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Knights and Bikes #1
Knights & Bikes
Welcome to the sleepy island of Penfurzy, where nothing exciting ever really happens. OR DOES IT? Adventure awaits Demelza and her new best friend in the whole world, Nessa, as they explore the island and uncover the mysteries of the Penfurzy Knights. With a honking pet goose sidekick, quirky islanders and a legendary treasure to find, it's up to Nessa and Demelza to ride their bikes, solve the puzzles before them, and face down danger with frisbees, water-balloons, feathers .... and a toilet plunger. THEIR FRIENDSHIP WILL WARM YOUR HEART. THEIR BRAVERY WILL MAKE THEM LEGENDS.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2018
5 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Gabrielle Kent
11 books124 followersGabrielle grew up in the 1980’s riding her bike into trouble, drawing monsters, reading comics and playing games on her best friend’s Atari. Her first job was in video-games working on games for PC, Playstation and XBox. She spent sixteen years as a university lecturer teaching students how to make videogames and ran a major Animation and Computer Games festival where she got to meet all of her favourite game and animation creators.
She has always loved exploring castles and in 2006 she visited Castle Coch in Wales. As she looked at a carving of The Fates over one of the fireplaces, an idea for a story crept into her head. When she got home she started typing the story of Alfie Bloom, the boy who inherited a castle. She has now written three books in the series.
Recently, her experience of childhood in the eighties came together with her love of writing and videogames when she was asked to write a series of novels based on the characters and world from the game, Knights and Bikes, published by Double Fine Presents.
She currently lives in the North East of England with her husband, toddler, and Bengal cat, Kali – Destroyer of Sofas.
She has always loved exploring castles and in 2006 she visited Castle Coch in Wales. As she looked at a carving of The Fates over one of the fireplaces, an idea for a story crept into her head. When she got home she started typing the story of Alfie Bloom, the boy who inherited a castle. She has now written three books in the series.
Recently, her experience of childhood in the eighties came together with her love of writing and videogames when she was asked to write a series of novels based on the characters and world from the game, Knights and Bikes, published by Double Fine Presents.
She currently lives in the North East of England with her husband, toddler, and Bengal cat, Kali – Destroyer of Sofas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 19, 2019
OK readers, this story was cute! Knights and Bikes is a fun Middle-Grade read, with some great illustrations to match. Main character Demelza lives with her Dad at the family golf course, which the future of it is under threat. One day, she meets new girl Nessa and they both become friends. Demelza's Mum had always been searching for a treasure hoard but was never able to locate it. Both girls decide to go on an adventure to get the hoard and use it to save the family golf course from being closed down. I loved loved loved Demelza's pet goose Captain Honkers, the whole cursed treasure mystery was fun to read as well. It was fast, quick-paced and easy to read. The overall story-line was quirky but in the best possible way. I can definitely see younger readers really enjoying this one!
I follow the publishers on Twitter, which is where I found out about Knights and Bikes a few months ago!
I follow the publishers on Twitter, which is where I found out about Knights and Bikes a few months ago!
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September 20, 2018This book was great fun with two highly enjoyable protagonists who I enjoyed equally and an ever-hungry duck named Captain Honkers. With the loss of her mum and, potentially, her home, Demelza hopes that finding the secret treasure stolen by knight during the crusades might provide her dad with the funding they need to stay. With the help of the very mysterious Nessa, the spit-sisters head off on a quest that involves ghostly knights, perilous traps and enough 80s references to keep me happy. A nice, upbeat, fun inaugural start to Knights and Bikes books!
July 11, 2018
A super-impressive adventure story from new kids on the publishing block, 'Knights Of'.
This was a real feel-good story that was all at once quirky and heartwarming and stomping and bouncy and uplifting and adventurous - what fun!⚔️🚲🏰🌊📚
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this text. Full review to appear on our website nearer to the time of publication.
This was a real feel-good story that was all at once quirky and heartwarming and stomping and bouncy and uplifting and adventurous - what fun!⚔️🚲🏰🌊📚
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of this text. Full review to appear on our website nearer to the time of publication.
