The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle

Starred review from April 8, 2013
In this uproariously funny sequel to Healy’s debut, The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, the Princes Charming reunite to save the day (in their own bungling way) when the Bandit King, Deeb Rauber, rears his archvillainous 11-year-old head. Briar Rose, determined to marry her betrothed Prince Liam, kidnaps him (Liam is chained to the altar during the ceremony). But securing Liam and his kingdom is only the beginning: Briar has her eye on the Sword of Erinthia, which was stolen by Deeb Rauber. Certain that Briar is up to something, Liam gathers his fellow princes—Gustav, Frederic, and Duncan—as well as Ella (as in Cinderella) and other allies to retrieve it. As in the first book, Healy’s impeccable sense of humor is the driving force behind this story, which in some ways belongs to Frederic, who works to shake off his characteristic timidity. The friendships and romantic relationships between the many players continue to grow in complexity, and readers will be eager to find out where the princes’ misadventures take them next. Ages 8–12. Agent: Cheryl Pientka, Jill Grinberg Literary Management.