Knights Without Ceremony
Insurrection
by Ari Magnusson
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Pub Date Sep 30 2025 | Archive Date Jan 31 2026
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Description
In the war-torn Kingdom of Gorum, Ettan, Drogue, and Kemo dream of becoming knights, but for more than the title and armor. For Ettan, an orphan whose father had been a castle servant and who is now stuck tending the King’s chickens, knighthood would mean an escape from poverty. Drogue, the son of the kingdom’s most powerful lord, might win his father’s approval. And Kemo, despised by some citizens for his dark skin, would finally feel accepted. But the path to knighthood is not as straightforward as they believe, and the three rivals each face tests far more difficult than the battle exercises on the training field. What they decide when faced with a choice between honor and justice or personal gain—and whether to put aside their rivalries to do what is right—will determine who they become and will set the stage for a final battle for the kingdom.
A Note From the Publisher
Ari Magnusson is an author of fiction and nonfiction for adults and children. His middle grade novel Bitopia was named one of the best books of the year by Kirkus Reviews. His nonfiction has been used in schools at the elementary, middle, high school, and university levels in the United States and Europe.
Advance Praise
"The novel’s secret weapon...is its courageous exploration of weighty and timely topics, including racism, xenophobia, and the rise of authoritarian regimes…. Numerous sequences are chilling in their examination of an extremist political landscape…. The brilliance of the novel is in the author’s presentation of such ideas, which offers social commentary in the natural flow of the narrative.... A page-turning and thought-provoking adventure that insightfully explores a range of important issues affecting young people’s lives.” — Kirkus Reviews
"[A]n extraordinary novel, brimming with electrifying twists and turns while maintaining all the lovable tropes and engaging elements of the genre. With both exciting action and thought-provoking politics, there is something for all readers hidden within this tale...The relatable yet epic nature of the book make it gripping, and readers will be absorbed into the novel's fantasy world...An electrifying fantasy that will captivate fans of epic hero tales." — PW's BookLife, Prize Semifinalist
Marketing Plan
Kirkus, PW, and NetGalley reviews. Facebook, BookBub, and current fan word of mouth. Regional (New England, USA) bookstore readings. Professional PR campaign. Reviewers are strongly encouraged to review the book on NetGalley, Goodreads, BookTok, Bookstagram.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9798989755769 |
| PRICE | $12.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 296 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Average rating from 6 members
Featured Reviews
Kathryn M, Reviewer
I really enjoyed this as a coming-of-age tale and how it showed how long the shadows of family can be, it was everything that worked in this universe and thought the overall feel worked in the time-period. I was invested in getting to know the boys and their world, it had that element that I wanted in the genre and was glad I read this. Ari Magnusson wrote this so well and I hope there is more adventures with these characters.
Reviewer 1874938
Beautiful adventure book that really paid off,the writing was well thought out, I would recommend this for any teacher looking to fill up their libraries.
Mad H, Reviewer
3.5
This was good, I loved the story and the politics in this. The descriptions were strong and the characters were well done. I loved seeing the bully character in this, seeing his thoughts and understanding his situation really helped shape him. The more main character was really cool because you got to see him grow and try to do what is right despite being looked down on and everything trying to keep him from accomplishing his goal. The other main character wasn’t in this as much but seeing him step up and defend what he knows is right, even if it’s against what his father wants was amazing. There was a lot about discrimination in this and I think it was handled pretty well. It was a great story with strong messages and great growth.
The reason it didn’t get 5 stars is because of some content that I wouldn’t be comfortable letting a kid read.
Language: *ss, b*stard, wh*re, d*mn, h*ll.
A character explains the meaning behind b*stard and wh*re to his little brother after someone accuses them of being b*stards and their mother a wh*re.
Hints at parents being unmarried (not true)
A rather graphic description of a chicken being killed.
Mention of gods.
Abusive parent, physical, mentally, and emotionally.
I wouldn’t be comfortable handing this to a kid with the content, but if they were older and with some edits, it would be such a great story. So I recommend with caution as long as you have read the content and understand that it is in there.
But I did enjoy and I can’t wait to read part 2!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book!
Daniela O, Reviewer
The book was good. I loved the friendship between Ettan and Gorum. I had disliked Drogue at the beginning since he was a bully to everyone and a spoiled brat. But I’m glad he changed for the better and in the end helped Ettan so I hope there is plenty more of all 3 of them working together and save the kingdom. Overall the book was enjoyable and the writing wasn’t rushed or anything. I look forward to read the other books from the series.
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