Max and the Midknights: The Tower of Time

Max and the Midknights #3

by Lincoln Peirce

"Max's twin is public enemy number one, and it is up to the Midknights to avoid looming dangers like trolls and pirates to find her before time runs out."--

Genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Humor, Middle Grade, Adventure, Fiction, Childrens

288 pages, Paperback

Published September 3, 2024

About the author

Lincoln 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.

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all the questions posed at the end of Max and the Midknights: Battle of the Bodkins, the wait for the final book in the series, The Tower of Time, couldn't have been more exciting, especially the anticipation of seeing more of Max’s long-lost twin sister Mary in action. And this conclusion to Lincoln Peirce's medieval trilogy certainly delivered in the same way as its predecessors, even if there's still so much of Max's story and world that can be explored. The book’s endpaper features another one-page comic, this time with Nate boasting about how much he likes the new book to Francis. Unlike its predecessors, the book also features a full comic prologue with Mary recounting her encounter with Max in Battle of the Bodkins to her adult guardian, later revealed to be named Perrin. Max ponders on whether she should go on a quest to find her sister, before she encounters Seymour wearing an enchanted armor designed to detect threats to King Conrad. Unfortunately, it doesn't affect the plot later on, nor does Seymour appear again, a stark contrast to the previous book.

Conrad and Sir Gababout tell Max about how they suspect Mary and Perrin are from Klunk, a rival kingdom of Byjovia whose people are said to be violent. Max decides to learn more about Mary by getting Mumblin to use a spell to take her to the past, but he is unable to do so, deciding to use his magic grapefruit to disclose their current location at a mountain called the Lion's Mane instead. Despite warnings from all the adults not to go to Klunk, Max defies their orders and decides to go herself before the other Midknights (and Sedgewick) catch up. Peirce's jokes are as hilarious and metafictional as ever, from characters mentioning the book and even the page previous events happened to Kevyn referencing Internet trolls prior to a battle with actual trolls. It also becomes increasingly clear that Max has feelings for Sedgewick, which comes to a head in a dramatic scene between the characters in Bentley's Pass, an alternate world that briefly makes them lazier and more irritable.

Max eventually separates from the other Midknights and encounters pirates, which I initially thought was the biggest anachronism in the series yet, making it harder to suspend disbelief. But after some quick research, I discovered that medieval pirates were in fact a thing, making it more of an uncommon history topic I thought was fascinating to see Peirce explore. Cap'n Scab turning from an apparent villain to a clumsy, yet well-meaning ally was also a fun twist. Mumblin is soon forced to help the other Midknights reunite with Max, where they meet Beatrice, Mumblin's new lover who tells them about the titular Tower of Time, which enables travel to the past. They also meet Mary once again, beginning the typical sibling rivalry between her and Max that gradually calms down in endearing ways as the twins work together to find out what happened to their parents. It's also fun to see Max's hat make a significant return to help tell the twins apart.

After only Max, Mary and Kevyn are able to get into the tower, in another unexpected twist, they discover that their guide to the past is none other than an allegedly reformed Gastley. As the three of them travel through the past, they discover that Conrad attempted to unite Byjovia and Klunk through the marriage of Sir Reginald of Byjovia and Princess Emeline of Klunk. However, he was manipulated by Reginald, who was actually a Klunkin conspiring with King Rotgut of Klunk to destroy Byjovia. There's great tension established by Max and Mary's belief that they are related to the villainous Reginald and Rotgut, until they discover that their father was actually Reginald's squire Clayton. In what is without a doubt the best joke in the series, Max, Mary and Kevyn briefly end up in Nate's time while time traveling, with Mary even calling it weird. It does pose an interesting unanswered question considering the previously established metafiction: is Max and the Midknights just a book series in the Big Nate universe, or did the events of the series also happen within Nate's world during the Middle Ages?

Gastley’s character arc turns from a hinted at redemption story to a truly recurring villain, attempting to use his newly accessed time travel shenanigans to change the past so that Max was never born, and he remains King of Byjovia, only to meet a more permanent fate. To stop Gastley’s plan, Max and Mary are forced to intervene in the past at the moment in which Rotgut sends his forces to apprehend Clayton and Emeline after they fled from Klunk, before they separate the twins to make Rotgut's search more difficult. To ensure that the flow of time is preserved, Max causes a bootstrap paradox involving a library card Kevyn gave her, a time travel concept that I thought was fascinating to see Peirce do. The book culminates in the Midknights rescuing Clayton and Emeline from Rotgut's clutches and ousting him from power, creating heartfelt developments for Max’s family as they reunite. The book also features a full comic epilogue that actually opens the door for future stories rather than feeling like a true end to the series. What happens between Max and Sedgewick? Do Clayton and Emeline join Mary, Max and the Midknights on their future quests? Even if it's not a fourth installment, it would be certainly interesting to see Peirce continue exploring the wonderfully crafted world of Max and the Midknights, whatever form it may take.

