If you enjoyed books like Harry Potter and the Hunger Games, then be prepared to go old school with Terry Brooks and the Magic Kingdom of Landover series. If you haven’t yet discovered this series, you are in for a treat.
Ben Holiday is your average successful lawyer, who invests everything he has in his work and drinks too much. A loner, he spends most of his time trying to forget the tragedy of losing his wife an unborn child. So when he spots an unusual ad in a holiday catalogue. One magic kingdom for sale, complete with knights, maidens, fairies, a wizard and a dragon. But is it for real?
Holiday meets with the seller, an unusual man named Meeks and decides to make the sale. After all, escaping from his current life seems ideal. He is transported into Landover, a world in serious need for a King to unite the people, remove a blight from the land and restore the magic. Things are not what he expected, and he will be tested in a number of ways. Does Holiday have what it takes, or will he give up his purchase fee and let someone else try?
If you are used to fantasy books, you might find the beginning a little slow. Things certainly pick up, though, when Holiday properly enters Landover. A number of different creatures and personalities emerge. At times it is funny, mysterious and action packed, and you’ll probably find yourself wishing that you had the opportunity to purchase a magic kingdom for yourself.
Because this book is no longer in print, you’ll have to get it used unless you want to pay a premium for a collector’s copy. I’ve seen the book, and the rest of the series pop up at yard sales and used books sales, and it is available from Amazon from private sellers. You can also easily find it at most libraries. Finally, the entire series is available on the Kindle.
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