The Last Knight (Knight and Rogue)

Need a Hero?

You've got one in Sir Michael Sevenson.

Although there hasn't been a knight errant in over two hundred years, this young noble has decided to revive the trade. He's found himself a reluctant partner in Fisk, a clever rogue who has been given the choice of serving as Michael's squire or going to jail for a very long time. Now Michael and Fisk are on a quest to right wrongs, protect the innocent, and make the world a happier place.

It's not going to be easy. On their first attempt at rescuing a damsel in distress, they break a lady out of a tower, only to discover she was there for good reason: awaiting trial for poisoning her husband. Now the would-be heroes must find Lady Ceciel and return her to justice or be condemned themselves.

"This first installment of the Knight and Rogue novels, a planned heroic fantasy series, chronicles the misadventures of a sarcastic 17-year-old ex-con and his idealistic employer, who is just one year older. Sir Michael Sevenson is a knight-errant, although, as the narrator puts it, that kind of 'romantic idiocy' hasn't existed in more than two centuries. After Sir Michael saves the narrator, Fisk, from a lengthy jail sentence by hiring him on as his squire, the unlikely duo rescue an imprisoned damsel in distress from a tower — only to discover that they've freed a woman suspected of murdering her husband. To make amends, Sir Michael and his wily squire set out to capture the villainess and bring her back to trial. Bell (The Goblin Wood) fills the ensuing realm-spanning journey with magic-filled adventure and moments of downright hilarity, especially scenes involving Tipple, the alcoholic horse. While some serious shortcomings mar the narrative — characters aside from the two protagonists are essentially flat, and the world-building aspect is practically nonexistent — the fast-paced action and well-developed friendship between Sir Michael and Fisk make up for any inadequacies. Ages 12-up. (Sept.)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

The first book in Bells new Knight and Rogue fantasy series for teens stars Michael and Fisk, two mismatched heroes in the mold of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, who cant seem to keep out of trouble.

Hilari Bell recently retired from a career as a librarian to pursue writing full time. Her favorite books are fantasy, science fiction, and mystery. Not surprisingly, these are the kinds of books she writes very well herself, often combining genres when it serves her story. Her growing list of titles includes The Prophecy, The Wizard Test, The Goblin Wood, and A Matter of Profit. Perhaps a starred review of the wizard test in KLIATT describes Hilari's unique talent best: "Politics and intrigue, honor and friendship are Bell's real subjects, and her novels are thought provoking as well as exciting reads." Hilari lives in her hometown of Denver, Colorado.