This second entry continues to be a delightful read that definitely isn't for kids. ( )

As the second book in the "Princess and Mr. Whiffle" series, this story ups the ante by taking things to the next level. Like its predecessor, this book comes with a stark warning that it is NOT a book for children and in my opinion, the warning is a little more appropriate for this second outing than it was for the first.

Book two introduces a new key character and presents us with a much darker plotline. While the first book slowly built up suspense to a moment of a dramatic thrilling ending, this novel takes the readers on a curious adventure during which they are faced with a similar growing suspense to the first book but also with the fear of a moral/mortal terror based on events from the first book and characteristics of the main characters. Specifically, the readers are thrown into a frightening adventure and each page foreshadows tragic and horrific doom.

While the first book had developed the character of the princess, I saw her develop even more as she explored the Deep Below. I felt like I was figuring her out and understanding her motivations but the clever and detailed illustrations left me wondering at the conflict bubbling inside her. As the book neared its climax I anticipated a twist ending but found myself double guessing what it might be. The "obvious" twist ending felt too horrific even for a story touted "not for children" and yet I wasn't sure what other path was going to be presented for the tale. When the surprise twist revealed itself, I laughed out loud and applauded the writer for his clever and logical turn that fit so well within the story while still being unexpected.

As a fan of Rothfuss' writing I can recommend this as a fun read to other fans. I can also recommend this to fans of dark humor and light suspense. Beyond that it's difficult to give a blanket recommendation. I feel like some of my horror-movie loving siblings might enjoy it while other horror-movie loving friends might not. It's a tricky recommendation but a book that I had fun with and I'm interested to see if the adventures continue with another picture book (though I would rather have the conclusion to the Kingkiller Chronicles first *grin*)

****
4 out of 5 stars ( )

Continuing the adventures of the Princess and her stuffed bear, Mr. Whiffle, The Dark of Deep Below delves a little more into her life and family dynamic (such as discovering that the Princess does in fact have parents, a trifling fact that seemed to be missing from the first volume). This time around, the Princesses little brother is kidnapped by goblins, and the Princess must decide whether she goes to rescue him or not, because she's really not that sure that she likes having a little brother in the first place. As with the first volume, there are 3 different endings that you can choose from and decide for yourself how you would want the story to end. And yes, these look like children's books, but they ARE NOT FOR CHILDREN. Nope, not at all.

Rothfuss and Taylor have taken their precocious character and her stuffed teddy and given them a longer, more involved story this time around, but somehow it didn't seem to live up to the first story for me. I more or less knew that there was going to be a twist at the end, and while I didn't foresee what exactly it was, knowing it was coming slightly downplayed it for me. Still, this is one of the more unique picture books you'll find out there for adults (seriously, don't read this to your kids!), so it's still worth reading, especially if you enjoyed the first one. ( )

Cute dark story with wonderful art. Review to come soon at Fantasy Literature. http://www.fantasyliterature.com ( )

How to follow up a book as funny and as shocking as the original Princess and Mr. Whiffle? That's easy, if you're Patrick Rothfuss--play on those expectations to create a book that is charming, sweet, laugh out loud funny, and just the right amount of twisted.

The story, though strong, would not be nearly so successful without the artwork. Nate Taylor infuses each page with so much life. The expressions of the Princess (and somehow, even Mr. Whiffle) bring the character to life in a way that no words possibly could.

Highly, highly recommended. ( )