Twelfth Knight

Twelfth Knight

Book • 2024

by Alexene Farol Follmuth

Reese's Book Club Summer YA Pick '24

"YA is a feeling. It's a warm summer day reading in the sun, lots of nostalgia, gushing together over the characters in Twelfth Knight."—Reese Witherspoon

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Atlas Six (under the penname Olivie Blake) comes Twelfth Knight, a YA romantic comedy and coming of age story about taking up space in the world and learning what it means to let others in.

Viola Reyes is annoyed.

Her painstakingly crafted tabletop game campaign was shot down, her best friend is suggesting she try being more “likable,” and her school's star running back Jack Orsino is the most lackadaisical Student Body President she’s ever seen, which makes her job as VP that much harder. Vi’s favorite escape from the world is the MMORPG Twelfth Knight, but online spaces aren’t exactly kind to girls like her—girls who are extremely competent and have the swagger to prove it. So Vi creates a masculine alter ego, choosing to play as a knight named Cesario to create a safe haven for herself.

But when a football injury leads Jack Orsino to the world of Twelfth Knight, Vi is alarmed to discover their online alter egos—Cesario and Duke Orsino—are surprisingly well-matched.

As the long nights of game-play turn into discussions about life and love, Vi and Jack soon realise they’ve become more than just weapon-wielding characters in an online game. But Vi has been concealing her true identity from Jack, and Jack might just be falling for her offline...

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Romantic Comedy
Young Adult Fiction / Coming of Age
304 pages
14+

Suggested Age

Every child is different — this is guidance, not a rule.

Themes of romantic relationships, identity exploration, and complex social dynamics are present. Online spaces, while not explicitly detailed, suggest potential for mature discussions.

Content Safety Breakdown

Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content

Sex & Nudity

2/5

This story focuses on romantic comedy and coming-of-age themes, suggesting mild romantic tension and perhaps some kissing. It's unlikely to contain explicit content.

Violence & Gore

1/5

the available information mentions a tabletop game campaign and an MMORPG, implying that any action is likely to be within a virtual or game context and not graphic or realistic.

Profanity

2/5

As a YA novel, mild profanity like 'crap' or 'sucks' might be present in casual dialogue or moments of frustration.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

0/5

There are no indicators in the available information that alcohol, drugs, or smoking will be a theme or present in this story.

Frightening Scenes

1/5

The tone suggests a lighthearted romantic comedy and coming-of-age story, so intense or frightening scenes are unlikely to be a focus.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

This story is about a girl who loves playing online games and creates a cool knight character to feel safe. She ends up meeting and connecting with someone online, but has to figure out how to be her real self and let them get to know her.

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

The narrative centers on a romantic comedy and coming-of-age story. It explores themes of identity and authenticity through an online gaming setting, where the protagonist uses an alter ego.

What Kids Can Learn

Kids can learn about the challenges of online identity, the importance of embracing one's true self, and the development of meaningful relationships based on honesty.

Key Topics Discussed

Online gaming
Identity
Romance
Self-discovery

Why Parents Might Like It

Appeals to parents seeking YA fiction with relatable themes of self-discovery and authentic connection, set against a backdrop of contemporary teenage life and online interests.

Positives & Learning

What makes this content valuable for children

Positive Messages

4/5

Emphasizes taking up space, self-acceptance, and the courage to be authentic. It highlights how vulnerability can foster genuine connection and personal growth.

Positive Role Models

3/5

Viola demonstrates competence and determination. Her journey into self-discovery and embracing her true self offers a relatable model for navigating identity.

Diverse Representations

2/5

Features a female protagonist in a typically male-dominated online gaming space, asserting her competence. Her identity as a girl who is 'extremely competent and has the swagger to prove it' challenges stereotypes.

Educational Value

2/5

Offers insight into social dynamics within online gaming communities and the concept of building an online persona. It also touches upon interpersonal communication and relationship development.

Parent Reviews(0)

Share your experience to help other parents

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your thoughts about this book!