Review: The Warden Threat by D.L. Morrese

The Warden Threat (Defying Fate) by D.L. Morrese

Description:
This ‘laugh-out-loud’ parody is a unique book. Technically science fiction, it is almost an anti-fantasy, which pokes a fair, or perhaps an unfair amount of good-natured fun at the serious tone and dependence on magic common to many epic fantasy adventure genre novels. With its charming and truly likeable characters, witty, intelligent humor, and prose style blending humorous science fiction and epic fantasy elements, The Warden Threat is a delight. It is sure to appeal to readers of these genres who may be looking for something fresh and different.
Prince Donald, the idealistic third son of the king of Westgrove, believes he may be the only one able to protect his country from an invasion spearheaded by an ancient and massive magical stone warrior known as the Warden of Mystic Defiance. Donald, unfortunately, is woefully unprepared. His only real understanding of such things comes from his reading of adventure stories. When he finds an ancient scroll he believes may allow him to take control of the mysterious Warden, he eagerly takes on the task. He dreams of saving the kingdom and becoming a hero like those in his epic adventure stories. To his dismay, his quest turns out to be nothing like he imagined. He finds the stories in his library seriously understate the complexities and hardships involved. He also soon realizes that the real world can be much more confusing than fictional ones, and that the hero is not necessarily predestined to save the day.


My Thoughts:
I was interested when I read the description. I like sci-fi, fantasy, and humor so I read the opening scene on the author's website and decided to give it a try. It passed my 5-star test, which means I would pick it up and read it again. Why did I like it so much? 


I loved the characters. Prince Donald is very sheltered and reads too many adventure stories. Kwestor, his guide, is older and has seen it all. He is very negative and is probably my favorite character. Some of my favorite lines in the book come from Kwestor. They meet Muce along the way and hire him as a guard. He is not very bright and thinks mostly about food. 


This book pokes fun at just about everything. Not only at your typical fantasy adventure story, but it also takes on subjects such as religion, politics, and racism. The humor is smart and subtle, mainly by using exaggerated stereotypes. It is exactly my type of humor. Amusing, entertaining, and fun.  My one disappointment was when I reached the end and realized it was the end. I will be reading the sequel for more of Prince Donald and friends. Can't wait to see where the story goes. 


There are not enough books like this one. If you are looking for something entertaining, funny, and just plain different you should check this one out. 


My Rating: *****