Rip my heart out of my chest and stomp on it, why don’t you?

Sir Callie and the Dragon’s Roost is the darker, more complex sequel to the smash-hit Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston. You’d think after the way the first book ended, happier times were upon our rag-tag team of heroes, right? Joke’s on you. Callie and their friends may have won the battle, but will they lose the war?

This sequel does an amazing job at narrating rising discontent, continued harassment of marginalised groups, disbelief at the ignorance of some individuals in power, and the ever-daunting question whether to give up and give in or to pull yourself upright one more time to fight for what is right. While I don’t want to go too deep into the plot, I will say that Callie and their friends have some extremely tough decisions to make and eventually have to choose whether to put their own safety first or risk losing everything by staying in an environment as toxic as Helston is becoming.

Lest you think this book is filled with nothing but darkness, rest assured that Callie, Willow, Elowen, and Edwyn also have some moments of levity, of genuine connection, and heartwarming sincerity between them. We are also introduced to a whole bunch of new characters, the most important (and the one who needs to be protected at all costs, if someone comes for my new baby there will be riots in the streets) being Teo, who introduces the gang to a whole new world, starting with what dragons are really like and the existence of neopronouns. Read that again: dragons! By far my favourite part of building on an already fascinating world is that we finally get to learn more about dragons and see Callie and their friends be exposed to them and learn more about how the world outside of Helston’s walls really works (and what secrets some familiar characters have been keeping).

Now, this may be a personal opinion, but I think you can tell an author is fantastic at their job when they write scenes so visceral that you have to put the book down and reflect on your life, if only for a moment. This happened multiple times while reading this sequel. I don’t want to talk about all of them or spoil them, but I do want to shed light on one scene that I think might be the most important I’ve read in queer middle grade fantasy fiction. In one scene, Callie, who has so far been very open-minded and fought against the stereotyping they are exposed to in Helston, is faced with being the one to stereotype another minority group based on what they have heard and picked up on from bigoted minds. I can’t accurately describe how hard this hit me—to be reminded that even when you are part of a marginalised community and have created a safe space for yourself and your friends, you are still not exempt from making mistakes, making quick judgments based on the indoctrinations you didn’t even NOTICE were happening to you in your everyday life.

Like a true champion, of course, Callie apologises for their reaction and gradually understands and overcomes the harmful stereotypically instilled messages in their mind. For me, this scene is so eye-opening and will surely rock a lot of readers’ worlds. To be reminded that we all are somewhat prejudiced, even when we don’t want to be, even when we didn’t even know it, hit hard. But to also know that we can always learn to be better, to listen, understand and grow, meant the world to me. I can’t wait to read other people’s reviews and find out whether they felt the same about this exceptionally written scene.

Whilst this is only one example, Sir Callie and the Dragon’s Roost is filled with insightful, devastatingly honest depictions of what it means to fight for a better world and being knocked down time and again—only to get up once more and fight for your right to exist (which should never even be questioned). Rooting for the underdogs takes up a new meaning in this series and I for one cannot wait to see how this battle turns out. After all, from truly heartwarming scenes of friendship, supportive found family moments where pronouns are introduced to the truly gutting consequences of trauma, abuse and bigoted hatred, this book pulls no punches and yet somehow still leaves the reader with that one thing no one can ever truly rid the world of: hope.

I could go on and on about this book and how much I love it and how much these characters have become to feel like genuine friends (from the blossoming relationship between Callie and Elowen to Edwyn’s continued struggle to face the abuse he has had to face throughout his entire life to Willow’s slowly emerging confidence, there is far too much to discuss in a review because it all needs to be experienced), so you’ll just have to read it and see for yourself.

Side note: That ending was uncalled for and unfair and I personally want to let the author know that I will be (im)patiently waiting to find out what our heroes will do now that everything is—once again—absolutely unbearable.

Sir Callie and the Dragon’s Roost marks the magnificent return of our favourite nonbinary hero Callie and their determined fight to make the world a place of acceptance, not just tolerance. Darker in tone, more enchanting in its found family representation and entrancing world-building (and featuring an ungodly amount of high-stakes situations), this sequel is not for the faint of heart. So be brave, grab your friends (and some much-needed tissues) and dive into this extraordinary story.

A solid follow up to book one in the series that goes to much darker places. While a victory was one in the first book, the battle is far from over, and the crew has even more prejudice and bigotry to fight against as well as a lot of personal growth to do.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

Are you serious that's how it ends oh my god what a cliffhanger

Real talk this book made me cry so many times and it is SO important please go read it.

Callie, our non-binary MC has dreamed their entire life of being a knight is redefining their version of home and family. In the sequel, Callie and friends navigate who they've been taught is the enemy and stand up for themselves against the adults who have taken over all the decisions and using the kids as pawns in their game.

The characters in this series are complex but they also feel like kids. They are learning their place and their role in the world and learned that the adults who should be protecting them are not always on their side. I cried so many times and this series is so important.

We’re here for the second book and it did NOT disappoint. Faced with hard truths and an even bigger enemy, our characters are back to speak their hearts and be themselves. Even in the face of what seems to be a society built to undermine those who aren’t the usual norm. Such fantastic storytelling and underlining themes throughout this series and I know it’s only going to get better! We have tons of representation throughout and it makes you feel right at home. I can’t wait to come back for more! This particular one does introduce darker elements and the truly sickening underbelly of power.

With the same wit and charm you'll find in the first novel, The Dragon's Roost is another great installment to the Sir Callie series! With even more heart and even more challenges for the main characters, you'll feel your heart breaking and healing again as Callie and their friends continue to fight for what's right. I'm looking forward to the third book!

The evil Peran is gone and Helston is saved! Well, kind of. While the greatest instigator of cruelty is gone, it’s clear that Helston has a lot of healing to do before it’s a safe and happy place for Callie and their friends. But Callie continues to have faith in Helston, after all, they’ve dreamed of it all their lives.

But when a captured member of the enemy is taken into the castle, the precarious peace that had been in place suddenly shatters, and what appears to be the entire kingdom of Helston turns against Callie and their friends. They have nowhere to run to, but with Helston becoming the enemy, the old adage comes to mind: “the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Could they seek aid with the opposing forces? Or is this war greater than they can understand?

I received an advanced reading copy of Sir Callie and the Dragon’s Roost in exchange for an honest review.

Sir Callie and the Dragon’s Roost is a middle grade fantasy novel by Esme Symes-Smith. It’s also the sequel to Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston, which I read earlier this year and absolutely loved. When I read a book like that, that’s part of a series, I immediately get worried when I pick up the second book, thinking that it might not live up to the greatness of the first. I’m here to say, though, that that is not a problem with Sir Callie and the Dragon’s Roost! This book was just as good as the first one, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

Oh, by the way, there will be spoilers for Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston in this review. In fact, there have already been spoilers up in the summary! But anyway, just keep that in mind as you make the decision whether you read on or not!

Also, before I continue, please also be aware before you read this book that there are several content warnings to be aware of, including child abuse, deadnaming, and misgendering, among others. Please make whatever choice keeps you safest if/when you decide to pick this book up.

A lot of this book is about healing, and I appreciated that so much. After the end of the first novel, while the characters were ultimately victorious, there was still a lot they had to recover from. Edwyn and Elowen especially, who had suffered their father’s abuse for years, have pretty far to go in their healing journeys. But I really loved how Symes-Smith didn’t sugarcoat it, or just have everything magically get better. No, these characters have to slowly heal, and sometimes feel hurt all over again, to eventually get to a place where they can feel happier and more like themselves.

Helston isn’t helping, though. Again, Symes-Smith doesn’t have everything magically improve, because life unfortunately isn’t like that, despite how much we wish it were. Change happens slowly and gradually, and sometimes not at all. Sometimes it feels like we’re slowly sliding back decades, to a point where we can’t even recognize our country anymore. Wait, what was I saying? Oh yeah, Helston! It had a long way to go at the end of the last book, and it still has a long way to go here, unfortunately. But we all hope, along with Callie, that it’ll eventually get there.

But clearly it’s not happening quickly enough, and soon, Callie finds themself in danger from the very home they swore to protect. This keeps the plot happening at a brisk pace, and there is plenty of action and adventuring to keep readers on their toes as they read. I actually finished the book at 1am on a weeknight. I didn’t regret it at work the next day, though. Honestly, just like with the first novel, I couldn’t put it down. I kept flipping to the next page, and the next, and the next, and suddenly it was over and I spoke out into the dim apartment, “No! That’s where it ends?!” That was indeed where it ended, and now I’m just here desperate for the third book. We’re getting it next year, but it doesn’t feel soon enough!

Sir Callie and the Dragon’s Roost was another excellent installment in the Sir Callie series, and I’m already such a huge fan of it. I would recommend this book to all readers, of all ages (with the caveat that they can handle the more sensitive topics). Every kid, as well as every adult, can see themselves in Callie, and adopt their fight to make the world a better place, even if it’s only a little bit at a time.

Sir Callie and the Dragon’s Roost will be released on November 2. You can preorder your copy from Labyrinth Road here.

At the end of the previous book, a tentative peace was found in Helston. At the beginning of this book, that peace is shattered when a cohort of knights comes back with almost all of them dead. Helston officially declares was on Dumoor, and all hell breaks loose. And, of course, Callie, Willow, Elowyn, and Edwyn are at the center of it. They come up with a plan to leave the machinations of the court behind
Their group now has a new member, as well: Teo, a dragon kid about their age. Teo insists that they'll be safe in Dumoor, and Callie wants to trust xim. Dumoor is not what any of them expected, and while there, they learn secrets about Helston--and a member of their own group, than change things forever.

Overall, I really liked this book. It had all the things I loved from the first, with more of an exploration of both sexuality and gender, and a lot of critique of countries that are looking for war. My only real issue was with Edwyn's story--there's a moment where we see a bit more of his trauma and he remembers some repressed memories, and his healing from that point, though not yet complete, felt way too quick. Especially for a series with such an emphasis on healing taking time, I wished we'd gotten to see a little more of how that, in itself, was traumatic. I think we went from more traumatized to the least traumatized he's ever bene way too quickly, and I wish we could have seen more of how he emotionally dealt with those memories coming back up.

Sir Callie and the Dragon's Roost has a much biggest focus on identity than the first one, and examines multiple approaches to finding out that the place you call home is behind more atrocities than you ever imagined.

Trigger warnings for abuse, misgendering, and references to family members dying

Callie is at it again. Her rose covered glasses are still on but that is not a negative. She knows how the world shall be and is going to work for it despite adults, especially the evil ones. But OMG did it have to end on such a cliffhanger. I hope book three is out really really soon.

In most stories, after you win comes the triumph and celebrations - it's the easy part of fighting a war - but this book refuses to flinch and reflects the reality that that's not always the case. Helston is a society so steeped in hatred, that any amount of change is a triumph, while sparking pushback that strips back the veneer to expose the rot at its core.

Each of the character's struggles felt so real, whether they wanted to return to Helston and change it for the better or just burn it to the ground and start over. In addition, characters aren't shamed for their emotions or reactions; it's understood that it's in part a symptom of the trauma they endured in Helston, and characters are supported and reminded that they should not have been mistreated and that they deserve to be happy and safe and feel loved. This book is filled with twists and turns, but also heart. The love and care that the characters have for one another is beautiful, and seeing them stand up for one another is everything I could ever hope for.

I also appreciated that there is a quick brief on neopronouns and how to pronounce them, as well as a list of possible triggers like violence, transphobia, and child abuse. It's something that's relatively simple, but it makes reading more accessible and gives space to reader. I did take a break from this one halfway about through and was able to come back to it with relative ease. I know everyone is different, so take care of yourself when reading!

Thanks to NetGalley & Random House Children's for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

A stunning sequel that somehow outshines the first! They're still both very strong books but dang, the drama and world-expanding in this one was INTENSE. In a good way! I'm really enjoying the world Esme Symes-Smith is building in this series and I can't wait for the next one!

Wow, what a cliffhanger. I'm just going to take a bath and think about this book for the next hour. So good though. :)

I was pulled into Callie's world almost immediately after picking up book one. I was eagerly anticipating book two and it did not disappoint!

After 12 year old Callie fought for the right to train with the goal of becoming a knight someday and to expose the prejudices that made the kingdom frown upon the use of magic, we leave book one feeling hopeful and satisfied that evil did not prevail.

Instantly, we find out that there's no happily ever after in Helston. There's still so much resistance to change and even though Peran is no longer a threat, his hatred has left a stain on the kingdom.

The adventure that ensues for Callie and their friends is full of twists and turns, shocking moments, and moments that ripped my heart from my chest.

From learning to accept yourself as you are, confronting your own prejudices, and coming to terms with the fact that parental figures aren't always right, this book is full of wonderful lessons for young readers.

Esme is an expert story-teller. The inclusivity, diversity, and honesty in this book is real and raw and it's all woven seamlessly into a fantasy that sucks you in and spits you out at the end wanting more. I can't wait for book three!

ARC received by Random House Children's, Labyrinth Road via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT!

**Many thanks to Labyrinth Road/Random House Children's Books, and Netgalley for an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of this book**

In a word: Magnificent. I stayed up till 1AM, then finished it this morning, and I loved it. Esme's done it again, and written a continuation of an LGBTQ+ series, a continuation of a FANTASY series, that everyone should read.

Our favorite non-binary, Callie, is training to be a page, finally getting their wish to serve Helston in the way they always dreamed. Although… it's NOT all it's cracked up to be. Because, as we in the real world know, change is… slow. Sometimes, glacially. And, Helston is no different: regardless of male, female or nonbinary, there's still the expectancy for twelve-year-olds to sit down, shut up, and "stay in their lane", regardless of who they are and how desperately they want to stay true to themselves.

LGBTQ+ people are begrudgingly tolerated, still feared/hated, and I hate the slow, backwards progression of old ideals. It is a fast descent into madness how infuriating the supposed "grown-ups" are in this book, the ones who should know better, the ones who should have the best interests of their younger wards at heart. But, as with the first book, it's a very sad, cautionary tale of how prejudice repeats itself through fear mongering and violence.

The kids are growing up: I like where their character arcs are going. El is growing into her fiestiness and spirit, as well as her magic. Willow is still caught between magic and a hard place as the crown prince, but is learning how to do things his own way, on his terms. Callie is still obsessed with food, but is growing up into an even more mature young person that doesn't make as rash decisions as they had in the past. I was especially happy with the growth they all received.

But Edwyn… oh, Edwyn. I formerly hated the manipulated young man, and most of my frustrations with him stemmed from how little information I had as to why he is who he is. Now, I love him. Esme brought him front and center, and you learn why he acts as he does. I got my why, it breaks my heart, and all I want to do is hug that little broken squish.

(I want to hug all the squishes…)

These kids, in this realm, are making it better, better than their adult counterparts who are so busy with their own selfish and bigoted ways that those adults can't see how their actions are hurting the children. And, I want to point that out: prejudice, violence, abuse (both verbal and physical), hatred due to fear… that's all here. Esme did not pull punches, and I would never dream of asking them to. Because, it is necessary. It's important to learn that adults SHOULD get it right, especially when it comes to little kids, their big feelings, and discovering who their little selves want to become. Parents SHOULD be accepting. They SHOULD do things to keep the kids safe, and should fight against what harms them. They SHOULD love them unconditionally, and have the best of intentions for them. But… sometimes they don't. Out of fear. Out of hatred and prejudice. Out of sheer ignorance. And, when that happens, little people should speak up… and adults should listen.

And, not to be silly, but… this book also has fully fleshed out dragons in a way I have rarely seen dragons portrayed, and not entirely in this way. Yeah. Dragons. And Esme doesn't shy away from flipping a few dragon myths on their heads either. Loved it.

This book ends on a cliffhanger (which I hated, because I wanted MORE), and I love where this whole series is going. As an adult, I'm more invested in this series than I have been in anything in adult fantasy, in a long time.

Give me more, Esme. My bowl is empty and I want you to fill it, please. Because, you developed, crafted, and published one heck of a series.

<b>Thank you to Labyrinth Road/Random House, the author, and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. This book will release November 7, 2023.</b>

Things are turning around for Callie and their friends. Callie is in training; Elowen and Edwyn are living with Callie and their dads, and Willow is on track to becoming king. But things might be turning around too far—as in, back to the way they were. Anti-magic sentiment is growing, choking out the progress that Helston has made. When a horrifying turn of events lands Elowen and Edwyn in the dungeon, it’s the final straw: the kids decide they can no longer stay in Helston, and escape across the bridge to Dumoor. Which, as it turns out, is nothing like what they’ve been told. But between the Dragon’s Roost and the Witch Queen’s castle, there’s still plenty for Callie to question—including whether they want to be a champion for Helston after all.

This book is tough. The situations characters find themselves in are tough, the emotions and lessons are tough, the subject matter is tough, and the kids, of course, are really freakin’ tough, even when you wish they didn’t have to be.

But that’s not what things are like in Helston, because change doesn’t just happen overnight—even after successfully booting the villain out of the kingdom. Ingrained feelings must be constantly battled, even when the characters are safe. To quote my favorite line from the first book, “Not all battles are fought with swords. Not all enemies want you dead.” We see quite a bit of that in this installment as Edwyn grapples with the effects of his dad’s abuse, and as other characters seek to humiliate as much as harm. As always, the author handles these tough moments expertly. It’s not always easy, but you never feel that there’s no hope, even when the kids are yelling at adults for failing them yet again.

To be clear, <i>Sir Callie and the Dragon’s Roost</i> is more than what I said above. There are plenty of moments where I gasped in delight or smiled because one of the kids realized something significant about themselves, usually regarding their identity as a young queer person. There’s a really cute admitting-a-crush moment, and Willow explores his style and presentation, which I loved.

We’re introduced to some great new characters here, particularly Teo, a young dragon who uses neopronouns. Xe essentially comes from a different world than Callie and the rest of the kids, where family is chosen and understanding and communication is prioritized. The Roost is such a lovely, cozy setting, and I’m looking forward to seeing the characters we met there again.

Also, I already loved Elowen, but man, was I just in awe of her through this entire book. Without passing judgment on whether or not it’s necessarily healthy or the “right” reaction to have, I have to say her anger gave me chills, in a good way. She is <I>done</i> and she is seizing her future with her own hands and it made me both a little scared and triumphant on her behalf.

I could go on and on about this book. (I said that about the last one, too.) I haven’t even addressed any particular moments I loved or where I dropped multiple curses in my reading notes or even how frustrated I was with Queen Ewella as both a mother and a monarch! And more, of course. But I also don’t really want to share particulars? I want you to pick this up and experience the same realizations I did and shake your fist in the air because that is a heck of a cliffhanger—and a heck of a turning point—to end on.

Helston seems to be heading the right direction all thanks to Callie and their friends. Boys and girls are allowed to pursue what they want to pursue, be it magic or becoming a warrior. But not everyone is so keen to see Helston change. Especially as outside forces start to seed a fear of magic in the town.

Callie notices the suspicious glances thrown towards themselves and their friends, but feels powerless to do anything about it. When the peace finally shatters, Callie and their friends find themselves fleeing the city. As they seek refuge in the most unlikely place, Callie realizes everything isn’t what it seems. And their whole world is thrown into question.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an advanced copy of Sir Callie and the Dragon’s Roost by Esme Symes-Smith to review! I absolutely loved the first book when I read it last year, so I was excited to see where Callie went next. And I was not disappointed!

What I appreciate about this series thus far is that Symes-Smith does not shy away from difficult topics. One of the main themes about this book in particular is that kids can handle more than adults think they can. Callie and their friends are kids, but they are repeatedly thrown into adult situations by the adults. And the adults keep lying to them about what’s actually going on. All they want is to be treated as equals if they are going to be forced into a war that the adults created.

There are also a lot of great discussions about queer identities throughout this book; especially about labels and how they mean different things to different people. You might think this is out of place in a fantasy book, but it flows really well with the overall story. They also coincide with discussions about trauma and the ways that a non-accepting society can attribute to that. Which is really relevant to current discussions about censoring books.

In addition to all of this, there’s also found family, great characters, interesting magic systems, and fun adventure. So much for middle grade fantasy readers to love. I honestly don’t think that I have a bad thing to say about this book. And I hope it gets into the hands of readers that need it!

'Sir Callie and the Dragon's Roost' is now my favorite middle grade book and also now part of my favorite middle grade series.

I read the first book and found myself home, with metaphors about gender, a found family to adore and the idea of kids making their place in the world when they previously weren't able to fit. Sir Callie is the book I needed when I was first picking up books on my own, it's the story full of identity and existence and trauma and recovering, slowly and at your own pace, from it.

This sequel expanded on the story in so many brilliant ways, with multiple (!!) side characters (and future main ones?) that used xe/xem neopronouns. I have never felt more validated than seeing a part of myself like that triumphed on the page. I'm emotional all over again that children like me are going to get to have this. They're going to see themselves and Know that it's normal and loved and joyous over anything else. This book will be home for more people than just me.

But as well as this, the plot is exceptional with a vibrant plot and characters you don't know whether or not to root for. It's full of twists and an ending that had me gasping and vowing vengeance over the author all at once. I can't wait for the next books in this series. And to see how these kids find themselves, naturally. Multiple characters in the main cast are non-binary and it means the world to me. We really get to have something as good as this?

I Will be shoving these books in the hands of anyone that'll take them (especially the younger people in my life).

One important note! Teo is unintentionally referred by the wrong pronoun in the line: 'Then xe bows [his] head and holds out xir hands', which can hopefully be changed before publication :)

This series!!!
It’s such an exciting adventure book that incorporates exploring gender and the backlash the characters receive in such a relatable way. Seeing these lovely characters fight the powers to live how they want is inspiring and heart wrenching.
The characters are gorgeous.
The plot is great.
I was shocked with some of the turns as well.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for an eARC.

Both action packed and character-driven, the second “Sir Callie” book is the affirming story so many young people need that nonetheless doesn’t shy away from the challenges queer kids face. Callie, Elowen, Edwyn and Willow are such special characters and I can’t wait to see what awaits them in future books.

Okay okay okay folx - y'all are gonna need to sit down for this one.


*spoilers for Sir Callie and the Champions of Helston ahead*



I fell in love with Sir Callie 1 because I felt seen - my childhood experiences were validated and I saw a kinship in Willow's struggles with magic and Elowen and Edwyn's relationships with their parents. But ultimately, while there was some healing, it felt very "happily ever after" in how it felt easily contained at the end.

Sir Callie 2 simultaneously fixed that and made it worse than ever (in the best way possible).

In Sir Callie 2, Esme Symes-Smith explores the more serious issues with an intensity that had me staying up until 1:30am (on a con night!). Edwyn and Elowen's traumas are expanded on in a way that feels right and true and safe (as per my personal experiences), Willow comes more into himself, and Callie? Callie is learning that the world isn't black and white and that right doesn't always mean what the stories say. In a world where there is so much black and white thinking, this is a valuable story that will teach children to examine their own beliefs and to educate themselves on important issues.

And of course, I can not forget Teo - our new friend and protagonist, who is a joy and light in xir own right.

If you enjoyed Sir Callie 1, then of course you will love Sir Callie 2. If you haven't read Sir Callie 1 - friend, you are doing yourself a great disservice. Read SIR CALLIE AND THE CHAMPIONS OF HELSTON so you can immediately read SIR CALLIE AND THE DRAGON'S ROOST (after it comes out).

This book was top notch! The world building, character progression and storytelling just keep getting better! For a second book in a series, I was blown away by how good it was! Honestly this is my favorite of the series and the first book was fantastic as well. We follow Sir Callie going through the motions in Helston and of course not all is what it seems. The war was won, however there is another one brewing. What truly is happening in Dumoor?

I loved this book! This is pure fantasy at its finest. Castles, magic, fighting and dragons! This book included more queer characters and a huge storyline that delves deeper into Helston lore. I had a fantastic time with Callie, Willow, Elowen and Edwyn! We see a lot of development between them all. This second novel delves more into found family and what it means to blindly trust others. The author writes so magnificently that I felt frustrated and triumphant with Callie the entire time. I cannot wait to read what happens next!

Thank you to Random House Children's and Netgalley for this eArc in exchange for an honest review. This is one of my favorite books I've read all year!