Knight's Story Books in Order

The Knight's Story books, also published under the Free Lance name, are short medieval fantasy adventures by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell. They follow Lance, a young squire with a quick mind, a stubborn streak, and a talent for being dragged into danger before he has time to think better of it.

The setting is a storybook version of the Middle Ages, complete with castles, tournaments, quests, nobles, bandits, dragons, and strange places beyond the safety of the town walls. But the books keep the action close to Lance's point of view. He is not a grand knight at the beginning. He is learning, improvising, and trying to prove himself.

In Lake of Skulls, Lance faces a dangerous journey into a place with a reputation for death and mystery. Joust of Honor, also known as Free Lance and the Field of Blood, brings him into the tense world of contests and chivalric reputation. Dragon's Hoard sends him toward the classic lure of treasure and the very real danger guarding it.

The quests are short. The trouble is not.

These books are designed as brisk, accessible adventures. They have the trappings of old legends, but the storytelling is direct and energetic rather than solemn. Lance may meet knights and monsters, yet he often succeeds because he pays attention, asks questions, and keeps going when stronger people are stuck.

Chris Riddell's illustrations add movement and humor to the medieval setting. Armor, horses, weapons, castles, and creatures all look suitably dramatic, but the pictures also preserve the stories' playful edge. The series is adventurous without becoming too heavy or grim.

Although the books share Lance and his world, each tells a separate quest. A reader can pick up any one of them, but beginning with Lake of Skulls gives the clearest introduction to Lance and the kind of problems he faces. The later books build on his growing confidence.

Expect duels, dark paths, risky bargains, and dragons.

The Knight's Story books work well for readers who enjoy compact fantasy, medieval settings, and heroes who are not yet fully grown into the role everyone expects them to play. They offer the pleasures of a knightly quest without asking readers to commit to a long, complicated saga.