How far would a villain go to help a friend? Lord Arkus of Blackriver Castle thinks doing three heroic deeds is a bit too far. Not only is it plain detestable, it could ruin his reputation and get him in trouble with the Villains League. On the other hand, it's not like he's got friends to spare. And losing the League's membership isn't the end of the world, one can always work independently.
Laura Lond is an internationally published author of several novels and a collection of short stories. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. Having worked for 2 years at a literary museum, Laura entered the world of business, working for large international corporations like Xerox Ltd. and Fluor Daniel. After moving from Europe to the United States, she has been self-employed as a freelancer.
This was a worthy sequel to the incredibly fun My Sparkling Misfortune. Like the first book in the Lakeland Knight series this was packed full of great characters, humor, magic, and a ton of adventure. The story has the feel of a Disney movie and I doubt there are many better fantasy books out there in the children's fantasy genre. Not that this one could not be enjoyed by adults!
The story picks up where it left off in the first book with Jarvi lying ill after the not so heroic Prince Kellemar used his Sparkling sword for misdeeds! Lord Arkus has dropped his Lakeland Knight disguise and returned to his home of Blackriver Castle, but agrees to undertake a trial of three heroic quests that will restore Jarvi to full health. Arkus knows his heroic quest might get him kicked out of the prestigious League of Villains if anyone learns of it but decides to go ahead with it anyway as it is not like he has friends to spare!
The quests were highly entertaining as Lord Arkus and his new companion Cassandra encountered everything from magical berries and four armed warriors to witches and mermaids. Not too mention all the old friends and enemies that we are already familiar with from the first book.
I was happy with how Arkus developed as a character. He is still aghast at being called a hero and clinging to the fact that he is a villain, but despite that it seems he is far more comfortable with his role as hero of the story. This time he scolded himself for his sometimes villainous thoughts.
With Javri out of the picture Arkus picks up a new traveling companion in the form of the ex-highway women Cassandra. Cassandra was capable with a blade and had a few secrets of her own. She was very likable and her growing friendship with Arkus helped him grow as a character and offered a different dynamic to the story.
Rating: 4 stars.
Audio Note: This was performed by A. T. Chandler who gave an excellent performance. He really got the tone and humor of the story and did a great job with the various characters voices. He really seemed to relish performing the part of the villainous Lord Arkus.
This second installment in the Lakeland Knight series was just as good as the first one. Lord Arkus was as fun to read about as his new sidekicks were fantastic. The adventures were unexpected and the whole mix made for a very engaging read. I'm really sorry this is the final book in this series. I've grown very fond of it.
Really enjoyed this sequel. More problems arise for the villian, Lord Arkus, to deal with. Of course, a lot of it has to be as his hero identity, the Lakeland Knight.
It starts where the last book left off. Lord Arkus has to somehow save his friend the sparkling. He has to find a way to return the sparkling sword to normal, and searches for a way to do so. He finally finds the solution is to complete three quests.
On the way, he picks up an assistant, Cassandra, a highway woman that thinks helping carries a price. But through the quests, they grow closer. Between the mermen, sea serpent and Prince Kellemar, the story pulls you along to a fairy tale ending.
Lord Arkus is definitely still grappling with the villian versus hero problem. He is more a hero, or at least has excepted the Lakeland Knight persona. But he still clings to being a villian. Cassandra is an awesome character, dressing as a man to be a servant in disguise. She's a woman that can kick some butt with a sword too. Even Prince Kellemar, from the previous book, plays a part in the quests.
It's a nice continuation and is really enjoyable. There is a sense of seriousness with this book, with a bit of the humor lost for it. But it matches the plot of trying to save the sparkling. Plus, the ending was a bit fairy tale like. But, that could lend to the humor of it all. If anything, it's fun to read throughout. An enjoyable read for the summer.
The next book in the series happen while Jarvi is paralyzed and, due to the absence of his quips, and to the drama the situation builds on Arkus, the narrative is less fun and less dynamic. The new sidekick character, a woman, is very different and doesn't spice up the dialogs and events even close; resulting in many fodder chapters in the middle of the plot.
I must admit that I dropped it almost halfway in the middle of about the third fast-paced action sequence that seemed like fodder chapter to me compared to what I was used to. I tried again latter. Still couldn't go further.
About Arkus's trials to restore a Sparking's sword, I was expecting him to have to do missions like those a Sparkling would have to, or get to read about him travelling to the plan of Sparklings and Gormacks, and learn more about Tulip's friends, since the little time we briefly meet two of other Sparkling, it hinted at a surprisingly solid lore...
So, yeah, I didn't like the second book half as much as the first. I don't think they can even compare actually. But still, I really hope that Miss Lond will finish writing the third book, because I'd buy it anyway-it's impossible not to.
And also, I miss Tulip's plots and strategies and his candor being annoying and untimely (on purpose?) Sparklings seem more layered than the look on at first glimpse given their diversity of character, and I wonder if Tulip doesn't have a few secrets of his own.
Yeah. I'm not really excited about Arkus. I mean, I loved his humor most of the time. But to the me it was Jarvi's meddling's (no surprise since he is the protagonist's 'adversary' for half of the first book, propelling the plot onward) that made the plot.
