Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bandits and faeries mix in rollicking fantasy series debut.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE ACCIDENTAL HIGHWAYMAN is the tale of Kit Bristol, an 18th-century English orphan who gets into assorted troubles. He's spent much of his youth as a trick rider in the circus of the man who bought him from the workhouse, then becomes the servant of an impoverished nobleman who wins him in a card game. Soon, he makes the unwelcome discovery that his master is actually the gentlemanly highwayman Whistling Jack -- and is forced to assume the bandit's identity when the man unexpectedly dies. Before too long, he's sent on a mission to rescue a kidnapped faery who's being forced into an unwelcome marriage. It's love at first sight, but the path of true love never runs smooth. In this case, the hapless Kit must contend with two warring armies of magical beings and most of British law enforcement, hell-bent on ridding the roads of robbers, along with all the complications of first (and star-crossed) love.
Is It Any Good?
Tripp's 18th-century narrative style may be a barrier to action-oriented or younger kids, but Kit's lively, self-deprecating style and the illustrations and constant ups and downs will appeal. The horse Midnight and the French bulldog Demon will draw fans of their own. The conclusion averts some immediate problems but sets the stage for many more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about highwayman stories. How would you compare highwaymen and pirates? Which do you like better?
When an author uses the language of the past, as Ben Tripp does here, does it make it harder to follow the story? Do you think it would be better or worse if the story were told in modern English?
Morgana's being married off to someone she doesn't like for political reasons. How would you feel about being in that situation?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Ben Tripp
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Tor Books
- Publication date : October 14, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 18
- Number of pages : 304
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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