Knights Unite

Knights Unite is the fourth book in the Peter Blue Series by Laurel Colless, and it follows Riva du Lac, who is determined to uphold her promise to avoid detentions at Spiral Hall. But a sea cleanup reveals Shem, a mythical fish boy, and a surprise honor from the Spiral Knights forces her to choose between rules and friendship. Meanwhile, Peter Blue has a vision of a water-dwelling monster. Can their unlikely alliance save the knights—and the world? Laurel Colless captures the delicate balance of environmental activism and adolescent adventure through the eyes of Riva, the determined twelve-year-old protagonist. The character development is both nuanced and engaging, particularly in Riva’s journey as she transitions from being a rule-conscious initiate at Spiral Hall to a reckoning force with the weight of moral responsibility on her young shoulders.

The setting is exceptionally accomplished, with finely drawn imagery that pulls the reader from the outset as Riva and her friend Roly navigate their inventor's whaleboat amidst a “stink of floating garbage.” This setting speaks volumes about their mission to cleanse the ocean and offers a metaphorical purpose, reflecting the pollution threatening their world. Riva's strong personality shines as she asserts dominance in their partnership, described poignantly by her reflection, “Big dark eyes pinched from working long shifts inside the whale.” Colless effectively conveys Riva’s inner struggles; she experiences guilt and a keen sense of duty towards marine life. The environmental settings of the story are beautifully rendered, with images like “the ocean floor, where the land tiered up into hills.” Such imagery enriches the storytelling and engages young readers in a conversation about ecological preservation. Yet this vivid backdrop contrasts sharply with the darker themes of exploitation represented by the commercial fishermen, led by brutish characters like Bruton Bell.

The dialogue propels the plot forward and lays bare the inner workings of the characters’ relationships. For instance, Rova's leadership is illustrated through her exchanges with Roly as they argue over their priorities: “We need to get back,” counters Roly, to which Riva persistently replies, “Just one more mouthful.” This dynamic illustrates Riva's inclination to push boundaries, showcasing her ambition and blind dedication to the cause. The author crafts complicated yet resonant conflict, exploring environmental woes and human recklessness, notably when discovering ghost nets ensnaring sea life. This critical plot point underscores the human role in ecological devastation. “Sometimes Riva just hated people” succinctly portrays her frustrations with humanity’s disregard for nature. This internal conflict crescendo when she faces the decision to confront the company responsible for the pollution—a moment prompts Riva to weigh her values against her potential consequences under the scrutiny of a stringent behavioral code designed by her father. This tale features nuanced characters — fully developed and lovable — and readers will quickly develop sympathy for marine creatures like Shem and Kron—the mythical fish-boy who, alongside the swordfish, symbolizes nature’s vulnerability against human greed. The exquisite prose and the courage of Riva are just a few of the elements that will captivate young readers.