Knights and Maidens

I’ll admit: I rolled my eyes at the title. *Another* knight-saves-maiden collection? But *Knights and Maidens* flips the script so hard it nearly gave me whiplash. Bryce’s writing thrives on undermining clichés—like the knight who demands a "fair reward" only to have the maiden counter with a list of his failures, or the quest that hinges on interpreting a prophecy *literally* (spoiler: it’s about taxes). The humor lands because it’s *smart*, not just snarky; these stories understand the original myths well enough to skewer them with affection. The narration is where this audiobook *sings*. Gilliland’s knights are deliciously pompous, but the real stars are the women: Bateman’s deadpan delivery of a maiden’s *"Oh, *you’re* the hero?"* had me cackling in traffic. Kane’s performance in *"The Miller’s Daughter’s Dowry"* is a masterclass in vocal acting—she pivots from sweet to cutting in a heartbeat. My only gripe? The pacing stumbles in the longer tales (the 90-minute *"The Tournament of Unwanted Suitors"* drags despite its clever premise), and a few jokes rely too heavily on anachronisms that feel more *Shrek* than *Canterbury Tales*. Still, the production quality is impeccable—subtle soundscapes (clinking armor, crackling fires) immerse you without overpowering the voices. If you love fantasy that winks at the audience while still delivering genuine heart, this is your next listen. Just don’t expect any knights to ride off unscathed.