Why we’re excited
A century after the Stonewater Kingdom books, the gargoyle Bartholomew decides the new young king, August, is far too fond of logic. When a powerful new sprite starts roaming the kingdom, he sends her off on a quest, with himself as her squire and narrator.
Rachel Gillig made her name with One Dark Window and followed it with the Stonewater Kingdom duology, opening with The Knight and the Moth. This illustrated novella stands alone, but it lands harder after that duology, so read those first. Bartholomew already has fans, and here he finally gets the stage.
On our most-anticipated list since 22 October 2026. See all the most anticipated books →
What to know about The Sprite and the Gargoyle: A Bartholomew Tale
We have reviewed 2 of Rachel Gillig’s books, with an average score of 4.3 out of 5. Our highest-rated so far is The Knave and the Moon (4.5★).
At 144 pages it is shorter than most fantasy books out in March 2027, where the typical length is about 400 pages.
From the publisher
One hundred years after the events of the #1
New York Times
bestselling Stonewater Kingdom duology, Bartholomew must once again become a squire and journey across Traum in this standalone novella from the queen of gothic fantasy Rachel Gillig, featuring gorgeous original illustrations by the author.You know this story, Bartholomew. We all, in our own way, have a story like this…Sybil, Rory, and Bartholomew have been living peacefully in the Stonewater Kingdom for a century after the events of The Knave and the Moon. Bartholomew, the knowingest knower to ever know anything, has taken it upon himself to educate the latest young king in the ways of the world. But though King August is committed to maintaining the delicate balance between humans and sprites, she is also stubborn, academic, and devoted to reason. This simply cannot do.So, when a new sprite with ungodly powers is discovered wandering across the kingdom, there is nothing for it but to go on a quest. And what does a King need on a quest? A squire, of course, Bartholomew. I’ll tell it to you as best I can and promise to be honest in my talebearing. If I’m not, it is for a good reason.
Description supplied by the publisher.
We haven’t read The Sprite and the Gargoyle: A Bartholomew Tale yet. When our review goes up, it will replace this page.
