Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread. If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.
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This week’s neglected book
Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith
Published by Random House Children's Books on November 8, 2022
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Fantasy / General
Length: 9 hours 34 minutes
Pages: 400
Source: Purchased
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In a magical medieval world filled with dragons, shape-shifters, and witches, a twelve-year-old nonbinary hopeful knight battles for the heart of their kingdom. This USA Today bestselling series explores identity and gender amid sword fights and magic, and proves anyone can be a hero.
“These heroes come in all shapes and skills—I cheered for them throughout their exciting journey.” —#1 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce
When their ex-hero dad is summoned back to the royal capital of Helston to train a hopeless crown prince, Callie lunges at the opportunity to finally prove themself worthy to the kingdom’s "great and powerful." Except the intolerant great and powerful look at nonbinary Callie and only see girl. But Callie has always known exactly what they want to be, and they’re not about to let anything stand in their way.
Trapped in Helston’s rigid hierarchy where girls learn magic and boys train as knights, Callie discovers they aren’t alone—there’s Elowen, the chancellor’s brilliant daughter, whose unparalleled power is being stifled; Edwyn, Elowen’s twin brother desperate to win his father’s approval; and Willow, the crown prince who was never meant to be king.
In this start to an epic series packed with action, humor, and heart, Callie and their new friends quickly find themselves embedded in an ancient war—and their only hope to defeat the threats outside the kingdom lies in first defeating the bigotry within.
"Everything you could possibly want from a middle grade fantasy." —The Nerd Daily
Why did I add Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston to my bookshelf?
I bought a copy of this book when I was still working at Barnes & Noble. The author visited the store, and I was rather impressed. While I didn’t have time to read the book right away, I wanted to support the author, so I purchased a copy of the book. So now, I have had a signed copy of this book lingering on my shelves for over 2 years. It is a kids’ book, so I need to be in the right mood for it, but hopefully, I can get to it sometime soon.
In 1 more week, we should only own 1 house. I am more than ready to move on. My daughters and their husbands will be in town this weekend for a family wedding. I plan on having their help to move the remaining items out of our former home while they are here. I can’t wait to see them and finish this home buying/selling journey that has dominated our lives for the past 4 months.
What are your thoughts? Have you read this book? Would you recommend it?
Oh nice! That’s a new to me one! I’ve picked up many a new book because of an author signing! That’s always fun though!
Congrats on getting down to one house! That’s exciting! I closed on my own townhome last weekend, but alas, I can’t move in yet as my parents and I want to make a few updates and my dad just made the to do a bit longer so I am not sure when I will get to actually move in. I’m ready to be reunited with my books though! Lol.
Fingers crossed this 1 week goes past quickly!
This looks like a fun read though I do agree you have to be in the right mood for middle grade.
I’m sure you’ll be happy when all of that hose stuff will be done with.
I hope everything goes well with the final moving stuff