September 1, 2008
Gr 6-8-In this first installment in the series, half-elf, half-human Sebastian Darke sets out to follow in his dead father's footsteps. The problem is, his father was a jester and Sebastian isn't that funny. However, his flatulent, talking buffalope sidekick, Max, is. They set off to make their fortune at the court of King Septimus and meet the tough but extremely small Captain Cornelius along the way. The three heroes then rescue shallow but beautiful Princess Kerin, niece of King Septimus, from a group of Brigands (from Brigandia). When they finally arrive at court, they discover that they have foiled an attempt on the princess's life that was planned by their host, and they must not only save themselves, but also the princess. The story is well paced and quite funny. Lea's occasional full-page, black-and-white illustrations enhance the story. There is not time in the weeks in which the story unfolds for the maturity that occurs as Princess Kerin grows into her title, but it's really the relationships among Sebastian, Cornelius, and Max that make the story flow so well. While Caveney doesn't have Terry Pratchett's deft touch with humorous fantasy, this title will appeal to fans of "The Wee Free Men" (HarperCollins, 2003) and its sequels."Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH"
Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
March 15, 2008
In the first Sebastian Darke book, Sebastian is on a fools errand. Accompanied by his faithfulalbeit sarcasticcompanion, a talking buffalope named Max, the 17-year-old is bound for the land of Keladon, where he hopes to secure employment as jesterin King Septimus court. The only trouble is, Sebastian isnt funny. But a man and his buffalope haveto eat, so off they go. En route, the two are joined by Captain Cornelius Drummel, a fierce fighter who, on tiptoe, may be all of three feet tall. A motley crew theyare, but adventures await, and after a shaky start the pace of Caveneys first book for children picks up enough to hold the attention of uncritical readers. While those looking for subtlety or originalitywill be disappointed, diehard fantasy fans will be satisfied, and may even be happy to learn that a sequel trembles on the brink of publication.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2008
Armed with his father's jester costume and caravan, teenage half-elf Sebastian sets out to find a job. On the way, he's beset by wild animals--and wilder men--and rescues a princess, aided by his talking buffalope and a "hip-high" warrior. Though the plot offers few surprises, the straightforward writing and snappy humor are entertaining. Occasional full-page drawings illustrate the action.
(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)