But I'm not being fully honest. I'm a bit resentful at Arkus because of his weak word and what the paralysis he put Jarvi through. (And another at Jarvi to trusting him out of hubris—duh. Yes hubris I say—because given how stuff work for them, there is no way Sparklings could stay awake and functional for long if they were truly so naive. And sure, I'm not forgetting this is a book for tweeens, through, so I know it's normal that Arkus behaves in a childlike way half of the times (Through I wonder how he manage to remain oblivious to Tulip/Jarvi lies about his servitude all along even during the second book. Or at least, never adressing that—which is strange since it would be great narrative tension for the author to work with—she used it royally in The Dark Elf of Syron; that kind of 'I humor you because It suits me so far' kind of illusive power situation between two characters that actually secretly goes the opposite way; Ms Lond seems to enjoy it as much as I do, heh. Who am I to complain?)
Still not being honest. Because I was not...such a silly thing as...envious of that amateur villain guy getting three wishes and the rain of glaring photoluminescent orange sparks of faked candor. Not. And I was not impatient with the 'reluctant hero' because somehow I identified my repented pre-teen self with him. At all.
Oi, Ms Long, just publish the next book already...
I first met Lord Arkus in My Sparkling Misfortune, the first novella in the Lakeland Knight Series. I had a lot of fun getting to know the humorous villain turned hero against his will and was glad to have the chance to jump into another adventure with him. My Royal Pain Quest turned out to be just as enjoyable and wonderfully funny.
My Royal Pain Quest starts off right where My Sparkling Misfortune left off. Lord Arkus is determined to find a way to save Jarvi, to wake him from the never ending sleep he been cursed under. He sets off on a quest to commit three good deeds: the Deed of Pure Hand, the Deed of a Cool Mind, and the Deed of Noble Heart. Lord Arkus isn’t too happy considering he also trying to return to being known as a treacherous villain. Along the way, Lord Arkus meets some interesting characters, learns how to become invisible and fly, and discovers something he never thought he would really experience: romance.
Lord Arkus is still the sarcastic-wannabe-villain-turned-hero-against-his-will and I had so much fun being able to see how he evolved to let people in and trust. He still does so begrudging and reluctantly since he still isn’t comfortable being seen as a villain. He also still has this charm about him that makes a reader want to know what he will do next.
Cassandra has a tough-take-no-nonsense attitude from the moment she comes into the story and wicked knife skills to back it up. I instantly loved her character from the beginning! She wasn’t dictated by her fear and jumped into a fight when the need called for it, which happened most of the time throughout the novel. She was also vulnerable at times and caring. I also liked that she was never afraid to challenge Lord Arkus or speak her mind around him.
I also really enjoyed the Swirgs. They were so cute and adorable. I really liked the concept of the magical berries that help you to fly or become invisible.
The action was present throughout pretty much most of the book and so was the humor. The pacing and dialogue were also well done, except for a few places where the dialogue dragged down the fluidity of the scenes.
The only real problem with My Royal Pain Quest, as in other short novellas written by Laura Lond, is the amount of action packed into the story. Everything is dealt with so fast and squeezed in together that the story isn’t as fully developed nor the backstories, as much as I would have preferred.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the way the novella ended!! I laughed so hard and was so excited! I cannot wait for the third installment in the Lakeland Knight Series.
My Royal Pain Quest is a wonderful addition to the Lakeland Knight series. I found that I enjoyed this book even more than the first one in the series. Not that I don't like Jarvi, I do. Its more that the story in this book was very interesting and had a lot of different adventures in it that really kept me wondering that would happen next. I do like Jarvi a lot and I am sure that he will be in the next book.
Lord Arkus, a man that really wants to be the worst villain in the land, is not succeeding very well. He is forced to travel with Cassandra, a female pirate, who wants the money he owes her. Their relationship changes on their journey and soon Arkus find himself relying on her cunning and fighting ability. I found Cassandra to be a nice addition to the series and look forward to getting to know her better in future books, as she is here to stay.
Laura Lond has created quite a fantastic series in the Lakeland Knight. Lord Arkus is a wonderful villain that all readers will cheer for. Wait! Did I say "villain?" Even though Arkus would throw me in a dungeon for saying this, he is not a villain. He is the HERO in this series. He may think he is a villain, but he is not. As for Jarvi, he wasn't really in this story at all. Cassandra promises to be an interesting character that young readers will really enjoy learning more about. I really only have praise for this terrific series that makes me smile as I flip through the pages enjoying the adventures of the Lakeland Knight.
Overall, My Royal Pain Quest is an excellent story that will leave the readers begging for more of Lord Arkus' adventures. I know that I will be waiting anxiously for the next book to come out. I cannot wait to see what kind of trouble Lord Arkus finds himself in next time.
