Jes Battis: The Winter Knight

Based on Arthurian legends, The Winter Knight is an upbeat, queer urban fantasy. The knights of the round table are alive in Vancouver, but when one winds up dead, it's clear the familiar stories have taken a left turn. Hildie, a Valkyrie and the investigator assigned to the case, wants to find the killer - and maybe figure her life out while she's at it. On her short list of suspects is Wayne, an autistic college student and the reincarnation of Sir Gawain, who these days is just trying to survive in a world that wasn't made for him. After finding himself at the scene of the crime, Wayne is pulled deeper into his medieval family history while trying to navigate a new relationship with the dean's charming assistant, Burt - who also happens to be a prime murder suspect.

Jes Battis is the author of the Occult Special Investigator series and Parallel Parks series (as Bailey Cunningham) with Ace. Their first novel, Night Child, was shortlisted for the Sunburst Award. Jes teaches queer and trans studies, medieval literature, and representations of disability/neurodiversity in pop culture at the University of Regina. They split time between the prairies and the west coast.

Staff from the Merril Collection will be interviewing Jes about their work, inspiration and more. Following the interview, Jes will do a live Q&A with the audience and book signing.

This free event will be held on the lower level of the Lillian H. Smith Branch in the Auditorium. Hosted by the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation & Fantasy.

Doors will open at 6:15pm and the event will start at 6:30pm. No registration or ticket is required. Everyone is welcome.

The Winter Knight will be available for sale by Bakka Phoenix Books at the event.

Borrow The Winter Knight from Toronto Public Library.

Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks' notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca