What do you think?
Rate this book
Knight and Rogue #3
Player's Ruse
Friends Are More Trouble Than Foes Sir Michael Sevenson and his squire, Fisk, were just beginning to enjoy the quiet life. They really should have known better. When Lady Rosamund runs away from home to marry a traveling player, former knight errant Michael makes a noble promise to help the object of his unrequited love. The quest takes our would-be heroes to the coastal town of Huckerston, where savage sea pirates called wreckers terrorize the coast. With the help of a reluctant Fisk, Michael plans on catching the wreckers and winning back his lady; but when mysterious murders and dangerous accidents threaten the town and its players, love might be the least of his problems. . . . Part buddy novel, part medieval whodunit, the latest installment of Hilari Bell's Knight and Rogue Novels continues the boys' saga with another classic tale of mishaps, wit, and adventure.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published November 28, 2008
11 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Hilari Bell
99 books646 followersAs far as writing is concerned, I call myself the poster child for persistence. Songs of Power, the first novel I sold, was the 5th novel I'd written. When it sold I was working on novel #13. The next to sell, Navohar, was #12, and the next, A Matter of Profit, was #9. The Goblin Wood was #6, and the first Sorahb book, Flame (later renamed Farsala: Fall of a Kingdom), will be #15. You get the picture.
My reviews: Mea culpa! I got onto Goodreads years ago, and haven't been reviewing--but I now mean to start! I should add that as writer, I tend to read a bit more critically. Or at least, when I think a book is going off the rails I usually see technical, writer problems with it. In short, any time a book stops working for me, that author becomes an honorary member of my writing critique group--whether they want to or not! So I apologize in advance for any technical critiques my fellow writers may recieve.
Biography: My personal life? I was born in Denver in 1958—you can do the math. I'm single and live with my mother, brother and sister-in-law. I used to be a part time reference librarian for a mid-sized public library, but in the beginning of ’05 I achieved a writer’s dream and quit the day job. Librarian turned writer is a very schizophrenic state—when I try to urge people to buy my books, I have to beat down a lifetime of professional reflexes demanding that I tell them to check them out at the library instead.
I enjoy board gaming and fantasy gaming, both table top and live. But my favorite thing to do is the decadent version of camping my mom and I practice. We have a pop-up trailer with a fridge, a sink, a stove and (if electrical hookups are available) a space heater, heating pads and a toaster. Our motto is "No unnecessary work." We don't cook, we don't wash dishes, we don't...you name it. What we do is spend all day, every day, reading and hiking and reading some more. Camping is the only time I can get in enough reading. Well, I take that back—when it comes to reading, there's no such thing as enough.
My reviews: Mea culpa! I got onto Goodreads years ago, and haven't been reviewing--but I now mean to start! I should add that as writer, I tend to read a bit more critically. Or at least, when I think a book is going off the rails I usually see technical, writer problems with it. In short, any time a book stops working for me, that author becomes an honorary member of my writing critique group--whether they want to or not! So I apologize in advance for any technical critiques my fellow writers may recieve.
Biography: My personal life? I was born in Denver in 1958—you can do the math. I'm single and live with my mother, brother and sister-in-law. I used to be a part time reference librarian for a mid-sized public library, but in the beginning of ’05 I achieved a writer’s dream and quit the day job. Librarian turned writer is a very schizophrenic state—when I try to urge people to buy my books, I have to beat down a lifetime of professional reflexes demanding that I tell them to check them out at the library instead.
I enjoy board gaming and fantasy gaming, both table top and live. But my favorite thing to do is the decadent version of camping my mom and I practice. We have a pop-up trailer with a fridge, a sink, a stove and (if electrical hookups are available) a space heater, heating pads and a toaster. Our motto is "No unnecessary work." We don't cook, we don't wash dishes, we don't...you name it. What we do is spend all day, every day, reading and hiking and reading some more. Camping is the only time I can get in enough reading. Well, I take that back—when it comes to reading, there's no such thing as enough.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 20, 2011
Michael has a penchant for bad luck. Not exactly a surprise for an unredeemed man, even if he does happen to claim the role of knight errant and is pledged to help those in need.
Fisk, aka former conman, is pledged to serve as Michael’s squire. But when the fair Rosamund asks for help, Fisk has his concerns.
Concern 1: Michael is in love with Rosamund.
Concern 2: Rosamund has no clue of said love.
Concern 3: Rosamund wants Michael’s help . . . finding the young actor she loves.
And those were Fisk’s concerns before people started showing up dead.
ROTFL, after all the drama and battling in The Iron Queen, it was such a pleasure to read something that made me laugh. Hilari Bell pays wonderful attention to character development in her books. I do hope there will be more novels in the Knight and the Rogue series. Because honestly, I’m dying to see Michael’s father’s reaction when Fisk & Kathy get together!
Fisk, aka former conman, is pledged to serve as Michael’s squire. But when the fair Rosamund asks for help, Fisk has his concerns.
Concern 1: Michael is in love with Rosamund.
Concern 2: Rosamund has no clue of said love.
Concern 3: Rosamund wants Michael’s help . . . finding the young actor she loves.
And those were Fisk’s concerns before people started showing up dead.
ROTFL, after all the drama and battling in The Iron Queen, it was such a pleasure to read something that made me laugh. Hilari Bell pays wonderful attention to character development in her books. I do hope there will be more novels in the Knight and the Rogue series. Because honestly, I’m dying to see Michael’s father’s reaction when Fisk & Kathy get together!
August 19, 2021
These stories just grow better and better with each new installment. The humor is ramped up even further than the last two, though some of them are bawdier than Rogue's Home (however, they aren't excessive), and the mystery all the more intriguing. I thought I had it all figured out, but I quickly turned out to be incorrect about a major part of my theory, much to my delight. I always love it when authors can make one solution seem obvious while planting clues to the true answer that are obvious if the Reader looks hard enough. Hilari Bell also manages to keep a good balance of humor and danger. One moment things are pretty light-hearted, then something happens that sends a chill right down the Reader's spine. Few authors can pull that off without making events seem schizophrenic, but she does it.
I dearly hope that Player's Ruse is not the last Knight & Rogue Novel. I absolutely love this series, and I would hate to see it end only after three books.
I dearly hope that Player's Ruse is not the last Knight & Rogue Novel. I absolutely love this series, and I would hate to see it end only after three books.
May 5, 2010
I really like this series. They remind me of the "Squire's Tales" series from Gerald Morris.
Sir Michael and his squire, Fisk, are sucked into another adventure when Rosemund, Michael's childhood crush, finds them on the road. She has run away from home to marry a traveling actor and is being pursued by a bounty hunter whose task is to return her intact to her home. Michael and Fisk agree to help Rose find her love, although Michael hopes to woo her away in the process. When they find the traveling players, they also find trouble. The town where the players are performing is under attack from sea pirates. It doesn't take long for Michael and Fisk to become prime suspects, and that's where the fun begins.
I hope there will be more in the series, they are all definitely worth reading, especially for fans of fantasy or Arthurian legend.
Sir Michael and his squire, Fisk, are sucked into another adventure when Rosemund, Michael's childhood crush, finds them on the road. She has run away from home to marry a traveling actor and is being pursued by a bounty hunter whose task is to return her intact to her home. Michael and Fisk agree to help Rose find her love, although Michael hopes to woo her away in the process. When they find the traveling players, they also find trouble. The town where the players are performing is under attack from sea pirates. It doesn't take long for Michael and Fisk to become prime suspects, and that's where the fun begins.
I hope there will be more in the series, they are all definitely worth reading, especially for fans of fantasy or Arthurian legend.
April 1, 2020
I love this series a lot! I do not usually frequent the fantasy genre, but I am very glad I did to read these books. Michael and Fisk are the kind of characters I most love to read about. They are funny, brave (foolish) and the kind of characters that become your friends immediately after starting the book. I hope the author write many more adventures about them!
March 5, 2021
5 stars!
What I loved:
-As always, the friendship of Fisk and Michael; their personality clashes are both amusing and amazing
-The mystery element; my theories changed page by page based on the information found by the characters, and even though I was partially right on several theories, I was pleasantly surprised by the answer (well, as much as one can be when one finds out who a murder is)
-Atmosphere! Magic! Continued character growth!!
-A few loose side-plots/mysteries, that, judging by Hilari's faithfulness to the world and characters, will be addressed in a future book
Can't wait to read the next one! Recommended for lovers of fantasy and strong characters.
What I loved:
-As always, the friendship of Fisk and Michael; their personality clashes are both amusing and amazing
-The mystery element; my theories changed page by page based on the information found by the characters, and even though I was partially right on several theories, I was pleasantly surprised by the answer (well, as much as one can be when one finds out who a murder is)
-Atmosphere! Magic! Continued character growth!!
-A few loose side-plots/mysteries, that, judging by Hilari's faithfulness to the world and characters, will be addressed in a future book
Can't wait to read the next one! Recommended for lovers of fantasy and strong characters.
August 29, 2017
This series gets better and better and I only hope Hilari Bell continues writing it. The characters of Michael and Fisk are so easy to like and their adventures are full of humor, action, and friendship. A quick and charming read!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
January 20, 2021
i wanted to give this one three stars, i really did.
for most of the book, i felt that the plot was more engrossing compared to the first two, especially rogue's home. however, the ending was so rushed, and featured so many different parties that it was just confusing. burke being a red herring came way too close to finding the real mastermind, and then making that mastermind jack after building him up for three books just felt cheap. he just comes out of nowhere and it felt like a waste. the burke thing was also confusing since michael is being an unreliable narrator about it, which i do enjoy since its one of the benefits of writing in first person, but i didnt think bell really pulled it off well, so it just left me more confused, since burke didnt really have a reason not to be the main villain, other than the fact that bell just wanted to make it jack, which didnt have the buildup that burke did
while this book did show definite improvement, im hoping the next makes leaps rather than small steps
for most of the book, i felt that the plot was more engrossing compared to the first two, especially rogue's home. however, the ending was so rushed, and featured so many different parties that it was just confusing. burke being a red herring came way too close to finding the real mastermind, and then making that mastermind jack after building him up for three books just felt cheap. he just comes out of nowhere and it felt like a waste. the burke thing was also confusing since michael is being an unreliable narrator about it, which i do enjoy since its one of the benefits of writing in first person, but i didnt think bell really pulled it off well, so it just left me more confused, since burke didnt really have a reason not to be the main villain, other than the fact that bell just wanted to make it jack, which didnt have the buildup that burke did
while this book did show definite improvement, im hoping the next makes leaps rather than small steps
February 16, 2018
The stunningly beautiful cousin of Sir Michael Sevenson (knight errant and all around good guy who has been unjustly tattooed with the mark of being untrustworthy) has run away from home in search of true her true love, a roving actor and acrobat in a traveling show. Michael is not so secretly in love with her himself, but will this stop him from helping his distant cousin find her lost love? Of course not. But fleeing the bounty hunter who has been hired to drag her back home is the least of their problems. Michael, with the grudging but loyal help of his squire, Fisk, find themselves having to deal with ship wreckers and murder as well. If you like stories with admirable characters and rousing adventure, give this series a try.
January 13, 2020
The young knight-errant, Michael, and his squire, Fisk, are looking forward to some downtime, but when Michael catches wind that his love-interest, Lady Rosamund, has fled from home to marry a traveling player, Michael’s convinced it must be he to persuade her otherwise. Always with Fisk quick to point out the flaws in his plan, the candid duo get side-tracked into a tangle with pirates and a dangerous whodunnit, taking them on a risky adventure neither of them had bargained for.
This clever, quick comedic tale is an enjoyable read from start to finish. It was my first indulgence into the Knight and Rogue series by Hilari Bell, and Last Knight was just as delightful.
This clever, quick comedic tale is an enjoyable read from start to finish. It was my first indulgence into the Knight and Rogue series by Hilari Bell, and Last Knight was just as delightful.
