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Knight Protector #1
Squire Derel
In the fires of war and death, she'll make her own destiny. Ana Derel was never meant to be a knight protector. She was never meant to be a squire. She was supposed to marry well, and raise sons who would become knight protectors. Ana had other plans. After years of hard work, Squire Ana Derel has earned the respect of her peers. She's a crack shot, and lethal with a blade. She's weeks away from earning her own knighthood. Then a deadly ambush leaves her charred, defeated and wanting justice. With the South readying for war, and the North demanding answers, Squire Derel finds herself alone in the epicenter of the coming storm. Alone, until she meets the enigmatic Knight of the Shire. Will their unlikely friendship be enough to prevent a war? Or will war consume them too?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2020
69 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Ford
74 books126 followersRachel Ford lives in beautiful Central Wisconsin. She is a programmer, who works in everything from SQL to .NET to Cisco CVP and IVR. Her latest foray into new and exciting things has been developing custom Java plugins for CVP applications.
Rachel also enjoys recreating historically authentic jewelry, and mixing historical recreations with fantasy elements to create exciting new pieces.
When not designing jewelry or tinkering with computers, Rachel spends her time writing and reading science fiction and fantasy.
Rachel also enjoys recreating historically authentic jewelry, and mixing historical recreations with fantasy elements to create exciting new pieces.
When not designing jewelry or tinkering with computers, Rachel spends her time writing and reading science fiction and fantasy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 22, 2022
Earlier this year, I’ve been gifted with the ebook. And what a great gift !! It was a great one, I tell you that. I’m glad I finally got to read it, it was awesome.
In Squire Derel (Knight Protector Series #1), I found a lot of things I love !!!
° endearing characters with distinct personalities (both MCs and, among the good guys, few of secondary ones as well) who are pretty well developed (with solid background stories).
° a wonderful story being built progressively, with a great storyline, some intrigue and a plot twist (even if it wasn’t that hard for me to predict some of the events it still might surprise a lot of readers)
° a fascinating setting in a solid world (I can’t wait to learn more about) made of an unusual & interesting mix of Middle Ages & modern eras, science & (elfic) magic, knights, in a military setting, riding either horses or dragons or driving vehicles & fighting with swords and some sort of laser guns/energy weapons.
° some good touches of smart-ass humor
Personally, I can’t wait to read the other instalments in the series to discover more and more things about this world, being introduced to some new MCs and, of course, meet again with Ana & Lil. And whenever I can I’ll purchase the paperbacks.
Highly recommended especially if you’re into fantasy and looking for something original.
In Squire Derel (Knight Protector Series #1), I found a lot of things I love !!!
° endearing characters with distinct personalities (both MCs and, among the good guys, few of secondary ones as well) who are pretty well developed (with solid background stories).
° a wonderful story being built progressively, with a great storyline, some intrigue and a plot twist (even if it wasn’t that hard for me to predict some of the events it still might surprise a lot of readers)
° a fascinating setting in a solid world (I can’t wait to learn more about) made of an unusual & interesting mix of Middle Ages & modern eras, science & (elfic) magic, knights, in a military setting, riding either horses or dragons or driving vehicles & fighting with swords and some sort of laser guns/energy weapons.
° some good touches of smart-ass humor
Personally, I can’t wait to read the other instalments in the series to discover more and more things about this world, being introduced to some new MCs and, of course, meet again with Ana & Lil. And whenever I can I’ll purchase the paperbacks.
Highly recommended especially if you’re into fantasy and looking for something original.
July 30, 2021
An interesting start of a fantasy adventure series. Featuring Knights, Dragons and some more modern equipment, too. Like laser guns and vehicles, plus magics. Kindle Unlimited.
I really liked getting to know Squire Ana Derel, and the world of Knight Protectors. Also Knight Lil Callaghan, who is more closed off after loss, that happened years ago. She's brave and steps up for the squires and shows herself to be a great mentor and more for Ana. Ana is struggling with the loss of her previous Knight mentor, and also family expectations. Both women are evenly matched, despite an apparent age difference. Plus an attraction slowly smoking - but I would have liked the romance to have build up a bit more between them, it seemed a little wanting.
However the story overall was fast paced, constantly moving. There's conspiracy and possible war afoot, so we don't get a lot of explanation just yet, and it ends on a cliff-hanger for us to explore further in the coming 4 installments, which I am looking forward to.
It reminded me a tiny bit of Effie Calvins - Tales of Inthya Series in some ways. Give a go if you're into fantasy action adventure.
