Book Review: Realm of Knights by Jennifer Anne Davis

Title: The Realm of Knights
Author: Jennifer Anne Davis
Series: Knights of the Realm: Book One
Publisher: Reign Publishing
Publication date: September 10, 2019
Pages: paperback, 268
Source: Xpresso Book Tours/Author
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

HDB Rating: 5 Keys to My Heart

Recommended to: Readers who enjoy exciting fantasy stories with interesting characters

Reid has spent her whole life pretending to be a man so she can inherit her father’s estate, but when a chance encounter threatens to expose her lie, she is forced to risk everything.

In the kingdom of Marsden, women are subservient to men and land can only pass from father to son. So when Reid Ellington is born, the fifth daughter to one of the wealthiest landholders in the kingdom, it’s announced that Reid is a boy.

Eighteen years later, Reid struggles to conceal the fact she’s actually a young woman. Every day, her secret becomes harder to keep. When one of Marsden’s princes sees her sparring with a sword, she is forced to accept his offer and lead her father’s soldiers to the border. Along the way, she discovers a covert organization within the army known as the Knights of the Realm. If Reid wants to save her family from being arrested for treason and robbed of their inheritance, she will have to join the Knights and become a weapon for the crown.

To protect her family, Reid must fight like a man. To do that, she’ll need the courage of a woman.

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What a wild adventure! I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this book. The characters are interesting, the world building is immersive, and the adventures abound, you won’t want to put it down.

We start off with a brief introduction to Reid and her daily life, which quickly gets interrupted by a set of visitors the family was not prepared for. After an awkward interaction with their new guests, things get into motion. Reid is quickly outed by the visitors from the new King’s convoy, namely his brothers, the princes. Despite knowing her secret identity, they move forward with the plans to take troops to secure the border.

Reid’s father sends her close friends with her and reveals her secret identity to them in order to help protect his only “male” heir. Reid keeps up the charade. Travelling with the Princes and their convoy keeps things interesting, especially when they change plans and take Reid back to the King’s castle.

The castle and culture in the capital city are very different from what Reid expected and it is decided that she will be presented as herself, a Lady of the Court instead of the male heir she’s been presented as her whole life. Cue a fast learning curve and some developing feelings for one of the princes.

Next Reid is sent on a mission for the King. The adventures await as danger approaches and minds are changed. I won’t give any spoilers, you’ll have to read it.

I think the things I enjoyed most about this story were the friendships and the politics. Despite a romantic inkling with our heroine, we learn a lot about her history growing up as a boy and the freedoms and friendships she had developed. These friendships are a continuing presence throughout the story and keep it interesting.

As with most countries there’s always a bit of power struggle when new leadership takes over. This story is no exception and the important players are moving pieces that are revealed throughout the story. It keeps the story moving and the plot thickens as Reid navigates her new roles.

I highly recommend this entrancing fantasy story to readers who enjoy brave heroines, important friendships, and surprises around every turn. You won’t be disappointed.

Jennifer Anne Davis graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. She is currently a full-time writer.

Awards:
Cage of Deceit: Winner 2018 Kindle Book Awards
The Key: Finalist 2014 USA Book Awards 
The Voice: Finalist 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
The Voice: Winner 2013 San Diego Book Awards

For more information, visit www.JenniferAnneDavis.com.