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Max and the Midknights #2
Max and the Midknights: Battle of the Bodkins
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES • Max takes on knight school in the hilarious sequel to the bestselling illustrated novel Max and the Midknights, from the author of the Big Nate series!"Fantastic! I loved it!" -Dav Pilkey, New York Times bestselling author of the Dog Man series"Max is epic fun!" -Jeff Kinney, New York Times bestselling author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid seriesMax didn't expect knight school to be so tough. Luckily, she has her best friends--the Midknights--at her side. But when Byjovia is under attack, the Midknights will have to face beastly creatures, powerful spells, and their greatest foe yet--themselves?Lincoln Peirce, author of the New York Times bestselling Max & the Midknights, brings more laughs, more adventures, and more silliness to Battle of the Bodkins, book two in the Max & the Midknights series.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2020
624 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Lincoln Peirce
259 books1,113 followersLincoln Peirce is a cartoon artist from Portland, Maine. He lives with his wife and two children, and occasionally gives lectures to students about cartoon creating. Peirce writes the comic strip "Big Nate". Peirce's comic strip, Big Nate, is featured as an island on the famous children's website, Poptropica. Big Nate appears as the first cartoon on The Maine Sunday Telegram in the comics section.
He studied art at Colby College in Maine were he began cartooning. He also studied at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture before teaching art and coaching basketball at a New York highschool for 3 years. He currently plays hockey with "an old men's league" and describes it as his best sport as a child. In an interview with the Washington Post, Peirce stated that his last name is pronounced "purse" and is not a misspelling of "pierce."
Lincoln Peirce was a member of the "Surviving as a Print Cartoonist" Panel at the Maine Comics Art Festival with fellow cartoonists Corey Pandolph (Barkeater Lake, Toby: Robot Satan, The Elderberries), Norm Feuri (Retail, Gill) and with Mike Lynch moderating. On the panel Lincoln revealed he is currently working with some animation and licensing projects including the addition of a Big Nate island to the online game Poptropica.
He studied art at Colby College in Maine were he began cartooning. He also studied at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture before teaching art and coaching basketball at a New York highschool for 3 years. He currently plays hockey with "an old men's league" and describes it as his best sport as a child. In an interview with the Washington Post, Peirce stated that his last name is pronounced "purse" and is not a misspelling of "pierce."
Lincoln Peirce was a member of the "Surviving as a Print Cartoonist" Panel at the Maine Comics Art Festival with fellow cartoonists Corey Pandolph (Barkeater Lake, Toby: Robot Satan, The Elderberries), Norm Feuri (Retail, Gill) and with Mike Lynch moderating. On the panel Lincoln revealed he is currently working with some animation and licensing projects including the addition of a Big Nate island to the online game Poptropica.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 18, 2021
The second book in the series, this time with evil doppelgangers, even more magic, and tons of humour.
Again, I have read this one in Dutch, it isn’t really available in English here. So I will be using the Dutch names. Saying this so that I don’t get a comment that I got the names wrong. Haha.
It all starts off relatively calm, just like the previous book. We see that Sam is now at the knight academy and is trying her best to learn. We see what happened with the others. Ellie is still with Murmelijn and having a great time. Alwin has made a library and a written a book about the adventures of our Midknights. ??? apparently is now doing something with horses, he’s got the skill.
I really liked seeing all the characters again and see what they were doing after the events of the previous book.
And then things get exciting! There is a black book, a bad omen, and then we find out about the evil doppelgangers that lurk in a magical prison somewhere. The adventure and everything surrounding it was just so exciting to read. While you know that good always wins, that just how it goes, there were still enough points in the book that had me doubting if everything would go all right or if things would go very very wrong. I loved seeing the characters think up ideas, make plans, add a new wizard (who thankfully had his eye patch on the right side this time, because we don’t want an incident like at the beginning of the book), and new rides, um creatures. Next to exciting it was also funny. I had quite a few laughs at disguises, things going wrong in silly ways, and more.
I did feel for Sam, though at times I just got a tad tired of her constantly doubting herself. I mean I understand where she is coming from. The guy at the knight school is just the WORST, and yes, it may seem that you aren’t the best, but come on, remember what you did in the previous book. Yes, you worked together, but you did some amazing feats in that one ALONE. And in this one you are also doing some amazing things. I just wanted her to see it. But it took very long and lots of confirmations of her friends and family.
The ending and what was revealed there, OMG, that is terrific! I already had a small inkling something like this may happen given that Sam asked her uncle in the story about how he found her. But I hadn’t expected the story to go the way it did. Now I NEED the third book.
Again, I really like the illustrations. They are silly and a bit weird, but I also like the style.
All in all, GIVE ME BOOK 3!!! Oh, and I would recommend this book to everyone looking for an exciting and fun book to read.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Again, I have read this one in Dutch, it isn’t really available in English here. So I will be using the Dutch names. Saying this so that I don’t get a comment that I got the names wrong. Haha.
It all starts off relatively calm, just like the previous book. We see that Sam is now at the knight academy and is trying her best to learn. We see what happened with the others. Ellie is still with Murmelijn and having a great time. Alwin has made a library and a written a book about the adventures of our Midknights. ??? apparently is now doing something with horses, he’s got the skill.
I really liked seeing all the characters again and see what they were doing after the events of the previous book.
And then things get exciting! There is a black book, a bad omen, and then we find out about the evil doppelgangers that lurk in a magical prison somewhere. The adventure and everything surrounding it was just so exciting to read. While you know that good always wins, that just how it goes, there were still enough points in the book that had me doubting if everything would go all right or if things would go very very wrong. I loved seeing the characters think up ideas, make plans, add a new wizard (who thankfully had his eye patch on the right side this time, because we don’t want an incident like at the beginning of the book), and new rides, um creatures. Next to exciting it was also funny. I had quite a few laughs at disguises, things going wrong in silly ways, and more.
I did feel for Sam, though at times I just got a tad tired of her constantly doubting herself. I mean I understand where she is coming from. The guy at the knight school is just the WORST, and yes, it may seem that you aren’t the best, but come on, remember what you did in the previous book. Yes, you worked together, but you did some amazing feats in that one ALONE. And in this one you are also doing some amazing things. I just wanted her to see it. But it took very long and lots of confirmations of her friends and family.
The ending and what was revealed there, OMG, that is terrific! I already had a small inkling something like this may happen given that Sam asked her uncle in the story about how he found her. But I hadn’t expected the story to go the way it did. Now I NEED the third book.
Again, I really like the illustrations. They are silly and a bit weird, but I also like the style.
All in all, GIVE ME BOOK 3!!! Oh, and I would recommend this book to everyone looking for an exciting and fun book to read.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
August 31, 2022
2022 bk 254. What a delight! As a person who loves the Big Nate books, I wasn't sure what to expect - but the story of four friends growing up in a fantasy kingdom was fun. Max, the one who attends Knight school is not sure of her own self worth, one of her best friends, Simon, has learned that he prefers working with horses to being a knight, Keyvn has learned to author books and opened a library, and Millie even seems to be able to perform magic at an advanced level. It takes an adventure and the gradual realization that she has more practical skills and leadership skills that are needed as the four take on evil creatures to save their kingdom.
January 11, 2023
Fun book for my 7 year old. Interesting sequel and enjoyable to read.
September 11, 2023
Awesome
March 19, 2023
This book was silly, and cute, and kept me reading. I don't have any poignant comments or deep analysis of this story, but I want to answer this question, "Why do I read books like this?"
1. Parents often ask me for book recommendations for their kids. I like being able to offer something that I have read.
2. I saw a student reading this and asked him about it. He said it was good and that he would recommend it. Shortly thereafter, I found it at a discount store and purchased it. When I next saw the student I told him I was reading it and he got really excited. He warned me that it ends with a cliffhanger and that he was already on the third book. When I said I would look for it at the library he offered to lend me his copy. Our little conversation was one that I've had with many a reader. Sometimes it's about a deep book and sometimes it's about something simple but it's always about building a community of readers.
3. Peirce's books are on the best sellers list and I want to know what the next generation is reading. Sometimes (like with this book) I like it and see it as being great. Sometimes I don't. Either way, it helps me engage with kids and parents.
1. Parents often ask me for book recommendations for their kids. I like being able to offer something that I have read.
2. I saw a student reading this and asked him about it. He said it was good and that he would recommend it. Shortly thereafter, I found it at a discount store and purchased it. When I next saw the student I told him I was reading it and he got really excited. He warned me that it ends with a cliffhanger and that he was already on the third book. When I said I would look for it at the library he offered to lend me his copy. Our little conversation was one that I've had with many a reader. Sometimes it's about a deep book and sometimes it's about something simple but it's always about building a community of readers.
3. Peirce's books are on the best sellers list and I want to know what the next generation is reading. Sometimes (like with this book) I like it and see it as being great. Sometimes I don't. Either way, it helps me engage with kids and parents.
December 30, 2020
“At KSB--Knight School of Byjovia--the most important lesson isn’t sword fighting or archery. It’s keeping your eyes open…” and sticking together, “unless it’s somewhere with snakes. Or spiders. Or gluten-free pasta.” Each diverse personality lends “a certain symmetry to our group...each of us is unusually passionate about something.” For Kevyn it’s literature, for Millie it’s magic, for Simon it’s horses, and for Max it’s being a knight. They’re “just five kids and a dwarf trying to do the right thing--like KNIGHTS.” But what will happen when the Knights meet the Bodkins?
“What’s a bodkin? A copy...A twin.” But not identical. “There’s always something a tiny bit odd about them...They live in a secret land--a shadow world that cannot be found on any map.” “The product of a magical bond between Byjovia and Knot,” Bodkins are body kins of all of a person’s demons bonded together in their imposter image. “Each of us has a bodkin...and they all look exactly like us.” After finishing a study on Romans, I couldn’t help but be struck by the spiritual significance. We are alive in the Spirit but the Bodkins represent our battle with the flesh that plagues us.
Throughout their quest for the prevailing belief that “If you are to one day be king, you must become a better man,” the knights learn that “Sometimes trying and losing are the same thing. And this might be one of those times...Real knights don’t retreat--even with a pack of angry formlings closing in on them...I’d much rather believe the best about a person than suspect the worst.” The same truth applies to literature: “A book can be evil...if it’s a diet book.”
If you love “high-spirited medieval adventure supported by hundreds of dynamic illustrations employing the language of comics” (or know someone who does), Max and the Midknights is the series for you. Grab your scepter (credit card) and pick up a copy at your nearest independent bookstore. Because who doesn’t love a story that ends “with our heroes walking off into the sunset”?
March 11, 2024
I listened to this book on CD in my car.
There are many things to like about this book. One is that the different characters were voiced by different actors. This added a nice variety to the listening experience.
Another was the occasional reference to something anachronistic. This is an example of the general sense of humor which this story had. It was a serious story but did not take itself seriously.
The medieval tropes were used effectively. I liked the elements of magic that were added a la Merlin. The librarian Kevin was a highlight. I also liked that the protagonist was a female knight in training. In general, there were examples of character types in both genders.
The plot involved elements of danger without being scary. The solutions to crises were cleverly rendered.
All in all, an easy read but one that used wordplay and the art of storytelling effectively.
There are many things to like about this book. One is that the different characters were voiced by different actors. This added a nice variety to the listening experience.
Another was the occasional reference to something anachronistic. This is an example of the general sense of humor which this story had. It was a serious story but did not take itself seriously.
The medieval tropes were used effectively. I liked the elements of magic that were added a la Merlin. The librarian Kevin was a highlight. I also liked that the protagonist was a female knight in training. In general, there were examples of character types in both genders.
The plot involved elements of danger without being scary. The solutions to crises were cleverly rendered.
All in all, an easy read but one that used wordplay and the art of storytelling effectively.
October 25, 2020
Well I guess this reads better for the target audience, but the best books are suitable for anyone to read. And from an adult's point of view, this sophomore adventure concerning our heroine Max and her friends at Knight School really felt woolly, and over-stuffed with detail to pad things out. And while I can wholly manage to get on board with the creator's humour with Big Nate, that used here just fell flat – especially the dunce that is the uncle/bard character. An intriguing premise, with the whole kingdom subject to sort of changeling-styled invasion, actually proved (most surprisingly) boring. One and a half stars from me, only rounded up not the usual down as young 'uns will like it more.
May 11, 2021
Laugh out loud, witty humor with Max and her Midknight friends as she works her way through knight school. Dealing with a new instructor, who doesn't feel as girl's should be knights is the least of her problems when she and her friends are sent on a quest to help save the kingdom from intruders of a sinister origin.
February 11, 2021
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
Many thanks to Crown Books for Young Readers for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
The author’s other series, Big Nate, and the first book of this series are quite popular among our younger patrons at the library, so when I saw that there would be a sequel for this one, I decided to jump on it and see what all the fuss about this series was! I can definitely see why it appeals so much to young readers!
Battle of the Bodkins is the second in a graphic novel series that blends the written word with engaging pictures filled with humor, adventure, relatable characters, and a really fun squad.
As an adult reading it, I thought the story was a little simple, which is to be expected. It’s absolutely perfect for young readers reading up into middle grade or older readers who are perhaps more reluctant or struggle with reading, which makes it a pretty all-around versatile middle grade read. Besides which, it’s just plain old fun, darn it!
My Thoughts:
- Mostly graphic novel, with a few paragraphs thrown in-between for good measure, this book has a fairly wide appeal as far as audience. Not always the first thing you think about when you read a book, but my curiosity about this one stemmed from my patrons’ love for the author in general, so this is definitely something that stood out to me! I can easily see why kids love it. The graphic novel aspect is perfect for struggling or reluctant readers, with a few paragraphs thrown in for practice while not seeming too daunting. There’s adventure and friendship, kids bucking “traditional” roles and following their dreams, and a plot that’s not too complicated or hard to follow, and even jokes for the older crowd. Basically, for librarians and teachers and parents out there, this is a safe option for a wide range of ages that’s likely to be super engaging for them!
- This book is absolutely filled with light-hearted humor, even while tackling some darker subjects, and I couldn’t help chuckling out loud. Don’t get me wrong, these jokes are often juvenile and cheesy, but I have the mentality of a five-year-old and absolutely adore cheese, okay? If that’s not your humor, you’re probably not going to like this book. For me, I absolutely loved it, and it brought some much-needed levity to the main character’s introspection and doubts. This book isn’t all humor, though, make no mistake. The main character, Max, is struggling with her self-esteem, and many of the characters are trying to figure out their place in life, which makes this all the more relatable. Not that people generally expect kids to know what they want out of life, but this age group is filled with inner turmoil and a sense of trying to find where you belong in the world (or heck, mine was, at least), which this book speaks well to. Max wants to be a knight, even though females weren’t allowed to be, and she thought the biggest struggle would be just being allowed in, but it turns out … being a knight is hard. Many of the other kids are realizing that what they wanted to do with their lives aren’t as good a fit for them as they’d first anticipated, either, which I think is a fantastic message about trying new things and adjusting expectations.
- There’s a little bit of something for everyone in terms of these characters, and together, they’re quite a squad! Every knight needs a crew, after all, right? Max is the supposed hero from the first book trying to come to terms with what it means to be, and continue to be, a hero. Along for the ride, though, are all the characters she met in book one, who are having similar struggles. We get some fun new characters, though, too, like this delightful old wizard, Seymour, who is, for lack of a better description, quite the character. I loved having the chance to see the old characters return and see their growth while at the same time being able to meet new ones. The two are married together marvelously, and I look forward to seeing where the next adventure will take this cast.
- Can we just take a moment to appreciate Peirce’s rhyming skill and ability to spin up some really neat prophecies? I love me a good prophecy. In fact, it’s one of my favorite things about middle grade books. Sure, adult books have prophecies, but they’re almost never the fun, catchy, rhyming sort that just stick with you after you’ve laid down a book. I absolutely love Peirce’s rhymes in this series, including the prophecies! They’re so much fun, and they really stick in your mind. I had the benefit of being introduced to poetry I loved at a young age, and I think it’s something a lot of kids today don’t get, so I always enjoy seeing just a few rhyming couplets that kids can grip onto that later I can point to and be like, “See? Poetry can be fun!” This book series definitely delivers on that!
Many thanks to Crown Books for Young Readers for a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
The author’s other series, Big Nate, and the first book of this series are quite popular among our younger patrons at the library, so when I saw that there would be a sequel for this one, I decided to jump on it and see what all the fuss about this series was! I can definitely see why it appeals so much to young readers!
Battle of the Bodkins is the second in a graphic novel series that blends the written word with engaging pictures filled with humor, adventure, relatable characters, and a really fun squad.
As an adult reading it, I thought the story was a little simple, which is to be expected. It’s absolutely perfect for young readers reading up into middle grade or older readers who are perhaps more reluctant or struggle with reading, which makes it a pretty all-around versatile middle grade read. Besides which, it’s just plain old fun, darn it!
