Defender of the Realm

December 15, 2016
A reluctant heir to the throne learns that the king of England's job is more dangerous and fantastic than he imagined. Alfie, named for Alfred the Great, does not dream of defending the country against Vikings but of being just a regular white kid. But as Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, his life is mapped out for him. Fourteen-year-old mixed-race Hayley is visiting the Tower of London with her Jamaican-born grandmother when she witnesses an epic battle between the Black Lizard and the mysterious white knight known as the Defender. However, even though dozens caught it on video, any evidence is quickly squashed. When his father dies unexpectedly, Alfie must become not only the monarch, but the literal Defender of the realm. But the key to defeating the Black Lizard might lie in the lizard scale that Hayley retrieved from the Tower battle. The familiar theme of reluctant hero-turned-determined savior is enlivened here by a combination of fast-paced action and intriguing characters. Alfie, with his clumsiness, fear, and insecurity, is decidedly human. Hayley is tough, determined, and bright--in short, an excellent sidekick. An obvious reveal at the end only diminishes the story slightly. The open ending hints at more adventures to come. A thrilling mashup of history and fantasy. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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February 1, 2017

Gr 4-6-This serviceable middle grade adventure is fast-paced, rambunctious, and jammed with humor and action. Alfie is the typical awkward teenager, except he's also the prince of Great Britain and next in line for the throne. Hayley has less affluent circumstances; her mother has passed away, and she lives with her ailing grandmother. Things quickly take a turn toward the fantastical when Hayley comes into possession of a mysterious black scale after witnessing a fight at the Tower of London between a monster called the Black Lizard and the legendary Defender of the Realm, a mythical hero clad in armor. This hero turns out to be Alfie's father, whose untimely death at the hands of the Black Lizard makes Alfie the next king-and also the next Defender of the Realm. Alfie and Hayley are both likable, if not incredibly unique, and although it takes some time for them to finally meet, the two work well together as a team. In order to keep a lighter tone, some of the more somber events, including Alfie's father's death and Hayley's grandmother being placed in a nursing home and Hayley in foster care, are glossed over in favor of action and jokes. While this title is not a standout compared with others in the genre, there are a couple of surprise twists, particularly on the last pages, which will leave readers anxiously waiting for the inevitable sequel.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 15, 2017
Grades 4-6 Hayley and her grandmother are touring the Tower of London when the Black Lizard, a humanlike reptile, smashes through a wall to grab the Crown Jewels, only to be foiled by the Defender, England's enigmatic superhero. Meanwhile Alfie, next in line for the throne, sneaks out of Harrow School and makes headlines by hiding in a trash can to avoid a news photographer. Soon after the king's sudden death, Hayley and Alfie become allies in thwarting the Black Lizard, who's attempting to seize power by finding and reassembling the hidden shards of the magical crown of King Alfred the Great. Can two 14-year-olds save the realm? Readers will find it hard to resist a young noble who aspires to be known as Alfie the Not So Bad, while biracial Hayley brings courage, kindness, and common sense to their mission. The trappings of British history and royalty are here, along with elements of fantasy and humor, but adventure drives this fast-paced chapter book. An unexpected twist on the last page will leave readers eager for sequels.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)