This novel is a parody of fairy tales (borrowing liberally from popular culture and favorite stories) which looks at the 'real life' side. At the beginning, several suitors are vying for the hand of Princess Rebecca of Deserae - but all of this comes to an end when the kingdom's Ancient Artifact (a Model Seven) gets stolen by an Evil Overlord. Lord Voltmeter (He Who Must Be Named) has plans to use the Artifact to power his Diabolical Device and take over the twenty kingdoms. Prince Kevin Timberline from Rassendas has decided to get the Artifact back so that he can marry Becky. Armed with The Handbook of Practical Heroics, Kevin heads off to the Village of Angst and starts scouting a way into the Fortress of Doom (open Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM with extended hours for the ventilation shaft) on his quest to save the day.
I have to say that this is an amusing, if irreverent story. The characters are certainly interesting and the plot follows a predictable, if twisted path. Any fans of the list 'The Top 100 Things I'd Do If I Ever Became an Evil Overlord' and similar writings/lists/etc. will certainly enjoy the quotations from The Handbook of Practical Heroics and the efforts of all of the characters to anticipate 'traditional' problems that storytale heroes run into. It is important that readers understand that the story is not serious in any way, shape, or form - it's fun, but it isn't for everyone or for every mood. That said, I would definitely recommend this book to fantasy fans.
- If this book sounds interesting, consider these: Dark Lord of Derkholm, The Wish List, or Flora Segunda
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