My Thoughts:
- Mostly graphic novel, with a few paragraphs thrown in-between for good measure, this book has a fairly wide appeal as far as audience. Not always the first thing you think about when you read a book, but my curiosity about this one stemmed from my patrons’ love for the author in general, so this is definitely something that stood out to me! I can easily see why kids love it. The graphic novel aspect is perfect for struggling or reluctant readers, with a few paragraphs thrown in for practice while not seeming too daunting. There’s adventure and friendship, kids bucking “traditional” roles and following their dreams, and a plot that’s not too complicated or hard to follow, and even jokes for the older crowd. Basically, for librarians and teachers and parents out there, this is a safe option for a wide range of ages that’s likely to be super engaging for them!
- This book is absolutely filled with light-hearted humor, even while tackling some darker subjects, and I couldn’t help chuckling out loud. Don’t get me wrong, these jokes are often juvenile and cheesy, but I have the mentality of a five-year-old and absolutely adore cheese, okay? If that’s not your humor, you’re probably not going to like this book. For me, I absolutely loved it, and it brought some much-needed levity to the main character’s introspection and doubts. This book isn’t all humor, though, make no mistake. The main character, Max, is struggling with her self-esteem, and many of the characters are trying to figure out their place in life, which makes this all the more relatable. Not that people generally expect kids to know what they want out of life, but this age group is filled with inner turmoil and a sense of trying to find where you belong in the world (or heck, mine was, at least), which this book speaks well to. Max wants to be a knight, even though females weren’t allowed to be, and she thought the biggest struggle would be just being allowed in, but it turns out … being a knight is hard. Many of the other kids are realizing that what they wanted to do with their lives aren’t as good a fit for them as they’d first anticipated, either, which I think is a fantastic message about trying new things and adjusting expectations.
- There’s a little bit of something for everyone in terms of these characters, and together, they’re quite a squad! Every knight needs a crew, after all, right? Max is the supposed hero from the first book trying to come to terms with what it means to be, and continue to be, a hero. Along for the ride, though, are all the characters she met in book one, who are having similar struggles. We get some fun new characters, though, too, like this delightful old wizard, Seymour, who is, for lack of a better description, quite the character. I loved having the chance to see the old characters return and see their growth while at the same time being able to meet new ones. The two are married together marvelously, and I look forward to seeing where the next adventure will take this cast.
- Can we just take a moment to appreciate Peirce’s rhyming skill and ability to spin up some really neat prophecies? I love me a good prophecy. In fact, it’s one of my favorite things about middle grade books. Sure, adult books have prophecies, but they’re almost never the fun, catchy, rhyming sort that just stick with you after you’ve laid down a book. I absolutely love Peirce’s rhymes in this series, including the prophecies! They’re so much fun, and they really stick in your mind. I had the benefit of being introduced to poetry I loved at a young age, and I think it’s something a lot of kids today don’t get, so I always enjoy seeing just a few rhyming couplets that kids can grip onto that later I can point to and be like, “See? Poetry can be fun!” This book series definitely delivers on that!
January 21, 2021
Max is training to be a knight and she has a substitute teacher which is not a good thing. One of her friends casts a spell to make books duplicate and one goes really wrong and starts to duplicate the student with an evil twin. As the evil spreads and all of the townspeople are replaced with the evil Bodkins and the kids must figure out who is who. This was a quick page-turner and laugh out loud funny and a quick and easy read for reluctant readers since it combines paragraphs along with cute graphics.
June 22, 2021
Fun middle grade fantasy/graphic. The story is good with action and clever sight gags and puns. It's a good addition to middle grade (4th and up - 3rd for good readers) fantasy and a quick read. More to come.
January 15, 2021
Keep 'em coming, Lincoln Peirce! I'm not usually a graphic novel reader but adore this series.
January 21, 2021
Read aloud with anthony
Read
February 15, 2021The book was very good!It had a lot of mystery and adventure
January 25, 2021
Daniel aged 8 has given this a straight 5 stars. "It was really exciting and it built up suspense. The characters were really good and it was very funny. They each wanted to do different things. It was a bit silly too and made me laugh"
May 3, 2021
Max is a little discouraged about knight school currently. It is proving to be actual hard work. And her new teacher isn't very nice to her. She's starting to doubt whether she's really cut out for knight stuff when the King calls her and the rest of the Midknights in for a special quest. Bodkins are invading the land, kidnapping people to the land of Knot, and taking their place. And they are all evil. Can Max and friends rescue those who have been kidnapped and stop the bodkin invasion before it gets worse? And will they be able to tell who has already been swapped out by a bodkin?
