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Dolphin Knight: A Young Adult Fantasy Novel
How can a teenage girl who’s afraid of the water become queen of a kingdom above and beneath the sea? Raised on savage Shark Island, Cryssa Seachild escapes to her true home, a tropical Camelot protected by talking dolphin knights in shining armor. A dolphin knight named Seek helps Cryssa overcome her fear of the water and forge a new destiny as queen of land and sea...but Cryssa struggles with her dual heritage, torn between the ways of dolphins and sharks.
When the people of Shark Island spring a trap to steal back Cryssa, her world explodes in a war between armies of human warriors and sea creatures. Cryssa must risk everything to end the war single-handedly, save the dolphin knight she loves, and forge a brighter tomorrow for the clashing kingdoms.
When the people of Shark Island spring a trap to steal back Cryssa, her world explodes in a war between armies of human warriors and sea creatures. Cryssa must risk everything to end the war single-handedly, save the dolphin knight she loves, and forge a brighter tomorrow for the clashing kingdoms.
- GenresFantasy
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2010
3 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Robert T. Jeschonek
172 books53 followersRobert T. Jeschonek is an award-winning writer whose fiction, comics, essays, articles, and podcasts have been published around the world. His young adult fantasy novel, My Favorite Band Does Not Exist, won the Forward National Literature Award and was named one of Booklist’s Top Ten First Novels for Youth. His cross-genre science fiction thriller, Day 9, is an International Book Award winner. He also won the Scribe Award for Best Original Novel from the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers for his alternate history, Tannhäuser: Rising Sun, Falling Shadows. Simon & Schuster, DAW/Penguin Books, and DC Comics have published his work. He won the grand prize in Pocket Books' nationwide Strange New Worlds contest and was nominated for the British Fantasy Award. Visit him online at www.thefictioneer.com. You can also find him on Facebook and follow him as @TheFictioneer on Twitter. Sign up for the Robert T. Jeschonek newsletter right here: http://eepurl.com/tpKhr
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 27, 2014
I was casually browsing my library's website, when I came across the cover art for this book, and I instantly decided that I had to read it. Look at it. Why wouldn't you?
Somehow, I didn't instantly realize that this is a book geared toward kids, but as soon as I started reading, I did. It sounds just like something I would have written when I was 11 years old. I didn't expect the story to take a turn into and then the even weirder turn at the end with something I was joking to myself about but actually ends up happening . Those things aside, and also the fact that parts of this are rather violent/dark for a kids book, it was a harmless way to spend a couple hours.
Somehow, I didn't instantly realize that this is a book geared toward kids, but as soon as I started reading, I did. It sounds just like something I would have written when I was 11 years old. I didn't expect the story to take a turn into and then the even weirder turn at the end with something I was joking to myself about but actually ends up happening . Those things aside, and also the fact that parts of this are rather violent/dark for a kids book, it was a harmless way to spend a couple hours.
February 23, 2023
On the shores of Shark Island, protagonist Raka dreads her upcoming “Rebirth Day”, a Sharkite ritual that she cannot escape as the princess and heir to the Sharkite throne. However, her paralyzing fear of the water leaves her no choice but to try to escape with her best friend, Bey, the day before the ritual. Little does she know that her fleeing will set off a chaotic chain of events that leads to the revealing of hidden identities, violent encounters, and even a war. Robert Jeschonek takes us on a journey to the dolphin-inspired Kee Island of the Sylva people where love, loss, and family will be revealed for Raka.
Jeshonek’s world building is smart and consistent in that it relies on the animal kingdom for the hierarchal structures and cultural traits of the Sharkite and Sylva groups. In this way, the attributes about each clan seem natural and familiar to the reader. The sharks and their human Sharkite counterparts along with the (dolphin) Kee and their human Sylva counterparts obey a logic that the reader can easily follow. Plus, the inclusion of Orga (orcas), seals, swordfish, and other sea creatures bring the ocean to life in ways that portray it as more of a vibrant cultural and political landscape as opposed to a great blue abyss. Jeschonek skillfully uses biological attributes of each creature to further the nuances and politics of the oceanic land, such as the Sharkites having gills and the Sylva holding their breath. While some may find the played-out antagonization of sharks stereotypical, Jeschonek layers the Sharkite characters with complexity that make you root for them in the end.
