Information
Goodreads: Kingdom Riders
Series: None (yet)
Age Category: Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 2024
Summary
Kayla has never considered entering the highly prestigious Kingdom Races--a chance for competitors to be crowned ruler of the realm--until she needs to help her best friend. Now, with an opportunity to leave her indentured servitude, she joins a team dedicated to changing the way the kingdom is run. But she might not yet be ready for outright rebellion.
Review
Kingdom Riders is the type of book that reminds me exactly why I love middle grade graphic novels! Set in a richly detailed world filled with inventive creatures, the book immediately captures readers with its imagination and sense of marvel. Add to that a compellingly sympathetic protagonist, a dash of humor, and an evil villain to defeat and you have a winning recipe. I was in a bit of a reading slump for awhile, but Kingdom Riders brought me back.
Though the conceit of a race/competition to determine who will gain political clout is not a new one, Kingdom Riders does it with style. From the start, readers will want to know more about this world where the inhabitants claim peace has come under the rule of a benevolent and heroic leader--but where most spend their lives in drudgery and indentured servitude. Something about the history they tell is obviously not right. Something about this competition seems calculated to appease the masses with its spectacle and false hope.
But this is no bleak world. It's one full of amazing creatures, hair-raising races, and determined (though still secret) rebels. And it has humor, too. While the other competitor choose noble or at least terrifying steeds, presenting might and majesty, our protagonist rides a lovable mud toad. Awww! Seeing her leave the others in the dust on her unconventional steed is a real treat. I found myself tearing through the pages, eager to see what would happen next.
Fans of fantasy will want to give Kingdom Riders a try. It has adventure, danger, mystery, political intrigue, wondrous locales--seemingly everything a fantasy reader could want. I was immersed in the world and can't wait for the sequel.
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