❥ Thank you to Avon Books for the free book.
❥ Publication Date: 10.29.24
Synopsis
Ten years ago, they saved the realm. It ruined their lives.
Everyone in Mythria knows the story of how best friends Beatrice and Elowen, handsome ex-bandit Clare, and valiant leader Galwell the Great defended the land from darkness. It’s a tale beloved by all—except the former heroes. They haven’t spoken in a decade, devastated by what their quest cost them.
But when they receive an invitation to the queen of Mythria’s wedding, it’s a summons they can’t refuse . . . and a reunion for the ages, with Clare secretly not over his long-ago fling with Beatrice, Beatrice fighting the guilt she feels over how everything ended, Elowen unprepared for the return of her former flame (the cunning Vandra), and all of them lost without Galwell’s presence. And if reuniting with old friends and lovers wasn’t perilous enough, dark forces from their past have returned, plotting a domination that only Mythria’s one-time defenders can stop. Maybe.
Dusting off old weapons and old instincts, they face undead nemeses, crystal caves, enchanted swords, coffee shops, games of magical Truth or Dare, and, hardest of all, their past—rife with wounds never healed and romances never forgotten.
This time around, will their story end in happily ever after?
Thoughts
The pitch which described this book as “The Princess Bride meets People We Meet on Vacation” caught the attention of my geeky heart. I had read The Roughest Draft, written by two of the three authors included under this new pen name. So, I was interested to see how their storytelling would be impacted by adding another author into the mix. I can only speculate that writing a story with three people is equal parts fun and frustrating!
In the end, this was an enjoyable read. I think it could use a bit more polish in terms of overall tone and consistency. I wanted a bit more world-building. I did enjoy the unique take on some familiar stories, as well as the overall vibe. The cover is so clever and pretty!
Question
Have you read and/or watched The Princess Bride?