“In Children of the Knight, Michael Bowler has created a work that is neither light-hearted nor consistently easy to read. But it is important and interesting, and maybe even mandatory. It is also very human and real, while still being somehow fanciful—and engaging to all ages. Highly recommended.”
—Mia Kerick, Young Adult Author
“At its heart, Children of the Knight was a social commentary wrapped in a fictional fantasy. At its core, this novel was also a warning. A clear message that we cannot continue to write off the poor and disenfranchised, the street gangs, the youth who prostitute themselves, for they are the future of this world. There were times when this novel simply broke my heart.”
—Sammy on Goodreads
“Author Michael Bowler did an excellent job of twisting a real historical character in to a modern day twist. He brought to light an age old problem of child neglect in many forms and also the way we humans treat each other.”
—Naila Moon
“I will make this short and straightforward. Children of the Knight is one of the most spell-binding, heart-stopping, inspiring books I have ever had the great pleasure to read. From beginning to end, the plot is complex, the characters three dimensional, the writing powerful and elegant. Indeed, Michael J Bowler is a powerful writer with a gift unparalleled. I can’t praise it enough.”
—Huston Piner, author
“What some children go through, no one should have to. It was interesting to see the fantasy mixed up with the real. I liked that the legend was used as a positive. I felt great sadness as I read. I did cry, but I liked the hope that was given and I felt attached to all of the characters. I want to read more now.”
—Blaze on Goodreads
“Each individuals story will wrench your heart and have you cheering. I literally was brought to tears twice and not just a single tear, but all out gushing and sniffling. The ending is heart rending and triumphant all at once. I won’t tell you more than that because I would ruin the story for you.”
—V.A. Dold
“The story’s greatest strength is in its depiction of exploited youth, brave children finding their place in a system that’s rejected them, in a world that too freely abuses and condemns, needing approval, and learning to stand up for what they finally believe in.”
—Sheila on Goodreads
“I laughed. I cried. I felt. Simply put, this is easily one of the best books I’ve read in the past five years. Bowler’s writing invites readers to truly hear water dripping and shots going off, truly feel sneers and snarky comments from peers, truly witness and experience injustice in its most disturbing form - one involving children. This book will call you to action on behalf of our society’s “optional children.” If you read anything this year, read this book.”
– Nora at Only God Writes Trees
“Children of the Knight is one of those stories where you start reading saying to yourself “that’ll never work” and then 6 hours later you put it down sobbing, having read one of the best young adult books currently in publication.”
– Josh at Greedy Bug Book Reviews
“Children of the Knight is one of the most emotional books I have ever read. I am not usually overly emotional when reading, yet at various times during the novel I found myself laughing, cheering, feeling terrified for the characters, and even almost crying. This is one of the few books I would recommend to anyone and everyone.”
– The Broken Bookshelf