August 18, 2018
A fabulous, funny, madcap adventure that doesn't let up for a moment. The story of Nessa, Demelza and Demelza's pet goose Captain Honkers, this story pits the best friends against the legend of the Penfurzy Knights. I couldn't put it down, and I can't wait for the sequel, or the upcoming linked video game. (6+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. If you use it in any marketing material, online or anywhere on a published book without asking permission from me first, I will ask you to remove that use immediately. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. If you use it in any marketing material, online or anywhere on a published book without asking permission from me first, I will ask you to remove that use immediately. Thank you!*
February 4, 2019
A fun romp with some great characters. I do wonder how much the children who read it are going to understand the eighties nostalgia though - cassette tapes? My 7yo doesn’t know what one of those is!
August 8, 2018
Nothing exciting ever happens on the tiny, quiet little island of Penfurzy. Demelza spends her days daydreaming in the nearly derelict miniature golf course and her nights sleeping in her own caravan. The surprise appearance of new-best-friend Nessa, a girl of many talents, kicks action into her life. When Demelza discovers that her home is going to be sold, the girls go into over-drive. Delmelza finds an old journal, belonging to her mother containing clues to the location of a long-lost castle guarded by the ghostly Penfurzy Knights. Could the legend of their missing treasure be true? Could it be the answer to her prayers? Demelza, Nessa and their faithful sidekick goose, Captain Honkers arm themselves with frisbees, water-balloons, a toilet plunger and take off on their bikes to solve the mystery. Nothing can stop them now!
Action, mystery, great characters (including a honking sidekick goose!) and a thoughtful backstory permeate every page of a story that has everything you could want in a book. A quite dramatic beginning quickly into mad-cap exploits of boldness and daring. The soul of the story is the newly formed friendship between Delmelza and Nessa, a friendship that grows into an unbreakable bond. For the older reader (and this is one you must share!), there are 1980s references that will take you right back to your own childhood adventures. Fast-paced and hilarious deeds take the reader on a rocket-ride through the story with well-crafted world-building and energetic illustrations that bring Penfurzy and its' residents to life. Knights and Bikes really is the very best kind of adventure story. Filled with humour, heart and excitement. I just loved it...a great read at any age.
Action, mystery, great characters (including a honking sidekick goose!) and a thoughtful backstory permeate every page of a story that has everything you could want in a book. A quite dramatic beginning quickly into mad-cap exploits of boldness and daring. The soul of the story is the newly formed friendship between Delmelza and Nessa, a friendship that grows into an unbreakable bond. For the older reader (and this is one you must share!), there are 1980s references that will take you right back to your own childhood adventures. Fast-paced and hilarious deeds take the reader on a rocket-ride through the story with well-crafted world-building and energetic illustrations that bring Penfurzy and its' residents to life. Knights and Bikes really is the very best kind of adventure story. Filled with humour, heart and excitement. I just loved it...a great read at any age.
August 19, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining rollercoaster of story set on the fictional island of Penfurzy and featuring best buddies Demelza and Nessa, and Captain Honkers the goose. I also loved the anime-style illustrations by Rex Crowle and Luke Newell, which make a connection to the Knights and Bikes video game that the book is based on. This is the first book from a new publisher, Knights Of, aimed at publishing more inclusive children's books, a brilliant goal, but it also includes a great anti-colonisation message which is refreshing. (And of course as a long time Poldark fan I appreciated a hero called Demelza with an arch-Nemesis called Sir Warleggan.) Lots of fun, highly recommended.
August 24, 2018
A wonderful adventure from start to finish, this is a fun and exciting tale of two plucky friends searching for treasure. Looking forward to the next adventure!
February 15, 2022
Absolutely brilliant! Edge-if-your-seat exciting and laugh-till-your-sides-ache funny, this is the perfect adventure story for 7-10 year olds. (Well, any age really, but you know what I mean😊).
Demelza and Nessa are two wonderfully drawn female protagonists who set out to solve the mystery of the Penfurzy Knights’ Treasure and save Demelza’s home before her dad sells up and moves them to the main town.
Added bonuses for those of a certain age are references to boom boxes, mix tapes, bread tags in bike wheels and a plot that plays homage to the classic Indiana Jones movies.
I can’t wait to read this aloud to my Y3 class. Already practising the voices.
Demelza and Nessa are two wonderfully drawn female protagonists who set out to solve the mystery of the Penfurzy Knights’ Treasure and save Demelza’s home before her dad sells up and moves them to the main town.
