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Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold

Book 1 in the series:Magic Kingdom of Landover

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"Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold" by Terry Brooks follows the story of a Chicago lawyer named Ben Holiday who feels like something is missing from his life. When he comes across a listing in a Christmas catalog for a magical kingdom, he decides to take a chance and purchases it. Upon arriving in the magical kingdom of Landover, Ben discovers that the kingdom is in disarray with no money in the treasury, no army, and enemies lurking. The story delves into Ben's journey of trying to restore the kingdom to its former glory, facing challenges, and balancing a sense of responsibility without proper authority. The writing style is described as clever and escapist, with an engaging plot that keeps readers immersed in the world of Landover.

The plot of "Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold" revolves around Ben Holiday's unexpected acquisition of a magical kingdom and his subsequent struggles to bring order and magic back to Landover. explores themes of escapism, responsibility, and the challenges of leadership in a fantasy setting accessible through a Christmas catalog. The writing style, while dated due to being published in 1986, is noted for its clever storytelling and engaging narrative that captures the reader's imagination.

Characters:

Characters are a mix of quirky and mundane, with the protagonist often seen as relatable but sometimes lacking depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is accessible but often criticized for its simplicity and reliance on adverbs, making the narrative feel less engaging.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows a disillusioned lawyer who purchases a magic kingdom, only to discover that it is in dire need of leadership and revitalization.

Setting:

The setting of a fantastical yet struggling kingdom allows for exploration of themes of leadership and responsibility.

Pacing:

Pacing is inconsistent, with an initial slow buildup that later speeds up towards the climax.
Ben Holiday stood frozen before the open cubicle of his mailbox, eyes slipping across the gaily decorated cover of the catalogue to the white address label and the name of his dead wife. The lobby of ...

Notes:

The book was released in 1986 and is the first in Terry Brooks' Landover series.
The protagonist, Ben Holiday, is a Chicago lawyer who buys a magic kingdom from a catalog.
Ben is motivated by his dissatisfaction with life after the death of his wife and child in a car accident.
Landover, the kingdom Ben buys, is in disrepair and has not had a real king for twenty years.
The story features whimsical characters such as a talking dog and an inept wizard.
The book blends elements of humor and fantasy, but some readers find it more serious than funny.
It deals with themes of self-discovery and personal growth in an unfamiliar magical world.
Despite mixed reviews, many readers consider it a nostalgic and fun read.
The book is described as light-hearted adventure with a unique premise regarding the purchase of a kingdom.
There are six books in the Landover series, which continue Ben's adventures through the magical realm.

Has Romance?

There is a moderate presence of romance, primarily between Ben Holiday and Willow, the love interest.

From The Publisher:

Here in his first non-Shannara novel, Terry Brooks has written a gripping story of mystery, magic, and adventure-sure to delight fantasy readers everywhere.

Landover was a genuine magic kingdom, with fairy folk and wizardry, just as the advertisement has promised. But after he purchased it, Ben Holiday learned that there were a few details the ad had failed to mention.

The kingdom was in ruin. The Barons refused to recognize a king, and the peasants were without hope. A dragon was laying waste the countryside, while an evil witch plotted to destroy everything.

Ben's only followers were the incompetent Court Magician; Abernathy, the talking dog who served as Court Scribe; and the lovely Willow-but she had a habit of putting down roots in the moonlight and turning into a tree. The Paladin, legendary champion of the Kings of Landover, seemed to be only a myth and an empty suit of armor.

To put the final touch on the whole affair, Ben soon learned that the Iron Mark, terrible lord of the demons, had challenged all prospective Kings of Landover to duel to the death-a duel which no human could hope to win.

The task of proving his right to be King seemed hopeless. But Ben Holiday was stubborn. . . .

Ratings (20)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (9)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (31):

Read It (21)
Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

Did Not Like
3 months

Lea Zatz recommended this series.

 

About the Author:

Terry Brooks has thrilled readers for decades with his powers of imagination and storytelling. He is the author of more than thirty books, most of which have been New York Times bestsellers. He lives with his wife, Judine, in the…

 
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