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Sebastian Darke #1
Prince of Fools
The lord of Laughter, the Monarch of Mirth–if only the bumbling 17-year-old Sebastian Darke could be a successful jester like his father. The problem is Sebastian’s not funny. But after his father’s death, with no choice but to beg in the streets, the half-human, half-elf teen sets off with Max, his father’s slightly cynical Buffalope, to offer his services as a jester to King Septimus of Keladon. On the way they meet Captain Cornelius Drummel, small in stature, but the fiercest of fighters. The three rescue the fair princess Kerin, who’s being held captive by brigands, and happily escort her home. If only Sebastian knew the kidnapping was engineered by the evil King Septimus!
From the Hardcover edition.
From the Hardcover edition.
352 pages, Library Binding
First published December 28, 2006
About the author
Philip Caveney
58 books59 followersPhilip Caveney was born in North Wales in 1951. The son of an RAF officer, he spent much of his childhood travelling the length and breadth of Britain and spent several years in Malaysia and Singapore.
He attended the Kelsterton College Of Art where he obtained a diploma in Graphic Design. Whilst there, he became drummer (and latterly vocalist) with rock band, Hieronymus Bosch.
After leaving college, he worked extensively in theatre both in London and Wales and wrote the lyrics for rock adaptations of The Workhouse Donkey and Oscar Wilde’s Salome.
His first novel, The Sins Of Rachel Ellis, was published in 1976.
Published Works for Adults
The Sins Of Rachel Ellis: St Martin’s Press/ Robert Hale/Berkeley Press. ‘a spine chilling debut.’ – Doubleday Book Club magazine
Tiger Tiger – ‘ St Martin’s Press/Granada ‘…an intriguing tale of rivalry and honour ‘– Flintshire Chronicle
The Tarantula Stone – Granada - ‘breathtaking action.’ Kirkus
Cursery Rhymes Cornerhouse Books– ‘wickedly funny’ – City Life
Speak No Evil – Headline/Headline Review/ ‘cracking summer reading.’ City Life
Black Wolf – Headline/ Headline Review/ nominated for WH Smith Thumping Good Read award.
Strip Jack Naked – Headline/Headline Review - ‘a triumphant thriller’ - Evening Post
Slayground – Headline/Headline Review ‘,,, breakneck pace’ – Daily Mirror
Skin Flicks – Headline/headline Review – ‘Caveney uses the central image with considerable skill’ – Sunday Times
Burn Down Easy – Headline/Headline Review – ‘the fiction equivalent of standing on Semtex’ – Pure Fiction
Bad To The Bone – Headline/ Headline Review ’10 little Indians on speed!’ Tangled web
1999 – Headline/Headline Review ‘more than just a return to form.’ City Life
Love Bites – Xlibris – ‘a frighteningly funny read!’ Tregolwyn reviews.
Published works for Children
Cursery Rhymes(with Bob Seal) (Cornerhouse Books)
Sebastian Darke - Prince Of Fools (2007) (Random House)
Sebastian Darke: Prince of Pirates (2008) (Random House)
Coming soon…
Sebastian Dark: Prince of Explorers (2009) (Random House)
Alec Devlin: The Eye of The Serpent (2008) (Random House)
Alec Devlin: The Kingdom of the Skull (2009) (Random House)
He wrote the screenplay for the short film Dream Factory, directed by Philip Davenport and has recently written his first full-length screenplay The Sick House for director Curtis Radclyffe.
He is also an advertising copywriter and has been the co-ordinator for the Manchester Writers Workshop for over twenty five years.
He attended the Kelsterton College Of Art where he obtained a diploma in Graphic Design. Whilst there, he became drummer (and latterly vocalist) with rock band, Hieronymus Bosch.
After leaving college, he worked extensively in theatre both in London and Wales and wrote the lyrics for rock adaptations of The Workhouse Donkey and Oscar Wilde’s Salome.
His first novel, The Sins Of Rachel Ellis, was published in 1976.
Published Works for Adults
The Sins Of Rachel Ellis: St Martin’s Press/ Robert Hale/Berkeley Press. ‘a spine chilling debut.’ – Doubleday Book Club magazine
Tiger Tiger – ‘ St Martin’s Press/Granada ‘…an intriguing tale of rivalry and honour ‘– Flintshire Chronicle
The Tarantula Stone – Granada - ‘breathtaking action.’ Kirkus
Cursery Rhymes Cornerhouse Books– ‘wickedly funny’ – City Life
Speak No Evil – Headline/Headline Review/ ‘cracking summer reading.’ City Life
Black Wolf – Headline/ Headline Review/ nominated for WH Smith Thumping Good Read award.
Strip Jack Naked – Headline/Headline Review - ‘a triumphant thriller’ - Evening Post
Slayground – Headline/Headline Review ‘,,, breakneck pace’ – Daily Mirror
Skin Flicks – Headline/headline Review – ‘Caveney uses the central image with considerable skill’ – Sunday Times
Burn Down Easy – Headline/Headline Review – ‘the fiction equivalent of standing on Semtex’ – Pure Fiction
Bad To The Bone – Headline/ Headline Review ’10 little Indians on speed!’ Tangled web
1999 – Headline/Headline Review ‘more than just a return to form.’ City Life
Love Bites – Xlibris – ‘a frighteningly funny read!’ Tregolwyn reviews.
Published works for Children
Cursery Rhymes(with Bob Seal) (Cornerhouse Books)
Sebastian Darke - Prince Of Fools (2007) (Random House)
Sebastian Darke: Prince of Pirates (2008) (Random House)
Coming soon…
Sebastian Dark: Prince of Explorers (2009) (Random House)
Alec Devlin: The Eye of The Serpent (2008) (Random House)
Alec Devlin: The Kingdom of the Skull (2009) (Random House)
He wrote the screenplay for the short film Dream Factory, directed by Philip Davenport and has recently written his first full-length screenplay The Sick House for director Curtis Radclyffe.
He is also an advertising copywriter and has been the co-ordinator for the Manchester Writers Workshop for over twenty five years.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
April 6, 2016
I really really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't. A jester who can't tell a joke for his life and a speaking buffalope sound somewhat promising, but it isn't. I would have loved to give this book more than 1 star, but this lone star is for the writing style and the attempt at making different characters.
This book is a typical hero story and I knew all of the time what was going to happen next, there are no unpredictable twists and turns and Philip Caveney somehow didn't even try tomake it more thrilling by not telling the reader everything and letting him figure out some of the stuff that was happening. He just wrote it all down.
The problem I had with this book was not the way it was written (this was in fact the only thing I liked) but the characters. Sebastian was not as witty as I would have imagined him and for the first part of the book he was okay and in the second part he just became the almighty hero who saves the princess and isn't afraid of anything. Unrealistic if you ask me. The same goes for Max, the buffalope, at the beginning I found his nagging funny, but it went on and on and on without stopping. I don't have anything against small people, but I didn't like Cornelius from the moment he stepped in. I hoped so much that he would go away or die later in the book, but that didn't happen and I had to put up with his combative attitude until the very end. Same goes to the Princess. Even worse than the Princess and Cornelius was the king. I mean I don't have anything against bad kings but when they start kicking old women around I don't think it funny.
Philip Caveney changed his figures characters from one drastic to the other so much that it was just unrealistic.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who would like to read something new and not the same old story with just different names in it. The way the book ended and the author tried to install a new thread for the next story was a clumsy attempt and didn't sit well with me. I'm definitely not reading the second installment of this series.
This book is a typical hero story and I knew all of the time what was going to happen next, there are no unpredictable twists and turns and Philip Caveney somehow didn't even try tomake it more thrilling by not telling the reader everything and letting him figure out some of the stuff that was happening. He just wrote it all down.
The problem I had with this book was not the way it was written (this was in fact the only thing I liked) but the characters. Sebastian was not as witty as I would have imagined him and for the first part of the book he was okay and in the second part he just became the almighty hero who saves the princess and isn't afraid of anything. Unrealistic if you ask me. The same goes for Max, the buffalope, at the beginning I found his nagging funny, but it went on and on and on without stopping. I don't have anything against small people, but I didn't like Cornelius from the moment he stepped in. I hoped so much that he would go away or die later in the book, but that didn't happen and I had to put up with his combative attitude until the very end. Same goes to the Princess. Even worse than the Princess and Cornelius was the king. I mean I don't have anything against bad kings but when they start kicking old women around I don't think it funny.
Philip Caveney changed his figures characters from one drastic to the other so much that it was just unrealistic.
I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who would like to read something new and not the same old story with just different names in it. The way the book ended and the author tried to install a new thread for the next story was a clumsy attempt and didn't sit well with me. I'm definitely not reading the second installment of this series.
June 9, 2009
real rating: 2.5 stars.
I really wanted to like this book. And I did at certain points. For instance, the cover design and parts of the interior design were awesome! I didn't like the margins--they were huge. Also, Cornelius was a great character. I loved how fierce he was and what an amazing warrior he was, better than anyone else even though he was a little person.
The thing that bothered me was that it seemed like the book couldn't figure out if it was YA or middle readers. I'm sure it was YA, even though there were pictures in it and sometimes the dialogue was simple. The ages of the main characters were 17 (YA) and the diction was too advanced for middle readers. And don't get me wrong, I liked the pictures, they were a cute addition. But it added to the confusion of who this book was for.
The dialogue also seemed forced at times. I couldn't shake the feeling that it sounded fake. But you know, dialogue can be really hard.
Everything seemed kind of convenient and clichéd. There was an evil king who wanted to continue ruling. He had an ugly old crone of a witch who egged him on and did his evil bidding. He used the lowlife scrum of Brigandia to carry out his plots.
We never learned how he came to be aligned with the Brigands. Why did he have them at his disposal? It's assumed they're mercenaries but never explained. I think this is why I liked Cornelius so much. He wasn't a usual character in the story of an Evil King with an Ugly Crone Witch.
The story was entertaining for the most part though. To me, though, it didn't live up to its potential.
I really wanted to like this book. And I did at certain points. For instance, the cover design and parts of the interior design were awesome! I didn't like the margins--they were huge. Also, Cornelius was a great character. I loved how fierce he was and what an amazing warrior he was, better than anyone else even though he was a little person.
The thing that bothered me was that it seemed like the book couldn't figure out if it was YA or middle readers. I'm sure it was YA, even though there were pictures in it and sometimes the dialogue was simple. The ages of the main characters were 17 (YA) and the diction was too advanced for middle readers. And don't get me wrong, I liked the pictures, they were a cute addition. But it added to the confusion of who this book was for.
The dialogue also seemed forced at times. I couldn't shake the feeling that it sounded fake. But you know, dialogue can be really hard.
Everything seemed kind of convenient and clichéd. There was an evil king who wanted to continue ruling. He had an ugly old crone of a witch who egged him on and did his evil bidding. He used the lowlife scrum of Brigandia to carry out his plots.
We never learned how he came to be aligned with the Brigands. Why did he have them at his disposal? It's assumed they're mercenaries but never explained. I think this is why I liked Cornelius so much. He wasn't a usual character in the story of an Evil King with an Ugly Crone Witch.
The story was entertaining for the most part though. To me, though, it didn't live up to its potential.
July 21, 2009
i really enjoyed this. We listened to it in the car to UT. Cause of recommendations i even had to buy it!!!
The audio was excellent. The voice was amazing.
My favorite chapter names was "That Stupid Gurl" (and i don't usually use the word 'stupid'.
Cornelius and Max were wonderful characters. we can't wait to see what happens yet.
The audio was excellent. The voice was amazing.
My favorite chapter names was "That Stupid Gurl" (and i don't usually use the word 'stupid'.
Cornelius and Max were wonderful characters. we can't wait to see what happens yet.
January 25, 2018
My main criticism: The real star here is Cornelius and I rather wish he got top billing.
This is an easy, enjoyable fantasy novel. Nothing to strain your brain, just good fun reading, ideal for tweens and teens and adults who want a fun, easy read. When I finished it, I passed it on to my 12 year old and he's enjoying it as well. I will probably seek out the sequels.
This is an easy, enjoyable fantasy novel. Nothing to strain your brain, just good fun reading, ideal for tweens and teens and adults who want a fun, easy read. When I finished it, I passed it on to my 12 year old and he's enjoying it as well. I will probably seek out the sequels.
May 31, 2017
Max the intelligent talking buffalope and Cornelius the tiny wunderknight are classic, but I can't quite get the measure of Sebastian -- things just seem to happen to him. I stayed up late reading the book, though, so it's obviously good!
February 13, 2018
Great quick read, brilliant for younger readers to read who like an adventure read with warriors and talking animals!! and princesses in distress.
June 14, 2022
This book is such a hit-&-miss hidden gem. I'm not even really sure why I have it, I can't remember buying it (& two other books in the series) & neither do my parents who must have bought this book for me years ago in secondary school. But still, I came back to it, hidden at the back of the centermost shelf of my bookshelf, & decided to read it.
The beginning left some things to be desired, that's for certain. It felt like any odd high fantasy story for kids/teens, like it was following a specific formula that it didn't particularly want to break. But, by the end of the first part, I found myself quite charmed by the story, the characters, & the book as a whole.
The best way to describe this book is very hit-&-miss. The prose is very hit-&-miss, leaving some things to be desired with its scarce descriptions. Kerin hardly got a description beyond being beautiful & green-eyed, while many other minor characters, especially the named ones, seemed to have far more description given to them. The jokes, too, were hit-&-miss, but I found myself chuckling & smiling at this book often enough (at least, part 2 onwards) that it was a hit for me, but sarcasm & slapstick always gets me, so there's that. The characters & story, too, were very hit-&-miss, in that they are all very simple, the story has no real twists or mysteries, but it has good parts like the bittersweet ending, or Sebastian's relationships with Cornelius & Max, his two companions (their friendship was certainly a highlight of the book.) It is simple, almost childish, & the sort of fantasy that reminds me of the mindless pulp-fic romance novels with the same story beats, written to be read for the fun of it with no intellectual merit. I am not complaining about either, mindless fiction is important too (I am a fan of the Suicide Squad movies, I have no say on whether mindless media is god or not, it's just meant to be fun after all), but the comparison can certainly be made.
Another thing that is hit-&-miss, are the fight scenes. Make no mistake, they are rather well written, & I can tell from experience that fight scenes are a hard thing to nail. The problem with them is the general... vibe, of them. The entire book is written in a comedic, childish manner, with no swearing, with the characters acting cartoonish, etc. But, the fight scenes feel like they were plucked right out of a book for adults & then were simplified for kids to understand. The fight scenes can get so brutal! I certainly wouldn't give this book to my 10 year old cousin.
One thing that isn't so hit-&-miss is the, frankly, racist caricature that are the Brigands. This world's version of bandits are savage, uneducated men who live in Brigandia, a city in the desert with many Middle Eastern inspirations. Oh, & did I mention that they are slavers? Yeah, nota good look, & a clear sign that this book was written following a certain high fantasy formula set years ago by authors like Tolkien.
Over all, Sebastian Darke showed up suddenly on my bookshelf one day, & wouldn't leave my mind for years. Now that I have finally read it, I do not regret waiting years to read it, but I can say with certainty that it is a perfect book if you need a light chuckle & a mindless, actiony book to read that doesn't require a lot of brainpower to understand. Definitely a good 3.5 stars.
The beginning left some things to be desired, that's for certain. It felt like any odd high fantasy story for kids/teens, like it was following a specific formula that it didn't particularly want to break. But, by the end of the first part, I found myself quite charmed by the story, the characters, & the book as a whole.
The best way to describe this book is very hit-&-miss. The prose is very hit-&-miss, leaving some things to be desired with its scarce descriptions. Kerin hardly got a description beyond being beautiful & green-eyed, while many other minor characters, especially the named ones, seemed to have far more description given to them. The jokes, too, were hit-&-miss, but I found myself chuckling & smiling at this book often enough (at least, part 2 onwards) that it was a hit for me, but sarcasm & slapstick always gets me, so there's that. The characters & story, too, were very hit-&-miss, in that they are all very simple, the story has no real twists or mysteries, but it has good parts like the bittersweet ending, or Sebastian's relationships with Cornelius & Max, his two companions (their friendship was certainly a highlight of the book.) It is simple, almost childish, & the sort of fantasy that reminds me of the mindless pulp-fic romance novels with the same story beats, written to be read for the fun of it with no intellectual merit. I am not complaining about either, mindless fiction is important too (I am a fan of the Suicide Squad movies, I have no say on whether mindless media is god or not, it's just meant to be fun after all), but the comparison can certainly be made.
Another thing that is hit-&-miss, are the fight scenes. Make no mistake, they are rather well written, & I can tell from experience that fight scenes are a hard thing to nail. The problem with them is the general... vibe, of them. The entire book is written in a comedic, childish manner, with no swearing, with the characters acting cartoonish, etc. But, the fight scenes feel like they were plucked right out of a book for adults & then were simplified for kids to understand. The fight scenes can get so brutal! I certainly wouldn't give this book to my 10 year old cousin.
One thing that isn't so hit-&-miss is the, frankly, racist caricature that are the Brigands. This world's version of bandits are savage, uneducated men who live in Brigandia, a city in the desert with many Middle Eastern inspirations. Oh, & did I mention that they are slavers? Yeah, nota good look, & a clear sign that this book was written following a certain high fantasy formula set years ago by authors like Tolkien.
Over all, Sebastian Darke showed up suddenly on my bookshelf one day, & wouldn't leave my mind for years. Now that I have finally read it, I do not regret waiting years to read it, but I can say with certainty that it is a perfect book if you need a light chuckle & a mindless, actiony book to read that doesn't require a lot of brainpower to understand. Definitely a good 3.5 stars.
April 30, 2024
Apart from having a hero who is half elf, half human, a couple of talking animals, and a dwarfling sword-master there is not a great deal of world building going on in this YA fantasy novel. The story's setting is mock medieval European. A land of rival city states either ruled by monarchs or by rogues - it may be difficult to tell them apart. There is the unruly land of Brigandia, a thieves' world similar in status to the old Alsatia in early London, which plays a brief but important part in the tale of Sebastian Darke, Prince of Fools and unemployed court jester, and Princess Kerin of Keladon.
Sebastian's problem as a court jester is that he is not funny. He has learned all of his late father's joke books and scripts by heart. The words are there, the talent is somewhere else. The author brings that across very well by limiting Sebastian to really old jokes and some drunken sarcasm. Mr. Caveney misses the opportunity to put in a remark attributed to a variety of people - I prefer that of the Queen of Tonga, Queen Salote, during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation procession - when Sebastian and Kerin are travelling in a wagon pulled by Max, the talking and flatulent buffalope. If only it had happened. Max breaks wind very noisily. Sebastian, highly embarrassed, turns to the princess and says, "I'm really sorry about that." Princess Kerin replies, "That's quite all right. I thought it was the buffalope." Never mind, the plot jogs along very nicely without it.
The whole story of an evil uncle usurping the royal throne and the commoner boy coming to the rescue of the beautiful princess could have been from a Violet Needham novel, if it were not for the humour and the rugged fight scenes. Sebastian proves himself to be no mean hand with a sword himself. The story is not outstanding but it is lively. It has an interesting love story, plenty of action - including a princess who can smite her enemies as lustily as any gnarled warrior - and some good jokes. All splendid ingredients to make a sequel sound appealing.
Sebastian's problem as a court jester is that he is not funny. He has learned all of his late father's joke books and scripts by heart. The words are there, the talent is somewhere else. The author brings that across very well by limiting Sebastian to really old jokes and some drunken sarcasm. Mr. Caveney misses the opportunity to put in a remark attributed to a variety of people - I prefer that of the Queen of Tonga, Queen Salote, during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation procession - when Sebastian and Kerin are travelling in a wagon pulled by Max, the talking and flatulent buffalope. If only it had happened. Max breaks wind very noisily. Sebastian, highly embarrassed, turns to the princess and says, "I'm really sorry about that." Princess Kerin replies, "That's quite all right. I thought it was the buffalope." Never mind, the plot jogs along very nicely without it.
The whole story of an evil uncle usurping the royal throne and the commoner boy coming to the rescue of the beautiful princess could have been from a Violet Needham novel, if it were not for the humour and the rugged fight scenes. Sebastian proves himself to be no mean hand with a sword himself. The story is not outstanding but it is lively. It has an interesting love story, plenty of action - including a princess who can smite her enemies as lustily as any gnarled warrior - and some good jokes. All splendid ingredients to make a sequel sound appealing.
May 3, 2022
Sebastian Darke, son of a human father and an elvish mother, travels to the kingdom of Keladon in hopes to get a job as court jester. His late father, the Prince of Fools, was a great jester. But Sebastian is probably the worst joke-teller around. Accompanied by Max, a talking but usually complaining family buffalope, they meet a tiny but powerful warrior called Cornelius who is also headed to Keladon to try to take his place in the royal Crimson Cloak. The pair, along with the buffalope, travel together and soon become involved in an attack where they inadvertently save Princess Kerin, niece to King Septimus. Escorting her home to her kingdom, where the king appears happy to have his niece returned safely, is the misfortune for Sebastian, Cornelius, and the buffalope. This is an extremely humorous and entertaining fantasy that will appeal to readers ages 10 and up, but also to younger readers as a read-aloud. For Harry Potter fans and those who enjoy adventure stories with lots of fight scenes and action and a little bit of love thrown in, this is a delight. This is also a great book on CD to listen to. Highly recommended.
April 3, 2024
Ironico come, dopo Betrayed di Kiera Cass, io abbia deciso di leggere questo libro che ha un finale completamente opposto ma andiamo con ordine. Si tratta di uno dei libri preferiti della mia adolescenza e per fortuna non mi è caduto come invece ha fatto Bianca come il latte, rossa come il sangue. È una storia semplice: c'è un povero ragazzo in cerca di fortuna, un animale parlante, una spalla per il protagonista, una principessa da salvare e un tiranno da detronizzare. A volte però anche le storie semplici servono. Non ho cambiato opinione nemmeno sul mio personaggio preferito, che è rimasto la principessa Kerin. Da ragazza viziata e antipatica, matura anche grazie a tutte le disavventure che deve subire. È proprio su questo che voglio soffermarmi. Alla fine del libro lei diventa regina, proprio come Hollis in Betrayed, ma mentre quest'ultima mette i suoi bisogni davanti al regno volendo a tutti i costi sposare Etan, Kerin invece mette il regno davanti. È innamorata di Sebastian, soffrirà e piangerà per questo, ma deciderà lo stesso di sposare il principe di un regno vicino per interrompere una guerra.
Rilettura riuscita alla perfezione.
Rilettura riuscita alla perfezione.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
If it wasn't kind of a classic repetitive plot I would have given it 5 stars, but as basic as it is , direct to the point and with no extra plot twist, I adored it , I like this kind of old direct stories , like The Princess Bride" when it is all about the adventure, boy saves girl kind of situation, but the girl is not a complete damsel in distress, some parts truly made me laugh out loud, and I think am going to jump to the second book immediately, that is how much I enjoyed it.
As much as I loved this old school cover, I did NOT like the art inside, I am glad I didn't flip through the book before I purchased it, this kind of art would have made me think again before reading it, I think the other edition internal art wise is better.
As much as I loved this old school cover, I did NOT like the art inside, I am glad I didn't flip through the book before I purchased it, this kind of art would have made me think again before reading it, I think the other edition internal art wise is better.
December 30, 2020
The key to enjoying this book is to not take it too seriously.
Yes, the plot is predictable, but as the saying goes, "it's about the journey, not the destination."Sebastian, Cornelius, and Max form a group of unexpected adventurers, and there is plenty of humor as they work to protect the princess from the evil King. The whole story was very Princessbride-esque to me, although with significantly less romance. The dialogue might not seem entirely natural, but this is fine for a book that is considered a comedy!
Despite the illustrations throughout, I would recommend this book to early YA readers and above. It's a light, quick read (and a lucky find hidden amongst my other books; I'm not sure exactly how I got this book but am glad to have read it).
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https://thegiantpencil.blogspot.com/2...
Yes, the plot is predictable, but as the saying goes, "it's about the journey, not the destination."Sebastian, Cornelius, and Max form a group of unexpected adventurers, and there is plenty of humor as they work to protect the princess from the evil King. The whole story was very Princessbride-esque to me, although with significantly less romance. The dialogue might not seem entirely natural, but this is fine for a book that is considered a comedy!
Despite the illustrations throughout, I would recommend this book to early YA readers and above. It's a light, quick read (and a lucky find hidden amongst my other books; I'm not sure exactly how I got this book but am glad to have read it).
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https://thegiantpencil.blogspot.com/2...
July 18, 2017
I loved this book until I realized that there was a sequel (which I'll have to read, of course)- a fairy tale of sorts where friendship conquers all, the boy doesn't quite get the girl (but it makes sense), good conquers evil, and a Buffalope god named Colin, and fart jokes. There have to be fart jokes. One of the best audiobooks I've read in a while, and a fun read. Glad the author chose not to wrap up everything (although the adventure did end), and I suppose I won't belittle the opportunity to make a buck on the sequel. (It better be good...)
August 16, 2017
This is an awesome book for middle school/ high school boys looking to get into adventure & fantasy! Possibly great for reluctant readers. I listened to the audio and really enjoyed the different characters. The entire plot is set up very similarly to a Dungeons & Dragons campaign with adventuring/battle scenes/humor/complicated teen feelings. It was really great and will definitely be suggesting this to my students
January 20, 2024
This book is billed as YA title. Since I am no.longer young and my wife would question my claim to being an adult, it seems this book wasn't aimed at me. It delighted me all the same. In tone, it reminded me of the film THE PRINCESS BRIDE. A funny, fast-moving fantasy. Classic battle between good and evil. Guess who wins. When we're finished with it I plan on loaning it to my 12 year-old neighbor Cady-Mae. Shes definitely young. And possibly more adult than me.
July 18, 2018
This was a fun book that reminded me a little of Prince Caspian and A Horse and his Boy. The writing style is engaging and there are lots of humorous moments and a little romance thrown in. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel. Recommend for ages 10+, the main character is 17 but I'd call it a tween book.
January 10, 2020
The story is so good and full of comedy especially Max, I can't stop laughing. Although I'm kinda disappointed at the ending. I hope Sebastian will meet Princess Kerin again, now I'm so eager to read the book 2 of it but I can't find that in our local book store. However, I'm so lucky to bought it with the author's signature. I'm so happy and proud.
August 25, 2019
I was hoping for a light read while on vacation. This delivered. Entertaining adventure story with a few chuckles along the way. Moral in the story of overcoming negative expectations from others about you, and, more importantly, about yourself. Solid brain candy category selection for me.
May 17, 2021
It was enjoyable. I probably would have liked this back in middle or elementary school, but it's too juvenile for me now. I did think that the jokes that were supposed to be bad were actually pretty funny, so that's something. I wouldn't recommend it, but I didn't hate reading it.
December 21, 2018
A good solid 3.75. A little predictable plot-wise, but the characters are great and the pacing is good.
October 28, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
March 1, 2021
Pues... me, esta bien, tampoco es así la gran cosa, pero es agradable y de lectura rápida
February 9, 2022
Inte lika bra som jag kom ihåg tyvärr
January 24, 2024
Delightful romp reminiscent of The Princess Bride.
May 9, 2024
Cute, happy-go-lucky book. Eclectic cast of characters, a very happy mix of happily ever after and not *too* blithe.
June 2, 2021
Los protagonistas no son los típicos y es una aventura ambientada en el mundo medieval fantástico. El protagonista no me ha gustado mucho pero los personajes secundarios tienen personalidades variadas y cargan con el peso de la trama
June 7, 2020
Probably the first series I read as a kid (while still only able to read in Greek), the twists,the outlandish adventure and the medieval background fascinated me.
December 15, 2012
Alexander adalah seorang pelawak kawakan di kerajaan Cletus. Semua lelucon, sindiran dan ceritanya mampu membuat ruangan istana penuh dengan ledakan tawa. Tak heran dengan kemampuannya itu, ia sanggup member kemewahan kepada istri dan Sebastian,anak laki-lakinya.
Sayangnya keadaan itu hanya terjadi beberapa tahun. Raja Cletus mangka dan diganti dengan putranya Daniel yang ternyata tak mewarisi sedikitpun selera humor ayahnya. Sehingga tak perlu heran jika Alexander kehilangan pekerjaan dan semua kemewahan yang didapatkannya selama ini. Kehidupan keluarga kecil itu pun berubah drastis. Walau telah mencoba untuk memulai peruntungan di kedai-kedai minuman ataupun di gedung teater music, ternyata pendapatannya tak cukup untuk menghidupi keluarganya.
Sampai suatu hari, ia mendengar kabar tentang kebaikan Raja Septimus, pemimpin tertinggi kota Keladon. Alexander tak ingin melewatkan kesempatan ini. Ia berniat untuk menawarkan jasanya. Tak peduli jarak yang akan ditempuhnya. Segala sesuatu pun dipersiapkan. Termasuk berlatih berhari-hari tanpa henti, siang dan malam. Saking seriusnya, Alexander lupa akan kesehatannya sendiri. Suatu pagi, ia ditemukan oleh istrinya tergeletak pingsan.Pria yang menikahi seoran peri itu teresang demam tinggi. Malang bagi ketiganya, demam itu tak kunjung sembuh dan parahnya membawa Alexander pada kematian.
Sepeninggalan sang ayahnya, Sebastian merasa tanggung jawab akan keberlangsungan keluarga berasa di tangannya. Tak ada profesi yang terpikir selain mengikuti jejak ayahnya, menjadi seorang pelawak. Sayang, tak sedikitpun bakat sang ayang yang mengalir dalam daram Sebastian. Bukannya lucu, lelucon yang dilontarkannya cenderung membosankan. Tak peduli kemampuannya menghafalkan semua lelucon-lelucon dengan sangat baik. Dan Sebastian sadar betul akan hal itu.
Namun keadaanlah yang membuat Sebastian nekat untuk melanjutkan rencana ayahnya untuk mengadu nasib di kota Keladon. Walau tahu bahwa perjalanan ini sangat berbahaya. Bersama Max, Buffalope miliknya, ia pun memulai perjalanan.
Perjalanan yang mereka tempuh terasa sangat melelahkan. Bekal persediaan yang dibawanya semakin menipis. Dan sialnya mereka diserang kawanan Luper liar yang nyaris membuat nyawa mereka melayang. Beruntung, mereka di tolong oleh Golmra Corlnelius , kesatria ahli tempur, yang ternyata juga hendak mengadu nasib di kota yang sama.
