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Squire & Knight #1
Squire & Knight
A young squire tackles mysteries, monsters and magic, but the inept knight he serves takes the credit. Every time.
Squire is brainy, bookish, and terribly under-appreciated by the brawny, inept knight Sir Kelton, who somehow always gets all the glory. So when the two mismatched heroes find themselves in a cursed village plagued by a demonic dragon, Kelton rides off to slay it and Squire stays behind to catch up on some reading. But Squire starts to notice that something isn’t quite right about this town . . . Can he uncover its strange secrets?
Squire is brainy, bookish, and terribly under-appreciated by the brawny, inept knight Sir Kelton, who somehow always gets all the glory. So when the two mismatched heroes find themselves in a cursed village plagued by a demonic dragon, Kelton rides off to slay it and Squire stays behind to catch up on some reading. But Squire starts to notice that something isn’t quite right about this town . . . Can he uncover its strange secrets?
176 pages, Hardcover
First published May 9, 2023
10 people are currently reading
1011 people want to read
About the author
Scott Chantler
32 books103 followersScott Chantler is the acclaimed cartoonist of the graphic novels SQUIRE& KNIGHT, BIX, TWO GENERALS (which was long-listed for CBC’s CANADA READS: TRUE STORIES, named one of Chapters-Indigo’s Best Books of 2010, and selected for BEST AMERICAN COMICS 2012), NORTHWEST PASSAGE (which was nominated for Eisner, Harvey, Shuster, and Doug Wright Awards), and the THREE THIEVES series (the first book of which, TOWER OF TREASURE, won the Joe Shuster Award for Best Comic for Kids).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
June 4, 2023
So completely charming! The squire is an absolute cutie- so clever and long-suffering! Sir Kelton is such a big . . . knight. And the dragon? *chef's kiss* I loved the style of the art as well as the story, and I hope that there's more!
June 11, 2023
A brilliant graphic novel for 7-11 year-olds. Great art, great story. Full of magic and adventure and humour. The perfect next read for fans of Amulet and Lightfall.
June 22, 2023
A clever little story about a competent, intelligent squire and the blowhard knight he serves coming to a town vexed by a dragon. While the knight jumps in sword a-swinging, the squire tries to take in the bigger picture.
I've enjoyed Chantler's other books, and I'm glad to see that this might be the first in a new series. I'd be happy for a return visit with this duo.
I've enjoyed Chantler's other books, and I'm glad to see that this might be the first in a new series. I'd be happy for a return visit with this duo.
November 16, 2023
A simple, exceedingly well told little fantasy adventure. Squire & Knight is right in Scott Chantler's sweet spot, with appealing, detailed art, amusing characters, and a few small surprises in an otherwise standard tale.
A bookish squire tags along with a manly-man knight as they discover a small town that's possibly being hounded by a dragon. The knight sets off to kill the dragon; the squire thinks maybe something else is going on. A series of misadventures see the squire saving the day - and potentially setting up a new series for Chantler. I'd happily follow the squire and knight on further adventures!
A bookish squire tags along with a manly-man knight as they discover a small town that's possibly being hounded by a dragon. The knight sets off to kill the dragon; the squire thinks maybe something else is going on. A series of misadventures see the squire saving the day - and potentially setting up a new series for Chantler. I'd happily follow the squire and knight on further adventures!
December 26, 2023
This is another fun graphic novel. It has the feel of an adventure for most of the book and then it ends like a mystery novel does. The squire has that "ah-ha" moment and then saves the people. I found it fun that he himself didn't get the credit. It adds a twist to the story that most adventure stories don't have.
April 1, 2025
Dragon is so relatable.
July 9, 2023
Cute!!!!
April 3, 2024
Des personnages attachants et un style de dessin qui accroche le regard. Une lecture tout en humour qui déborde de personnalité.
February 16, 2023
The dragon within this graphic novel absolutely made my day. It turns out that I'm able to share a sense of humor with a dragon which, frankly, seemed fitting. The illustrations were well done, and I loved all of the entertaining twists and turns that Scott Chantler took me on. Reading this ARC definitely ensured that this one will be finding its way into our middle-grade graphic novel collection!
If you need to see one panel that I hope will get you to read this, it's the one below:
If you need to see one panel that I hope will get you to read this, it's the one below:
December 7, 2023
Squire & Knight is a fun middle grade novel that had me smiling and hoping that the author comes back to these characters. They are so easy to love and the story was so easy to fall into because of that.
Knight is one of those characters who is so full of himself and you want to hate but you can't. He reaches that point where he is so ridiculous that you have to laugh at how much confidence this man has.
Squire is such an intelligent young kid. He has a curiousity to learn and wants to figure out things without brut force. I was fascinated by how he approached things and set out to figure everything out.
The muted tones in this were beautiful. These are not colors I'm typically fond of, but the way they were used and the tone of them added so much to the story. The way the colors were used to show how much light there was was perfect. I was so drawn to not only the color, but the style. The style added to the fun by making sure every character stood out and had their own characteristic that made them special.
As mentioned, I really do hope the author comes back to these characters. The ending was open enough and there is so much that I feel like could be explored in this world.
Anyone interested in graphic novels, middle grade, then I'd recommend picking this one up. It's a quick, fun journey.
Knight is one of those characters who is so full of himself and you want to hate but you can't. He reaches that point where he is so ridiculous that you have to laugh at how much confidence this man has.
Squire is such an intelligent young kid. He has a curiousity to learn and wants to figure out things without brut force. I was fascinated by how he approached things and set out to figure everything out.
The muted tones in this were beautiful. These are not colors I'm typically fond of, but the way they were used and the tone of them added so much to the story. The way the colors were used to show how much light there was was perfect. I was so drawn to not only the color, but the style. The style added to the fun by making sure every character stood out and had their own characteristic that made them special.
As mentioned, I really do hope the author comes back to these characters. The ending was open enough and there is so much that I feel like could be explored in this world.
Anyone interested in graphic novels, middle grade, then I'd recommend picking this one up. It's a quick, fun journey.
October 28, 2023
A fun, magical adventure. Loved the illustrations and color scheme.
March 26, 2025
Squire & Knight
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 6.85/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 8
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 6
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .5 (3.5/5) or 6.85/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 7
Writing - 8
Plot - 7
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 6
July 25, 2025
A story about characters from Walt Disney's The Sword in the Stone
When I began Squire & Knight I instantly recognized the pictures of the two titular characters. In 1963 Disney released a movie called The Sword in the Stone loosely based on the book by that name that is the first volume of The Once and Future King by T.H. White. No story passes through Disney's hands intact, and White's classic was no exception. Disney published a short comic book version of the story that I read at the age of seven. (Many years later I read The Once and Future King.) Scott Chantler, I am confident, read this same comic book. Indeed, he himself writes
The plot of Squire & Knight, however, owes nothing to The Sword in the Stone. He describes it as "T.H. White plays Dungeons & Dragons with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle". That is a reference to Sherlock Holmes. Squire & Knight is a mystery, and you can probably guess to which of the two characters -- one based on "brainy" Wart and the other on overbearing Sir Kay -- to which of the two the solution of the mystery falls.
The story and mystery are not bad. However, I was not thrilled with how they were told. There is a sort of rule in mystery books that the reader is supposed to know everything the sleuth knows that allows him to solve the mystery. With one exception, I didn't see most of the clues that Squire used to figure out the mystery. It is very likely that this was my fault. I am not a visual thinker and am not terribly fond of graphic novels. If there were subtle visual clues, I probably missed them. However that may be, Squire's solution of the mystery seemed to me to come out of nowhere.
Blog review.
When I began Squire & Knight I instantly recognized the pictures of the two titular characters. In 1963 Disney released a movie called The Sword in the Stone loosely based on the book by that name that is the first volume of The Once and Future King by T.H. White. No story passes through Disney's hands intact, and White's classic was no exception. Disney published a short comic book version of the story that I read at the age of seven. (Many years later I read The Once and Future King.) Scott Chantler, I am confident, read this same comic book. Indeed, he himself writes
The title characters were inspired by brainy, sensitive "Wart" and his overbearing brother Sir Kay, in T.H. White's classic novel The Sword in the Stone, ...Although Chantler doesn't specifically reference the Disney comic, his Sir Kelton so closely resembles Sir Kay of Walt Disney's The Sword in the Stone that I feel confident he has seen that as well.
The plot of Squire & Knight, however, owes nothing to The Sword in the Stone. He describes it as "T.H. White plays Dungeons & Dragons with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle". That is a reference to Sherlock Holmes. Squire & Knight is a mystery, and you can probably guess to which of the two characters -- one based on "brainy" Wart and the other on overbearing Sir Kay -- to which of the two the solution of the mystery falls.
The story and mystery are not bad. However, I was not thrilled with how they were told. There is a sort of rule in mystery books that the reader is supposed to know everything the sleuth knows that allows him to solve the mystery. With one exception, I didn't see most of the clues that Squire used to figure out the mystery. It is very likely that this was my fault. I am not a visual thinker and am not terribly fond of graphic novels. If there were subtle visual clues, I probably missed them. However that may be, Squire's solution of the mystery seemed to me to come out of nowhere.
