Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith

As noted in a foreword, this is a story of adventure and magic but also one of “bigotry and bias.” As such, the pages are crowded with loudly queerphobic antagonists, but hope and courage and progress are depicted in equal measure through a powerful young protagonist with a ton of agency, amounting to an experience that will be a boon to young (and old) readers. While Callie’s father attempts to train the timid Prince Willow (known to most as Will) in combat, Callie goes up against the cruel Chancellor in a fight to change the culture, gain acceptance, and protect their found family. Meanwhile, as a powerful threat rises beyond the city walls, a greater threat is found within, where an aggressively bigoted culture works to squash the nature of its people. After finally finding a supportive home, they get the chance to travel with their aged-hero father to Helston, the royal capital, where Callie hopes to prove themself in the tournament arena. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I’d recommend it.The only thing Callie wants more than to be a knight is to be themself. Like the story didn’t have direction as much for a chapter or two, but it was quickly solved. My main critique would be how a part of the book slowed to an awkward pace for a bit before picking up again. It’s done in a well-written way that I would’ve loved to read as a kid. But they tackle the big topics well, explain that healing is never easy, and give hope to a brighter future. There are content warnings of child abuse, constant misgendering, and manipulation.

This book has a great message for kids to grow up with. That and how some people really do not change, and that’s not a good thing. We all have our unique differences that bring us all together. I also enjoyed the message of this book: be proud of being different.

It was nice to see how others may act differently in the same situation. And I especially liked the twins and how they both had different reactions to getting away from manipulative hands. Willow as the prince who has magic that he must hide, even if it destroys him inside, grew on me throughout the book. Callie is a blast to follow, a character who has grown so strong and proud of being who they are. Sir Callie is full of fun, memorable characters. But with some new friends, Callie might just be able to make a difference in Helston. And these suffocating rules prevent Callie, the prince, and many others from being themselves. The town-on the verge of war with the dragons outside of it-has gender rules though. He was a legendary hero and has been summoned back to Helston to help train the prince.

Sir Callie follows Callie as she tags along on a quest with one of her dads.

I have been following Esme online for a while, so of course I picked up Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston.

Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith