“The Knight’s Squire” by John J. Curta

The Knight’s Squire

John J. Curta
Independently Published (2026)
ISBN: 979-8995908913
Reviewed by A. Crimin for Reader Views (09/2026)

As the title suggests, The Knight’s Squire by John J. Curta follows an ambitious young squire named Jory, the son of the most famous knight in the realm, as he tries to live up to the impossible legacy his father left behind. This is a coming-of-age story, where Jory begins to learn that reality is different than the songs. Sometimes, a knight may have to throw a joust to have enough coin to eat. An honorable man can lose. The most feared knight on the battlefield may be without honor, and kill all in his path. People who have committed heinous crimes may be forgiven simply because of the power they hold. How does a knight decide what is right? And what kind of knight does Jory want to grow up to be?

Will he live long enough to be a knight at all?

The Knight’s Squire visits multiple perspectives, although Jory is at the heart of them all. We follow the famous Sir Cley Woods, the knight he serves, a healer’s apprentice, Emily, and Prince James, one of two potential heirs to the throne. For you see, this story is not just about a boy growing up. No, these are dangerous times. The king is dead, the land in turmoil, and two royals call their men to arms to fight for the throne… All while the temple is hard at work behind the scenes, burning the King’s will and thrusting the land into chaos in the name of faith.

But miracles and magic go hand in hand, and as it turns out, magic is not so dead as one might believe.

This is a story of unlikely friendship, of magic, of growing up, and of family you choose. It is rich and alive, with masterful description ensnaring the five senses. The story transports you to a lush and vibrant realm. It makes the mundane feel extraordinary. Whether it’s getting swept up with the excitement of the crowds, fetching water from the river or dodging horse dung in the streets, it feels real. There is thought and love given to how people of the time lived their everyday lives — the setting is a living, breathing thing that bleeds onto every page.

The story is split between four characters, with Jory being our main protagonist. This, combined with sudden flashback sequences, may occasionally leave the reader feeling disoriented.  Nonetheless, Curta’s The Knight’s Squire, the first book in A Squire for the Realm series, is compelling, and I have no doubt that you will be rooting for Jory the whole way through, just as I was.