From "Grim" to Great

TITLE: Knightley Academy

AUTHOR: Violet Haberdasher

REVIEWED BY: JPL TeenLink

BRIEF SUMMARY: Henry Grim is a servant boy at the Midsummer School until he passes the elite Knightley Academy exam, a test that every Midsummer boy has mysteriously failed the past five years. Henry suddenly finds himself one of the first commoners studying at the Academy, alongside the cleverest and bravest -- and most arrogant -- young aristocrats in the country. But someone isn't too happy about Henry, and two other commoners, who have been let into the prestigious school. And that someone is out to sabotage the three from becoming full-fledged Knights of the Realm -- the goal of every student at the Academy. As Henry and the two other boys try to ward off their classmates' attempts to thwart their paths, they soon uncover a conspiracy that violates the Hundred Years' Peace treaty -- and could lead to war! Can Henry manage to save his school and country from their enemies -- and continue to study at the Academy?

WHY I PICKED IT UP: One review I read described it as "Lemony Snicket meets Harry Potter." Although there is no magic in this book, Knightley Academy and Hogwarts do seem to share some similarities, and yes, the narrator is a bit Snicket-ish. (Is that even a word?) 

WHY I FINISHED IT: Although the book did drag in a few places, the story kept me interested, Henry and his friends are great fun, and the ending was a bit of a surprise. Theobold Archer is truly a villain in the Draco Malfoy mold -- one you simply love to hate.

WHO I'D GIVE IT TO: Anyone who likes stories about underdogs. And yes, I would recommend it to the Harry Potter and Lemony Snicket fans, albeit with a warning not to expect magic. (Or a series of unfortunate events, for that matter; one or two unfortunate events, yes -- but not a series.). Still, it's a good read, and there's a sequel, The Secret Prince, if you want more.

ADDITIONAL NOTES: If "Violet Haberdasher" sounds just a bit too British to be true, that's because she is... Violet is really American-born videoblogger Robyn Schneider!

See you at the library!