Added bonuses for those of a certain age are references to boom boxes, mix tapes, bread tags in bike wheels and a plot that plays homage to the classic Indiana Jones movies.
I can’t wait to read this aloud to my Y3 class. Already practising the voices.
June 29, 2019
A delightful tale of two friends, a cursed treasure, and tons TONS of adventure!
I finally had the chance to buy this one, and of course, as soon as it came in, I read it. And what a delight it was. I couldn't stop reading, I had to know all about this cursed treasure. Would they find it? Who would guard it, ghosts or demons? Who is Nessa? Will Demelza (such a kick-ass name) save her parents' golf course and her home? What about the purple mist, is it part of the curse or something more sinister?
It all starts on a stormy night (all the best books do) when Demelza is reading her book and is woken by someone breaking into her caravan (long story short her dad allows her to live there and she has a whole caravan full of epic stuff), and so we meet Nessa. Demelza is at first wary about Nessa, but quickly lets her in, and so an wonderful friendship starts.
Demelza is eager to show Nessa her wonderful town of Penfurzy, a sleepy town on an island. Or is it sleepy? Because there is a whole mystery regarding the Knights of Penfurzy. Oh yes, and it seems that Demelza's late mother knew more about it, and later we find out that she knew even more!
I just had such a laugh when Demelza fought to save her parents golf course by just standing in front of a digger that was about to do some serious damage. And then she, and Nessa, just stepped inside it. Oh my. It is also their first encounter with the purple mist that seems to make human and machine act weirdly.
From that moment on there is no quiet moment as our girls are trying to figure out all they can about the Knights of Penfurzy (also, while I was agreeing with Nessa on how those guys got the cold, I did think she was maybe a bit too harsh on Demelza) and find the treasure. We see them search for the staff, we see them climb the highest peaks of the island, we see them on bikes after they customised Nessa's bike, we see them perform tricks one should never do with a bike (riding to a pillar on just a ladder with some badly lain boards), there are 3-headed dogs (or is it just 3 dogs?).
If you think that is exciting wait till they really have a lead on the treasure and the place it may be in. Ho boy, it was one big rollercoaster of fun, adventure, and ghosts. I loved the castle, I loved meeting the knights and seeing that they weren't that bad despite the things that they did in the past. The riddle was fun, there were evil gloves, and then there is the final boss. Yup. A superevil boss with a greediness that cursed everyone around him.
The one thing I liked less were the lies that Nessa kept telling. I get that she had to hide who she was, and we do later find out what is truly going on, but I still felt kind of sad that she had to lie. Though, sure, I have to admit, she does have a fantastic imagination.
It was just too much fun reading this one and I flew through it in one go. I laughed, I giggled, I cheered, I was amazed at the spirit both these girls had. Though I also had some sad moments when we find out what happened to Demelza's mother and that it hasn't been the easiest time for her and her dad. :(
Oh, oh, and I need to mention the fabulous illustrations. They were fantastic, showing both Nessa and Demelza as how I would imagine them. Nessa tough and no-nonsense, Demelza full of spirit and wildness. Plus, I loved seeing the town, the mysterious going-ons, everything.
Now I just have one wish. For there to be more books about this duo. Given the ending it seems that this tiny island has many more mysteries to uncover and figure out. And I want to see them.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I finally had the chance to buy this one, and of course, as soon as it came in, I read it. And what a delight it was. I couldn't stop reading, I had to know all about this cursed treasure. Would they find it? Who would guard it, ghosts or demons? Who is Nessa? Will Demelza (such a kick-ass name) save her parents' golf course and her home? What about the purple mist, is it part of the curse or something more sinister?
It all starts on a stormy night (all the best books do) when Demelza is reading her book and is woken by someone breaking into her caravan (long story short her dad allows her to live there and she has a whole caravan full of epic stuff), and so we meet Nessa. Demelza is at first wary about Nessa, but quickly lets her in, and so an wonderful friendship starts.
Demelza is eager to show Nessa her wonderful town of Penfurzy, a sleepy town on an island. Or is it sleepy? Because there is a whole mystery regarding the Knights of Penfurzy. Oh yes, and it seems that Demelza's late mother knew more about it, and later we find out that she knew even more!
I just had such a laugh when Demelza fought to save her parents golf course by just standing in front of a digger that was about to do some serious damage. And then she, and Nessa, just stepped inside it. Oh my. It is also their first encounter with the purple mist that seems to make human and machine act weirdly.
From that moment on there is no quiet moment as our girls are trying to figure out all they can about the Knights of Penfurzy (also, while I was agreeing with Nessa on how those guys got the cold, I did think she was maybe a bit too harsh on Demelza) and find the treasure. We see them search for the staff, we see them climb the highest peaks of the island, we see them on bikes after they customised Nessa's bike, we see them perform tricks one should never do with a bike (riding to a pillar on just a ladder with some badly lain boards), there are 3-headed dogs (or is it just 3 dogs?).
If you think that is exciting wait till they really have a lead on the treasure and the place it may be in. Ho boy, it was one big rollercoaster of fun, adventure, and ghosts. I loved the castle, I loved meeting the knights and seeing that they weren't that bad despite the things that they did in the past. The riddle was fun, there were evil gloves, and then there is the final boss. Yup. A superevil boss with a greediness that cursed everyone around him.
The one thing I liked less were the lies that Nessa kept telling. I get that she had to hide who she was, and we do later find out what is truly going on, but I still felt kind of sad that she had to lie. Though, sure, I have to admit, she does have a fantastic imagination.
It was just too much fun reading this one and I flew through it in one go. I laughed, I giggled, I cheered, I was amazed at the spirit both these girls had. Though I also had some sad moments when we find out what happened to Demelza's mother and that it hasn't been the easiest time for her and her dad. :(
Oh, oh, and I need to mention the fabulous illustrations. They were fantastic, showing both Nessa and Demelza as how I would imagine them. Nessa tough and no-nonsense, Demelza full of spirit and wildness. Plus, I loved seeing the town, the mysterious going-ons, everything.
Now I just have one wish. For there to be more books about this duo. Given the ending it seems that this tiny island has many more mysteries to uncover and figure out. And I want to see them.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
October 18, 2020
Kasarinostalgisen velopunk-lastenkirjasarjan avausosa, jossa kaksi noin kymmenvuotiasta tyttöä etsii brittiläiseltä pikkusaarelta legendaarista ritarien aarretta ja saa samalla aikaan vahinkoa siellä täällä. Aarteen tarinaan liittyy myös aika vahva opetus vieraisiin maihin tehtävistä ryöstöretkistä ja historian vääryyksien oikaisemisesta, mutta noin muuten kirjan moraalisanoma on aika vaivihkaista eikä välttämättä ihan yksioikoista. Tämä oli jotenkin ihastuttavan kaoottinen. Voisin mielelläni suomentaa tämän sarjan, jos joku kustantaja vaan haluaisi.
August 5, 2018
A nostalgic adventure filled with friendship, laughs and foam swords what more could you ask for? A Feathered side-kick of course! With a cracking opening Knights and bikes is hilariously dramatic.
It's the feel good story you wish you had as a child and can finally enjoy!
It's the feel good story you wish you had as a child and can finally enjoy!
August 2, 2018
‘Fast-paced, fun and full of adventure with friendship at its heart, Knights and Bikes is the kind of wheelie-good book that you’ll want to read all day and all (k)night!’
Knights and Bikes, based on a soon-to-be released crowd-funded video game of the same name, is the tale of two girls who become the bestest of friends whilst taking part in exciting, yet mysterious, treasure-hunting adventures on the island of Penfurzy – a fantasy world that any reader themselves would want to adventure in. Within the pages of this book, Gabrielle puts her own stamp on the world of the game ensuring it stays its own story: spoiler-free and original by adding in additional adventures for its characters.
Demelza, the daughter of a caravan park owner and living in her own caravan, lives a very uneventful life on the likewise uneventful island. That is until she – unconventionally – meets Nessa, a girl who at first appears to be a threat, crashing and banging through her door in the middle of the night, but soon becomes her trusty friend. As the pair (plus their pet goose, Captain Honkers who gives some mighty ‘HOOONNNKs’ to welcome readers at the start of the story just to be sure of the name) embark on all kinds of adventure whilst following in the footsteps of her mother before her, they find out what the island really has to offer as it reveals itself, its legends and its long-lost curse. Penfurzy ends up becoming an island that both Demelza and Nessa don’t want to leave behind, and I’m sure the same will be said by all of Knights and Bikes’ readers too.
Older readers will recognise a sense of 80s’ film and popular culture references (boom-boxes included!) that may make them feel rather nostalgic at points; reminiscing about their own childhoods.
Coming from a recently-launched start-up publisher Knights Of (with one goal in mind: to publish brilliant commercial kids books with one BIG difference – creating an inclusive, diverse, fairer team to make them), there has been increasing speculation and attention directed at Knights and Bikes. So therefore it is with great delight that after reading Knights and Bikes to find that this attention and praise, on my part and many others, is thoroughly deserving and well-warranted.
As the story progresses, it is fantastic to witness the growing bond between Demelza and Nessa as they become more than just friends and more like sisters, or should I say ‘spit sisters‘. Fast-paced, fun and full of adventure with friendship at its heart, Knights and Bikes is the kind of wheelie-good book that you’ll want to read all day and all knight! With the end of the story suggesting that are plenty more quests to come, Knights Of is a publisher that is one to most definitely look out for.
I’ll end this review with a direct quotation from the book as it sums it up perfectly. Sometimes you find the best adventures. But sometimes ‘the best adventures find you‘ and that is what Knights and Bikes is all about. A book with the very best kind of adventure that deserves to find its way to many, many readers and the same could be said of its publishers, Knights Of.
Knights and Bikes, based on a soon-to-be released crowd-funded video game of the same name, is the tale of two girls who become the bestest of friends whilst taking part in exciting, yet mysterious, treasure-hunting adventures on the island of Penfurzy – a fantasy world that any reader themselves would want to adventure in. Within the pages of this book, Gabrielle puts her own stamp on the world of the game ensuring it stays its own story: spoiler-free and original by adding in additional adventures for its characters.
Demelza, the daughter of a caravan park owner and living in her own caravan, lives a very uneventful life on the likewise uneventful island. That is until she – unconventionally – meets Nessa, a girl who at first appears to be a threat, crashing and banging through her door in the middle of the night, but soon becomes her trusty friend. As the pair (plus their pet goose, Captain Honkers who gives some mighty ‘HOOONNNKs’ to welcome readers at the start of the story just to be sure of the name) embark on all kinds of adventure whilst following in the footsteps of her mother before her, they find out what the island really has to offer as it reveals itself, its legends and its long-lost curse. Penfurzy ends up becoming an island that both Demelza and Nessa don’t want to leave behind, and I’m sure the same will be said by all of Knights and Bikes’ readers too.
Older readers will recognise a sense of 80s’ film and popular culture references (boom-boxes included!) that may make them feel rather nostalgic at points; reminiscing about their own childhoods.
Coming from a recently-launched start-up publisher Knights Of (with one goal in mind: to publish brilliant commercial kids books with one BIG difference – creating an inclusive, diverse, fairer team to make them), there has been increasing speculation and attention directed at Knights and Bikes. So therefore it is with great delight that after reading Knights and Bikes to find that this attention and praise, on my part and many others, is thoroughly deserving and well-warranted.
As the story progresses, it is fantastic to witness the growing bond between Demelza and Nessa as they become more than just friends and more like sisters, or should I say ‘spit sisters‘. Fast-paced, fun and full of adventure with friendship at its heart, Knights and Bikes is the kind of wheelie-good book that you’ll want to read all day and all knight! With the end of the story suggesting that are plenty more quests to come, Knights Of is a publisher that is one to most definitely look out for.
I’ll end this review with a direct quotation from the book as it sums it up perfectly. Sometimes you find the best adventures. But sometimes ‘the best adventures find you‘ and that is what Knights and Bikes is all about. A book with the very best kind of adventure that deserves to find its way to many, many readers and the same could be said of its publishers, Knights Of.
April 19, 2019
It's a wonderful, unstoppable adventure with two charismatic heroes at its heart (and a full cast of craziness!).
Funny, joyous and with an 80s vibe that will appeal to us older children too. This is only the start of their adventures ...
Funny, joyous and with an 80s vibe that will appeal to us older children too. This is only the start of their adventures ...
January 10, 2019
An old fashioned, funny and delightful story of two friends, a mythical cursed treasure, a grumpy goose and a quest to save something special.