For more children’s book reviews and other content, check out the blog of a children's book writer and illustrator at the Naimoli Children’s Books Blog!

[Heidi Kuipers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fun series! I hope there are more! Really enjoyed reading out loud to my 11 and 9 year old. Witty with lots of pictures and personality!

[Hallee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, but you have to read the 1st one and 2nd one

[Anthony R. Maduzia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!!!!

I loved it because at the end, when Gastley asked Max for a tip, and Max said, “You want a tip? Try a breath mint!” And Kevyn was like, “Ooh! *chortle!* BURN!!”
I absolutely got SO tickled, that I couldn’t stop laughing for about 5 minutes.

And at the very end when Max and Mary finally found their parents and they reunited their family. It actually made me cry.
I will ALWAYS love your books, Lincoln Peirce! And along with Big Nate!!!

[Jaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun episode in the Max and the Midknights series. The characters are fun and engaging to younger readers. The plot is predictable as a middle grade, but the humor keeps the pace moving nicely. My students enjoy this series as a read aloud.

[Kallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

My kids really wanted to read the third Max and the Midnights, but I was not sure. When I gave in, they read it in one night and are continuing to love Lincoln Peirce!

[Sam Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it was a awesome book
bravoLincoln pierce💯🥹🥹🥹😘

[Angela Giannuzzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING

it was a great story and such a funny read. My favorite pert was when kyven got turned into a cat and was about to play with a ball of yarn. super fun and great to listen to on audible

[Jaymie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun story and a fun series. Loved this new installment. These books are chock full of action and adventure! Sometimes graphic novels can be unsatisfying because they feel like they are over too soon. Not the case here in this hybrid series (some prose, some illustrated panels). I highly recommend this series!

[Wade Huggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and the Midknights The Tower of Time is the third installment of Midknights series. The setting of this book is in medieval times with different adventures, silliness, puns and antics that readers will enjoy as the characters try to save those who are important to the characters. The text is written in black and white comic strip fashion with small sections of paragraphing that will appeal to the reluctant reader. The main characters present as white but many supporting characters are diverse.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max is trying to find her newly discovered twin sister and find out where they both came from. Max thinks time travel is the best option, but of course nothing is easy when trying to learn about the past especially in a land full of pirates, and angsty kings, and bumbling magicians. And is Max even ready to actually meet this sister of hers?

A fun adventure with Max and the Midknights that is wild and crazy (as expected) and humorous. This series is done in a nice blend of graphic novel panels and regular text (though it is in a large font, which I like...every once in a while I need large font for kids with visual acuity issues and it is hard to find those for Secondary unless you get actual large print books). Hand this to kids who enjoy mysterious pasts, secret twins, swashbuckling duels, impossible quests, and plenty of goofy antics along the way.

Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond some handholding and implied kissing off page (only by adults). One person might have been killed by falling into boiling water (not shown). Threats by weapons and such but most everything works out nonviolently.

[Wilson Zhao · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book to read through the weekend as I've followed through the entire series since Max and the Midknights volume 1.

This book kept my attention the entire way through, and although I haven't read a book in this series since the beginning of COVID-19, the read was refreshing and I remembered exactly what had happened before this book in the series was published. Although this book was very cartoonish, with comic panels and short paragraphs scattered through the pages, the book's plot still inspired me and many other readers. What you want to achieve is never impossible, and the trouble you go through isn't troublesome at all with the company of friends.

[Jeremiah K · Rating 1 out of 5]

good

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a fantastic conclusion to the trilogy. This one had me feeling all the feels. I teared up. I loved the sweet themes of found family and friendship found in every book of the trilogy. There is just such sweet love in these silly books. Don’t get me wrong, this book is still hilarious and goofy. It is both magical and witty too. I love all the modern idioms that Kevin discovered and the power of a library card. The audiobook is the way to go! It is one of the best performances I have heard. It is perfect for a family road trip. The series must be read in order though. The books are short and pure entertainment.

