Originally posted on Just Geeking by.

Content warnings:
An author’s note at the beginning of the book lists the following content warnings; bigotry, bias, queerphobia, child abuse, generational trauma, dead naming and misgendering (used as weapons).

It’s taken me a while to get to this review because I have so much to say about Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston by Esme Symes-Smith and most of it is an emotional response which doesn’t easily translate into words. Callie is a young person stuck in a life that constantly pushes them down. Their father is a knight, the champion of the king, and all they have ever wanted to do is follow in their father’s footsteps. Their mother has other ideas, expecting Callie to fit into the role of a proper young lady. It isn’t just the idea of needlework that Callie chafes at, it’s something much more important to who they are; Callie is non-binary.

Thankfully, Callie has their dad in their corner, and he takes Callie away from that life, retiring as the King’s champion. They both find their place in their world among a community of like-minded people, yet Callie still dreams of becoming a knight one day. When their father is pulled back to the capital city to train the young prince, it looks like Callie’s dreams can finally be realised. Unfortunately, while the city holds everything that Callie needs to become a knight, it also holds everything that can hold them back.

Filled with ignorance and strict rules upheld by a bigoted chancellor who has seized power, Callie finds themselves in a strange new place and separated from their father, their staunchest supporter. They’re forced to live in the women’s quarters, to wear dresses and are misgendered constantly. When they try to fight back, they find themselves blocked at every turn. Feeling lost, frustrated and without hope or support, Callie isn’t sure what to do until they connect with someone in the city. Slowly but surely Callie begins to find allies, and when the city is in danger, it’s them and their friends who must step up to save the day.

There are many elements of Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston that will feel familiar to other coming of age stories. What makes this book unique is that being different isn’t written about as a trope; it exists as a core part of people’s identity. Likewise, difference comes in multiple ways. In this book, multiple young people struggle with not fitting in, and particularly how that means they don’t conform to the expectations of the adults in their lives.

I’ve found that some authors touch on this subject briefly, but step lightly around saying what needs to be said. Symes-Smith gets right down to the nitty-gritty and there are so many wonderful quotes in this book about being yourself, including one about what people actually mean when they talk about “being normal” (they just want you to fit in). This is a book that I wish had existed when I was younger, as it exists to reaffirm that individuality is beautiful and should be encouraged, especially in children. In the safe space of a fantasy world, Symes-Smith navigates topics that are being played out in our society and offers a way for young people to engage with their thoughts about them.

Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston offers a vast array of characters with strong backstories that will capture readers’ hearts and attention. This is an extremely emotional book, filled with heartache, frustration and joy. All set to the background of fantastic world-building. Symes-Smith is an incredible new voice in middle grade fantasy, and one that is filled to the brim with authenticity. This story of found family and being true to oneself never once felt non-genuine, and that is what makes Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston so special. It’s written from the heart by someone who wants everyone to find their true family and learn that no one should be punished for being who they are.

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