Code Name Excalibur

by Jonathan Wright

“Code Name Excalibur”, the first of three books in the Excalibur Series, is an exciting triumphant account of how a young boy transforms into one of the world’s great “spy masters”. His “outside of the box” thinking, compassionate fearlessness, and sheer audacity allows him to prevail against all odds as he challenges fate and charges through a life, filled with fantastic characters, dangerous adversaries and exciting adventures until he is finally forced to make a choice that will define his life and the lives of countless others. But in spite of his heroics, his outrageous antics finally force his admiring Commanding General and mentoring United States Congressman to rein him in for the sake of all concerned. And so, they ship him off to Washington, D.C. for some reining in, and training in, what every spy should know. And, so it was there, behind the hallowed, Kevlar covered walls of the Pentagon, the final transformation took place as the boy was forged into the man they call “Excalibur”.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2020

About the author

Jonathan Wright is a British journalist and literary translator. He studied Arabic, Turkish and Islamic civilization at St John's College, Oxford. He joined Reuters news agency in 1980 as a correspondent, and has been based in the Middle East for most of the last three decades. He has served as Reuters' Cairo bureau chief, and he has lived and worked throughout the region, including in Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Tunisia and the Gulf. From 1998 to 2003, he was based in Washington, DC, covering U.S. foreign policy for Reuters.
Wright came to literary translation comparatively late. His first major work of translation was Taxi, the celebrated book by Egyptian writer Khaled al-Khamissi. This was published by Aflame Books in 2008 and republished by Bloomsbury Qatar in 2012. Since then, he has translated several works including Azazeel and The State of Egypt.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code Name Excalibur launches the Excalibur Series with an energetic and character driven origin story that blends classic spy intrigue with an unconventional coming of age arc. Jonathan Wright crafts a narrative centered not only on espionage and high stakes missions, but on the intellectual and moral formation of a future “spy master.”

What distinguishes this novel is its emphasis on unconventional thinking and compassionate fearlessness. The protagonist’s audacity, adaptability, and refusal to operate within rigid expectations give the story momentum while grounding the action in personal consequence. The cast of mentors, adversaries, and authority figures adds depth, particularly as the narrative shifts from raw adventure to disciplined transformation.

The transition to Washington, D.C., and the Pentagon serves as a pivotal turning point, reframing the story from youthful triumph to strategic refinement. By the novel’s conclusion, Code Name Excalibur delivers not just thrills, but a clear foundation for a larger series concerned with power, responsibility, and the cost of becoming exceptional.

[Elina Vaysbeyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Code Name Excalibur is an ambitious and high energy origin story that blends espionage, adventure, and character growth into a compelling narrative. Jonathan Wright crafts a protagonist whose journey from audacious youth to disciplined intelligence operative is driven by ingenuity, courage, and a willingness to challenge convention.

What makes the story particularly engaging is its focus on transformation. The protagonist’s “outside the box” thinking and fearless compassion set him apart early on, while the pressure to mature and conform adds meaningful tension as the story progresses. The transition to Washington, D.C., and the Pentagon marks a pivotal turning point, grounding the adventure in realism while reinforcing the cost of unchecked brilliance. Code Name Excalibur sets a strong foundation for the series, offering readers a fast paced yet thoughtful introduction to a larger spy saga.