A Tail of Camelot

Descended from some of the bravest swordsmice ever to wear chainmail, young Calib Christopher lives alongside the human Knights of the Round Table, eating their crumbs and pledged to help defend the castle. That duty is tested when the timid mouse is selected to compete in the Harvest Tournament, a competition that leads to knighthood. When a beloved elder is assassinated during the competition’s first challenge, paws immediately point at a rival animal pack that lives outside the castle walls. Could war return to Camelot? Above the stairs, Queen Guinevere and Lancelot’s son, Galahad, face a parallel threat while King Arthur and his ablest knights are away. In this first book in the Mice of the Round Table series, debut author Leung subtly points out how heavy a burden one’s heritage can be by showing Calib and Galahad’s uneasy relationships with their status as favored sons. Though the plot is action-packed and battle-driven, Calib proves his worth by cautioning against making assumptions about the enemy and urging cooperation. Redwall fans will feast on this. A Paper Lantern Lit property. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Stephen Barbara, Foundry Literary + Media. (Oct.)