Speaking of characters, Jeschonek plays with a mix of creature and human ones, anthropomorphizing a myriad of animals in a way that gives the story it’s fantastical edge. Jeschonek’s characters, human and non-human, make drastic choices that make you question whether or not they are worthy of being Raka’s family, friend, or lover. In the end, her choices will definitely surprise you.
“By the time the light of dawn swelled through her window, these were the only words Raka could think about:
‘I love my daughter as if she were my own flesh and blood…’”
The plot seems fast at first, but when the dust settles you find that the book is really well paced and Jeschonek never runs out of tricks up his sleeve when it comes to plot twists. However, the density of traumatic, violent, and life-altering events that the protagonist undergoes in such a short amount of fictional time and literal text-volume makes the speed at which she processes change slightly unnerving. Furthermore, the action was a little darker than I expected, with hints of cannibalism and gore. But it’s just dark enough to keep a younger reader intrigued, and not dark enough to be too scary or inappropriate. Lastly, though the romance was essential to the outcome of the plot, I was still unconvinced by the chemistry between the two parties. However, seeing as though this is a story chiefly about family and fantasy as opposed to lovers and romance, I did not need that aspect of the story to be fully fleshed out in order to still enjoy it. Overall, I would give the story four out of five stars. If anything I wish the book was longer so that Raka (and the reader) could adjust to the rapid changes in her life to make her development more convincing, and so that other characters such as Eenie and Alya could perhaps have subplots that add more dimensions to this world of endless possibilities. Readers who enjoyed Seraphina by Rachel Hartman and Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs will love Dolphin Knight!
Jeshonek’s world building is smart and consistent in that it relies on the animal kingdom for the hierarchal structures and cultural traits of the Sharkite and Sylva groups. In this way, the attributes about each clan seem natural and familiar to the reader. The sharks and their human Sharkite counterparts along with the (dolphin) Kee and their human Sylva counterparts obey a logic that the reader can easily follow. Plus, the inclusion of Orga (orcas), seals, swordfish, and other sea creatures bring the ocean to life in ways that portray it as more of a vibrant cultural and political landscape as opposed to a great blue abyss. Jeschonek skillfully uses biological attributes of each creature to further the nuances and politics of the oceanic land, such as the Sharkites having gills and the Sylva holding their breath. While some may find the played-out antagonization of sharks stereotypical, Jeschonek layers the Sharkite characters with complexity that make you root for them in the end.
Speaking of characters, Jeschonek plays with a mix of creature and human ones, anthropomorphizing a myriad of animals in a way that gives the story it’s fantastical edge. Jeschonek’s characters, human and non-human, make drastic choices that make you question whether or not they are worthy of being Raka’s family, friend, or lover. In the end, her choices will definitely surprise you.
“By the time the light of dawn swelled through her window, these were the only words Raka could think about:
‘I love my daughter as if she were my own flesh and blood…’”
The plot seems fast at first, but when the dust settles you find that the book is really well paced and Jeschonek never runs out of tricks up his sleeve when it comes to plot twists. However, the density of traumatic, violent, and life-altering events that the protagonist undergoes in such a short amount of fictional time and literal text-volume makes the speed at which she processes change slightly unnerving. Furthermore, the action was a little darker than I expected, with hints of cannibalism and gore. But it’s just dark enough to keep a younger reader intrigued, and not dark enough to be too scary or inappropriate. Lastly, though the romance was essential to the outcome of the plot, I was still unconvinced by the chemistry between the two parties. However, seeing as though this is a story chiefly about family and fantasy as opposed to lovers and romance, I did not need that aspect of the story to be fully fleshed out in order to still enjoy it. Overall, I would give the story four out of five stars. If anything I wish the book was longer so that Raka (and the reader) could adjust to the rapid changes in her life to make her development more convincing, and so that other characters such as Eenie and Alya could perhaps have subplots that add more dimensions to this world of endless possibilities. Readers who enjoyed Seraphina by Rachel Hartman and Forgive My Fins by Tera Lynn Childs will love Dolphin Knight!
