only girl who is a knight fits into a world of male knights.
Claire doesn’t let bullies get her down, she fights back. On school grounds fighting is cause for suspension, but that didn’t stop her from beating up the bully. She will probably be known for beating up a guy, but she won’t know because she’s not allowed to go back to school until her suspension is over. In the meantime, Claire is suddenly a target of all the neighborhood animals and at her wits end when a cat tries to claw off her face Justin arrives. He is a Knight. Literally. A knight. But he’s happily married with children, still, he must protect Claire from forces she never knew existed.
The juxtaposition of Justin’s viewpoint and thoughts and Claire’s perspective and thoughts gives the book a rich variety in flavor as the two characters are very different. Justin is a young father of two girls. He only learned to be a father through a mentor and sometimes doesn’t always understand Claire. He wants to protect Claire and doesn’t mind killing Ur-phasms, hitting innocent people over the head, or stealing hats. Claire, on the other hand, doesn’t think too hard before taking action, is out to protect herself even when she isn’t always able, and follows the law until it would lead to her harm. She also doesn’t always understand Justin.
Claire fights at school and sticks up for herself, even when it gets her in trouble, yet when she’s faced with real problems and life or death fights, she wishes her knight would save her. After the first few times when he doesn’t immediately come to save her, she realizes she still must rely on herself to get out of the sticky situation, but still, her plans don’t always work out. Finally the knight saves her, but through her struggles to figure out what really happened to her father and what the heck a Spirit Knight is, she will learn that she actually can save herself.
Kids bully Claire at school. Adults tell her what to do and what not to do. The system dictates where she lives and who she lives with. And everyone who knows about the Knights tells her that Girls Can’t Be Knights. Every time. Sometimes they say it incredulously, because it’s never happened before while sometimes they say it disdainfully because they can’t comprehend a change in the familiar, a girl knight. Claire is convinced that she can be a knight and is glad to have been chosen. It gives her life a purpose.
Overall the story was interesting and fun to read while speeding along at a rapid pace. The concepts French introduced were intriguing and I loved her play on gender. If there is a second book I would love to see more on how the only girl who is a knight fits into a world of male knights.
February 25, 2016
I hate having to use whole number ratings. Technically, this book is a 4.75 for me (yeah, I do get that picky), but I'm going to round it up, not down, because the tiny thing I'm deducting for was something I couldn't put my finger on. I'll explain.
Claire is at a new school, but her situation seems to be a repeat of what she's gone through before. She's a foster kid who lost her entire family in one night. She doesn't fit in and she gets in trouble because of it. Not a big surprise for her; she's dealt with it before. But this time, even the animals are after her.
Then she meets Justin. Justin is dressed in armor and riding a horse around Portland, Oregon, like it's not the modern day. Justin thinks she might be special... except girls can't be knights.
The story is listed as YA, but I would rate it at the top of that rating, more for the older teen themes than anything. It's not a dark book, but it doesn't prettify life, either. In spite of the premise (you don't really think I'm going to give spoilers here, do you?), the world feels real and surreal at the same time.
The one little thing was that there were a couple of instances where I dropped out of the book, but I couldn't figure out WHY. It wasn't anything major, but it did make me stop and check the book to see if I could figure out why. That is the ONLY thing that kept this book from being a pure 5-star in my book and, honestly, it might not even have connected for most people, so take it or leave it.
With my usual rating:
Storyline: 4.75 stars. At some point I might figure out the reason for the disconnect; until then, I just know it was there. Otherwise, well-crafted story with believable characters.
Editing: 5 stars. Clean, concise... very well done.
Proofreading: 5 stars. 5+ stars, maybe. This never happens, but I don't think I saw a single error.
Design: 5 stars. I'm not a huge fan of matte covers for fantasy, but it works for this book. The design is clean. Tiny quibble with putting a blank page before every chapter, but that's just a preference.
This book had a slight touch of Anne McCaffrey's DragonSong for me, which just made it all the more enjoyable. I look forward to reading more by Lee French soon.
Claire is at a new school, but her situation seems to be a repeat of what she's gone through before. She's a foster kid who lost her entire family in one night. She doesn't fit in and she gets in trouble because of it. Not a big surprise for her; she's dealt with it before. But this time, even the animals are after her.
Then she meets Justin. Justin is dressed in armor and riding a horse around Portland, Oregon, like it's not the modern day. Justin thinks she might be special... except girls can't be knights.
The story is listed as YA, but I would rate it at the top of that rating, more for the older teen themes than anything. It's not a dark book, but it doesn't prettify life, either. In spite of the premise (you don't really think I'm going to give spoilers here, do you?), the world feels real and surreal at the same time.
The one little thing was that there were a couple of instances where I dropped out of the book, but I couldn't figure out WHY. It wasn't anything major, but it did make me stop and check the book to see if I could figure out why. That is the ONLY thing that kept this book from being a pure 5-star in my book and, honestly, it might not even have connected for most people, so take it or leave it.
With my usual rating:
Storyline: 4.75 stars. At some point I might figure out the reason for the disconnect; until then, I just know it was there. Otherwise, well-crafted story with believable characters.
Editing: 5 stars. Clean, concise... very well done.
Proofreading: 5 stars. 5+ stars, maybe. This never happens, but I don't think I saw a single error.
Design: 5 stars. I'm not a huge fan of matte covers for fantasy, but it works for this book. The design is clean. Tiny quibble with putting a blank page before every chapter, but that's just a preference.
This book had a slight touch of Anne McCaffrey's DragonSong for me, which just made it all the more enjoyable. I look forward to reading more by Lee French soon.
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