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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
3.5 stars
read on my blog + check out a playlist I made and a giveaway!
**I received an ARC for this blog tour. These are my honest opinions, and in no way was I compensated for this review.**
rep: biracial (Indian, Russian) side character/love interest, bisexual Black side character, nonbinary side character, trans girl side character
I first heard about this book on Twitter when it was comped to A Knight’s Tale and it sounded really fun. The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly was a cute story with a heroine you’ll root for, a friends-to-lovers romance, and lovable characters.
Kit works at a medieval-themed restaurant as a serving wench, but what she really wants to do there is be a knight with her brother. However, per company policy, only cis men are allowed to be knights. One (k)night, she takes her brother’s place and the video of her revealing herself goes viral. She, along with her friends across the gender spectrum, form a plan in order to change the restaurant’s policy to allow anyone to be a knight.
This was a very feminist story, and I really appreciated that Pacton made sure to include all genders and emphasized that gender isn’t binary. There is a trans girl side character and a nonbinary side character, both of whom participate in Kit’s quest.
I liked reading about Kit’s relationship with everyone in her life. She and her brother are really close; they support each other through everything. Her best friends, Jett and Layla, are also always there for her.
Their friendship also had an important underlying aspect: money. Kit’s family is poor while Jett’s and Layla’s families are well-off. Kit details things that are always on her mind, like bills and paying for college, that they clearly never have to think about. However, money is never an issue of contention between them. It was just important to see that the difference was there but it doesn’t affect their overall relationships.
This is a friends-to-lovers story! Kit and Jett were really cute together. There’s seemingly unrequited pining thrown in there as well.
Overall, The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly was a really cute, fun story about defying norms and overcoming obstacles. It had great sibling relationships, lovable characters, and a plot you’ll want to follow. Pick it up today!
original review:
cute!!
read on my blog + check out a playlist I made and a giveaway!
**I received an ARC for this blog tour. These are my honest opinions, and in no way was I compensated for this review.**
rep: biracial (Indian, Russian) side character/love interest, bisexual Black side character, nonbinary side character, trans girl side character
The world won’t break me. I’m the Girl Knight after all.
I first heard about this book on Twitter when it was comped to A Knight’s Tale and it sounded really fun. The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly was a cute story with a heroine you’ll root for, a friends-to-lovers romance, and lovable characters.
Kit works at a medieval-themed restaurant as a serving wench, but what she really wants to do there is be a knight with her brother. However, per company policy, only cis men are allowed to be knights. One (k)night, she takes her brother’s place and the video of her revealing herself goes viral. She, along with her friends across the gender spectrum, form a plan in order to change the restaurant’s policy to allow anyone to be a knight.
This was a very feminist story, and I really appreciated that Pacton made sure to include all genders and emphasized that gender isn’t binary. There is a trans girl side character and a nonbinary side character, both of whom participate in Kit’s quest.
I liked reading about Kit’s relationship with everyone in her life. She and her brother are really close; they support each other through everything. Her best friends, Jett and Layla, are also always there for her.
Their friendship also had an important underlying aspect: money. Kit’s family is poor while Jett’s and Layla’s families are well-off. Kit details things that are always on her mind, like bills and paying for college, that they clearly never have to think about. However, money is never an issue of contention between them. It was just important to see that the difference was there but it doesn’t affect their overall relationships.
This is a friends-to-lovers story! Kit and Jett were really cute together. There’s seemingly unrequited pining thrown in there as well.
Overall, The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly was a really cute, fun story about defying norms and overcoming obstacles. It had great sibling relationships, lovable characters, and a plot you’ll want to follow. Pick it up today!
original review:
cute!!
I went in expecting a gender equality story, but was pleasantly surprised by how well the author addressed poverty. It’s a cute story of a girl who wants to smash the patriarchy, while still trying to figure out college, financial aid, school (which at times becomes a back burner) and relationships.
Fast, fun and educational, it sets the tone for all the butt kicking, patriarchy destroying YA's that I hope will follow.
I liked a lot about this book-- the love of medieval history, the protagonist going up against gender norms and wanting to be a lady knight, the discussions about the shortcomings of historical perspectives and some decent (if basic) representation. But Pacton built up the drama way too much, only to let it tumble down into a messy ending that was pretty much a huge cop-out. It was like in the last 30 pages, she realized that she had to tie all the loose plot lines together to try and end it at one book. I would have loved a bibliography on some of the research the author had (presumably) done to look up the influential, and little known women warriors of the Middle Ages.
But if you know someone who likes books about fighting gender norms, the Middle Ages, anything to do with Medieval Times, history, and a best-friend-that-I-find-attractive-but-can't-date-because-it-would-ruin-the friendship love trope, then this is a solid recommendation.
But if you know someone who likes books about fighting gender norms, the Middle Ages, anything to do with Medieval Times, history, and a best-friend-that-I-find-attractive-but-can't-date-because-it-would-ruin-the friendship love trope, then this is a solid recommendation.
A fun story and a light read with a good feminist message
Before I get into this, I want to thank the author, Jamie Pacton, for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Well, at first, I didn’t think I was going to be able to change or prove anything – I was just helping my brother out. But, as I was fighting, I realized I liked it. I wanted to show kids they can do anything, regardless of gender identity. So, yes, it might be symbolic. But what better way to smash the patriarchy than with a lance and sword?”
As you all probably know, I’m rather new to the whole book blogging thing. I haven’t even been doing this a full year yet! So I’m always a bit shy when it comes to jumping at bookish opportunities because ya girl has a fear of rejection. But, when I saw the call go out to join the street team for The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly, I took a chance and signed up! I had been hearing about the book already and it sounded right up my alley, so I crossed my fingers as I hit submit. I’m so glad that I got accepted because being a part of the Round Table has been such an amazing ride! And, bonus, I got to read this incredible book early!
The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly follows our titular character, Kit, as she’s navigating life as a high school senior trying to plan her future. Kit is a history buff who loves the medieval times, so you would think that working at a medieval themed restaurant named The Castle would be a dream come true. But Kit wants to do more than work as a wench; she wants to fight as a knight. Unfortunately, The Castle has a strict “cis males only” policy when it comes to who gets to wield a lance. One knight, through a series of circumstances involving her brother, Chris, Kit ends up in full armor on the back of horse. She finally gets to do what she’s been dreaming of and it’s just as fun as she thought it would be! But one night of being a knight (haaaaaa) turns into something bigger than Kit could have imagined.
Y’all. This book! I started reading it when I was supposed to be starting my O.W.L.s books at the beginning of April, but, as soon as I got through the first chapter, I didn’t want to read anything else. It was so compelling and engaging and just freakin’ GOOD!
Let’s talk about the characters. I fell in love with the characters pretty much from jump. Kit is such a relatable character. There were moments as I read about her journey that made me flashback to teen Kerri right before college. I remember the stress of applying for colleges and worrying about how I was going to pay for it. I remember the experimentation, the feeling like everything was changing, and Kit brings it all back so clearly. She’s just a beautifully flawed and amazing character.
Also, her perchance of thinking that she has to solve all her problems by herself… it me. Kit is me. I am Kit.
But Kit is not the only shining star in this book. All the other characters in this book are nuanced and wonderful. You all know that I love a book that has well-written characters and this one does not disappoint. Also, can we talk about how diverse the cast is? Because we love a YA novel with casual diversity in this house. Jamie Pacton does a wonderful job developing this cast of characters in a real and fulfilling way that makes you want a book about each of their lives!
And, though I am but a newbie when it comes to romance, can I just say that the one in this book is ridiculously adorable? Jett is Kit’s best friend and she is mortified to find out that she’s developing feelings for him. Watching the two of them interact and watching Kit try and deny her feelings made my heart do little flips. Do I… do I like friends-to-lovers now? Do I like it more than enemies-to-lovers?! I think this book makes a strong case for the trope! It was just so sweet and I couldn’t help but cheer them on. And also want to shake them because JUST KISS ALREADY!
I think, beyond the awesome characters, the thing that made this so enjoyable was the writing. It was just so much fun! I was pulled in immediately and had a blast the entire time. For a book about tackling the patriarchy, which is frustrating on the best of days, I had a damn good time. I felt the highs and the lows and there were definitely a few “Huzzahs” that escaped during certain parts. I do love a book that can get me that wrapped up in it. That’s not to say that everything is a bucket of fun. This book touches on some serious topics, like poverty and drug abuse. It does so in a pretty unflinching way, as well. I honestly appreciated that the author shows us every aspect of Kit’s life, the good and the bad. It was well-written and added a different level to the book that made it connect that much more.
Needless to say, I have a pre-ordered copy ready to be sent to me on May 5th and I cannot wait! And thank you to Jamie and all the members of the Round Table for making my first street team experience such an enjoyable one
“Well, at first, I didn’t think I was going to be able to change or prove anything – I was just helping my brother out. But, as I was fighting, I realized I liked it. I wanted to show kids they can do anything, regardless of gender identity. So, yes, it might be symbolic. But what better way to smash the patriarchy than with a lance and sword?”
As you all probably know, I’m rather new to the whole book blogging thing. I haven’t even been doing this a full year yet! So I’m always a bit shy when it comes to jumping at bookish opportunities because ya girl has a fear of rejection. But, when I saw the call go out to join the street team for The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly, I took a chance and signed up! I had been hearing about the book already and it sounded right up my alley, so I crossed my fingers as I hit submit. I’m so glad that I got accepted because being a part of the Round Table has been such an amazing ride! And, bonus, I got to read this incredible book early!
The Life and (Medieval) Times of Kit Sweetly follows our titular character, Kit, as she’s navigating life as a high school senior trying to plan her future. Kit is a history buff who loves the medieval times, so you would think that working at a medieval themed restaurant named The Castle would be a dream come true. But Kit wants to do more than work as a wench; she wants to fight as a knight. Unfortunately, The Castle has a strict “cis males only” policy when it comes to who gets to wield a lance. One knight, through a series of circumstances involving her brother, Chris, Kit ends up in full armor on the back of horse. She finally gets to do what she’s been dreaming of and it’s just as fun as she thought it would be! But one night of being a knight (haaaaaa) turns into something bigger than Kit could have imagined.
Y’all. This book! I started reading it when I was supposed to be starting my O.W.L.s books at the beginning of April, but, as soon as I got through the first chapter, I didn’t want to read anything else. It was so compelling and engaging and just freakin’ GOOD!
Let’s talk about the characters. I fell in love with the characters pretty much from jump. Kit is such a relatable character. There were moments as I read about her journey that made me flashback to teen Kerri right before college. I remember the stress of applying for colleges and worrying about how I was going to pay for it. I remember the experimentation, the feeling like everything was changing, and Kit brings it all back so clearly. She’s just a beautifully flawed and amazing character.
Also, her perchance of thinking that she has to solve all her problems by herself… it me. Kit is me. I am Kit.
But Kit is not the only shining star in this book. All the other characters in this book are nuanced and wonderful. You all know that I love a book that has well-written characters and this one does not disappoint. Also, can we talk about how diverse the cast is? Because we love a YA novel with casual diversity in this house. Jamie Pacton does a wonderful job developing this cast of characters in a real and fulfilling way that makes you want a book about each of their lives!
And, though I am but a newbie when it comes to romance, can I just say that the one in this book is ridiculously adorable? Jett is Kit’s best friend and she is mortified to find out that she’s developing feelings for him. Watching the two of them interact and watching Kit try and deny her feelings made my heart do little flips. Do I… do I like friends-to-lovers now? Do I like it more than enemies-to-lovers?! I think this book makes a strong case for the trope! It was just so sweet and I couldn’t help but cheer them on. And also want to shake them because JUST KISS ALREADY!
I think, beyond the awesome characters, the thing that made this so enjoyable was the writing. It was just so much fun! I was pulled in immediately and had a blast the entire time. For a book about tackling the patriarchy, which is frustrating on the best of days, I had a damn good time. I felt the highs and the lows and there were definitely a few “Huzzahs” that escaped during certain parts. I do love a book that can get me that wrapped up in it. That’s not to say that everything is a bucket of fun. This book touches on some serious topics, like poverty and drug abuse. It does so in a pretty unflinching way, as well. I honestly appreciated that the author shows us every aspect of Kit’s life, the good and the bad. It was well-written and added a different level to the book that made it connect that much more.
Needless to say, I have a pre-ordered copy ready to be sent to me on May 5th and I cannot wait! And thank you to Jamie and all the members of the Round Table for making my first street team experience such an enjoyable one
This was surprisingly educational, in a really fun way. I appreciate Kit's total nerdy love of medieval history and just how much we erase women from it. This book is feminist, fun, and tackles real problems. It has an honest narrative surrounding poverty and the shame that comes from it. The fact that Kit has a best friend who has never seen her bedroom, who believes they have internet issues - not that the power was shut off again, hits me deeply. If you want a book that fights for an abolition of gender roles - and the gender binary- this is just the joust you were looking for!
I'll start by saying that I did enjoy this. It is a very quick read, if you're looking for something light and fluffy.
By the same token, it's almost too fluffy in some places. There are some scenes where the conflict just wraps up a little too neatly, in my opinion. Like after Kit lies to her friends. At first they are all outraged, and angry, and have to take time to think. But there is no explanation of what processes they go through, they basically just ghost Kit, and then magically two days later, they're on her side again.
In terms of the issues this book faces, there are a lot of them. Poverty, drug abuse, workplace issues, gender equality, sexuality. Some of these are starkly contrasted, ie Kit's level of poverty and Layla's extreme(ish?) wealth. The main message of the book, from my perspective, was female equality/empowerment. Which, for the most part, is portrayed well in Kit's character and actions. But some of the other issues seem to be thrown in and aren't well developed enough, like some of the character's backstories in terms of their gender and/or sexual identities.
I'm all for seeing these issues explored in books. The exploration here made my sociologist heart happy. But at the same time, the mentions felt somewhat random and underdeveloped.
The issues surrounding Kit's father and their family unit also fell flat for me. He flits in and out of the story, as drug addicted fathers are apt to do, but I dont' think any of his scenes add all that much.
Some of the pop culture references were offputting for me. Too many Game of Thrones references, and the fact that Kit's name is Courtney Love Sweetly? Just no. No matter how much a 90's buff you are, I don't think anyone from that generaton would go so far as to to name their daughter that.
The romance between Jett and Kit is sweet, but heads up if you're not into semi-instalove situations. It's quick and there isn't a lot of depth to it. But, they're in high school, so it's fitting.
The concept and the setting are quite unique and make this a fun and enjoyable read.
*Please note that I won a copy of this book via Goodreads Giveaways*
By the same token, it's almost too fluffy in some places. There are some scenes where the conflict just wraps up a little too neatly, in my opinion. Like after Kit lies to her friends. At first they are all outraged, and angry, and have to take time to think. But there is no explanation of what processes they go through, they basically just ghost Kit, and then magically two days later, they're on her side again.
In terms of the issues this book faces, there are a lot of them. Poverty, drug abuse, workplace issues, gender equality, sexuality. Some of these are starkly contrasted, ie Kit's level of poverty and Layla's extreme(ish?) wealth. The main message of the book, from my perspective, was female equality/empowerment. Which, for the most part, is portrayed well in Kit's character and actions. But some of the other issues seem to be thrown in and aren't well developed enough, like some of the character's backstories in terms of their gender and/or sexual identities.
I'm all for seeing these issues explored in books. The exploration here made my sociologist heart happy. But at the same time, the mentions felt somewhat random and underdeveloped.
The issues surrounding Kit's father and their family unit also fell flat for me. He flits in and out of the story, as drug addicted fathers are apt to do, but I dont' think any of his scenes add all that much.
Some of the pop culture references were offputting for me. Too many Game of Thrones references, and the fact that Kit's name is Courtney Love Sweetly? Just no. No matter how much a 90's buff you are, I don't think anyone from that generaton would go so far as to to name their daughter that.
The romance between Jett and Kit is sweet, but heads up if you're not into semi-instalove situations. It's quick and there isn't a lot of depth to it. But, they're in high school, so it's fitting.
The concept and the setting are quite unique and make this a fun and enjoyable read.
*Please note that I won a copy of this book via Goodreads Giveaways*
Delightfully fun and feminist story with a sweet romantic thread running throughout.
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult
Check out my full review at Forever Young Adult