March 4, 2023
“Everything’s all right now. You’re home, Cryssa.”
Dolphin Knight tells the story of Raka, a girl living on Shark Island, a brutal place that is unforgiving of her fear of the ocean. But Raka’s true name is Cryssa, and her true identity is that of a queen. Cryssa must escape her captivity on Shark Island and ascend the throne she was born to take, contending with an unfamiliar environment and split identities all the while.
I have read a lot of YA Fantasy in my time. I’m familiar with the tropes and trends of the genre, have witnessed how it succeeds and how it fails. Dolphin Knight hits a lot of solid beats in line with the genre. Raka feels like a very classic protagonist, and her struggle with her destiny works as a sort of coming-of-age tale. She is not unlikable, but she leaves me feeling the way that a lot of other YA protagonists do: there is potential in her character, but I want more. She is not an active character; the story just happens to her.
A lot of other characters feel similarly one-note. The bad guys are just bad, the friends are just supportive, the love interest is just there. I was left wanting more depth, more passion, more complexity—internal conflict was certainly present, but I felt there was a lot of untapped potential. Plot points and story beats were hit in a way that felt obligatory.
However, there is still a lot to like here. One thing, while small, is the language used to describe the unique setting. Having an entire story situated in an ocean-dominated world is super unique, and the writing does a lot to build this atmosphere:
“As if touched by magic, the water rippled with a milky, blue-green radiance, brightest near the depths at the center of the cove. In some spots, the water glittered, winking with pinpoints of light that were brighter and more numerous than the stars in the sky.”
The action scenes are approached with similarly strong language. While the getaway scene at the beginning was sudden, it was carried out smoothly and made for engaging chapters. The overall premise of this story was excellent, as the author has a mind for wildly unique concepts. There was a lot of great foundation to tell a classic coming-of-age story (with that coming-of-age being a rise to power), which is why I really wanted more from the characters. I think that this story was limited by the attempt to mimic YA genre staples, rather than keeping up the originality.
Overall, it was a solid read for those that love a classic YA tale.
Dolphin Knight tells the story of Raka, a girl living on Shark Island, a brutal place that is unforgiving of her fear of the ocean. But Raka’s true name is Cryssa, and her true identity is that of a queen. Cryssa must escape her captivity on Shark Island and ascend the throne she was born to take, contending with an unfamiliar environment and split identities all the while.
I have read a lot of YA Fantasy in my time. I’m familiar with the tropes and trends of the genre, have witnessed how it succeeds and how it fails. Dolphin Knight hits a lot of solid beats in line with the genre. Raka feels like a very classic protagonist, and her struggle with her destiny works as a sort of coming-of-age tale. She is not unlikable, but she leaves me feeling the way that a lot of other YA protagonists do: there is potential in her character, but I want more. She is not an active character; the story just happens to her.
A lot of other characters feel similarly one-note. The bad guys are just bad, the friends are just supportive, the love interest is just there. I was left wanting more depth, more passion, more complexity—internal conflict was certainly present, but I felt there was a lot of untapped potential. Plot points and story beats were hit in a way that felt obligatory.
However, there is still a lot to like here. One thing, while small, is the language used to describe the unique setting. Having an entire story situated in an ocean-dominated world is super unique, and the writing does a lot to build this atmosphere:
“As if touched by magic, the water rippled with a milky, blue-green radiance, brightest near the depths at the center of the cove. In some spots, the water glittered, winking with pinpoints of light that were brighter and more numerous than the stars in the sky.”
