Cedric Thatchbottom is a knight in training, serving Sir Percival the Proud - a knight famed throughout the land for his glorious deeds. But life at Castle Bombast isn't quite what Cedric was expecting - in fact, it's a total KNIGHTMARE. Sir Percy is charged with guarding a mysterious - and very dangerous - criminal. He hires extra soldiers, reinforces his dungeon and even buys a guard dog. Short of cash, Percy had to skimp on his canine purchase - and guess who has to train the mangy mutt? Yep, it seems Cedric is the only squire for the job.

Peter Bently went to ten different schools around the world and studied languages at Oxford University. He started writing for children soon after becoming a parent and now lives with his wife, Lucy, and children, Theo and Tara, in Devon (which has its very own excellent medieval castle).