Setelah saling mengenal, akhirnya mereka sepakat untuk menempuh perjalanan dan menjemput mimpi. Dengan harapan akan terjadi perubahan nasib. Sayangnya, mereka tak tahu bahwa bahaya yang tak sesungguhnya sedang menunggu di sana.
~~
Untuk buku yang mengkategorikan dirinya dalam genre fantasi, buku ini kekurangan banyak bumbu. Terlepas dari mahkluk-makhluk ajaib sang Bufaloppe, buku ini sangat miskin akan unsur magis. Jadi pembaca yang benar-benar menyukai buku fantasi tak bisa berharap banyak
Namun satu kelebihan buku yang telah diterjemahkan ke dalam 10 bahasa asing dan mendapat beberapa penghargaan seperti Waterstone Children’s Book, Stockholm Prize dan Coventry Inspiration Book award adalah sisi humor yang sangat tebal. Saya benar-benar terhibur setiap kali membaca semua percakapan yang melibatkan Max di dalamnya. Binatang peliharaan Sebastian ini sungguh kocak. Bahkan sempat terpikir seharusnya Max lah yang berdiri di atas panggung.
Sayangnya keadaan itu hanya terjadi beberapa tahun. Raja Cletus mangka dan diganti dengan putranya Daniel yang ternyata tak mewarisi sedikitpun selera humor ayahnya. Sehingga tak perlu heran jika Alexander kehilangan pekerjaan dan semua kemewahan yang didapatkannya selama ini. Kehidupan keluarga kecil itu pun berubah drastis. Walau telah mencoba untuk memulai peruntungan di kedai-kedai minuman ataupun di gedung teater music, ternyata pendapatannya tak cukup untuk menghidupi keluarganya.
Sampai suatu hari, ia mendengar kabar tentang kebaikan Raja Septimus, pemimpin tertinggi kota Keladon. Alexander tak ingin melewatkan kesempatan ini. Ia berniat untuk menawarkan jasanya. Tak peduli jarak yang akan ditempuhnya. Segala sesuatu pun dipersiapkan. Termasuk berlatih berhari-hari tanpa henti, siang dan malam. Saking seriusnya, Alexander lupa akan kesehatannya sendiri. Suatu pagi, ia ditemukan oleh istrinya tergeletak pingsan.Pria yang menikahi seoran peri itu teresang demam tinggi. Malang bagi ketiganya, demam itu tak kunjung sembuh dan parahnya membawa Alexander pada kematian.
Sepeninggalan sang ayahnya, Sebastian merasa tanggung jawab akan keberlangsungan keluarga berasa di tangannya. Tak ada profesi yang terpikir selain mengikuti jejak ayahnya, menjadi seorang pelawak. Sayang, tak sedikitpun bakat sang ayang yang mengalir dalam daram Sebastian. Bukannya lucu, lelucon yang dilontarkannya cenderung membosankan. Tak peduli kemampuannya menghafalkan semua lelucon-lelucon dengan sangat baik. Dan Sebastian sadar betul akan hal itu.
Namun keadaanlah yang membuat Sebastian nekat untuk melanjutkan rencana ayahnya untuk mengadu nasib di kota Keladon. Walau tahu bahwa perjalanan ini sangat berbahaya. Bersama Max, Buffalope miliknya, ia pun memulai perjalanan.
Perjalanan yang mereka tempuh terasa sangat melelahkan. Bekal persediaan yang dibawanya semakin menipis. Dan sialnya mereka diserang kawanan Luper liar yang nyaris membuat nyawa mereka melayang. Beruntung, mereka di tolong oleh Golmra Corlnelius , kesatria ahli tempur, yang ternyata juga hendak mengadu nasib di kota yang sama.
Setelah saling mengenal, akhirnya mereka sepakat untuk menempuh perjalanan dan menjemput mimpi. Dengan harapan akan terjadi perubahan nasib. Sayangnya, mereka tak tahu bahwa bahaya yang tak sesungguhnya sedang menunggu di sana.
~~
Untuk buku yang mengkategorikan dirinya dalam genre fantasi, buku ini kekurangan banyak bumbu. Terlepas dari mahkluk-makhluk ajaib sang Bufaloppe, buku ini sangat miskin akan unsur magis. Jadi pembaca yang benar-benar menyukai buku fantasi tak bisa berharap banyak
Namun satu kelebihan buku yang telah diterjemahkan ke dalam 10 bahasa asing dan mendapat beberapa penghargaan seperti Waterstone Children’s Book, Stockholm Prize dan Coventry Inspiration Book award adalah sisi humor yang sangat tebal. Saya benar-benar terhibur setiap kali membaca semua percakapan yang melibatkan Max di dalamnya. Binatang peliharaan Sebastian ini sungguh kocak. Bahkan sempat terpikir seharusnya Max lah yang berdiri di atas panggung.
January 30, 2016
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http://jennreneeread.blogspot.com/
This book was a book club read from the teen book club at my local library. I was not sure what I was getting into when I received it; however by the book summary on the back of the book, it sounded entertaining.
The story is a classic fairytale with setting and creatures from a fantasy. Sebastian Darke who starts on a quest with his buffalope to the kingdom to apply for the job of the court jester. His father was a great jester and Sebastian hoped to fill father’s large shoes after his father’s death. The only problem… He is not funny. Along the way he picks up a few odd characters and ends up rescuing a princess. This act brings on a whole new mess that Sebastian and his friends have to figure a way out of.
The writing of this book is easy and fast paced and spellbinding. It reads just like any fairytale but with a bit of a comical twist. I was able to read it quickly, keeping up with the humor, the antics, the danger, the romance, and everything else that was thrown into this story.
I just loved the characters in this book. There were quite a few good ones. The characters from the story include a princess, a soldier, a jester, a buffalope, and the villains. The characters are very vivid and all of a different variety. The jester is half elf and half human, the princess is human, the soldier is a little creature with a baby face, the buffalope is a talking creature between a buffalo and an antelope (I would assume) and the villains are from humans to Lupes.
Sebastian Darke wants to be a jester and as hard as he tries, he just isn't funny. The book does contain some of his jokes as he attempts them on his friends. Even though his jokes are not funny, I tended to laugh out loud at them because they were just that bad. I admired Sebastian's persistence. This was by far his best quality he did have some other good ones too, bravery, loyalty, and kindness.
Along the way Sebastian meets up with the soldier who joins the quest. The soldier was recently told he could not be in the guard of his kingdom because of a new height restriction. He headed out to the next kingdom in attempt to join their guard. This is the same kingdom where Sebastian is headed. The soldier may be small but he can really kick some tail. He is pretty awesome really. Further along the way they have to save the princess on her way home to the same kingdom. The princess is a very pretty girl of 16 turning 17 in a couple of days, but spoiled and mean. I would like to say that my favorite character is the buffalope. He is quite sarcastic, intelligent, and humorous.
The journey is a very short part of the book, but it is where we get to know these characters. This is really the only point to this part. The next part is longer and involves the villains. As with many fairytales there is treachery involved and I was able to spot it from the beginning. Throughout the story, the soldier, the jester, and the buffalope become the hero of the princess, more than once.
The story did not include any surprises but I did not mind. It was simply a fun fairytale with fun characters. It was an easy read and very enjoyable but not a lot of meat. This is part of a trilogy and I plan to check the other out the following two books.
http://jennreneeread.blogspot.com/
This book was a book club read from the teen book club at my local library. I was not sure what I was getting into when I received it; however by the book summary on the back of the book, it sounded entertaining.
The story is a classic fairytale with setting and creatures from a fantasy. Sebastian Darke who starts on a quest with his buffalope to the kingdom to apply for the job of the court jester. His father was a great jester and Sebastian hoped to fill father’s large shoes after his father’s death. The only problem… He is not funny. Along the way he picks up a few odd characters and ends up rescuing a princess. This act brings on a whole new mess that Sebastian and his friends have to figure a way out of.
The writing of this book is easy and fast paced and spellbinding. It reads just like any fairytale but with a bit of a comical twist. I was able to read it quickly, keeping up with the humor, the antics, the danger, the romance, and everything else that was thrown into this story.
I just loved the characters in this book. There were quite a few good ones. The characters from the story include a princess, a soldier, a jester, a buffalope, and the villains. The characters are very vivid and all of a different variety. The jester is half elf and half human, the princess is human, the soldier is a little creature with a baby face, the buffalope is a talking creature between a buffalo and an antelope (I would assume) and the villains are from humans to Lupes.
Sebastian Darke wants to be a jester and as hard as he tries, he just isn't funny. The book does contain some of his jokes as he attempts them on his friends. Even though his jokes are not funny, I tended to laugh out loud at them because they were just that bad. I admired Sebastian's persistence. This was by far his best quality he did have some other good ones too, bravery, loyalty, and kindness.
Along the way Sebastian meets up with the soldier who joins the quest. The soldier was recently told he could not be in the guard of his kingdom because of a new height restriction. He headed out to the next kingdom in attempt to join their guard. This is the same kingdom where Sebastian is headed. The soldier may be small but he can really kick some tail. He is pretty awesome really. Further along the way they have to save the princess on her way home to the same kingdom. The princess is a very pretty girl of 16 turning 17 in a couple of days, but spoiled and mean. I would like to say that my favorite character is the buffalope. He is quite sarcastic, intelligent, and humorous.
The journey is a very short part of the book, but it is where we get to know these characters. This is really the only point to this part. The next part is longer and involves the villains. As with many fairytales there is treachery involved and I was able to spot it from the beginning. Throughout the story, the soldier, the jester, and the buffalope become the hero of the princess, more than once.
The story did not include any surprises but I did not mind. It was simply a fun fairytale with fun characters. It was an easy read and very enjoyable but not a lot of meat. This is part of a trilogy and I plan to check the other out the following two books.
April 26, 2022
Fue uno de los primeros libros que leí. Como le tengo especial cariño le pongo cinco estrellas, ya que con él crecí y la verdad que es una lectura muy fácil para niños, te saca algunas risas y también te sumerge en las aventuras de este bufón y compañía que son de lo más cómicos y entrañables.
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