Blog review.
October 3, 2023
This book is loosely based on T. H. White's The Sword in the Stone but with the Squire getting less respect and no name. Squire and Knight are traveling when they come to Bridgetown; Bridgetown seems to be under a dastardly curse as everything is going terribly wrong. Its namesake bridge is destroyed. The townspeople blame a dragon! Knight swears to avenge the townspeople and bring the dragon's hoard back, too. Squire isn't so sure.
Curses, ghosts, dead wizards, and dragons...oh my! The more Squire thinks about the problems the village is having, the more things don't make sense. I didn't solve the mystery before Squire did. The snarky dragon made me feel a bit better about that though. Here's to hoping there are further adventures of Squire & Knight!
Curses, ghosts, dead wizards, and dragons...oh my! The more Squire thinks about the problems the village is having, the more things don't make sense. I didn't solve the mystery before Squire did. The snarky dragon made me feel a bit better about that though. Here's to hoping there are further adventures of Squire & Knight!
October 24, 2022
Fun graphic novel for middle-grade readers.
Squire and Knight has lovely artwork and an interesting plot. The two set out to fight mythical creatures and save villagers, and, as is often the case, the young squire does all the work and the knight gets all the credit.
I loved the artwork. My favourite secondary character is the dog - certainly no surprise there.
Can't wait to see what the two are up to next.
Squire and Knight has lovely artwork and an interesting plot. The two set out to fight mythical creatures and save villagers, and, as is often the case, the young squire does all the work and the knight gets all the credit.
I loved the artwork. My favourite secondary character is the dog - certainly no surprise there.
Can't wait to see what the two are up to next.
December 12, 2022
I would first like to thank Netgalley and First Second Publishers for sending me this E-arc in return for an honest review.
I quite enjoyed this tale, it was cute and funny with the banter between the knight and the village. As we see the main character try and solve the villagers problems, and if it is really all related to the dragon that is looming nearby. It was a quick read, and one I know many children will enjoy reading. It made me laugh, and wish there was more to read.
I quite enjoyed this tale, it was cute and funny with the banter between the knight and the village. As we see the main character try and solve the villagers problems, and if it is really all related to the dragon that is looming nearby. It was a quick read, and one I know many children will enjoy reading. It made me laugh, and wish there was more to read.
June 20, 2023
Cute story in graphic novel style. The little squire solves the problems, negotiates peace, saves the village, but as per usual, the knight gets the credit. The illustrations and the characters make this a fun read.
November 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this. The art is fantastic and it's a great story. I loved the dragon! And the dog Shadow. The knight is a bit of tool but I suppose that's the point. Did the librarian remind anyone else of Giles from Buffy when he was turned into a creature?
July 26, 2024
I loved this so much! It has neat, old fashioned-looking art, filled with wonderful creatures (the Clerk! Steve!). It had great comedic timing--the dialogue made me laugh out loud. I could immediately imagine how the characters' voices would sound, especially Sir Kelton, the Clerk, and the dragon. I loved that the Squire's clear head, patience, and research ultimately saved the day. I can't wait to read the next one in October.
January 28, 2024
A likeable story about a squire who is quietly more heroic than the affable meathead he serves, and a dragon who is more than he seems. A great companion read to Max and the Midnights and Dungeon Critters.
August 25, 2024
An amusing story in which a bumbling, boastful knight is accompanied by a much wiser, quite bookish squire. In the classic question of which is better, brains or brawn, a marauding dragon will help decide the victor.
September 21, 2024
A fun, irreverent middle grade graphic novel about a squire who must use logic to solve a town's dragon problem when the knight's attempt amounts to little more than bluff and bluster. A full cast of loveable characters.
January 26, 2023
Galerada de Netgalley
June 20, 2023
Fun & Fabulous! Squire & Knight is lovely to look at, and the comics are a master class in perspective and comic art, but better than that - the story is funny and engaging and the characters - especially Squire and the Dragon - are fabulous! Loved it!
June 30, 2023
Heroes come in all shapes & sizes. The dragons funny though lol.
March 29, 2025
"Give me an hour. Promise me you won't eat anybody before then."
May 23, 2025
Henry loved it. The dragon had great personality. The story was nothing new, but it's a kids book. Not on the level of Dogman but enjoyable and simple for him to understand the message
October 7, 2025
extra star for GOOD DRAGON DESIGN!!!
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November 16, 2023
Absolutely adorable.
October 21, 2023
Very enjoyable. I’ll definitely be following this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews