Classic tale of "triumph if only you believe in yourself." I enjoyed how the "house of cards" he built for himself ended up working out. Predictable, but fun. ( )

This was my introduction to Terry Brooks (not counting the novelization of The Phantom Menace, which I am embarrassed to admit to purchasing), and it was pretty good. The premise was straightforward: depressed lawyer Ben Holiday sees a magic kingdom for sale in a department store catalog, purchases it, and discovers it's not quite everything he hoped it would be. It was well-written and clever, if a bit predictable. It reminded me a lot of the books I read back in middle school, and in its own way was a pleasant trip down memory lane. In short, it's a relaxing bit of light fantasy, but nothing I would go out of my way for. ( )

I remembered only after I downloaded the book that Terry Brooks was the author of the offensively derivative Shanarra series, so I went into the book expecting the worst. Sure enough, the writing is quite hackneyed - but the story pulled me in. Ben's character attracted me, and the struggle to make the magic kingdom work seemed a real one. Finally, this is a true fantasy story in which the main character has no fighting ability or magic powers (other than the talisman given to him, over which he has no control.) That is, Ben has to solve his problems just as you or I would. So, a reluctant but genuine recommendation. ( )

Terry Brooks is the writer of the ongoing Shannara series, high fantasy that quite frankly bored me to tears. With the Kingdom of Landover series however, Brooks created a funny and unique set of magical books. A lawyer in our world finds a classified ad looking for a king, he buys it and discovers that what he has in fact bought is the throne to the kingdom of Landover a magical fantasy world he can cross over into. Wonderful whimsy this is entertaining fare for all and a great introduction to fantasy for younger readers. ( )

An older title by Brooks, back when he was a little more original. Of course, his style wasn't as polished, either, and there were several dry spots. Overall, though, this was a good read. ( )