Cass’ sister is getting married today to the man she has long been promised to, and Cass realises that this is not what she wants for her own life. When a thief steals her amulet and shortly afterwards a mysterious knight offers to take her away (and get the amulet back) she jumps at the chance to go on an adventure.
The whole story is written from Cass’ perspective, we learn certain secrets that others already knew, even later. I find the concept of a secret order of female knights fascinating, especially because at the time the story is set, women still ‘belonged in the kitchen’. It’s refreshing to read how this group of women and girls created their own world. Laura Bates describes the manor, the surrounding forest, the tournaments and life in the manor in such a way that I immediately felt included.
The author herself writes that she was never able to empathise with these heroic stories (such as King Arthur) in the past. She now wanted to change this for herself and other young women and girls. I think she has totally succeeded! She takes up the story of King Arthur, gives him a role in the story, but incorporates women who are not just there for decoration. And she makes the men into real, flawed people rather than infallible heroes.
Although there is a second volume, it doesn’t end with a huge cliffhanger. It has unresolved things, so it definitely needs the second volume. (because there are some events announced that haven’t happened yet and I need to know how they turn out!!!)
By the way: I read/listened to the book as a physical and audiobook at the same time. (If you’re ever in a reading slump, this will help! Just adjust the speed of the audio and read at the same time)