I really liked getting to know Squire Ana Derel, and the world of Knight Protectors. Also Knight Lil Callaghan, who is more closed off after loss, that happened years ago. She's brave and steps up for the squires and shows herself to be a great mentor and more for Ana. Ana is struggling with the loss of her previous Knight mentor, and also family expectations. Both women are evenly matched, despite an apparent age difference. Plus an attraction slowly smoking - but I would have liked the romance to have build up a bit more between them, it seemed a little wanting.
However the story overall was fast paced, constantly moving. There's conspiracy and possible war afoot, so we don't get a lot of explanation just yet, and it ends on a cliff-hanger for us to explore further in the coming 4 installments, which I am looking forward to.
It reminded me a tiny bit of Effie Calvins - Tales of Inthya Series in some ways. Give a go if you're into fantasy action adventure.
July 30, 2020
Bugger the ending but I really liked this!
August 27, 2021
I read very little fantasy but after enjoying Ford's black flag series I thought I'd try this. It's an unusual mix - dragons and magic and knights in a military setting with vehicles and laser guns. Not something I've encountered before, but it works here. The only complaint I have is an abrupt cliffhanger ending, but there's more books to the series.
April 15, 2020
Our heroine gets caught in a surprise attack and survives, but at what cost? And is this just the prelude to something bigger?
This story offers an interesting blend of science and magic, such as energy weapons, elf magic and dragons. The setting is fascinating but we only get to see one small corner of it in this story. Nonetheless, it certainly has me looking for more. Similarly, our characters are well developed with solid backgrounds and distinct personalities which round out the story nicely. Their interactions make the story come alive and provide an occasional bit of humor as well. Add in a plot that includes some intrigue and you have a wonderful story. I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin for review purposes.
This story offers an interesting blend of science and magic, such as energy weapons, elf magic and dragons. The setting is fascinating but we only get to see one small corner of it in this story. Nonetheless, it certainly has me looking for more. Similarly, our characters are well developed with solid backgrounds and distinct personalities which round out the story nicely. Their interactions make the story come alive and provide an occasional bit of humor as well. Add in a plot that includes some intrigue and you have a wonderful story. I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from StoryOrigin for review purposes.
June 22, 2020
A odd mix
But serviceable as a fantasy. Dragons and laser pistols...it’s a bit bizarre to have such disparate concepts in the same novel. That explanation is almost entirely lacking is the single negative in the book. Otherwise it is a quite nice fantasy...then laser fire and skimmers (that don’t seem to ‘skim’) and you realize maybe it’s not a fantasy novel but you’re not sure where it is going.
It’s a solid world, don’t get me wrong. It just isn’t very deeply explained.
I haven’t decided if I will read the next in the series. I don’t feel the romance subplot was handled entirely well and the next book doesn’t appear to involve the MCs from this book. It felt rushed and incomplete, and now it doesn’t look like it will be resolved or advanced in the next book.
But serviceable as a fantasy. Dragons and laser pistols...it’s a bit bizarre to have such disparate concepts in the same novel. That explanation is almost entirely lacking is the single negative in the book. Otherwise it is a quite nice fantasy...then laser fire and skimmers (that don’t seem to ‘skim’) and you realize maybe it’s not a fantasy novel but you’re not sure where it is going.
It’s a solid world, don’t get me wrong. It just isn’t very deeply explained.
I haven’t decided if I will read the next in the series. I don’t feel the romance subplot was handled entirely well and the next book doesn’t appear to involve the MCs from this book. It felt rushed and incomplete, and now it doesn’t look like it will be resolved or advanced in the next book.
July 31, 2020
Great storyline, endearing characters that are easy to like and identify with. There are a few points in the plot where you pretty much know whats going to happen, but never the less a plot twist surprises you.
I would have liked to read what happens with the characters, so I hope somewhere in the future the author revisits this part of her world.
I would have liked to read what happens with the characters, so I hope somewhere in the future the author revisits this part of her world.
October 25, 2022
Super disappointing. I really liked how this story started out and the two main characters were interesting but then it ended on a cliff hanger and the next book was about completely different characters and the ones from this book aren't present at all. What a way to instantly lose all my interest in your series.
June 2, 2021
Sword lesbians and dragons yay!
April 23, 2020
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
"Squire Derel: Knight Protector, Book 1"is the lead volume of a new series by Ford.
As is to be expected the author does a superb job of world building and character development.
Since this is the initial volume there is plenty of world building and character development to come, however,
the development of both the eponymous Squire Derel and Lil as the book went on is really good.
I loved the mix of high tech and dragons in the story ( You can hardly go wrong with dragons! ).
The tale was gripping from the very first page and the suspense built from there. Ford built some
twists into the book which kept me on my toes as I read this entertaining page turner. I am looking forward
to the next volume in the series.
In the interest of transparency: I was given a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
This is my own honest opinion.
"Squire Derel: Knight Protector, Book 1"is the lead volume of a new series by Ford.
As is to be expected the author does a superb job of world building and character development.
Since this is the initial volume there is plenty of world building and character development to come, however,
the development of both the eponymous Squire Derel and Lil as the book went on is really good.
I loved the mix of high tech and dragons in the story ( You can hardly go wrong with dragons! ).
The tale was gripping from the very first page and the suspense built from there. Ford built some
twists into the book which kept me on my toes as I read this entertaining page turner. I am looking forward
to the next volume in the series.
In the interest of transparency: I was given a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
This is my own honest opinion.
October 21, 2020
First was good, but a second reading killed me
Overall, a good worldbuilding story with loads left to the imagination in this steampunk-ish world setting. The characters begin to develop their own voices but as the story goes, more attention is paid to mundane things that aren’t really important. Even in a fantasy setting, where dragon riding is part of training for the military, showcasing how much the character is vomiting kills my enjoyment of the story.
The misunderstanding of basic military training left me shaking my head more so than the sudden profession of love between the two mains. The attraction was barely grazed upon and would’ve been a lot more enjoyable if expanded. More intimate interactions rather than a single training bout and a drunken confession would have made this story perfect...but it falls short.
Overall, a good worldbuilding story with loads left to the imagination in this steampunk-ish world setting. The characters begin to develop their own voices but as the story goes, more attention is paid to mundane things that aren’t really important. Even in a fantasy setting, where dragon riding is part of training for the military, showcasing how much the character is vomiting kills my enjoyment of the story.
The misunderstanding of basic military training left me shaking my head more so than the sudden profession of love between the two mains. The attraction was barely grazed upon and would’ve been a lot more enjoyable if expanded. More intimate interactions rather than a single training bout and a drunken confession would have made this story perfect...but it falls short.
August 10, 2024
Audiobook: I was entertained by this first book in this series. I liked the characters including their strengths and their individual commitment to achieving their goals in spite of all the obstacles which made their paths difficult. Although there was the beginning of a romance indicated, I was glad that the focus of the story remained on the characters training and growth. I enjoyed the battle scenes. I was entertained by Lynne Ennis' narration whose performance kept my attention. I was given a copy of the audiobook through StoryOrigin. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this story.
Read
October 30, 2020Obviously a story has to be good to be enjoyable, but I also really enjoy that this book is a smooth read. I don't get stuck on sentences, or feel like I'm wading through sections. It just flows effortlessly.
The story starts with a bang and plenty of action from there! I enjoyed the world that's an interesting mix of technology and "medieval/old-world". The author doesn't explain much about it, but that didn't bother me at all. The two main characters are both relatable and I enjoyed them.
The story starts with a bang and plenty of action from there! I enjoyed the world that's an interesting mix of technology and "medieval/old-world". The author doesn't explain much about it, but that didn't bother me at all. The two main characters are both relatable and I enjoyed them.
May 2, 2020
Very good story , I am an Honest ARC reviewer and as such did have a minor glitch reading this at 1st with the perspective shifting from one character to the other ,but by the end I realized that was the Only way to tell this story. I was enamored from the start ,and the action towards the end left me wondering what comes next. excellent characters and story-line ,this one will be an awesome series.
November 21, 2020
A superb start to a series, I was hooked by the first line, Excellent intelligent storytelling creating a believable world with a mixture of dragon's and skimmers, blasters and swords, Starts at a frantic pace, slows a little to let you catch your breath and them rushes to a glorious climax which leaves you gasping for book 2. Great strong female lead characters. More please
I received a complimentary copy via Storyorigin and am leaving a voluntary honest review
I received a complimentary copy via Storyorigin and am leaving a voluntary honest review
August 30, 2021
Slow start but good
This was a bit of a slow start, but by the 40% mark it had got to the meat of it. I liked the characters and the world building, so the set up in the first part of the book was worth it. This was very much an introductory read to a series, so don't give up on it early. The final third was fast paced and action packed. I liked the bond developing between Lil and Ana. Looking forward to the next in the series.
