Dreams. Many are fleeting, barely noted or remembered, others are fully detailed and memorable. Bookended between a prologue and epilogue, an orthopedic surgeon describes his dream sequence. Working tirelessly as surgeons often do, he catches some zzz’s while his surgical attire acts as a type of armor, helping him create a medieval tale of chivalry. In this journey, Surgeon Eric Renaud imagines himself as Sir Merik, a valiant knight, in The Kingdom of Patel. Long ago in a forgotten time…

Princess Celeste had a sharp mind. “Had she been a man, she could have pursued her dream of being a knight…she constantly watched the knights train (from afar) but her place remained in the castle.” She would eventually replace her father, King Charles, when she ascended to the Throne of Patel. Sir Merik de Renaud, the valiant knight, arrived at Cythere Castle offering his services to the king. Upon Celeste’s insistence on combat training, Merik was appointed as her personal protector/ instructor and as such would school her in “the handling of weapons and the techniques of war.” The princess did not count on being “captivated by his emerald green eyes.” The country was fortunate that Princess Celeste was the aspirant to the throne since she treated everyone as her equal despite her status as future ruler.

Sparks flew between the princess and her knight from the moment they met, however, Merik took the code of chivalry very seriously. Being of different social status, propriety must be observed at all costs. In addition to developing excellence in combat, Celeste was taught survival techniques for use in the surrounding forest and mountains of Patel; how to cover her tracks, leave false markers meant to mislead, and how to indicate her true path in the event of intruders. These skills would bode well for her.

Many of the neighboring kingdoms lived in peace with the Kingdom of Patel, however, the dastardly ruler of Lothe had plans to usurp King Charles’ power. To the victor go the spoils; included was the targeted kidnapping of Princess Celeste. The code of chivalry dictated that these actions be thwarted in this world of good vs evil, white magic vs black magic. Would the quest for equilibrium in this medieval kingdom be attainable?

“The Surgeon Who Dreamed He Was A Knight” was a surprisingly delightful fantasy. It was a medieval adventure with a backdrop of espionage, a quest for blue flowers and with a touch of medical intrigue. This reader feels the target audience best served would be the YA reader.

An excellent debut novel.

Thank you Atmosphere Press and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.