Demelza lives with her dad and her pet goose captain honkers on an island. She stays by herself (at her own request) in a caravan stuffed with treasures and trinkets close to the crazy golf course they run, reading comic books, playing video games and generally putting her imagination to good use. One night a fearsome beast invades the caravan and is vanquished by the brave Demelza, only it's a super cool looking girl called Nessa and not actually a monster.
Though Nessa is pretty tight lipped about her back story and what she's doing alone in the sleepy town of Penfurzy, the story of the knights, the treasure and the castle has her intrigued. As does the enthusiastic, fast talking, goose toting redhead that she has bumped into. The two quickly become friends, vowing to continue Demelza's late mother's work on locating and recovering the cursed knight's treasure. It will need a miracle or a big pile o' treasure to save the golf course, the caravan site and Demelza's home.
So is the treasure real? Do the clues left behind by Demelza's mum actually lead to anything? How can you just misplace a great big castle?
I flew through this book and absolutely loved it. The illustrations are great, very graphics-ish and unique, loved the setting, the Indiana Jones-esque story and the characters. I loved how different Demelza and Nessa were in personality, despite sharing the same interests. Like, they both loved bikes, adventure, comic books and both were absolute weapons grade fibbers, but each had such a well established identity and personality. Nessa is more reckless and courageous, but Demelza is intelligent and full of feelings and empathy. They complement each other so well and their friendship is just the purest thing.
I also had to smile at the little digs of Nessa at the crusaders, looting artifacts from around the world, pillaging, hoarding. I think we'd get on in real life.
Honestly cannot wait for the next book in what I hope will become a stone cold classic children's book series. What a stellar start from Knights Of and I really look forward to seeing what they publish next.
Demelza lives with her dad and her pet goose captain honkers on an island. She stays by herself (at her own request) in a caravan stuffed with treasures and trinkets close to the crazy golf course they run, reading comic books, playing video games and generally putting her imagination to good use. One night a fearsome beast invades the caravan and is vanquished by the brave Demelza, only it's a super cool looking girl called Nessa and not actually a monster.
Though Nessa is pretty tight lipped about her back story and what she's doing alone in the sleepy town of Penfurzy, the story of the knights, the treasure and the castle has her intrigued. As does the enthusiastic, fast talking, goose toting redhead that she has bumped into. The two quickly become friends, vowing to continue Demelza's late mother's work on locating and recovering the cursed knight's treasure. It will need a miracle or a big pile o' treasure to save the golf course, the caravan site and Demelza's home.
So is the treasure real? Do the clues left behind by Demelza's mum actually lead to anything? How can you just misplace a great big castle?
I flew through this book and absolutely loved it. The illustrations are great, very graphics-ish and unique, loved the setting, the Indiana Jones-esque story and the characters. I loved how different Demelza and Nessa were in personality, despite sharing the same interests. Like, they both loved bikes, adventure, comic books and both were absolute weapons grade fibbers, but each had such a well established identity and personality. Nessa is more reckless and courageous, but Demelza is intelligent and full of feelings and empathy. They complement each other so well and their friendship is just the purest thing.
I also had to smile at the little digs of Nessa at the crusaders, looting artifacts from around the world, pillaging, hoarding. I think we'd get on in real life.
Honestly cannot wait for the next book in what I hope will become a stone cold classic children's book series. What a stellar start from Knights Of and I really look forward to seeing what they publish next.
September 22, 2019
This younger middle-grade book about two girls seeking the cursed treasure, a legend of their island.
The book has the thickness of a standard middle-grade book, but it's dotted with illustrations throughout. This is perfect for an advanced reader in lower primary ready to move on to bigger books. It is also suitable for the younger middle-graders who still enjoy pictures in their books. If you are looking for a book that doesn't stereotype girls and boys, check out this one. In one of the early scenes our two heroines hijacked a menacing digger.
I wasn't grabbed at the outset because the opening chapters were rather bizarre. The two girls meet and their initial adventures felt like mindless roller-coaster encounters just to get your adrenaline running. I couldn't quite piece them together, so I didn't root for them rightaway. However this strange situation might not bother our young readers. It's got elements of adventure they will enjoy; some mystery, some knights, something paranormal with ghosts and curses and yet relatable situations like the embarrassment of riding bikes with stabilisers.
Maybe I missed it, but I would have liked the author to explain the power behind the gauntlet. Again this is probably me, and a younger reader might not have picked this up. Overall it is an entertaining read.
The book has the thickness of a standard middle-grade book, but it's dotted with illustrations throughout. This is perfect for an advanced reader in lower primary ready to move on to bigger books. It is also suitable for the younger middle-graders who still enjoy pictures in their books. If you are looking for a book that doesn't stereotype girls and boys, check out this one. In one of the early scenes our two heroines hijacked a menacing digger.
I wasn't grabbed at the outset because the opening chapters were rather bizarre. The two girls meet and their initial adventures felt like mindless roller-coaster encounters just to get your adrenaline running. I couldn't quite piece them together, so I didn't root for them rightaway. However this strange situation might not bother our young readers. It's got elements of adventure they will enjoy; some mystery, some knights, something paranormal with ghosts and curses and yet relatable situations like the embarrassment of riding bikes with stabilisers.
Maybe I missed it, but I would have liked the author to explain the power behind the gauntlet. Again this is probably me, and a younger reader might not have picked this up. Overall it is an entertaining read.
October 7, 2021
Knights and Bikes is based off of a crowdfunded videogame of the same name. In the game, as with the book two girls are on a small British Island, sometime in the 1980's exploring for a lost treasure. According the games website, some of the inspiration came from Cornwall, a peninsula in the southwestern portion of England, King Arthur's Castle and the movie Goonies. The designers had hoped to capture that adventurous spirit of being a child in the fictional setting of Penfurzy Island. The story is so imaginative and I certainly felt that free spirit of childhood reflected in the girls riding their bikes going on an adventure. Reading the book was kinda like being at an amusement park, with all the excitement, anticipation, and defiantly a wild ride. I also loved the 80's vibe of comic books, videogames and of the Goonies inspired gear the girls brought with them as they explored the island, sure there was flashlights, spare batteries, and bubblegum, but a toilet plunger, pop rocks and chip sandwiches were just the icing on the cake. Oh and those anime like illustrations by Rex Crowle and Luke Newell tie in beautifully with the videogame and just added to the excitement of the story. At it's heart, Knights and Bikes resonates with the theme of friendship and I really look forward to clipping in for the next wild ride in Rebel Bicycle Club.
September 16, 2018
This book wore me out. It was like reading a novelisation of a kids cartoon. One of the frenetic kind that leaves your old eyes spinning but seems to be highly entertaining for the young target audience. Definitely got the computer game vibe right from the start but didn't feel the 80s element was a big feature. Certainly not a "Ready Player One". It was refreshing to read a story where contemporary technology was not a significant factor.
Liked the madly impetuous, fearless, girl protagonists - who I felt behaved and spoke (and were illustrated) as much younger than their stated ages. Was less convinced by Captain Honkers. I have seen pet geese. All they do is poo all day. Poo and eat. Eat and poo. Seriously though, lovely relationships between all of the characters. A great book to read out loud to little-uns.
Definitely something unusual here - a commissioned story based on a computer game that has not yet launched. I will be interested to see how this works out.
Liked the madly impetuous, fearless, girl protagonists - who I felt behaved and spoke (and were illustrated) as much younger than their stated ages. Was less convinced by Captain Honkers. I have seen pet geese. All they do is poo all day. Poo and eat. Eat and poo. Seriously though, lovely relationships between all of the characters. A great book to read out loud to little-uns.
Definitely something unusual here - a commissioned story based on a computer game that has not yet launched. I will be interested to see how this works out.
February 14, 2020
Knights and Bikes follows 'spit-sisters' Demelza and Nessa, along with goose sidekick Captain Honkers, on a fun filled action packed adventure. Kind of a cross between a Choose Your Own Adventure story, Dungeons and Dragons and Stranger Things (but for kids!), this is a great one to read out loud to kids. Adults will love the 80's nostalgia trip while kids will love the madcap antics of the two feisty heroines and a honking goose! A truly heartwarming story accompanied by fantastic illustrations make this a tale to appeal to kids of all ages - even big ones!
September 22, 2018
'Knights and Bikes' is a delightful middle-grade novel, with all the ingredients of a great read: a quest, a heartwarming friendship, a funny and quirky sidekick and bonus 80s gadgets and details! What a great start to the inspiring publishing venture which is Knights Of. Looking forward to more adventures from Demelza and Nessa, and to seeing what Knights Of do next! I also absolutely loved Luke Newell's illustrations, inspired by Rex Crowle's design - which really brought the story to life!
