The hero's guide to saving your kingdom

The Guide's voice and story-telling method are instantly charming, it reminded me of [b:The Princess Bride 21787 The Princess Bride William Goldman https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327903636s/21787.jpg 992628] almost instantly and draws you in so effortlessly that you know Healy worked hard to pull it off. In many ways, this is [a:Jim C. Hines 172490 Jim C. Hines https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/authors/1348840639p2/172490.jpg]' Princess books for the MG crowd – but this is far more amusing, and doesn't border on the preachy or sanctimonious like Hines' can.We first meet Ella and her Prince Charming, she's relishing her new-found freedom and ability to do many of the things – both ordinary and extraordinary – that she's been dreaming of for years. He's been raised in the contemporary equivalent of a bubble. He's to be safe, to look good, and live an uneventful life. Despite their affections for each other, they aren't suited to live together and so Ella goes off seeking adventure – with Frederic chasing after her, in his own pathetic way.While Ella finds adventure, as well as Zaubera, the witch who'd been holding Rapunzel. Frederic runs into another Prince Charming – Gustav, the youngest of a (very) large family, doing all he can to step out of the looming shadows of his brothers. He's brave, reckless, and not terribly bright. But he gives his all to rescue Rapunzel, and help out others in his land. It doesn't always work out for him.To help them with their quests, these two track down the help of Liam. This is a Prince Charming who's taken the whole hero thing very seriously. He's devoted his life to becoming everything he's supposed to be – a wily warrior who can rescue any damsel in distress. Even if she doesn't deserve it, like Briar Rose, a sleeping beauty when awakened shows that her beauty is all on the outside.Can't forget Duncan, the clumsiest – and luckiest – Prince Charming around, who wanders his way into the story while giving Snow White a little break from his enthusiasm for . . . well, everything. These four Princes Charming, and their respective princesses (including Liam's plucky, brainy sister) are off to save Kingdoms, their nations' entertainment/news industries, and very existences from bandits, monsters, Zaubera and even a band of outlaws run by The Bandit King.It's a nice read – written so that almost any child could enjoy it, and even entertain any adult who stumbles on to it. Lots of action, adventure, a touch of romance (just a touch, the cootie-wary need not be scared off from this). I laughed more than a few times, and grinned at lines and jokes even more often. A very pleasant way to spend an afternoon or two.The ending clearly sets up a sequel or three. I'm in.(a slightly expanded version of this appears at: http://wp.me/p3z9AH-1eY )