The action scenes are approached with similarly strong language. While the getaway scene at the beginning was sudden, it was carried out smoothly and made for engaging chapters. The overall premise of this story was excellent, as the author has a mind for wildly unique concepts. There was a lot of great foundation to tell a classic coming-of-age story (with that coming-of-age being a rise to power), which is why I really wanted more from the characters. I think that this story was limited by the attempt to mimic YA genre staples, rather than keeping up the originality.
Overall, it was a solid read for those that love a classic YA tale.
February 24, 2023
The Dolphin Knight tells the story of Raka, a teenage girl in line to be the queen of Shark Island, aptly named for a place where the people and sharks live in harmony. Despite her title, she constantly feels like an outsider because of her fatal flaw: her fear of the sea. One night before Rebirth Day, an island tradition where she has to prove her sea abilities, she hears her father reveal a secret that throws her life upside down. To escape her royal duties and Rebirth Day, she escapes. On her journey outside the island, she finally finds belonging in unexpected places she never knew existed.
The Dolphin Knight really impressed me. I found the premise original and intriguing, and overall the plot was well-paced and cohesive. There were some plot holes regarding the explanation for her complicated fate on Shark Island, but otherwise the Sylva and Sharkite universe was well-developed and immersive. I will have to read some of other of Jeschonek’s works.
Rating: 4.5/5
The Dolphin Knight really impressed me. I found the premise original and intriguing, and overall the plot was well-paced and cohesive. There were some plot holes regarding the explanation for her complicated fate on Shark Island, but otherwise the Sylva and Sharkite universe was well-developed and immersive. I will have to read some of other of Jeschonek’s works.
Rating: 4.5/5
March 7, 2023
“You're somebody special," said Seek, his voice becoming garbled from the water rushing over his snout.
"What do you mean?" said Raka.
"You're a princess," said Seek. "A princess of the island of the Kee.”
The YA fantasy novel "Dolphin Knight" centers around a female protagonist named Raka (later revealed as Cryssa), who is in line for the throne of Shark Island but harbors a fear of the sea. Prior to the day that proves her sea abilities, known as Rebirth Day, she escapes on a boat and discovers her true identity with the Kee.
I enjoyed this story, which has a unique setting with many organic elements. However, I found the plot to be predictable due to the YA format. I believe that Raka's character lacks depth and I would like to see more of her inner feelings. Despite this, I think that teenagers will adore this story because of its beautiful content and cohesive storyline.
Rating: 3/5
"What do you mean?" said Raka.
"You're a princess," said Seek. "A princess of the island of the Kee.”
The YA fantasy novel "Dolphin Knight" centers around a female protagonist named Raka (later revealed as Cryssa), who is in line for the throne of Shark Island but harbors a fear of the sea. Prior to the day that proves her sea abilities, known as Rebirth Day, she escapes on a boat and discovers her true identity with the Kee.
I enjoyed this story, which has a unique setting with many organic elements. However, I found the plot to be predictable due to the YA format. I believe that Raka's character lacks depth and I would like to see more of her inner feelings. Despite this, I think that teenagers will adore this story because of its beautiful content and cohesive storyline.
Rating: 3/5
August 9, 2022
This story has a lot of twists and turns. There were several times where I thought I knew where it was going, but it surprised me from start to finish. While it kept me guessing, it also got ridiculous to the point where some of the plot twists felt like they existed just to have a plot twist. The story really could've benefitted from keeping it simple, but all in all, it was still a pretty fun read, especially for younger readers.
November 11, 2018
A simple teen read. Nothing wrong with the story, just a low level of reading skill required for this ocean themed world of Kee (dolphins) and sharks. The wrap up is one you would guess would happen in a million years, and does. Which seems more like an easy out for the author.
February 16, 2022
Thought a good book to read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews