The Making in the Knight

by Angharad Thompson Rees

A wistful, witty, and wondrous story of courage, friendship and sacrifice.

Lonely and orphaned, Caramath knows his life will never be a fairy tale.

But when dark and dangerous characters from his favorite book descend upon the kingdom, Caramath finally gets a chance to escape his boring life.

Yet to save himself, and the villagers, from the clutches of the Shadow Snatchers, Caramath must first find the courage to breach uncharted lands full of dark and dangerous magic.

With the help of a book once thought fiction, and a surprising alliance with a headstrong princess, Caramath battles against evil curses, mysterious perils and discovers mythical creatures; both friend and foe.

But even with a heart full of courage, Caramath has no idea of the dangers, or the destiny, that awaits him.

A delightful children's novel-in-verse with all the charm of a classic.

Genres: Fantasy

120 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2019

About the author

Angharad Thompson Rees is a poet, comic scriptwriter and author of fantasy and gothic books for children and young adults. Weaving strong imagery with poetical prose, Angharad's stories capture the imagination of young and old with her whimsical offerings.

Reviews

[♥ℂĦℝΪՖƬΪℕÅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Magical ★'s

“It happened during midnight
as often these things do,
when the night was as black as a raven’s wing
and the full moon shimmered blue…”

Because you're the making of a knight!


➽I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through Hidden Gems Books.

I really enjoyed this a lot. I love that it's written in verse and it all flowed so perfectly together. This story is simple yet magical. It's mainly written for middle-grade readers but really I think any age would enjoy it :) It gives such mystical vibes and makes you believe. Believe that anything is possible if you just find the courage we all carry inside ourselves. The characters face hardship, fears, magical beings and creatures alike and adventures. The hero Caramath was very likable. He was kind, smart, loyal and so so brave. The dragon was such a nice touch too because really... who doesn't love a tale with dragons? I will definitely be reading this one again and soon. Recommend!!!

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really enchanting and magical story written in verse, mainly for middle grade readers however I do believe this magical tale may be enjoyed by all ages. A tale about the shadow snatchers who made the villagers so afraid they had to escape to the forest black, which was a place of great evil however amongst those fleeing there was a young lad, Caramath whose courage led the villagers to safety. He faced many dark evils and encountered other magical creatures during this adventure but what made him exceptional was that he did not feed his fears, he stood up to them and he knew that once a fear is not fed it loses its teeth and need be feared no more. He also defended those in need be they sirens, princesses or hatchling dragons, and this is what made him into the brave hero he became. These characteristics are the makings of a Knight and every child should read this story because all of us have the ability to face our fears and turn them toothless, and we can all wield our magic to help others weaker than ourselves. A brilliant tale, fun to read which I do believe every child should read or have read to them, maybe inspiring them to turn into fearless Knights too.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lyrical and magical tale told in verse for young readers. Caramath is such an admirable character; brave, honest, caring, and ethical. He leads the villagers to safety when their cowardly King refuses them refuge in the castle. He encourages them to believe they will make it through the Forest of Shadows where only those who can’t see their way through the trial will be transformed into trees. He bravely sets sail with the evil mariner and faces the fearsome siren. He finds and befriends a baby dragon and, finally, leads his villagers to the Land of Snow where the fairies help them return home.

Even the villagers that he saves time and again doubt his word and are willing to abandon others for their own safety. Caramath alone acts like a true hero.

This is the kind of story parents should be reading with their children. The lessons are positive and inspiring. The verse flows smoothly and middle grade children will have no trouble reading it themselves, while younger readers will need a parent to read with or to them. Either way, well worth the time.

[RaChelle Holmberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free through an ARC program that I belong to, and I'm SO GLAD that I chose it.

It was truly special from beginning to end, flows magically, and is a really heartfelt story. I especially enjoyed the balance of the ungratefulness shown is some of the characters, the cast of characters over all was fabulous - Sirens, Dragons etc.. and the ending was the best ever.

But then there was the BIG SURPRISE of the activity book offered at the end. I LOVED this entire experience and am amazed at he talent it took to create this piece. THANK YOU, to the author.

This book is appro for anyone and everyone, geared a bit more to young people, but was perfect for me, a never-gonna-grow-up big person.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and the way it was written! It swept me along and the young hero is resourceful, smart, and kind. This is one I’ll read again!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic poem with a wonderful adventurous talent relate about a boy with courage and a firm sense of what is right.

[SHA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book.