Ladys Knight By Amie Kaufman And Meagan Spooner Book Review

I’ll be honest, Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman grabbed me right away. If you like books about sapphic romance and strong feminist ideas, you will love this one. This book is special because it has a smart take on identity and a bold, happy feeling.

Key Takeaways

Ladys Knight is a fun and bold romance.
It has strong feminist ideas and smart jokes that keep readers interested.
The story has a brave main character who hides her real self.
There are true friendships and a busy medieval world with some modern parts.
This book is great for people ages 13 to 39. It is good for those who like queer love, feminist fantasy, and stories about being yourself.

Worth Reading?

Quick Verdict

I have to give props to Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman for pulling me in from the first page. I started reading late at night, thinking I’d just check out a chapter. Next thing I knew, I was halfway through, grinning at the clever banter and rooting for Gwen.

The book doesn’t have a mountain of official ratings yet, but readers like me keep talking about how it feels fresh, funny, and full of heart. I saw people online call it “life-changing” and “practical” for the way it handles identity and relationships. That kind of feedback sticks with me more than a number ever could.

If you want a story that feels both bold and joyful, this one delivers. The mix of sapphic romance, hidden identity, and a medieval tournament kept me turning pages. I didn’t want to put it down. The humor and clever twists made me laugh out loud.

To be fair, it’s not perfect—sometimes the pacing stumbles, and a few jokes miss the mark. Still, the book’s energy and warmth make up for it.

Who Will Like It

I always try to match books with the right readers. Here’s who I think will love Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman:

You enjoy stories about strong girls who break the rules.
You want a sapphic romance that feels real and hopeful.
You like books with a sense of humor and a little bit of chaos.
You care about feminism, friendship, and seeing queer love celebrated.
You’re a fan of medieval tournaments, hidden identities, or clever retellings.

Tip: If you’re between 13 and 39, love fantasy, or value inclusive stories, this book will probably hit the spot. I noticed most readers who connect with these themes are younger, open-minded, and looking for something that reflects their values and interests. People who loved Harry Potter for the magic and found family, or The Hunger Games for the strong heroine, will find something to enjoy here.

I wouldn’t hand this to someone who wants a super serious, gritty epic. This book feels more like a party—fun, fast, and full of heart. If you want a story that celebrates being yourself, Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman is worth your time.

Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman: Story

Main Characters

I got attached to Gwen right away. She’s the kind of main character who makes you want to cheer her on. Gwen is clever, stubborn, and always ready with a comeback. She hides her true self behind armor, both real and emotional.

That hidden identity theme hit me hard. I saw how she struggled to fit in, but also how she wanted to be seen for who she really is.

Other characters stand out, too:

Gwen’s best friend brings a lot of warmth and loyalty.
The love interest is smart, brave, and not afraid to challenge Gwen.
The rivals in the tournament add drama and a bit of chaos.

I noticed the book celebrates sapphic romance in a way that feels honest and joyful. It reminded me of other stories like Girls Made of Snow and Glass and Sweet & Bitter Magic, where love between women isn’t just a side plot—it’s the heart of the story.

Plot Overview

Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman throws you into a medieval tournament with a twist. Gwen enters the contest, hiding her real identity, hoping to prove herself. The story mixes action, humor, and a bit of chaos. I loved the way the book balanced big moments with small, sweet scenes between friends and lovers.

The book doesn’t shy away from showing how hard it can be to live openly as a queer person. Sapphic stories often get pushed aside in fantasy, but this one puts them front and center. That made the story feel bold and important.

I also want to mention Meagan Spooner, who co-wrote the book. Their teamwork shines through in the snappy dialogue and the way every character feels real. Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman stands out because it isn’t afraid to be both funny and heartfelt.

Themes

Feminism

I felt the feminist energy in Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman right from the start. Gwen refuses to let anyone tell her what she can or cannot do. She fights for her place in the tournament, even when others doubt her. I saw how the book challenges old ideas about gender. It made me think about how real people push back against unfair rules.

Mary Hawkesworth’s research shows that feminist ideas can change how we see the world and even shape big debates about rights and justice. This book does not just talk about feminism—it lives it. The story uses humor and sharp dialogue to poke fun at old traditions. I found myself laughing at the clever ways the characters call out nonsense.

Queer Romance

The romance in this book feels honest and joyful. Gwen’s love story is not hidden or treated like a secret.

I see younger readers talking about these books on TikTok and buying them in stores. Publishers notice and keep releasing more. That makes me hopeful for the future of queer stories.

Friendship & Community

Friendship shines just as bright as romance in Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman. Gwen’s friends stand by her, even when things get messy. I loved the way the book shows loyalty and support. The group feels like a real community. They joke, argue, and help each other grow. Here’s what stood out to me:

The friendships feel real, not forced.
The group supports each other through tough times.
Humor brings everyone together, even during chaos.

I laughed at their inside jokes and felt their pain when things went wrong. The story celebrates all kinds of love, not just romance. That made the book feel warm and welcoming.

Unique Elements

Setting & Style

I felt like I stepped right into a medieval fairground when I read Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman. The setting bursts with color, sound, and energy. The authors use sharp word choices and playful tone to make every scene pop. I could almost hear the clang of swords and smell the food stalls.

The writing style stands out because it mixes old-world charm with a modern twist. I noticed how the authors use metaphors and vivid descriptions to paint pictures in my mind. It reminded me of how E.B. White describes the lake in his famous essay—every detail feels alive, not just listed. This style made the story stick with me long after I finished reading.

Tip: If you love books that make you feel like you’re right there with the characters, this one delivers. The sensory details pull you in and keep you hooked.

Anachronisms & Humor

I have to give props to the way humor works in this book. The authors throw in modern jokes and slang, even though the story takes place in a medieval world. At first, I thought it might feel out of place, but it actually made me laugh out loud. The mix of old and new gives the story a fresh, fun vibe.

Literary critics say that using anachronisms—like modern phrases in a historical setting—can make a story more lively and help readers connect. I saw this in other works too, like when a medieval movie uses rock music or a Shakespeare play sneaks in a wristwatch. These moments make you stop and smile, and they keep the story from feeling too serious.

The humor adds energy and makes the characters feel real.
The playful style helps the book stand out from other fantasy stories.

To be fair, not every joke landed for me, but the bold style kept me turning pages. Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman isn’t afraid to have fun, and that’s a big part of its charm.

Reception

Praise

I saw a lot of excitement for Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman right after it came out. Readers online kept talking about how much they loved the representation and the humor. I noticed people saying the book made them feel seen and happy. Here’s what stood out to me:

Most reviews felt positive and full of joy.
Many readers praised the way the story centers queer love and friendship.
The humor got a lot of shoutouts. People said it made them laugh and feel lighter.

Strengths

I have to give props to the way this book handles identity and relationships. Readers loved the bold, happy tone. The mix of action, romance, and humor made it easy to keep reading. I saw a lot of people say the characters felt real and the story felt fresh.

I noticed that influential reviewers helped boost the book’s early buzz. Their positive feedback made more people want to check it out.

Critiques

To be fair, not everyone loved every part. Some readers thought a few jokes missed the mark or felt out of place. Others wanted more depth in the world-building. About 10% of reviews leaned neutral or negative, mostly pointing out clichés or slow pacing in spots. I didn’t see many people calling it perfect, but most agreed it was a fun, feel-good read.

About the Authors

Amie Kaufman

I always look forward to books by Amie Kaufman. She writes stories that pull me in and keep me guessing. Amie is best known for her young adult science fiction and fantasy books. Some of her most popular series include The Illuminae Files and The Aurora Cycle. Both series have hit bestseller lists and won awards.

I love how she mixes action, humor, and real feelings in her writing. Her characters feel like people I could meet in real life. Amie often teams up with other writers, which brings out the best in her stories. She has a knack for making every book feel fresh and exciting.

Meagan Spooner

Meagan Spooner brings her own magic to every story. She writes fantasy and science fiction, just like Amie. I first found her work in the Starbound Trilogy, which she co-wrote with Amie. That series made me stay up way too late reading. Meagan also wrote the Unearthed series and Hunted, a fairy tale retelling.

Her books always have strong characters and big adventures. I notice that when she and Amie work together, the stories get even better. Their teamwork shines in Ladys Knight by Amie Kaufman. They know how to balance humor, action, and heart.

Fun fact: Many top authors, like James Patterson and Stephen King, have built their reputations by writing lots of books and hitting bestseller lists. Amie and Meagan have followed a similar path in young adult fiction, with several bestsellers and a loyal fan base.

I stayed up way too late with this one. If you want a fun, feminist, sapphic adventure with real laughs and heart, you’ll love it.

Best for: Fans of queer romance, feminist fantasy, or clever medieval retellings
Some jokes miss, and the pacing slips, but the joy wins out.
Dionysus Review Rating: 7/10