I like how Max and friends are being developed character-wise while they get to go on a new quest. I especially like how Max is learning that just because someone is your top competitor in a subject, that doesn't mean they have to be an enemy. This series is a nice blend of a few paragraphs of normal text on a page with graphic novel boxes. It is a really great format for kids who are struggling or reluctant readers. It gives them confidence that they can tackle paragraphs of text, while also not making it an overwhelming amount. Adults can rest assured that Max and friends are learning lessons about friendship skills, and rest in the knowledge that Max doesn't like to use violence to solve things. Highly recommended.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Some ill intent but no one is actually badly hurt, and actual fighting is usually avoided.
I like how Max and friends are being developed character-wise while they get to go on a new quest. I especially like how Max is learning that just because someone is your top competitor in a subject, that doesn't mean they have to be an enemy. This series is a nice blend of a few paragraphs of normal text on a page with graphic novel boxes. It is a really great format for kids who are struggling or reluctant readers. It gives them confidence that they can tackle paragraphs of text, while also not making it an overwhelming amount. Adults can rest assured that Max and friends are learning lessons about friendship skills, and rest in the knowledge that Max doesn't like to use violence to solve things. Highly recommended.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Some ill intent but no one is actually badly hurt, and actual fighting is usually avoided.
November 9, 2022
Another good one in the series, which has just the right mixx of 'serious' adventure and comedy, story and illustration (and mixx is the plural of mix, I've decided after a typo). This one is perhaps a little scary for young readers-- the 'bodkins' of the title are evil doppelgangers, and that's kind of a terrifying premise. But it's handled well and the result is fun and imagination-boosting. Good strong series; my kids and I are looking forward to new ones.
As an example of the kind of joke you and your kids can both get behind: the nerdy writer stand-in character says that a bad guy's story is 'pure fiction' and another character says, 'and he knows fiction; he's a LIBRARIAN!!" Yes! Show some love for the librarians!
As an example of the kind of joke you and your kids can both get behind: the nerdy writer stand-in character says that a bad guy's story is 'pure fiction' and another character says, 'and he knows fiction; he's a LIBRARIAN!!" Yes! Show some love for the librarians!
February 13, 2024
I enjoyed this so much more than the first book. The voice acting was great, and the sound effects really added to the story. The modern references were not as jarring in this book as well. I am greatly looking forward to the next book.
August 9, 2022
It's even better than the first book. I loved it! It has even more jokes this time , I just cant get enough of this book.
October 11, 2022
The audiobook is sooo good! My 5 year old loves it. I do too. Girl power kind of book. Max is a girl :)
September 9, 2025
This was a fantastic sequel. These books should be read in order. The audio book is an immersive experience and I recommend that format. I love the two new characters introduced Sedgwick and Seymour! I love that the Midknights have found their special talents to contribute to their group. I love this books plot and problem. Very entertaining. It was witty, funny, and wholesome. Listen with the whole family!
SPOILERS and book notes:
Max is in knight school, Millie is apprentice sorceries to Mumblin. Kevin opened a library open to the public! With a grand total of one book lol. The one he wrote of their adventure. And then Simon quite knight school! Bc he visited Kevin’s dad Nolin and found he had a gift and passion for horses!! But all four are still midnights!!! And what a perfectly diverse group! Millie duplicates Kevin’s one book so there are multiple copies! The king Conrad is welcoming another queen monarch. Then an evil duplicate book of Kevin’s come to life! It is a link to a shadow world full of bodkins (basically evil twins of everyone). “My body kin to yours” that is why they are named that. Seymour (mumblins crazy wizard friend). Tells the story of how they were created. They each have something weird about something weird about them so you can tell they are the evil twin and not real thing. I like Sedgwick the knight! He is the golden boy but super kind! AND picks max as his partner for the competition. Where a cloud takes him to the middle of no where and they have to find their way back. To save Mille and Sedgwick from the world of the bodkins, Simon and max and Kevin are disguised as dwarves. Plot twist! Kevin was a bodkin the whole time too! They defeat the bodkins and send them home but MAX’s wasn’t a bodkin but her real Twin sister Mary! They need to go find her now!