January 9, 2018
An amazing end to the trilogy.
August 23, 2019
Plot was solid as usual. Took stars off cause Michael acted unbearably cringey for a 20 year old. I like the slow development of his magic.
November 5, 2012
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Fisk and Michael encounter Lady Rosamund in their journeys. She's searching for the man she loves, but her Uncle (Michael's father) refuses to allow her to marry. Hopelessly in love with her himself, Michael agrees to help her find Rudy - a traveling player.
Just as they're arriving into the town where their information leads them to believe Rudy will be staying, they come across a fire. When they arrive and give word of the fire, they're taken back out into the night, where they must show the sheriff and his men the exact location.
Wreckers have been making havoc on the ships and therefore the town. No one knows who's behind the deeds, but if they don't stop them the town will go to ruins. Michael wants to investigate the matter further.
When Rosamund finds her love, trouble follows her. When the bounty hunter attempting to take her back ends up murdered, the sheriff refuses to let Michael, Fisk, Rosamund, and the players leave town, as they're witnesses to the wrecking and the murder. Resigned, Michael and Fisk join the players in their acts.
There's something not right amongst the players as accidents keep happening. Are they really accidents or is someone looking to cause trouble? Could these incidents be related to the wreckers, or does someone just have a grudge against Michael?
This is the third book in the KNIGHT AND ROGUE series about two teen boys. Michael and Fisk seem like an unlikely pair, but their partnership works, as Michael tends to be softhearted, which often leads him into trouble, and Fisk's streetwise skills save the boys often. Their adventures always contain action, danger, and the strength of brotherhood.
Fisk and Michael encounter Lady Rosamund in their journeys. She's searching for the man she loves, but her Uncle (Michael's father) refuses to allow her to marry. Hopelessly in love with her himself, Michael agrees to help her find Rudy - a traveling player.
Just as they're arriving into the town where their information leads them to believe Rudy will be staying, they come across a fire. When they arrive and give word of the fire, they're taken back out into the night, where they must show the sheriff and his men the exact location.
Wreckers have been making havoc on the ships and therefore the town. No one knows who's behind the deeds, but if they don't stop them the town will go to ruins. Michael wants to investigate the matter further.
When Rosamund finds her love, trouble follows her. When the bounty hunter attempting to take her back ends up murdered, the sheriff refuses to let Michael, Fisk, Rosamund, and the players leave town, as they're witnesses to the wrecking and the murder. Resigned, Michael and Fisk join the players in their acts.
There's something not right amongst the players as accidents keep happening. Are they really accidents or is someone looking to cause trouble? Could these incidents be related to the wreckers, or does someone just have a grudge against Michael?
This is the third book in the KNIGHT AND ROGUE series about two teen boys. Michael and Fisk seem like an unlikely pair, but their partnership works, as Michael tends to be softhearted, which often leads him into trouble, and Fisk's streetwise skills save the boys often. Their adventures always contain action, danger, and the strength of brotherhood.
April 18, 2012
Is it really just... over? Just like that, leaving off where there's still room for more? But it was so perfect! I don't want it to end!
In this third (and regrettably last) installment of the Knight and Rogue series, Michael and Fisk are met up with Michael's childhood love, Rosamund. Really, this dude has it bad, and he seems to be friendzoned to the max. Because what does she ask them to do? Escort her to the group of traveling players her lover is a part of. Poor, noble Michael. Not that he lets it dishearten him much, because even though he's unredeemed AND shut down, he's still the classic do-gooder Knight Errant, spreading good deeds and idiotic, deadly plans all under the two moons. Especially when it involves trying to summon a Savant by wrecking near half of the forest! (Well, slight exaggeration there, but you'll see what I mean when you read.)
And Fisk? He's just sitting by, waiting for when he has to get Michael's butt out of trouble, like the good squire he is. Though despite his hate for dogs, he seems to have a love-hate relationship with Trouble, their newly adopted mute guard dog from book 2. Fisk also seems to have developed an addiction to crappy jokes, mainly along the lines of "What's the difference between a _______ and a bandit?" This guy has those jokes up the wazoo, and it gets on everyone's (ahem, Michael's) nerve.
The ending was great, don't get me wrong. I wasn't sad because of what happened, really, I was sad because the series is over!! Seriously, if anyone reads this, can they PLEASE let me know if there's another book coming out?? I will love them forever and ever!
Peace out, Jules ;)
In this third (and regrettably last) installment of the Knight and Rogue series, Michael and Fisk are met up with Michael's childhood love, Rosamund. Really, this dude has it bad, and he seems to be friendzoned to the max. Because what does she ask them to do? Escort her to the group of traveling players her lover is a part of. Poor, noble Michael. Not that he lets it dishearten him much, because even though he's unredeemed AND shut down, he's still the classic do-gooder Knight Errant, spreading good deeds and idiotic, deadly plans all under the two moons. Especially when it involves trying to summon a Savant by wrecking near half of the forest! (Well, slight exaggeration there, but you'll see what I mean when you read.)
And Fisk? He's just sitting by, waiting for when he has to get Michael's butt out of trouble, like the good squire he is. Though despite his hate for dogs, he seems to have a love-hate relationship with Trouble, their newly adopted mute guard dog from book 2. Fisk also seems to have developed an addiction to crappy jokes, mainly along the lines of "What's the difference between a _______ and a bandit?" This guy has those jokes up the wazoo, and it gets on everyone's (ahem, Michael's) nerve.
The ending was great, don't get me wrong. I wasn't sad because of what happened, really, I was sad because the series is over!! Seriously, if anyone reads this, can they PLEASE let me know if there's another book coming out?? I will love them forever and ever!
Peace out, Jules ;)
March 5, 2014
(More reviews on my site at http://wellreadviking.blogspot.com/)
A year and a half after the events of Rogue's Home we find that the duo have been keeping a fairly low profile and have set themselves up in a small town. This all changes when the object of Michael's unrequited love comes calling for help. As noble men are wont to do (especially ones in love), he promises her that they will help her in her quest. As they arrive at their destination a bizarre twist of fate forces them into a small group of travelling players. They go about their duties the best they can, but it soon becomes apparent that someone means them ill.
Once again the two friends have found themselves caught in the middle of a mystery/adventure. The knight errant would have it no other way since it is what his duty demands of him (much like a young Frederic from Pirates of Penzance). They race to find out who is involved in the plot before any more life is lost, especially their own.
I really enjoyed this young adult novel. I felt that the banter between the two was closer to the level in the first book. I felt that the plot of this book was more engaging than that of the second book (even though the plot of the second one wasn't bad). It introduces some new interesting characters and it works on showing the growth of the two leads. I thought that this novel was well done and I look forward to continuing this series when the next book comes out.
A year and a half after the events of Rogue's Home we find that the duo have been keeping a fairly low profile and have set themselves up in a small town. This all changes when the object of Michael's unrequited love comes calling for help. As noble men are wont to do (especially ones in love), he promises her that they will help her in her quest. As they arrive at their destination a bizarre twist of fate forces them into a small group of travelling players. They go about their duties the best they can, but it soon becomes apparent that someone means them ill.
Once again the two friends have found themselves caught in the middle of a mystery/adventure. The knight errant would have it no other way since it is what his duty demands of him (much like a young Frederic from Pirates of Penzance). They race to find out who is involved in the plot before any more life is lost, especially their own.
I really enjoyed this young adult novel. I felt that the banter between the two was closer to the level in the first book. I felt that the plot of this book was more engaging than that of the second book (even though the plot of the second one wasn't bad). It introduces some new interesting characters and it works on showing the growth of the two leads. I thought that this novel was well done and I look forward to continuing this series when the next book comes out.
February 4, 2014
I've read this book twice now, and it never fails to be the best out of the Knight and Rogue books that are currently out. Fisk and Michael are entertaining as usual, and the ending - well, the climax is intense, of course, and the ending is incredibly heartwarming.
Michael and Fisk are amazing main characters, as always. Makejoye's Troupe played as a set of entertaining and great side characters, from Rudy to the Barkers to Callista. Rosamund, Michael's love from an earlier book, makes a reappearance, too, and, as always, all of the side characters are amazing.
One of the things I really love about this book is that how much Michael and Fisk care for each other really hit you in the face. If you didn't catch everything in the earlier two books, the ending of this book can really hit you. The first time I read this series, I didn't quite catch everything, and the ending of this one nearly had me in tears - I distinctly remember trying to explain it to friends and family and mostly just rambling and "CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT" - and during my second read-through of the series, I did see Michael and Fisk caring for each other.
However, the ending still got me. The mystery of this one is a lot more misleading than the others - it's more complicated for one, but it all ties in at the end.
Overall, this book and this series in general is amazing.
Michael and Fisk are amazing main characters, as always. Makejoye's Troupe played as a set of entertaining and great side characters, from Rudy to the Barkers to Callista. Rosamund, Michael's love from an earlier book, makes a reappearance, too, and, as always, all of the side characters are amazing.
One of the things I really love about this book is that how much Michael and Fisk care for each other really hit you in the face. If you didn't catch everything in the earlier two books, the ending of this book can really hit you. The first time I read this series, I didn't quite catch everything, and the ending of this one nearly had me in tears - I distinctly remember trying to explain it to friends and family and mostly just rambling and "CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT" - and during my second read-through of the series, I did see Michael and Fisk caring for each other.
However, the ending still got me. The mystery of this one is a lot more misleading than the others - it's more complicated for one, but it all ties in at the end.
Overall, this book and this series in general is amazing.
September 14, 2010
I am so torn between giving this book three or four stars. I truly did "really lik it" and though calling it amazing might be a bit ambiguous, the plot was really good. I love Michael and Fisks's characters in so many ways, and bringing in certain characters (like Rosamund) was clever and fun. The characters are static, with plenty of issues, though at times Michael's 'honor' as a 'knight errant' and Fisk's 'criminal past' are played on a bit to heavily.
But overall, I really liked the book!
And that is the problem. Because for every scene/funny line/buddy-experience...everything I liked....there was a questionable scene to make me pause. Fisk has always used language more than I liked, while not entirley obnoxious, it can be distracting. The problem with this book is they like to use a word, the crude term for an illegitimate child, frequently. Of the 3 Knight and Rouge books, Player's Ruse has proved to be the most uncouth. Things like Michael chasing after a "villan" while riding bareback on a horse without any pants on...or one of the players sneeking off to see her lover tend to make awkward scenes kind of uneeded.
While I look forward to more Knight and Rogue novels, I will be much more hesitant to reccomend them.
But overall, I really liked the book!
And that is the problem. Because for every scene/funny line/buddy-experience...everything I liked....there was a questionable scene to make me pause. Fisk has always used language more than I liked, while not entirley obnoxious, it can be distracting. The problem with this book is they like to use a word, the crude term for an illegitimate child, frequently. Of the 3 Knight and Rouge books, Player's Ruse has proved to be the most uncouth. Things like Michael chasing after a "villan" while riding bareback on a horse without any pants on...or one of the players sneeking off to see her lover tend to make awkward scenes kind of uneeded.
While I look forward to more Knight and Rogue novels, I will be much more hesitant to reccomend them.
July 26, 2010
Michael and Fisk - the mismatched knight and squire duo - continue their adventures in the third installment of the Knight and Rouge Series. Michael's love interest, Rosamund, has run away from his father's estate in search of a traveling player who has won her heart. Michael agrees to help her find the actor in hopes that Rosa will realize her foolishness and begin to return his feelings. And poor Fisk is along for the ride.
The trio follows the player's troupe to a seaside village where wreckers are causing havoc on stormy nights. Michael hopes to solve the town's problem, but once again, ends up at the center of the conflict. Fisk, the slightly-dishonorable brains of the pair, consistently pulls Michael out of harm's way.
