Sir Callie and their friends are back! In the third volume of this exciting fantasy series, nonbinary Callie and friends Willow, Elowen, and Edwyn are scattered far and wide as each fights in a different way for the future of the realm. Choices made in the last volume are called into question, particularly for Elowen, who begins to doubt the intentions of Witch Queen Alis, to whom she is now sworn. Meanwhile, Callie and the gender-expansive Willow head to the city of Fairkeep on a dangerous mission for allies, while Elowen’s brother Edwyn summons his courage for a journey back to the capital of Helston in order to gather information—a journey that places him back in the company of his abusive father. These threads are each told in chapters that alternate the perspectives of the four protagonists, allowing author Esme Symes-Smith to continue evolving each character’s personal growth.
There’s action and intrigue aplenty here, but also a thoughtful exploration of how varying perspectives often mean there is no one truth about a situation, and that rights and wrongs exist on every side. That lesson seems particularly relevant in light of certain geopolitical happenings at the time of the book’s publication, but the book does not seem meant as an analogy for any specific one. As a general message, however, and a warning to young readers to carefully assess the stories and information they receive, it feels important and timely.
We also see what happens when a leader uses fear of the “other” as a means of control: one character claims he “is willing to do what it takes to lead this kingdom back to supremacy, who will not compromise with our enemies, and who will hold all to the same high standards that make Helston great.” One might say he wants to “Make Helston Great Again”—though here, too, Symes-Smith seems to be making more general comments about this type of leadership (which we’ve seen many times throughout history) rather than copy-pasting a specific real-life leader.
The story gives us a nuanced look, too, at what it means to be brave and the many ways this can manifest, from swinging a sword to being true to oneself. And yes, there is as much queerness in this volume as the others; in addition to Callie and their two dads, Willow continues to explore and express his gender expansiveness, and meets a new character who offers him mentorship here; two other major characters use xi/xir pronouns.
The story ends on a cliffhanger, but that just means we’ll be getting more of this terrific and highly recommended series in the future.
Callie, their dads, Elowen, and Edwyn read as White; numerous secondary characters indicate skin tone diversity in the world.
Content warning: Childhood physical abuse and trauma from it.