SPOILERS and book notes:
Max is in knight school, Millie is apprentice sorceries to Mumblin. Kevin opened a library open to the public! With a grand total of one book lol. The one he wrote of their adventure. And then Simon quite knight school! Bc he visited Kevin’s dad Nolin and found he had a gift and passion for horses!! But all four are still midnights!!! And what a perfectly diverse group! Millie duplicates Kevin’s one book so there are multiple copies! The king Conrad is welcoming another queen monarch. Then an evil duplicate book of Kevin’s come to life! It is a link to a shadow world full of bodkins (basically evil twins of everyone). “My body kin to yours” that is why they are named that. Seymour (mumblins crazy wizard friend). Tells the story of how they were created. They each have something weird about something weird about them so you can tell they are the evil twin and not real thing. I like Sedgwick the knight! He is the golden boy but super kind! AND picks max as his partner for the competition. Where a cloud takes him to the middle of no where and they have to find their way back. To save Mille and Sedgwick from the world of the bodkins, Simon and max and Kevin are disguised as dwarves. Plot twist! Kevin was a bodkin the whole time too! They defeat the bodkins and send them home but MAX’s wasn’t a bodkin but her real Twin sister Mary! They need to go find her now!
January 7, 2021
Max has achieved her dream of becoming a knight. But Knight school isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The teacher, Sir Brickbat, doesn’t think she should be there and one of the students, Sedgewick seems to have allied with the teacher. To make matters worse, all the other MIdknights have found their passions. Millie is dealing with magic, Kevyn is working in the library, Simon is working with horses. Max hasn’t found hers yet. When the group duplicates a book in Kevyn’s library, they unwittingly unleash the Bodkins. Bodkins (or bodykins) are the evil duplicates that everyone has. When Sedgewick gets sucked into the Bodkins’ dimension while on a training mission with Max. Max feels obligated to save Sedgewick and set things right. Will she and the others succeed? The plot is well-crafted, humorous, and engaging. The characters are easy to relate to, flawed, and complement each other well. The world building is complete and realistic. The illustrations are mixed throughout and work well with the text. Fans of Lincoln Peirce, Big Nate, knights, historical fiction, and adventure will enjoy reading this book.
October 30, 2020
Lincoln Peirce understands reluctant and motivated readers. The Big Nate series is a go-to anytime a kid is required to read a book for fun but tells me they don't really like reading. The mixture of comic panels and text help make the reads less intimidating. The plots are straightforward but also are a little deeper than your average commercial middle grade read. Max and the Midknights series is perfect for fans of the original Big Nate series, Dork Diaries, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, or Captain Underpants fans ready to read on a higher level.
The story problem is one that many kids will relate to. Max doesn't think she is ready or good enough to be a knight. This is reinforced by her interactions with the new teacher at the knight school and her failures as she solves the bodkin problem. Throughout the story, she encounters situations with no easy solution, and she can see that knights aren't perfect, and that is okay.
Definitely, a must-order for libraries. Many kids are already Big Nate fans, which is an easy story to introduce to more reluctant readers.
The story problem is one that many kids will relate to. Max doesn't think she is ready or good enough to be a knight. This is reinforced by her interactions with the new teacher at the knight school and her failures as she solves the bodkin problem. Throughout the story, she encounters situations with no easy solution, and she can see that knights aren't perfect, and that is okay.
Definitely, a must-order for libraries. Many kids are already Big Nate fans, which is an easy story to introduce to more reluctant readers.
February 11, 2021
Max continues her adventures in book two. Her friends all seem to be succeeding in their chosen paths; Millie is becoming a pretty good wizard, Kevyn is creating a library, and Simon has become an apprentice at the stables, but Max is struggling. She was doing good in Knight School until Sir Gadabout had to go on a mission for the king, and the new teacher doesn't think girls can be knights. Joining her uncle for a feast at the castle, the visiting queen tells Max that her copy of the book is a bodkin. Going to Mumblin for advice sends her on a quest to rescue the dwarves of Tresk and prevent the bodkins in the land of Knot from entering their world and taking over Byjovia. Filled with many puns, a few crude jokes, and a lot of self promotion, this is a delightful book for children who just want to be themselves and go on an adventure.
August 29, 2023
Since I'm not a 10 year old reluctant reader, I generally stop after the first in series like this. But I'm glad that I didn't. Funny, clever, intelligent, heartwarming, & exciting. Rounded up to four stars for a few reasons:
First, I'm going to continue the series.
Second, there's a scene where a book forms a face that speaks words of doom, and the uncle says "And people wonder why I'm a reluctant reader."
Third, there's the warning that we can't encourage the public to start spying on their neighbors, or we'll be seeing bodkins everywhere... just like Stalin had people reporting millions of their neighbors.
Definitely recommended to the target audience and family. And, btw, it does catch one up if they've missed the first, but it really would be better to start at the beginning.
First, I'm going to continue the series.
Second, there's a scene where a book forms a face that speaks words of doom, and the uncle says "And people wonder why I'm a reluctant reader."
Third, there's the warning that we can't encourage the public to start spying on their neighbors, or we'll be seeing bodkins everywhere... just like Stalin had people reporting millions of their neighbors.
Definitely recommended to the target audience and family. And, btw, it does catch one up if they've missed the first, but it really would be better to start at the beginning.
October 14, 2020
I received an eARC courtesy of Crown Books for Young Readers/Random House Children's & NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
It is no surprise that this book already has a wait list at my library & after previewing it I can say that kids will not be disappointed with the wait. Though they might be immensely frustrated having to wait for book 3! This book definitely lives up to the silliness of the first book. Kids are going to be thrilled to join in on this new adventure as we get to meet some Bodkins and get a little glimpse at the mystery surrounding Max's past. This book is not one I personally thrill at, but kids are going to love it A LOT!
For Libraries: Goodness, if you don't already have this one on order-buy it!
It is no surprise that this book already has a wait list at my library & after previewing it I can say that kids will not be disappointed with the wait. Though they might be immensely frustrated having to wait for book 3! This book definitely lives up to the silliness of the first book. Kids are going to be thrilled to join in on this new adventure as we get to meet some Bodkins and get a little glimpse at the mystery surrounding Max's past. This book is not one I personally thrill at, but kids are going to love it A LOT!
For Libraries: Goodness, if you don't already have this one on order-buy it!
December 28, 2020
Max and her friends are back in this second Midknights book. They’ve all started down the paths to their future careers – Max is in knight school, Millie is learning magic, Kevyn is starting a Library, and Simon has discovered he has a gift with horses. They’re going to have to use their talents again to save Byjovia, because they’re about to be attacked by doppelgangers from another dimension (otherwise known as Bodkins). Each Bodkin is the evil twin of someone in Byjovia, and they are determined to take back what they think should be theirs. The Midknights have to use their powers of perception to sniff out the Bodkins and protect their kingdom. Another fun and exciting installment in the Midknights series – fans will be delighted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2021
After saving Byjovia in the last book, the Midknights split up to pursue their passions. Max is trying to survive knight school alone, with a sexist teacher, and a boy, Sedgwick, who always seems to one up her.
But then the MidKnights are reunited when they discover Bodkins are kidnapping citizens. Bodkins are the evil twin versions of all the Byjovians, and though they always have a slight defect, it can be hard to tell who is real and who is Bodkin. Can the gang save Byjovia again and detect the evil that is lurking among them?
Same funny antics and humor as the first book. It makes me laugh out loud and I’m sure kids will love this too. The first book is my go to recommendation for chapter book for kids.
December 28, 2021
Max is a young girl at knight school and her teacher looks down on her for being a girl, saying that she'll never be a knight. He's not the only one to doubt her, but Max has many moments of doubting herself. However, when the kingdom of Byjovia is threatened, King Conrad sends Max and her fellow midknights to save the day. Against all sorts of magic and spells and a whole other parallel world almost, will Max and her friends be able to pull this battle off?
This graphic novel had all the fun elements of medieval adventure: knights, a sorcerer, flying creatures and villains in abundance with lots of humor to match. I liked that Max is a girl and she's a tough one at that. This is a medieval quest boys and girls alike would love.
This graphic novel had all the fun elements of medieval adventure: knights, a sorcerer, flying creatures and villains in abundance with lots of humor to match. I liked that Max is a girl and she's a tough one at that. This is a medieval quest boys and girls alike would love.
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