The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle

Starred review from April 8, 2013
In this uproariously funny sequel to Healy’s debut, The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, the Princes Charming reunite to save the day (in their own bungling way) when the Bandit King, Deeb Rauber, rears his archvillainous 11-year-old head. Briar Rose, determined to marry her betrothed Prince Liam, kidnaps him (Liam is chained to the altar during the ceremony). But securing Liam and his kingdom is only the beginning: Briar has her eye on the Sword of Erinthia, which was stolen by Deeb Rauber. Certain that Briar is up to something, Liam gathers his fellow princes—Gustav, Frederic, and Duncan—as well as Ella (as in Cinderella) and other allies to retrieve it. As in the first book, Healy’s impeccable sense of humor is the driving force behind this story, which in some ways belongs to Frederic, who works to shake off his characteristic timidity. The friendships and romantic relationships between the many players continue to grow in complexity, and readers will be eager to find out where the princes’ misadventures take them next. Ages 8–12. Agent: Cheryl Pientka, Jill Grinberg Literary Management.

May 1, 2013
And they're back! Having vanquished a nasty witch to save their various realms in The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom (rev. 7/12), princes Liam, Frederic, Duncan, and Gustav are preoccupied with family and fame when a new adventure beckons. Blackmailed by the questionable Briar Rose, the League of Princes reassembles and, along with Briar, Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, and Liam's sister Lila, head off to steal a mystical object of great power held by the diminutive Bandit King in his well-fortified castle. Challenging as that may be, the introduction of Lord Rundark, an evil warlord with nefarious plans of his own, raises the stakes significantly. Filled with witty banter, new and amusing characters, much seat-of-your-pants action, cartoony illustrations, and more clever references to fairy-tale tropes, this hefty installment is certain to keep fans of the first book happily entertained and, since it ends with a significant cliffhanger, eager for more. monica edinger

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2013

Gr 4-6-The League of Princes is back in this sequel to Healy's fractured fairy tale, The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom (HarperCollins, 2012). After having finally gained recognition by teaming up to defeat an evil witch in the first book, Princes Frederic, Gustav, Liam, and Duncan (the Princes Charming of "Cinderella," "Rapunzel," "Briar Rose," and "Snow White") are ready to be heroes again. They reunite to take back a priceless (and possibly magical) sword stolen by their old nemesis, the Bandit King. Uproarious adventure follows, with plenty of action and hilarious dialogue, as well as some deeper insights into the princes, princesses, and villains. This highly satisfying sequel to the first tale still leaves readers hanging for more.-Jenny Berggren, formerly at New York Public Library

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2013
The princes Charming reunite for another slapstick, kingdom-saving quest. Prince Liam successfully avoided Sleeping Beauty during The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom (2012), but now Briar Rose has kidnapped him. Prince Frederic reconvenes the League of Princes (who weren't doing anything important anyway) to rescue Liam and break up his royal wedding. Before they can rescue him though, Liam discovers the dark truth behind his first heroic act, causing a crisis of faith and shaking his identity. Additionally, Liam finds evidence that Briar has ambitions even more evil than forcing him to marry her. When the League's rescue attempt goes terribly and hilariously awry, Briar gains the upper hand and manipulates the princes into working for her. She tasks them with recovering a critical artifact from the 11-year-old Bandit King and his new, nigh-impenetrable castle, which also happens to be hosting a brutal warlord as a guest. On top of that, they have to find a way to double-cross Briar and thwart her plots. For their elaborate plan, the princes must recruit old friends and new ones, forming a ragtag band of varying competence levels. While the wacky comedy and witty wordplay is broken up by emotional growth and romantic story arcs, laughter takes precedence. The ending teases readers with hints of the next installment. Funny and full of heart. (Fantasy. 8 & up)

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May 15, 2013
Grades 3-6 After demonstrating how to do get things done (for better or worse) in The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom (2012), the four Princes Charmingcount 'em: Liam, Frederick, Duncan, and Gustav, each with his own issuesreunite for some castle storming. And what's a little blackmail and kidnapping among friends, especially when it leads the partners of Cinderella and the other princesses on such an entertaining and magic-filled quest through the fractured realm of fairy tales? Never fear if it perhaps goes on just a tad too long, as readers will likely be laughing too hard to notice. Complete interior illustrations unseen.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2013
Having vanquished a nasty witch to save their various realms in The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, princes Liam, Frederic, Duncan, and Gustav head off to steal a mystical object of great power held by the diminutive Bandit King. Filled with witty banter, amusing characters, and seat-of-your-pants action, this hefty installment is certain to keep fans of the first book happily entertained.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)