Emily Romrell

“Accepting who you truly are is one of the bravest things a person can do.”

~ Alexandria Rogers, The Witch, The Sword, And The Cursed Knights

In a Nutshell:


The Witch, The Sword, And The Cursed Knights by Alexandria Rogers is a magical tale inspired by Arthurian legend, following Ellie and Caedmon as they’re swept into a world of witches, knights, and curses. Thrust into an ancient order tasked with protecting the world from dark forces, the duo must face magical trials, unravel family secrets, and confront insecurities. It’s a charming blend of adventure and heart, with themes of self-acceptance and bravery.

---

The Hook (First Impression):


With the promise of multiple realms, knights, witches, and danger, this book dives straight into its magical world — but while the setup promises a thrilling quest, the pacing sometimes stumbles. The charm is there, but the descriptions and the transitions from scene to scene are occasionally confusing. It’s a bit like sipping lukewarm cocoa when you’re craving a steaming mug of magic.

First Sentence: A copper tang stung Ellie’s nose.

---

Characters:


The Witch, The Sword, And The Cursed Knights introduces a cast of intriguing characters, each with unique potential, though their development often feels rushed due to the book’s inconsistent pacing. While some characters shine in brief moments, the story doesn’t always allow enough time for their growth to feel fully satisfying.

At the heart of the story are Ellie and Caedmon:

• Ellie is a determined and resourceful witch struggling to embrace her identity. Her inner conflict about her magical abilities makes her relatable, but her emotional arc feels cut short, leaving readers wishing for deeper exploration.
  
  
• Caedmon is a cursed knight burdened by feelings of failure and self-doubt. His backstory hints at complex struggles, yet his growth feels uneven, as the narrative doesn’t linger long enough for his internal journey to resonate fully.
  
  Ultimately, the characters hold the potential for rich emotional depth, but the pacing rushes through key moments, leaving their arcs feeling incomplete. With more time spent developing their relationships and personal struggles, these characters could have left a much stronger impression.

---

Plot Twists & Turns:


The book serves classic fantasy ingredients — curses, trials, and magical relics — but the surprises feel like gentle ripples rather than crashing waves. While younger readers may enjoy the story without noticing this, older fantasy fans might find themselves wishing for a bit more bite in the action.

---

Writing Style:


Rogers has a cozy, whimsical tone that’s perfect for middle-grade readers. The dialogue feels natural; there’s just enough humor to keep things light.

---

World-Building:


The Arthurian-inspired setting has undeniable charm, but the world never quite feels as expansive or immersive as it could. It’s like peeking through a keyhole into a magical kingdom instead of stepping fully inside. I couldn’t shake the feeling that the author was trying to channel Harry Potter with the whole “Knights at a magical academy” vibe, but it just didn’t land. The layered world-building that made Hogwarts feel alive is missing here, leaving the setting feeling more like a stage backdrop than a world you can truly get lost in.

---

Emotional Rollercoaster:


While Ellie’s struggles with self-doubt and Caedmon’s quiet yearning for connection provide touching moments, the book doesn’t quite hit the emotional highs and lows that linger long after the final page. It’s heartfelt, but it won’t leave your heart in pieces.

---

Page-Turner Quotient:


The pacing is all over the place. There were moments when the story jumped ahead too quickly, leaving me confused because it hadn’t fully grounded me in the details. Other times, I was itching for the plot to move forward, but it lingered a bit too long.

---

Themes & Messages:


The story shines most in its messages about courage, friendship, and embracing who you are — valuable lessons wrapped in an Arthurian adventure. Ellie’s journey toward self-acceptance is particularly inspiring. Caedmon’s struggle with grief and death is also moving.

---

Unique Selling Points:


Ellie’s emotional journey is both powerful and relatable, offering a heartwarming reflection for anyone grappling with self-doubt and the complexities of friendship. Caedmon’s struggles with grief and loss add another layer of depth, making this a meaningful choice for kids navigating the tough terrain of losing friends and coping with difficult emotions. The story isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a heartfelt exploration of growth, connection, and resilience.

---

Closing Thoughts:


The Witch, The Sword, And The Cursed Knights has heart, magic, and just enough charm to keep readers engaged — but like a half-finished potion, it’s missing that extra spark to make it truly unforgettable. It’s a fun read for younger audiences, but seasoned fantasy fans may find themselves craving a bit more depth and excitement.

---

Literary Snacks:

• Knight’s Shield Sugar Cookies – Fun sugar cookies shaped like shields, decorated with icing, and perfect for young adventurers.
  
  
• Witch’s Brew Milkshakes – A cool and creamy milkshake garnished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of magic (chocolate shavings or colorful sprinkles).
  
  
• Dragon’s Breath Popcorn – Popcorn with a little twist: lightly spiced or dusted with chili powder to add some fiery fun.

---

Literary Karaoke:

1. Roar by Katy Perry – A powerful anthem for Ellie’s journey to find her voice and stand tall against her fears.
2. Shake It Off by Taylor Swift – A fun, upbeat song that captures Ellie’s resilience and determination to overcome obstacles.
3. High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco – A hopeful, energetic song that mirrors the magical journey Ellie embarks on.
4. Fight Song by Rachel Platten – For those moments when Ellie faces down her fears and decides to fight for herself.
5. Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) by Kelly Clarkson – A powerful anthem for Ellie’s growth and strength in overcoming challenges.
6. On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons – The perfect song for when Ellie triumphs, full of joy and wonder.
7. Unstoppable by Sia – A song that speaks to Ellie’s unstoppable spirit as she discovers her true power.
8. Hall of Fame by The Script ft. will.i.am – An uplifting anthem for those moments when Ellie believes she’s destined for greatness.
9. Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammer – A reminder for Ellie to keep going even when things get tough.
10. Let It Go by Idina Menzel – A fun, freeing track for Ellie as she lets go of her self-doubt and embraces her full potential.

---

HAPPY READING!