This was a bit of a slow start, but by the 40% mark it had got to the meat of it. I liked the characters and the world building, so the set up in the first part of the book was worth it. This was very much an introductory read to a series, so don't give up on it early. The final third was fast paced and action packed. I liked the bond developing between Lil and Ana. Looking forward to the next in the series.
April 10, 2022
I like dragons and sci-fi and swords and female warriors this was right up my street and looks set to be a great series. Cliff Hanger at the end though but this did not phase me because there is a book two. I got caught up in the story I did not notice any of the author's writing craft. If you are looking for romance it's a meh but if you are looking for adventure and flying battle dragons its a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2022
I’ve read many books from Rachel Ford in various genres from scifi to fantasy to contemporary romance. She has a way with words that bring readers into her worlds. Squire Derel is a bit different in that the setting is an ff mashup with dragons, magic, medieval royalty, knights and squires, but also with modern weapons and vehicles. Even though the title refers to Derel, Callaghan gets just as much, if not more page time. I was thoroughly entertained.
October 2, 2024
Fantastic Read
Rachel Ford has the ability to create and draw you into a world so well right from page one that you don’t want to stop until you’ve finished! The characters are interesting and well developed, the story is extremely engaging, and you are taken on a journey alongside Squires, Knights, and Dragons. All in all Squire Derel is a Fantastic Read and I can’t wait to get started on the next phase of Ana & Lil’s journey!
Rachel Ford has the ability to create and draw you into a world so well right from page one that you don’t want to stop until you’ve finished! The characters are interesting and well developed, the story is extremely engaging, and you are taken on a journey alongside Squires, Knights, and Dragons. All in all Squire Derel is a Fantastic Read and I can’t wait to get started on the next phase of Ana & Lil’s journey!
December 28, 2023
long and detailed
This isn’t the kind of book that grabs me and makes me devour it in one sitting, but it was well executed with a detailed plot and interesting characters. There’s a little bit of war time insta-love at the end that felt a little rushed, but the rest of the action was well paced and easy to follow.
This isn’t the kind of book that grabs me and makes me devour it in one sitting, but it was well executed with a detailed plot and interesting characters. There’s a little bit of war time insta-love at the end that felt a little rushed, but the rest of the action was well paced and easy to follow.
January 15, 2021
This review is for the audiobook version.
A very interesting and exciting story. However it does leave you guessing what happens. As far as the narration goes I was very pleased with the narrator, she done a wonderful job bringing life to the characters. I would recommend this book.
A very interesting and exciting story. However it does leave you guessing what happens. As far as the narration goes I was very pleased with the narrator, she done a wonderful job bringing life to the characters. I would recommend this book.
October 8, 2023
I really didn't expect this to be nearly as good as it turned out to be.
I liked the people involved, I didn't have any problems following the changes of view, and parts of it definitely made me smile.
I liked the people involved, I didn't have any problems following the changes of view, and parts of it definitely made me smile.
April 19, 2020
Great start to a new series. I really enjoyed the characters and the story kept me hooked and definitely left me looking forward to more books!!
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August 11, 2020Can't believe it, how come it ends like that and the next book is not a continuation????
August 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this read as I have enjoyed most of her novels. The plot line has some explaining to do and I can't wait to get it in the next one.
July 11, 2021
4.25 first book by this author
November 10, 2021
Exciting read
This is my first book by the author and I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to read the next book.
This is my first book by the author and I really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to read the next book.
March 1, 2022
Enjoyable adventure. Look forward to the next one.
May 14, 2022
Excellent!
So much fun! When the action starts is a nonstop thrill ride! Knights, dragons, war, and romance. How could you go wrong!
So much fun! When the action starts is a nonstop thrill ride! Knights, dragons, war, and romance. How could you go wrong!
April 8, 2023
Oh well, this was a delight. An easy going story, regarding the romance, with some action involved and a plot that thickened as it was developed, I know I was quite excited to the rest of the series when I finished it.
I wonder though, is this in the same universe as Idun and Lissete's story? the whole mix of tech and magic made it even more interesting, but also made me think if this is centuries after them and if so how sad (although understandable) that they aren't here anymore.
I wonder though, is this in the same universe as Idun and Lissete's story? the whole mix of tech and magic made it even more interesting, but also made me think if this is centuries after them and if so how sad (although understandable) that they aren't here anymore.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews