Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
New York : Aladdin, 2010.
Description
In an alternate Victorian England, fourteen-year-old orphan Henry Grim, a maltreated servant at an exclusive school for the "sons of Gentry and Quality," begins a new life when he unexpectedly becomes the first commoner to be accepted at Knightley Academy, a prestigious boarding school for knights.
User reviews
LibraryThing member CatheOlson
Servant boy Henry Grim has been secretly studying at night with a sympathic professor at exclusive Midsummer School for Boys where Henry works. When Henry is allowed to take the entrance exam for the prestigious Knightley Academy, he not only passes but none of the students at the school makes the
Though this book was in many ways a lot like Harry Potter -- boarding school, misfit friends, rich bullies, unfair professors and kindly professors, etc. I must say I LOVED this book. I liked the characters especially the unconventional Franchesca who is full of humor, daring, and stubbornness. Henry's roommates are great and I like the Valmont is not all stereotypically bad but has his own struggles going on. I really could not put this book down and am looking forward to more. This one is definitely going right into my elementary school library.
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grade--much to the anger of the other students and one in particular--Valmont, who vows to have his revenge. Henry isn't worried. He'll soon be at a new school--though he does worry how the other boys will react to him, a commoner, at their school. And he was right to worry--not only do the other boys treat him differently, Valmont was able to pull strings and attend Knightsley after all. As school progresses, however, Valmont is only part of the problem as Henry uncovers a plot that could affect many more people than just himself.Though this book was in many ways a lot like Harry Potter -- boarding school, misfit friends, rich bullies, unfair professors and kindly professors, etc. I must say I LOVED this book. I liked the characters especially the unconventional Franchesca who is full of humor, daring, and stubbornness. Henry's roommates are great and I like the Valmont is not all stereotypically bad but has his own struggles going on. I really could not put this book down and am looking forward to more. This one is definitely going right into my elementary school library.
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LibraryThing member ReadingWhileItRains
Henry Grim is a servant at the Midsummer School for Boys. At least, he was, until he was accepted into the prestigious Knightley Academy thanks to some help from friend and secret tutor Professor Stratford. Henry soon becomes best friends with Adam, Rohan, and the headmaster's daughter Frankie.
I absolutely love the characters in this book. Henry is a very likable protagonist who I was rooting for from the beginning. He and his friends Adam and Rohan have very different personalities, but that's what makes their friendship work so well. Frankie is so much fun; she can always make the boys laugh (and the reader as well). I also like that Valmont isn't the stereotypical bully. He's not all bad and he has his own struggles to deal with.
The plot was well-paced with a few twists in end I didn't see coming. The ending is satisfying, but still makes me eager to read the sequel.
I loved Knightley Academy and look forward to future books in the series. If you haven't read it yet, I most definitely recommend it!
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When Henry and his friends find out that someone is trying to get them expelled from Knightley the adventure really begins. Together they try to solve the mystery that may end up leading to something bigger than any of them could have imagined.I absolutely love the characters in this book. Henry is a very likable protagonist who I was rooting for from the beginning. He and his friends Adam and Rohan have very different personalities, but that's what makes their friendship work so well. Frankie is so much fun; she can always make the boys laugh (and the reader as well). I also like that Valmont isn't the stereotypical bully. He's not all bad and he has his own struggles to deal with.
The plot was well-paced with a few twists in end I didn't see coming. The ending is satisfying, but still makes me eager to read the sequel.
I loved Knightley Academy and look forward to future books in the series. If you haven't read it yet, I most definitely recommend it!
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LibraryThing member Nikkles
Knightley Academy is very well written. It has a nice pace and interesting characters. The authors develops the characters well and quickly despite the humorous tone of the book. The book shares a bit of its concept with Harry Potter, but I feel this doesn't detract from its creative aspects. As I
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said it has a more humorous tongue in check tone than Harry Potter. The author does a good job of setting up this new world where Knights keep the peace. Overall, this was a very fun book. Show Less
LibraryThing member thediaryofabookworm
Alrighty. So generally, after reading a book by an author I'm unfamiliar with, I jump online and have a look-see. This is when astounding things like sequels, come to my attention, or in this case... that an author isn't a real person but a pseudonym.
Here I was, thinking Knightley Academy was a
Weird right?
I mean outside of Lemony Snicket how many Middle School authors hide behind a pseudonym? Anywho, after beating around trying to find a Violet Haberdasher website I finally came to the realization that Violet Haberdasher (I guess it's kind of a weird name, come to think of it) is really Robyn Schneider. I also discovered Simon and Schuster (or Robyn Schneider) really aught to update the Knightley Academy site; seriously, I can't pre-order a published book and the extras page says access forbidden until March 9 2010....uh? isn't it August 2010??
Outside of these oddities I can tell you two things, this book is an entertaining read, and although it's not commented on anywhere that I can find it is surely a series, likely 4 books long.
Henry Grim is an orphan working as a servant in an upper class school, studying on the sly, when he is suddenly given the chance of a lifetime. The prestigious Knightley Academy, for the first time ever, is letting commoners test for entry, and Henry is the first to gain admission. Along with his three new commoner roommates and the daughter of the Headmaster, Henry spends an exciting yet stressful first year at Knightley. Can he come out on top? Or will his first year prove to be his last?
Strikingly similar story arc to Harry Potter (orphan Henry, admission to a school he would never dream of attending, a teacher who seems to be plotting against him, a fellow group of outsiders to befriend, a lurking greater threat outside of school), the Knightley Academy is original while being totally unoriginal. Which is to say I liked it, but there was a familiarity to it that I found disconcerting. Henry's group of friends are fun, especially Frankie the Headmaster's daughter, and the action is largely enjoyable. What I would truly like to see in the next books is for Violet/Robyn to pull away from the Harry Potter story arc and build her own non-referencing world. Honestly, no story which mimics Harry Potter will end up coming out well in the comparison so I wouldn't recommend it.
Since I can't find any further information on her site or the Knightley site about a second book we'll just have to wait and see if I stumble into it down the road. This has the potential to become a really good story, but I have to say the Harry Potter leanings will have to end to be so.
Here I was, thinking Knightley Academy was a
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debut authors first novel. And I suppose, in a way it is, since Violet Haberdasher only started to exist when this book went to print.Weird right?
I mean outside of Lemony Snicket how many Middle School authors hide behind a pseudonym? Anywho, after beating around trying to find a Violet Haberdasher website I finally came to the realization that Violet Haberdasher (I guess it's kind of a weird name, come to think of it) is really Robyn Schneider. I also discovered Simon and Schuster (or Robyn Schneider) really aught to update the Knightley Academy site; seriously, I can't pre-order a published book and the extras page says access forbidden until March 9 2010....uh? isn't it August 2010??
Outside of these oddities I can tell you two things, this book is an entertaining read, and although it's not commented on anywhere that I can find it is surely a series, likely 4 books long.
Henry Grim is an orphan working as a servant in an upper class school, studying on the sly, when he is suddenly given the chance of a lifetime. The prestigious Knightley Academy, for the first time ever, is letting commoners test for entry, and Henry is the first to gain admission. Along with his three new commoner roommates and the daughter of the Headmaster, Henry spends an exciting yet stressful first year at Knightley. Can he come out on top? Or will his first year prove to be his last?
Strikingly similar story arc to Harry Potter (orphan Henry, admission to a school he would never dream of attending, a teacher who seems to be plotting against him, a fellow group of outsiders to befriend, a lurking greater threat outside of school), the Knightley Academy is original while being totally unoriginal. Which is to say I liked it, but there was a familiarity to it that I found disconcerting. Henry's group of friends are fun, especially Frankie the Headmaster's daughter, and the action is largely enjoyable. What I would truly like to see in the next books is for Violet/Robyn to pull away from the Harry Potter story arc and build her own non-referencing world. Honestly, no story which mimics Harry Potter will end up coming out well in the comparison so I wouldn't recommend it.
Since I can't find any further information on her site or the Knightley site about a second book we'll just have to wait and see if I stumble into it down the road. This has the potential to become a really good story, but I have to say the Harry Potter leanings will have to end to be so.
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LibraryThing member Kewpie83
This book reads like the next Harry Potter. Truly. If you haven't reserved it yet, do so now! It's just that good. It's themes of friendship and never giving up are sure to win over readers who are looking for a good action/adventure/friendship story.
LibraryThing member andystehr
Great book. Very Harry Potteresque. There was a slight steampunk feel too. I learned about it from a Doctor Forum. I guess the author is a big fan too.
LibraryThing member abackwardsstory
Bookworms, I’ll tell you upfront: I’m going to have a lot of trouble reviewing KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY for you. I’m not sure how to describe the magical way the story snuck beneath my skin and consumed me. I feel like if I describe it one way, I’ll pigeon-hole it and you’ll think it’s a book
Ignore the title of this book: If KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY brings up images of knights in shining armor and damsels in distress, you’re WRONG. You’re also not alone: That’s the type of novel I thought I was getting, too. I thought this novel was going to be about a school that taught students how to be a knight. I was hoping for the next RANGER’S APPRENTICE by John Flanagan or SONG OF THE LIONESS (or PROTECTOR OF THE SMALL) series by Tamora Pierce. While this novel IS about knights, it’s not about *knights.* When I first started reading and saw the word “car,” I thought, “What…? Dashing knights in our world?” And then I kept reading. It takes place at the turn of the century, when electricity is still new and cars are used only by a select few. I grew even more confused. But then I realized how brilliant author Violet Haberdasher (nom de plume) is. Because this world is our world, but it’s *not* our world. At one point, there were real knights of old. Eventually, the various countries signed The Longsword Treaty with one another, creating peace and eliminating the need for combat and true knights. Instead, Knights of the Realm now train to be detective knights, police knights, and secret service knights. They might also work in prestigious office positions or for famous families.
KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY also holds a vague similarity to HARRY POTTER, albeit without the use of any magic. The novel centers around an orphaned boy named Henry Grim who has dreamed of one day attending Knightley Academy. Alas, without a proper status or position in life, he has no chance of getting in...until the entrance exams allow all residents at the school where he works to apply. There are a couple of characters reminiscent of beloved members of the POTTER family, as well as a few nuances here and there. Haberdasher wrote a particularly lovely guest post earlier this year on Bookalicio.us about her goals in creating KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY. She wanted a series to fill in the hole left when the POTTER series concluded for fans such as herself who grew up with the novels, something with a similar texture to them. But she didn’t want the magic, or a boy who knew nothing about the school he was about to attend, and resolutions that never occurred in the best-selling series. In the guest post, she states, “The hero is the cleverest scholar in his year, hopeless at sports and destined for nothing. And yet…there is something undeniably Potterish about my storytelling.” The result is a series with a similar flavor, but different enough that the two truly can’t be compared to one another.
In KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY, danger lurks on the horizon. The newspapers all buzz about how the Nordlands are doing medical experiments on their citizens, and talk about how women are refused education to the extent that people who break the law are prosecuted. But if these rumors are true, then London is about to go to war for the first time since The Longsword Treaty was set in motion...and knights are no longer trained for combat. It’s a dangerous time to be a young man. London is changing as well: For the first time, Knightley Academy is admitting commoners to its elite knight program due to the discovery of a brilliant young servant named Henry Grim. In addition to accepting Henry into training, the school opens two more spots and admits Adam Beckerman and Rohan Mehta. The three students become roommates and are ostracized by their peers, Henry because he was a servant, Adam because he’s Jewish, and Rohan due to his dark skin. This is hardest on Rohan, who, while orphaned early on, was adopted by a wealthy family and feels equal to the other boys at school despite his appearance. The first year students are too afraid to reach out to the three “common” students due to two students who delight in tormenting them, the pompous Theobold Archer IV and his lackey, Fergus Valmont, with whom Henry is previously acquainted (and not in a pleasant way). The boys must suffer through school, making friends only with Francesca “Frankie” Winter, the Headmaster’s teenage daughter. Soon, terrifying accidents start to occur, and it becomes clear that either someone wants to remove the three common boys from Knightley and restore the school to its superior roots or something more sinister is at play.
KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY is full of adventure, mystery, and intrigue. I had a lot of trouble putting it down and delved right into book two, THE SECRET PRINCE (launching June 28, 2011). The books are currently set to be a trilogy, but they don’t have cliffhanger endings. Rather, they hit the end of term the way the POTTER books due, with the first novel ending as winter break approaches and the second one starting off with second term. Unless the series is extended, the books won’t follow Henry and his friends throughout their years at Knightley, for reasons that will become apparent in book two. KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY was fantastic, and THE SECRET PRINCE is even better. I’ll post a review tomorrow. If you’re looking for a new series that hits your sweet spot and doesn’t leave you frustrated for several years, this is a series you don’t want to miss.
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that it isn’t. Even though it’s similar to other works in some ways, it’s also unlike anything I’ve read, in a class of its own. Unputdownable. A perfect blend of reality and fantasy for children, teens, and adults alike.Ignore the title of this book: If KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY brings up images of knights in shining armor and damsels in distress, you’re WRONG. You’re also not alone: That’s the type of novel I thought I was getting, too. I thought this novel was going to be about a school that taught students how to be a knight. I was hoping for the next RANGER’S APPRENTICE by John Flanagan or SONG OF THE LIONESS (or PROTECTOR OF THE SMALL) series by Tamora Pierce. While this novel IS about knights, it’s not about *knights.* When I first started reading and saw the word “car,” I thought, “What…? Dashing knights in our world?” And then I kept reading. It takes place at the turn of the century, when electricity is still new and cars are used only by a select few. I grew even more confused. But then I realized how brilliant author Violet Haberdasher (nom de plume) is. Because this world is our world, but it’s *not* our world. At one point, there were real knights of old. Eventually, the various countries signed The Longsword Treaty with one another, creating peace and eliminating the need for combat and true knights. Instead, Knights of the Realm now train to be detective knights, police knights, and secret service knights. They might also work in prestigious office positions or for famous families.
KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY also holds a vague similarity to HARRY POTTER, albeit without the use of any magic. The novel centers around an orphaned boy named Henry Grim who has dreamed of one day attending Knightley Academy. Alas, without a proper status or position in life, he has no chance of getting in...until the entrance exams allow all residents at the school where he works to apply. There are a couple of characters reminiscent of beloved members of the POTTER family, as well as a few nuances here and there. Haberdasher wrote a particularly lovely guest post earlier this year on Bookalicio.us about her goals in creating KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY. She wanted a series to fill in the hole left when the POTTER series concluded for fans such as herself who grew up with the novels, something with a similar texture to them. But she didn’t want the magic, or a boy who knew nothing about the school he was about to attend, and resolutions that never occurred in the best-selling series. In the guest post, she states, “The hero is the cleverest scholar in his year, hopeless at sports and destined for nothing. And yet…there is something undeniably Potterish about my storytelling.” The result is a series with a similar flavor, but different enough that the two truly can’t be compared to one another.
In KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY, danger lurks on the horizon. The newspapers all buzz about how the Nordlands are doing medical experiments on their citizens, and talk about how women are refused education to the extent that people who break the law are prosecuted. But if these rumors are true, then London is about to go to war for the first time since The Longsword Treaty was set in motion...and knights are no longer trained for combat. It’s a dangerous time to be a young man. London is changing as well: For the first time, Knightley Academy is admitting commoners to its elite knight program due to the discovery of a brilliant young servant named Henry Grim. In addition to accepting Henry into training, the school opens two more spots and admits Adam Beckerman and Rohan Mehta. The three students become roommates and are ostracized by their peers, Henry because he was a servant, Adam because he’s Jewish, and Rohan due to his dark skin. This is hardest on Rohan, who, while orphaned early on, was adopted by a wealthy family and feels equal to the other boys at school despite his appearance. The first year students are too afraid to reach out to the three “common” students due to two students who delight in tormenting them, the pompous Theobold Archer IV and his lackey, Fergus Valmont, with whom Henry is previously acquainted (and not in a pleasant way). The boys must suffer through school, making friends only with Francesca “Frankie” Winter, the Headmaster’s teenage daughter. Soon, terrifying accidents start to occur, and it becomes clear that either someone wants to remove the three common boys from Knightley and restore the school to its superior roots or something more sinister is at play.
KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY is full of adventure, mystery, and intrigue. I had a lot of trouble putting it down and delved right into book two, THE SECRET PRINCE (launching June 28, 2011). The books are currently set to be a trilogy, but they don’t have cliffhanger endings. Rather, they hit the end of term the way the POTTER books due, with the first novel ending as winter break approaches and the second one starting off with second term. Unless the series is extended, the books won’t follow Henry and his friends throughout their years at Knightley, for reasons that will become apparent in book two. KNIGHTLEY ACADEMY was fantastic, and THE SECRET PRINCE is even better. I’ll post a review tomorrow. If you’re looking for a new series that hits your sweet spot and doesn’t leave you frustrated for several years, this is a series you don’t want to miss.
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LibraryThing member iShanella
Henry Grimm is an orphan who works in the kitchens of a prestigious boarding school for boys. As a commoner, he is not allowed to take Knighley Academy entrance exam, but, after finding a loophole in the rules, he is admitted as the first commoner to Knightley Academy - a school for Knights.
Initially, you might think that Knightley Academy by Violet Haberdasher, is just another Harry Potter knock-off. There’s an orphaned boy gaining access to a special school, who is mentored by adults who want him to succeed. A teacher who seems to dislike said boy on sight, a nemisis much like the pointed-chin Malfoy. Even the way the story is written is reminiscent of Harry Potter. However, that’s where the similarities end.
While the stories do share a lot of similar elements, they are not the same. The idea of a young, unfortunate boy finding out that he’s special in some way (or in this case, attending a special school), finding friends in unlikely places and over coming a difficult situation - against all odds - is not a new idea. It’s been written and rewritten for years. It’s the execution of the idea that makes a story stand out.
I’d venture to say that Knightley Academy can stand on it’s own. There were times when I found the prose a little awkward and the situations a little unrealistic. One of the conflicts in the story was related to a political treaty and politics is a main theme that runs through the entire narrative and sometimes reads a bit dry. As the story progresses, it comes into its own, and even though it started slow, the end had me rooting for Henry.
While I wouldn’t call it original, I think that it is a fun read for young readers. I’m looking forward to seeing how this story develops.
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Knightley Academy follows Henry and his friends and the troubles and truimphs they experience during their first year at Knightley. Initially, you might think that Knightley Academy by Violet Haberdasher, is just another Harry Potter knock-off. There’s an orphaned boy gaining access to a special school, who is mentored by adults who want him to succeed. A teacher who seems to dislike said boy on sight, a nemisis much like the pointed-chin Malfoy. Even the way the story is written is reminiscent of Harry Potter. However, that’s where the similarities end.
While the stories do share a lot of similar elements, they are not the same. The idea of a young, unfortunate boy finding out that he’s special in some way (or in this case, attending a special school), finding friends in unlikely places and over coming a difficult situation - against all odds - is not a new idea. It’s been written and rewritten for years. It’s the execution of the idea that makes a story stand out.
I’d venture to say that Knightley Academy can stand on it’s own. There were times when I found the prose a little awkward and the situations a little unrealistic. One of the conflicts in the story was related to a political treaty and politics is a main theme that runs through the entire narrative and sometimes reads a bit dry. As the story progresses, it comes into its own, and even though it started slow, the end had me rooting for Henry.
While I wouldn’t call it original, I think that it is a fun read for young readers. I’m looking forward to seeing how this story develops.
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LibraryThing member lindap69
Set in a British school with bullies and bad people in an alternate view of history. This is not the best book I've ever read, but I liked the characters and plot enough to see it through. Action and adventure will draw in the guys. The language is easy and the book is long so it could make a
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not-so-strong reader feel accomplished. I think there is a sequel coming out which is what must have prompted me to put this one on hold. Show Less
LibraryThing member iShanella
Henry Grimm is an orphan who works in the kitchens of a prestigious boarding school for boys. As a commoner, he is not allowed to take Knighley Academy entrance exam, but, after finding a loophole in the rules, he is admitted as the first commoner to Knightley Academy - a school for Knights.
Initially, you might think that Knightley Academy by Violet Haberdasher, is just another Harry Potter knock-off. There’s an orphaned boy gaining access to a special school, who is mentored by adults who want him to succeed. A teacher who seems to dislike said boy on sight, a nemisis much like the pointed-chin Malfoy. Even the way the story is written is reminiscent of Harry Potter. However, that’s where the similarities end.
While the stories do share a lot of similar elements, they are not the same. The idea of a young, unfortunate boy finding out that he’s special in some way (or in this case, attending a special school), finding friends in unlikely places and over coming a difficult situation - against all odds - is not a new idea. It’s been written and rewritten for years. It’s the execution of the idea that makes a story stand out.
I’d venture to say that Knightley Academy can stand on it’s own. There were times when I found the prose a little awkward and the situations a little unrealistic. One of the conflicts in the story was related to a political treaty and politics is a main theme that runs through the entire narrative and sometimes reads a bit dry. As the story progresses, it comes into its own, and even though it started slow, the end had me rooting for Henry.
While I wouldn’t call it original, I think that it is a fun read for young readers. I’m looking forward to seeing how this story develops.
Show More
Knightley Academy follows Henry and his friends and the troubles and truimphs they experience during their first year at Knightley. Initially, you might think that Knightley Academy by Violet Haberdasher, is just another Harry Potter knock-off. There’s an orphaned boy gaining access to a special school, who is mentored by adults who want him to succeed. A teacher who seems to dislike said boy on sight, a nemisis much like the pointed-chin Malfoy. Even the way the story is written is reminiscent of Harry Potter. However, that’s where the similarities end.
While the stories do share a lot of similar elements, they are not the same. The idea of a young, unfortunate boy finding out that he’s special in some way (or in this case, attending a special school), finding friends in unlikely places and over coming a difficult situation - against all odds - is not a new idea. It’s been written and rewritten for years. It’s the execution of the idea that makes a story stand out.
I’d venture to say that Knightley Academy can stand on it’s own. There were times when I found the prose a little awkward and the situations a little unrealistic. One of the conflicts in the story was related to a political treaty and politics is a main theme that runs through the entire narrative and sometimes reads a bit dry. As the story progresses, it comes into its own, and even though it started slow, the end had me rooting for Henry.
While I wouldn’t call it original, I think that it is a fun read for young readers. I’m looking forward to seeing how this story develops.
Show Less
Language
Original publication date
2010-02-14
ISBN
1416991433 / 9781416991434