Penguin Viking 1993
Robert’s first novel for children, Knights of the Endless Day, was the recipient of a ‘Special Choice’ award from the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Based on his successful play of the same name, it tells the story of would-be knight, Ogo, who longs to fight dragons and giants, but must instead transport the King’s infant daughter, Illia, across a ‘very safe’ terrain to the Queendom which her mother, Queen Blue, rules. When the trip goes awry and Ogo, must actually face his longed for dragons and giants, due to the presence of the child, he has to find other means than physical combat to have his way. The play and the novel are both based on the story The Knight and the Baby, which was published in Now Magazine in 1984, long before George Lucas’ movie, Willow, which bears a very small resemblance to it.
Knights of the Endless Day is currently out of print but it can be obtained from libraries across Canada.
REVIEWS
“Priest offers a politically aware fairy tale whose charm is similar to that which sustains Munsch’s Paper Bag Princess. … Priest raises questions of heroism, gender roles, pacificism and environmentalism. But he is never cloying or pedantic. Sounds improbable, unpalatable? In Priest’s capable hands this story is both funny and moving.”
– Marnie Parsons, Canadian Children’s Literature
“Priest has created a remarkable world in Knights of the Endless Day, a world which, like Narnia and Ursula K. Leguin’s Earthsea, will remain with the reader long after the book is finished. More than a simple fantasy story, the book is filled with symbols and references that modern children will both comprehend and find meaningful. A book for children to share with the adults they love. Highly Recommended.”
– Kelly L. Green (The library Journal)
“Cleverly parodies the heroic epic. Priest’s use of language is a pleasure.”
– Andrea Deakin, The Vancouver Sun
“Most young readers will love Knights of the Endless Day…While the plot is fantastic, Ogo’s realistic character makes this book special.”
– Carolyn Heiman, Times Colonist
“Brilliantly hilarious.”
– Books in Canada
“A hilarious rollicking spoof of epics.”
– Our Choice 1994, The Canadian Children’s Book Centre