SPOILERS and book notes:
Can I ship Sedgwick and max? I mean he might be the newest member of the midknights…. Millie learned “snap spells” from Mumblin. They are spells that wear off quickly once cast. Simon still is with the horses. Mumblin still uses fruit for his magic. Mary is from klunk. A closed off kingdom that hate BYjovians. The 5 midnights are going to find her!! King Conrad wants peace with the klunks! But NOPE. They are facing trolls! Millie produced meatloaf smelling fire and Kevin had the business idea of scented candles. No one liked it. lol. Sedgwick gets turned into an apple and so they have to figure out which apple is him and which is just an apple! They call Mumblin with the fruit and which ever one he answers is the real fruit! Mary is a wanted criminal with wanted posters of her . And people think max is her!!! Max gets kidnapped by pirates. A captain Scab! They get swallowed by a whale. His motto: “if you ever need a pirate, pick scab!” Bruce the dragon pulls max out of a whale! Max totally loves Sedgwick. Thinks about kissing him and hugging him. Millie accidentally turns Kevin into a cat. Max and Mary’s parents end up being a peasant from Byjovia and a princess from Klunk! But the princess dad is evil and was mad for her marring the peasant and messing up his plan so he sent guards after them so that is why they gave up the babies! To keep them safe! Now they are going to rescue them from an awful prison. They only find their dad! And he wants to free the other prisoners too! The dad is so sweet to them with out knowing they are his daughters. They have to save the mom now! In the middle of a boiling lake! Captain scab sails them there! The mom and dad hadn’t seen each other for ten years!!! They had the sweetest reunion! And with their girls. They are a family again! King Conrad made the dad a knight!!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just as enjoyable in its own way as the Big Nate series by this same author/illustrator, this one is filled with puns and sight gags that will have readers chortling or groaning as Max, the would-be knight tries to find the truth behind her origins and how she came to live in the countryside with Mumblin. Gathering her band of Midnights, Max follows a trail of bread crumbs in order to learn about Rotgut, the king of Klunk. Along the way, she meets her twin, a witch or two, and must solve some riddles. She's also able to travel back in time with Kevyn and her sister to get to the bottom of the mystery. Fans of the series--this is the third one!--and the characters will relish all the adventure with pirates, magic, trolls as well as a side dish describing the crush that Max is nursing on one of her friends. The character development is strong, and the plot is cyclical since the library card Kevyn presents to Max turns out to be important in the end. There are laughs aplenty in this graphic novel's pages as well as some surprises and some dastardly individuals. If anyone is looking for a story that will pick them up and make them smile, this is the one to read.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Tower of Time" was a fun conclusion to this story arc. There was a bit more "romance" in this 3rd book than any book my 3rd grader has ever read but while some of it felt awkward, it was not inappropriate and didn't ruin the series for us. As soon as my son finished, he wanted to start over and also asked about reading the author's "Big Nate" series...which I do have a problem with.

The publisher's audience is ages 8-12 for the "Max and the Midknights" series (but 4th-6th grade). Personally, I think these books were fine for my 9-year old 3rd grader because of the fantasy setting and storyline...but I hate it when "realistic" books about middle school students are marketed to younger elementary-aged children. 8 and 9 year olds are in 2nd and 3rd grade. I don't think it is developmentally appropriate for 2nd and 3rd graders to be reading about the daily problems and issues that middle-school students deal with like in the "Diary Of a Wimpy Kid" franchise or this author's "Big Nate" series, which are both recommended for ages 8-12.p

[Way-Way Pee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third installment of the Max and the Midknights series continues with the troupe of adventurers on their next quest – this time to find Max’s parents through the help of magic, time travel, and some teamwork. This series certainly was fun, and the full-cast audio made it engaging, but, after three consecutive books, I have to admit I’m ready to listen to move on from the Midknights to another set of heroes on their own adventure.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max and the Midknights return, and the epic saga continues as Max tries to stop her look alike from causing more mayhem. Max's search for Mary takes her and the Midnights to the kingdom of Klunk to find the answers to her past, once she discovers that Mary is not only her look alike, but her twin sister, and that they were separated at birth. Adventure and mystery awaits.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are enjoyable reads that are a hybrid between a graphic novel and a regular novel. Great for early readers or resistant readers who prefer heavy on artwork. The characters are fun. The story moves quickly but not rushed. And this one answered a lot of questions. Maybe because it's an ending to the series?

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I think it was my favorite one of the series so far, perhaps because of the family element (that's all I'll say!). I read it aloud to my 8yo son (and sometimes 4yo and 2yo sons), and it was a page-turner! I love the mix of illustrations and text -- reads fairly quickly.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation of Max's story, wherein she meets her twin Mary, and the two journey (along with the other Midknights) to learn more about what happened to their parents. We also learn how Max got her name!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yay for Millie's magic, and for Time Travel (my second favorite sub-genre). But wait, I've returned this and I've already forgotten... did we learn why she's called Max?

If you do read these, do so in order.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series. Max is off to find her twin, Mary, and to find why they were separated and how!

I find this series enjoyable for all ages. It’s a great tale of friendship, strength and overcoming obstacles!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fantastic! Max and company are back, and they are trying to figure out the mystery of Max's twin sister and their past. I love the combination of historical fiction and humor. Pierce knows how to write an excellent plot with awesome twists and turns with fun characters abounding. Loved this one.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great addition to Max and the Midknights series. Humor, adventure and friendship-highly recommend for young elementary readers.

[Aswin Garimalla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book.

[Santiago Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

FUNNY!

[Christopher E P Coleon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it!

This book was very interesting! I think that this book is amazing for 7 to 12 years old but everyone can read it!

[Alexis Marie Chute · Rating 4 out of 5]

My six-year-old son wanted a 5/5 stars for this book. I have to admit, it was wonderfully enjoyable. My favorite part was the library card… but no spoilers!

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max is a good heroine, much better than big nate