Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones is $2.99 at Amazon US.
This is a YA novel, but sounds very good. The better half has read and enjoyed Howl's Moving Castle (years before the Miyazaki film) and a few other books. Jones comes with a high recommendation.
(I used the School Library Journal review rather than the usual plot synopsis, because it explains the book better.)
Quote:
|
An alternate world full of wizards, dragons, and other wonders is controlled by the ruthless Mr. Chesney. He operates a lucrative business in which tourists from his world enjoy staged adventures, and he holds the magic world at the mercy of a powerful demon he controls. When Derk, a goodhearted but apparently bumbling wizard, is chosen for the key role of "Dark Lord," the "Pilgrim Parties" begin to veer sharply from the script. Derk shares his duties with his unusual children; two humans and five griffins (created from a mix of cells, including his own and those of his enchantress wife). The chaos that ensues is exciting, mysterious, and hilarious. Myriad plot twists and undiscovered schemes are slowly unveiled as the seemingly invincible Mr. Chesney gets his just reward. The characters reveal the workings of their world in a delightfully well-paced, and roundabout way. For all of the magic and intrigue, however, the growth and development of Derk's unique family is really at the heart of the novel. All of his children have distinct personalities, and the family relationships are changed and strengthened as the various crises unfold. The griffins are delightful characters who experience the same adolescent concerns as Derk's human son Blade, an eager but uncertain young wizard. Mr. Chesney's power and heartlessness loom throughout the story, keeping a suspenseful edge to all of the fun.
|