In The Rise of Nicholas the Noble, a magical middle grade fantasy bursting with adventure, courage, and wonder, few characters shine brighter than Kendor. A powerful snowcrafter and proud Barbegazzi ice gnome, Kendor is both warrior and artist, a fierce ally whose loyalty helps protect the One True North and the Spirit of Christmas itself.
She’s one of the most unforgettable heroines in Santa’s story, confident, strategic, and unapologetically herself. Kendor isn’t a hero because fate chose her; she’s a hero because she chooses to act, to lead, and to stand tall when it matters most. She’s the kind of character Canadian readers will instantly root for, strong, grounded, and filled with heart.
A Fantasy Character Rooted in Legacy and Magic
The Barbegazzi ice gnomes live deep beneath the snow-covered Mountains of Enchantment, a realm as dazzling as an early morning in Banff after fresh snowfall. These ancient beings have called the One True North home long before the Lumistella Stone fell from the sky, carrying with it the first spark of Christmas magic.
Tied to the very heart of the land, the Barbegazzi channel elemental energy through snow, shaping it into tools, shields, and works of art that blend craftsmanship and instinct. For them, creation is both a skill and a sacred duty.
As the daughter of Myleri, the Barbegazzi chief, Kendor carries more than a title. She carries legacy. Her snowcraft, passed through generations, is a living expression of her people’s spirit, a blend of art, ancestry, and survival. When Kendor sculpts snow into light, she isn’t just weaving magic, she’s preserving her culture and defending the balance that keeps Christmas alive across the North.
Talkative . . . and Tactical
Unlike the quiet, brooding warriors of most fantasy worlds, Kendor is proudly outspoken. She’s sharp, quick to analyse, and even quicker to lead. Her voice rings through the icy caverns with purpose and confidence, the kind of leadership that doesn’t demand attention but earns it naturally.
“Lumincients! You must come shelter
inside the Mountains of Enchantment,
in the realm of the Barbegazzi!”
Kendor shouted, leading the charge.
Kendor’s confidence reminds us of the kind of courage that stands firm in a storm. She’s unafraid to question, challenge, and think differently, a quality every young reader can admire. Her leadership is built not on power, but on clarity and compassion, the kind of strength that inspires others to stand beside her, not behind her.
“Dress for the Victory Party, Not for the Battle”
Kendor doesn’t believe you have to sacrifice style for strength. Her signature phrase, “Dress for the victory party, not for the battle,” tells you everything about her personality: bold, expressive, and unafraid to be seen.
To Kendor, every stitch and shimmer matters. It’s not vanity, it’s expression. She believes how you present yourself to the world reflects the light you carry within. Her mix of confidence and creativity makes her a standout role model for young readers learning to embrace individuality without losing kindness or courage.
A Key Character in a Magical Winter Adventure
Kendor plays a critical supporting role in The Rise of Nicholas the Noble, one of the most exciting new fantasy books for kids ages 9–12. Kendor’s journey in The Rise of Nicholas the Noble takes her across the frozen realms of the Santaverse — through snowfields that could rival the wild beauty of northern Quebec or Yukon.
Alongside characters like Delshimerry and Hollerdon, she joins a magical coalition of beings trying to protect the Spirit of Christmas from dark forces threatening One True North.
When Nicholas is at his most vulnerable, Kendor steps in with strength and focus. When plans shift, she adapts. And when magic needs to work, she doesn’t just hope. It’s her hands that make it happen. Her ability to think clearly under pressure, wield elemental magic, and stay true to her mission makes her one of the most memorable characters in the Santaverse.
Snowcrafted Power, Wielded with Purpose
Kendor’s magic doesn’t rely on wands or relics — it comes directly from the natural world. She crafts with purpose, not for show. Each flurry she shapes carries the essence of the True North, resilient, radiant, and real.
Her snowcraft is an art of intention: forming bridges to cross impossible gaps, sculpting shields to guard allies, or creating light in moments of darkness. It’s magic rooted in practicality and love, a reflection of how Canadian families face long winters: together, resourceful, and full of heart.
A Legacy Forged in Action
Without spoiling the adventure, readers can expect Kendor’s choices to leave a lasting mark, not just on Nicholas’s destiny, but on the spirit of the entire North. Her courage reshapes battles, restores hope, and reminds us that true heroism isn’t about glory — it’s about sacrifice.
“Kendor dove in to the midst of the thickest,
fiercest section of the fighting… leaving Lightalf
bodies strewn behind her as she plunged toward
the center of the skirmish. Her white braids
flew gracefully, and her pink skin
seemed to glow in the arctic twilight.”
Kendor stands as both symbol and spark: a reminder that strength can be graceful, wisdom can be bold, and that even the coldest storms can’t dim the light of those who choose to act.
Why Readers Love Kendor
Kendor is the kind of fantasy hero who lingers in your heart, smart, loyal, and endlessly brave. She’s as stylish as she is strategic, a maker and protector whose warmth cuts through any chill. She shows young readers that courage can wear many faces, fierce or gentle, loud or quiet, and that the magic of standing up for what’s right never fades.
“Let’s go!” Kendor called to her friends.
“Adventure awaits!”
She’s the character who inspires us to be bold, speak up, and show up. Sparkle and all.
Kendor’s story reminds us that the brightest magic often comes from those who choose courage, even when no one is watching. And that kind of magic never fades.
