Review by Booklist Review
The citizens of Timberwood Village are all aquiver: the wedding weekend of fierce warrior Riqa and hunky Prince Chapp has finally arrived, and for a village obsessed with celebrities, this is about as exciting as it gets. For Darlis--dishwasher, aspiring baker, and big-time fan of Riqa's The Fair Maiden's Guide books, which offer warrior tips and tricks--the weekend of festivities means working overtime scrubbing dishes in the castle kitchens. Luckily, he has help from new hire Mae, another Riqa superfan. And Darlis is going to need her help when, during the chaos of wedding preparations, a group of troublemaking trolls become convinced he's Riqa herself, and they've got ransom on the brain. At the same time, Chapp and (the real) Riqa have a wedding-day mission of their own, and a mistaken-identity comedy of errors is underway. Greene makes clever use of perspective and works much of the anachronistic humor into the bright, poppy artwork, which plays on celebrity mania in a medieval-esque setting. This lighthearted, inclusive adventure will be a surefire hit with fans of irreverent fantasy.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In the village of Timberwood, residents are abuzz preparing for superstar nuptials: Prince Chapp's wedding to Riqa, a member of his royal guard and local celebrity author of Fair Maiden's Guide. A cog in the celebratory wheel, royal scullion and aspiring baker Darlis must not only prepare for the wedding but also train newcomer Maewyn. Two converging story lines thrust Darlis into a complicated situation: Riqa leaves the kingdom to pursue Prince Chapp, who is investigating a bridgeside troll development, while trolls Grubble and Petey try to make a big score to escape a life of labor. When the trolls mistake Darlis, wrapped in linens and clumsily sporting a bowl atop his head, for Riqa, they attempt to abduct and ransom him for profit as Mae pursues the trolls to rescue Darlis. The story relies on coincidences and dramatic irony to propel itself forward, and Greene leans into this cartoony style with simplified features, exaggerated gestures, and flat colors. Ages 14--up. Agent: Kelly Sonnack, Andrea Brown Literary. (July)■
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up--A case of mistaken identity results in shenanigans in this amusing fantasy. It's the weekend of the wedding of Prince Chapp and esteemed warrior Riqa, and all of Timberwood Village is agog, none more so than Riqa superfans Darlis and Mae, who work as scullions (dishwashers) in the castle. On his way to work one morning, Darlis agrees to transport some linens to the castle, but he stumbles and gets tangled in them. To a pair of greedy, slow-witted troll siblings, he looks just like Riqa, and the pair kidnap him. Caught in a comically inept ransom scheme, Darlis and would-be rescuer Mae will have to outwit their captors if they ever hope to return home. This humorous, plot-driven narrative emphasizes that heroes can come from anywhere. Greene's wholesome, low-stakes adventure demonstrates, too, that problem-solving and quick wits can save the day over violence and bloodshed. Darlis and Mae are appealing, as are the quirky trolls. The cartoon illustrations are rife with humor, and variations in panel design and layout add visual interest. Certain aspects of the art, such as pupil-less eyes, may not click with all readers. VERDICT Hand to teen graphic novel enthusiasts looking for a light, funny fantasy read.--Pearl Derlaga, York County Public Library, VA
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A boy, captured by confused trolls, leads his captors on a daring adventure. In the medieval town of Timberwood lives Darlis--a scullion in the kitchen of his idol, the Great Warrior Riqa--where he dreams of being a royal baker. Troll siblings Grubble and Petey have come across the bridge into town with schemes to get rich. In a slapstick case of mistaken identity, they confuse a harried Darlis for Riqa and kidnap him for ransom. When Mae, Darlis' new friend and co-worker, makes her way to the forest where he is being held in an effort to rescue him, the trolls capture her as well. Meanwhile, the betrothed Riqa sneaks out of the castle--where she's been sequestered during the royal wedding weekend--in search of her prince. With Timberwood in a tizzy over the uncertain outcome of the wedding, our heroes must fight to escape from the forest. The two storylines converge, and shenanigans ensue. Readers looking for a light adventure may enjoy this story with an intrepid male character who looks up to a woman warrior. Greene uses a bright palette of reds, purples, and greens, deepening the shades to emphasize the more suspenseful scenes. The light line strokes work well with the amusing tone. Darlis is white while Riqa and Mae have tan skin and purple and orange hair, respectively; the prince is black. A pleasant fantasy. (Graphic fantasy. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