I first met Lord Arkus, also known as the Lakeland Knight in My Sparkling Misfortune (Book 1) and I never loved a villain more! Lord Arkus' desire to be known as the baddest villain that ever did live was so funny because he couldn't help, but find himself doing hero deeds. So when my favorite villain returned in My Royal Pain Quest, I couldn't wait to jump right back into this fun and exciting adventure! This time around Lord Arkus must step up to the plate and help awaken his sparkling friend, Jarvi. I wasn't sure how far Lord Arkus would go, but once again he amazed me. He showed a more deeper side and even though he wasn't 100% happy having people think he was a hero, he still managed to go out of his way to help when needed. --And I loved him even more for it! My Royal Pain Quest had all the same great characters as before plus some interesting new ones. Excellent twists and turns and something I wasn't quite expecting. . . a touch of romance! Plus its packed with laughs and its one adventure you'll want to read over and over again! So with that said I really have to commend Laura for her imagination and her way with words. Every story I've read of hers I've absolutely fell head over heels in love with. They just ignite this little spark inside of me and it gives me this feeling of 'This is why I read'! Enough said!
I think I actually liked the sequel better than my original review of the 1st book in the series. I had some trouble getting 'into' both books but with persistence I found a book I really enjoyed. Bk 2 ~ My Royal Pain Quest is a continuation of Lord Arkus' story only this time the book opens with him having taken on the responsibility of Jarvi the Sparkling in Book 1 after he is injured and basically in a coma. Up until this book opens Lord Arkus has taken it upon himself to find a way to wake up Jarvi and help him heal from an unknown injury.
He comes across a series of stories that talk about a way that may help Jarvi - unfortunately no one knows if it's a fairy tale or if it will really work. The solution? Lord Arkus needs to go on a quest to do 3 heroic deeds - unfortunately he hasn't any idea what those are and how to find them. Along the way he meets new friends, takes on the responsibility to help old enemies and ends up meeting a special young woman with a secret of her own.
This is a FUN adventure story for kids 9+. There's lots of adventure, magic & mystical creatures and more! After you get over the initial "introduction" of the book it speeds up and with the many new characters the book gets better and better. I can't help but wonder what's going to happen in the next book when it comes out (and there will be at least 1 more book)!
When I read books like this, I’m always in awe of the sheer amount of imagination that authors must have in order to create such captivating stories, and Lond doesn’t disappoint in this sequel as its full of magical creatures, quests, and new companions. In fact, this sequel to My Sparkling Misfortune was just as much fun as the first! Lond brings back our favorite characters, as well as adding some new ones along the way, making for a spectacular, witty read. Poor Lord Arkus must decide whether it’s worth it to perform heroic deeds in order to help his Sparkling, Jarvi, but once he’s decided, we’re off on another fabulous quest, this time dealing with witches, mermen, sea-creatures, and even magical berries. Lond never ceases to amaze me as her story takes on many twists and turns, creating an highly imaginative tale that the whole family will enjoy. I highly recommend this series to all...
In My Royal Pain Quest, the sequel to My Sparkling Misfortune, Lord Arkus is back, determined to find a way to awaken Jarvi. A book of fables may provide the answer, but is Arkus willing to spend the time and effort to go on a quest that might just prove to be entirely useless?
In My Sparkling Misfortune, Arkus was a proud villain who slowly became more heroic/less villainous (depending on how you want to see it) thanks to the efforts of Jarvi. Here, Jarvi’s presence is initially noticeably absent, but it’s quickly filled up by the additions of Cassandra, a girl who’s more than she seems to be - I guessed her secret halfway through the book but keep in mind that the book’s target audience is MG readers - and the Swirg named Reggie. It’s not all new characters though; Prince Kellemar also appears in My Royal Pain Quest – and perhaps will be seen by Arkus in a new light.
An amusing sequel to one of my favourite books of 2011!
I think Arkus is my all time favorite hero(villian)!! I loved book two just as much as book one. I think book 1 was a bit funnier because there was more Jarvi in book 1. But Arkus was funny, and his and Cassandra’s relationship was fun. Miss Laura Lond if you wanted to write a book 3, I’d be down for reading it! ❤️
Reread via audible 5/22/24 : the narrator picked is perfect for Arkus! Enjoyed it just as much as the first time.
This will be a very brief review because this charming little adventure story is just too cute for words. Since enough Jarvi has rubbed off on Arkus, he isn't quite as villainous, so the humor isn't quite as hilarious as My Sparkling Misadventure when he was so proudly bad news, however, it was funny enough. Sadly, I missed the illustrations.
I picked up the first book in the series for free, and loved it so much that I had to buy this one right away. Laura Lond did not disappoint. I had errands to run (after spending so much time reading the first book in one sitting), and had to keep putting the book down. Every second I was able, I would read a few paragraphs. There is nothing more frustrating than having to put down a great book!
The second of the Lakeland series is just as good as the first. I would recommend reading them in order. Arkus the hero who wants to be a villain is still on his quest for infamy. A very frustrating quest.
Have your tweens or strong younger reader enjoy this book. They will enjoy it.
I liked the first book so much more. I believe that in this second book the story that held my interest in the first ceased to exist. Now we just have a reluctant hero rather than a villain that chooses to be good at times.
This sequel to My Sparkling Misfortune is just as fun as the first book. The addition of a heroine pretending to be a male villian for hire just adds to the fun and adventure.