Of the three books in this series, Player's Ruse shows the most dynamic character growth. Michael gains a firmer grasp on reality, and Fisk demonstrates a selfless side and growing conscience.
Fans of the previous novels will find this addition a welcome change. While the banter remains witty and the plot fast-paced, the situations have more depth making this book the best of the series.
The trio follows the player's troupe to a seaside village where wreckers are causing havoc on stormy nights. Michael hopes to solve the town's problem, but once again, ends up at the center of the conflict. Fisk, the slightly-dishonorable brains of the pair, consistently pulls Michael out of harm's way.
Of the three books in this series, Player's Ruse shows the most dynamic character growth. Michael gains a firmer grasp on reality, and Fisk demonstrates a selfless side and growing conscience.
Fans of the previous novels will find this addition a welcome change. While the banter remains witty and the plot fast-paced, the situations have more depth making this book the best of the series.
September 10, 2016
This book has been my favorite of the series so far, for two reasons.
The first, because the introduction of Rosamund, even if she does seem flippant at times, breaks up the monotony of maleness between Michael and Fisk. Plus, I love that Rosamund proves the boys wrong about what they speculate will happen if she's left to her own devices - which made me realize just how dependent I am on Michael and Fisk's perceptions in order to even see this world.
The second reason, the mystery in a book geared for kids is difficult enough to give adults a hard time figuring everything out. One of the things I love about Bell's writing is her ability to lead readers down a stereotypical fantasy/mystery road that makes us expect a cliche ending, only to find a twist or two thrown in the works that deviates the plot from what we expect. That's why I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
The first, because the introduction of Rosamund, even if she does seem flippant at times, breaks up the monotony of maleness between Michael and Fisk. Plus, I love that Rosamund proves the boys wrong about what they speculate will happen if she's left to her own devices - which made me realize just how dependent I am on Michael and Fisk's perceptions in order to even see this world.
The second reason, the mystery in a book geared for kids is difficult enough to give adults a hard time figuring everything out. One of the things I love about Bell's writing is her ability to lead readers down a stereotypical fantasy/mystery road that makes us expect a cliche ending, only to find a twist or two thrown in the works that deviates the plot from what we expect. That's why I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
May 22, 2013
These books get better and better as you go along. There were another few crass parts in this book that I felt were unnecessary (descriptions of a voluptuous girl) but otherwise the plot and storyline were great. Though I don't think I can in good conscience recommend this series to male readers. I like that they are mystery books. It's fun to try and guess what is going to happen, although this author is very skilled at not making it too obvious.
It makes me happy to know that this series isn't over. If I read the ending correctly, she may make as many books as she wants...and I think that is great. I just hope she never goes to far on the dirty side. So if you read this Hilari Bell...keep it clean! :)
It makes me happy to know that this series isn't over. If I read the ending correctly, she may make as many books as she wants...and I think that is great. I just hope she never goes to far on the dirty side. So if you read this Hilari Bell...keep it clean! :)
January 10, 2011
What can I say, these are fun little books. I have grown to really like the switching back and forth between voices chapter by chapter. It's well done. I really like the characters and they way they are gradually learning and growing and the bit more you are learning about them each book.
The adventures are fun and each book is it's own story, so you feel completed as you finish. It all wraps up. It's more like a sitcom episode than a soap opera, if you catch my drift. So, instead of feeling frustrated at being left at a cliff hanger, you are just excited to read more adventures of Michael and Fisk in the future.
The adventures are fun and each book is it's own story, so you feel completed as you finish. It all wraps up. It's more like a sitcom episode than a soap opera, if you catch my drift. So, instead of feeling frustrated at being left at a cliff hanger, you are just excited to read more adventures of Michael and Fisk in the future.
February 17, 2014
This is my favorite book in the series thus far. While trying to help the girl Michael's in love with, the boys wind up in a town beset by wreckers. They more they investigate, the more Michael feels they have to help and the more Fisk is convinced they should stay out of it.
I had the biggest reaction while reading this book that I have EVER had. And it came from two little words! (I won't say what they are, but you'll know when you get there.)If you don't believe me, ask my college roommate. Thank goodness had already read the book, so I didn't scare her when I sat straight up in bed and started yelling.
I can't wait for Thief's War!
I had the biggest reaction while reading this book that I have EVER had. And it came from two little words! (I won't say what they are, but you'll know when you get there.)If you don't believe me, ask my college roommate. Thank goodness had already read the book, so I didn't scare her when I sat straight up in bed and started yelling.
I can't wait for Thief's War!
April 17, 2010
The third book in the Knight and Rogue series doesn't really break any new ground, but if you liked the setup of buddies Michael the idealistic and honorable and Fisk the rascal with a heart of gold - and how could you not, really? - you'll like the third installment too. Formulaically, this is a mystery: Fisk and Michael are dropped into a situation with a cast of characters they've never met before and have to solve the crime. But it should appeal to more than just mystery readers; there's a bit of adventure and some unrequited romance as well as dry humor and competent worldbuilding.
June 24, 2011
Yes, this series has certainly become one of my favorites. As usual, characters win the day: Michael and Fisk are both likable, and their banter is really fun to read. Rosamund was far less annoying than she could have been; I could understand both Michael's and Fisk's perspectives about her. The intrigue started slower than in the previous books, but when it got going it definitely lived up to my high expectations. The appearance of was pretty cool, and well highlighted Fisk's character development since meeting Michael. More books, please?
October 11, 2012
This is a book that I would stay up all night and struggle to read under my night light because it is so good. I like a lot of fantasy books, and this wasn't fantasy but it was a nice change. This is the reason I started looking at other books besides, Fantasy and Mystery. This book keeps you on your toes. I love the suspense as you go from chapter to chapter. I think this was really clever because, it leaves the reader wanting more. Its a book you just can't put down. I was not bored at all. Not even in the beginning, it has a good hook. Another one of my good book reccomendations.
May 4, 2010
I love pretty much all Hilari Bell's books, but there's something extra special about the Knight and Rogue books. They're all (so far) very clean, fun and funny reads. I love how she makes Fisk and Michael's characters different (I hate it when the two main guys are the same) but similar enough that it's plausible that they could be friends. Highly recommended, but start with The Last Knight, the first book.
May 22, 2017
This series has such a consistent quality. It's hard to identify any of the books as better or worse than the others. I love how Bell wrote Rose. From Michael's point of view she's a paragon of virtue, and from Fisk's point of view she's a useless ditz, but the reader can see that both of them are wrong
August 31, 2014
The premise: Michael and Fisk are tapped by Michael's cousin Rosemund to help her flee her guardian (Michael's father) and seek her true love, a traveling player.
Michael has been in love with Rosemund, like, forever. Being a knight errant isn't easy. When they find the players, there is some darker plots afoot, which of course, Michael cannot let lie.
Other comments: If forced to pick a favorite of this series, this one would be my pick. All my earlier praise applies here.
Michael has been in love with Rosemund, like, forever. Being a knight errant isn't easy. When they find the players, there is some darker plots afoot, which of course, Michael cannot let lie.
Other comments: If forced to pick a favorite of this series, this one would be my pick. All my earlier praise applies here.
July 9, 2015
Don't waste your time. The author comes up with all kinds of goofy ideas/concepts that don't work. I picked up the first three from the library and kept reading because I didn't have anything else to read, and I hoped they would improve. This last book is the worst...it just rambles.
This series was recommended because I read John Flanagan. She can't hold a candle to him. Anyone reading his series would not want to trudge through this mess.
This series was recommended because I read John Flanagan. She can't hold a candle to him. Anyone reading his series would not want to trudge through this mess.
June 24, 2010
Yayayayayayyaayyayay! Finished this last night, and LOVED it, stayed up WAAAYYY too late reading it, and I don't regret it at all. I'll be honest, I broke down crying at the end, (If you've read it, you know why), but then I was cheering silently!!!! (Mostly because it was...not last night anymore. Whoops.) Yayay! Major love for Michael and especially Fisk!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews