Bernard and the Blackguard
Maureen Young
FriesenPress (2025)
ISBN: 978-1038324979
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Reader Views (05/2025)
Bernard and the Blackguard by Maureen Young is the second installment in The Eastside Series. It offers a lively, well-crafted story full of adventure, humor, and emotional depth. This adventurous tale follows a young gopher named Bernard who is just beginning to come into his own when his grandfather, Chester, mysteriously disappears. Bernard and his quick-tongued friend Flory decide to uncover what happened, but they find themselves entangled in a dangerous conflict with the owls of the Blackguard. They are a formidable, militarized force defending their subterranean colony from perceived threats.
There is so much charm in the opening chapters. It’s domestic and rich with culture that highlights gopher life, seasonal traditions, and intergenerational wisdom. Readers are introduced to a carefully imagined and interesting world where animals live in structured societies with unique customs and terminology. These early scenes are warm and humorous, though some moments—particularly around the picnic preparations—could be trimmed for pacing. Once Chester disappears, however, the narrative gains a sense of urgency. This balances action with meaningful growth among the characters.
The prose is smooth, age-appropriate, and peppered with original wordplay that adds charm without overdoing it. Young’s dialogue is one of the strengths of this book, especially the dialogue between Bernard and Flory, whose friendship is portrayed with authenticity and humor. Bernard is a likable protagonist; he’s kindhearted, slightly unsure of himself, and determined to do the right thing. Flory adds levity with her rapid-fire approach and bold ideas. Then there is Chester who brings wisdom and emotional grounding, even from the sidelines.
Plot-wise, the story is structured very well, with a clear arc that weaves Bernard’s search into Chester’s imprisonment and interrogation. The owl characters, particularly Captain Claw and Colonel Moss Talon, add welcome tension to the story and they are sharply drawn. Captain Claw is a standout villain; ambitious, ruthless, and quietly insecure. This creates believable conflict that goes beyond simple good-versus-evil tropes.
One of the book’s most impressive accomplishments is the world-building. The animal societies are not only imaginative, but they are layered with political, environmental, and social commentary. There is tension between the expanding gopher population and the defensive owl colony, mirroring real-world territorial disputes. While the story remains accessible to young readers, it also invites thoughtful engagement on issues such as fear of the “other,” loyalty, justice, and the balance of power.
Where the book falls slightly short are in the moments where the tone shifts abruptly—particularly during violent scenes involving rabid weasels. This could benefit from more emotional reflection to help younger readers process the intensity. Additionally, the stakes are occasionally undercut by a quick return to lighthearted banter. However, the younger target audience this is intended for may be more forgiving of these transitions.
Young readers aged 8–12 who enjoy animal adventures with substance such as Redwall by Brian Jacques, Poppy by Avi, or The Guardians of Ga’Hoole series, will find every reason to enjoy Bernard and the Blackguard. It blends familiar adventure tropes with original elements. This makes it feel both nostalgic and fresh. The narrative encourages readers to think critically about leadership, bravery, and community through the lens of these richly developed and fascinating animal characters.
This is a heartfelt, thoughtful, and humorous middle-grade novel that will appeal to readers who appreciate courageous underdogs, well-built worlds, and emotionally grounded storytelling. Fans of gentle fantasy and anthropomorphic tales are especially likely to enjoy Maureen Young’s Bernard and the Blackguard and The Eastside Series as a whole.