November 8, 2019
Dan: YES. I absolutely LOVED this book. What a ride! From side splitting humour for the whole first half of the book (I was reading it in a cafe and a man actually came and asked what I was reading and if he should buy it for his kids as I was laughing so much!) to a creepy white knuckle ride in the final quarter, this book has got so much going for it! Definitely two of my favourite characters in a book - I really loved them!
January 3, 2022
A pet goose, spit sisters, & tons of 80s references (to make us grown-up readers smile) - and to turn to the last pages to discover it’s also a video game?! Kids are going to go crazy for #mglit Knights and Bikes!
January 24, 2019
Enjoyed this SO MUCH. Loved the story and illustration style and all the Cornwall stuff. Can’t wait for the new book!!
March 20, 2020
My year 3 class (7 and 8 yr olds) loved this book. It really was laugh out loud funny in places. Brought back a lot of childhood memories for me!
October 29, 2020
Based on a computer game, this middle grade adventure is great fun, with two brave, daring girls as the main protagonists.
January 5, 2021
my heart feels so WARM that was such a wholesome experience
June 1, 2021
It was awesome!
May 24, 2022
Apparently all the parts of this story that seem totally wacky, rushed, and incomprehensible are directly derived from the game "Knights & Bikes" upon which this hurried novel was based. (Like; where is this island? Why would people live on an uncomfortable cliff-island that is dangerous & unpleasant? What happened to the girl's mother? etc.)
Brusque but cute illustrations give a rough sketch of the place and the action, although in some cases, the text doesn't match. (For example; the girls are shown running away with the Staff, when the text says the knight still has it, and is charging them, not chasing them to retrieve it. In addition, the girls drop an amulet and have to go back for it, but at the same time, they hang onto a book, even though several action sequences are illustrated in which the book isn't visible - and nobody tucked it away, either.)
It felt like a story built for a reader with an attention span that was shorter than their capacity to absorb a complex story...so when I realized it was based on a video game, it all made sense. Thus, I am not the target audience, and I would feel uncomfortable making anyone part of their target audience. So I'm going to leave this on the shelf and wait for people to ask for it.
If just a bit more care had been taken with the story and the illustrations, it could've been great for dynamic-duo friendship stories, where the girls pretend to vanquish wild beasts & monsters, and then realize they were real the whole time.
A tidy wrap-up further relies on the suspension of disbelief, but at that point, it's to be expected and totally fine.
Brusque but cute illustrations give a rough sketch of the place and the action, although in some cases, the text doesn't match. (For example; the girls are shown running away with the Staff, when the text says the knight still has it, and is charging them, not chasing them to retrieve it. In addition, the girls drop an amulet and have to go back for it, but at the same time, they hang onto a book, even though several action sequences are illustrated in which the book isn't visible - and nobody tucked it away, either.)
It felt like a story built for a reader with an attention span that was shorter than their capacity to absorb a complex story...so when I realized it was based on a video game, it all made sense. Thus, I am not the target audience, and I would feel uncomfortable making anyone part of their target audience. So I'm going to leave this on the shelf and wait for people to ask for it.
If just a bit more care had been taken with the story and the illustrations, it could've been great for dynamic-duo friendship stories, where the girls pretend to vanquish wild beasts & monsters, and then realize they were real the whole time.
A tidy wrap-up further relies on the suspension of disbelief, but at that point, it's to be expected and totally fine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2019
Newly formed best friends Nessa and Demelza set off on an adventure to find the legendary treasure of Penfurzy. What begins as a mission to gain riches to save Demelza's home quickly becomes something closer and further connected to her own family history. Fun and chaotic, this story has just the right balance between humour, action and emotion to remain both entertaining and thoughtful. A book which I feel could really hook a less enthusiastic younger reader, particularly with the upcoming video game allowing children to take a step deeper into the mysteries of Penfurzy.
October 12, 2020
This book is fantastic fun and takes captive your imagination throughout! The story has two brilliant, clever and strong female lead characters who take the reader on a series of wonderful adventures. Some heavy topics are considered such as loosing a parent and moving away from childhood home full of memories. Nessa and Demelza courageously face many difficulties and overcome them all side by side, playing to each other's strengths and supporting each other. A wonderful story of the strength and adventure of friendship.
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