Tuesday 14 February 2017

Book Review: The Gift-Knight's Quest by Dylan Madeley




Back in 2015, I backed a novel. This novel was, The Gift-Knight’s Quest by Dylan Madeley. I received it near the beginning of 2016, and it was read by the end of April. I was not disappointed. I’m just super late writing the review!


Dylan happens to be a friend of mine, but I wouldn’t have liked the book any less if he wasn’t. It is a great read.


The story revolves around Derek Wancyek and Chandra Kenderley. Derek comes from a line of nobility long since dissolved. Chandra is faced with running a country when her father dies suddenly. With the death of King Jonnecht, Chandra becomes Queen, and a pact made between the Kenderleys and the Wancyeks several generations ago comes to fruition. Derek is called to be, as the title states, a Gift-Knight to protect the new young Queen. And thus begins the journey these characters undertake in what is the first book of a trilogy.


So, how do I describe this first book? In a few words, it's quite like a Young Adult Game of Thrones. There are shady characters, long-standing prejudices (like generations long-standing prejudices), rumours, and the always interesting struggle to achieve and maintain power. Though, in Chandra’s case, she didn’t achieve it. But, she has to fight like mad to maintain it as there are a few believe she is unfit for the position and want to see her done away with. And never mind those who believe that she’s a sorceress. Throughout all this, Derek and Chandra learn about each other, and realize that if they have any hope of coming out alive, they need to trust each other.


The only negative part of my review is this: There is one thing that readers may have trouble getting their heads around at first. There is a character, quite a lovely and important character, named Duke Lenn. He is important to the story, as he was the catalyst for what happens, however, he is not alive in the time of Derek and Chandra. Duke Lenn lived a generation or two beforehand. I must admit, when I was first introduced to Duke Lenn, it was a little bit jarring, but I quickly learned where his story fit in with Derek and Chandra’s. Once I figured that out, the rest of the read was easy.


All in all, if you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, but not a fan of the amount of sex and violence that goes along with it, I think The Gift-Knight’s Quest is a good fit for you. If you’re a lover of a Medieval-esque story with adventure and intrigue, The Gift-Knight’s Quest is a good for you. Or heck, even if you just think you might enjoy it, pick it up and give it a read. It’s worth it.




You can also follow the trilogy’s progress through Dylan's Facebook page: Dylan Madeley


The second book in the The Gift-Knight’s Quest, The Crown Princess' Voyage will be released on May 1st. Keep an eye out on Dylan's Facebook Page for more information as it comes available from the author himself. Also, keep an eye out here for my review of The Crown Princess' Voyage once I've read the advanced copy I had the privilege of receiving from Dylan.