Bound To Stay Bound

Booklist - 06/01/2025 *Starred Review* Every four years, the county of Darkhaven plays host to the Tournament of Dragonslayers, and this year’s competition comes with an extra incentive for competitors: the winner will earn the hand and dowry of Lady Isobelle, much to Lady Isobelle’s frustration. Gwen, a local blacksmith’s daughter who actually does most of the blacksmithing herself, wants nothing more than to don the armor of a knight and compete rather than spend her days in a hot forge. When the two girls meet and sparks begin to fly, Isobelle pulls Gwen into a plan that has the potential to save them both from their unwanted fates, if Gwen can just pull off pretending to be Sir Gawain and avoid the notice of Lord Whimsitt, Isobelle’s awful guardian. Easier said than done, but Gwen is up for the challenge. Characters’ modern sensibilities contrast smoothly with the medieval setting, and the romance between the main characters is sparkling and witty. Fourth-wall breaks are done to hilarious effect, and this cozy knight’s tale is as charming as it is funny and warm; a truly enjoyable rom-com. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.

School Library Journal - 01/30/2026 Gr 7 Up—In a medieval-inspired kingdom bound by rigid social rules, Gwen, the daughter of a blacksmith, longs to become a knight. She has learned the blacksmith trade from her father, although she will never be recognized for her skill because she is a girl. While hiding her same-sex attraction, Gwen disguises herself as Sir Gawain to compete among knights in the prestigious Tournament of Dragonslayers. As she navigates the dangerous trials, Gwen also forms a deep and meaningful bond with Lady Isobelle, a noblewoman who understands—from a very different perspective—the constraints placed on women. Living a double life, Gwen moves between the expectations of nobility alongside Isobelle and the physical and moral challenges of the tournament. The tension of maintaining her disguise drives the narrative, raising the central question of whether courage and integrity will be enough to overcome tradition and deception. While marketed as fantasy, the novel reads more like historical fiction with a modern sensibility. Aside from the presence of a dragon, fantastical elements are minimal, and readers expecting dragons to play a central role may find this aspect underdeveloped, as its late introduction feels abrupt rather than fully woven into the story's world. The heart of the novel lies in its characters: Gwen and Lady Isobelle are well-developed, likable, and empowering, and their relationship, marked by trust, loyalty, and affection. The book's explorations of gender roles and different forms of strength give the story depth and relevance for contemporary readers. Isobelle has blonde hair and blue eyes; Gwen has green eyes, fair skin, and black hair. VERDICT A thoughtful, character-driven fantasy with strong female leads and themes of courage and identity. Recommended for readers who enjoy historical settings with a modern sensibility.—Virginia Brown - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.