The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle

The League of Princes #2

by Christopher Healy

The second book in this fast-paced and hilarious fantasy quest in the grand tradition of Shrek and The Princess Bride, starring four very unlikely, but likeable, heroes.

Prince Liam. Prince Frederick. Prince Duncan. Prince Gustav. You’ve never heard of them, have you? But you’ve probably heard of Prince Charming, the guy who rides in at the last minute to save the girl. Well that’s them, all four of them. They are all Prince Charmings. Only in reality, they are a little less heroic than you might expect.

After saving the kingdom(s) together, you’d think the princes would finally be able to relax. But after this heroism, do they finally have respect? Nooo… the bards have again made them even more of a laughing stock then when they started…

But at least they have each other now – or do they? When Prince Liam is kidnapped and forced to marry the evil Briar Rose, they must unite again to save him. But can they really overcome their differences for long enough to save the day again? With The Bandit King, an evil warlord, and Briar Rose all working against them, they may need a little help from the Princesses this time…

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure, Humor, Fairy Tales, Fiction, Audiobook

501 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2013

About the author

Christopher Healy is the author of the Hero's Guide trilogy (The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle, and The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw), the Perilous Journey of Danger & Mayhem trilogy (A Dastardly Plot, The Treacherous Seas, and The Final Gambit), and This Is Not That Kind of Book. His newest book, No One Leaves the Castle—a fantasy mystery standalone spinoff of the Hero's Guide novels—comes out in August 2023.

Chris lives in New Jersey with his wife, two children, and a dog named Winston Bean. Visit him at ChristopherHealy.com. And visit the Hero's Guide/No One Leaves the Castle universe at TheThirteenKingdoms.com.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The princes are back! As a sequel, “The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle” packs a heavy-sized punch as the familiar, lovable characters go on another adventure to save the kingdoms from villainous disaster, er... try to anyway. Filled with as much, or more, humor than the last --no one can help but roll over laughing on this next adventure our heroes set out on.

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 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 Lila --head off to steal the magical Sword of Erinthia held by the diminutive Bandit King in his well-fortified castle.

There is more character development in this book, and the stakes are definitely higher as key figures were put in more life-threatening situations. Filled with witty banter, new and amusing characters, much seat-of-your-pants action, gorgeous 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!

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars; not because Storming the Castle is the same as Hero's Guide #1, but because it sequels it so well. The first book in a series is a surprise, full of fun and games as the characters make a show of themselves for new readers. But a sequel is an opportunity to really get to know the characters, rubbing shoulders with them long enough to see if their traits and actions ring true with the initial impression, down to the last detail.

Storming the Castle is an excellent sequel which allows each of the characters to continue being themselves. There are even some surprising developments which broaden the possibilities for future stories.

Liam falls naturally into the role of leader, but still struggles with self doubt after his discovery in the last book that his father had orchestrated the 'heroic fight' which he won acclaim for at the age of three. This has an impact on the way he treats others, particularly Frederick, because now he's desperate to hold on to a role that he no longer feels he's earned. On the other hand, it's sweet to see how he tries to protect his little sister, and how well he eventually takes correction. He offers a surprisingly poignant character study for such an entertaining middle school novel.

Frederick surprises himself by aching for adventure, and discovers abilities he didn't know he had. It has clearly helped him to be around the other 'heroes', for he no longer dreams that comfort is the way to happiness. He remains sensitive, especially to bullying, but he is also able to stand up for himself when necessary. And his tendency to respond to disappointment with self-pity has given way to seeking alternative solutions. A noble, sensible hero who's come a long way.

Still sitting in the shadow of his 16 heroic brothers, Gustav continues to try to prove his strength and bravery. But—also true to form—his blustering attempts provide generous entertainment for the reader. And the fact that he always means well makes us love him none the less. I did wonder, when all of the others settle down, who will there be for Gustav? And then a surprising possibility occurred to me... you'll have to discover who!

Dunkin is random and lovable as ever, but consistent with his lucky streak (and because he always wants what is best) he manages to be in the right place at the right time to save the day... and somehow it is all oddly plausible. It was nice to see more of Snow in this episode, and to witness more clearly just how well the two complement one another. To me they exemplify the phrase 'love and freedom'; they love each other deeply, but leave each other free to do what they will, accepting the superficial foibles in the other that outsiders find odd because they are secure in the knowledge that each of them acts with a good and selfless intention. They show that even if one's limitations seem to get in the way, good will always come from acting on upright motives. And ultimately, they just make you smile.

Ella continues with her 'just get in and do it' heroics and lives up to her reputation for being 'smart and tough'. But what impressed me was how she stood up for Frederick and wasn't shy of telling Liam to take a good, hard look at his own attitude. Being able to correct others—not out of spite or retaliation, but out of justice and concern for them—takes real strength of character, and this girl has it.

Lila is quick and perceptive and more than a match for those she meets. But she too has to face her fears, and she sets a shining example of youthful daring combined with a simplicity of character that enables her to learn quickly from mistakes.

Rapunzel puts her fears aside and goes wherever she's needed, and though we don't see a great deal of her, her caring way is no longer a caricature but an admirable, heroic, selfless way of life.

Briar, on the other hand, reaps the reward of selfishness. But she is not too dull, and nor is it too late, to realise the bitter tinge to the kind of happiness she pursues. There may just be hope for her yet.

And between them all the relationships continue to sort themselves out, with everyone who is not yet (validly) married learning to understand that love is not about first enamoured glances and happily-ever-afters, but about real relationships that shouldn't try to change the other person but accept them as they are, learning to forge a healthy complementarity. Things are still far from resolved, but this development in their journey offers much wisdom.

It's a thoroughly enjoyable story, even if the laughter of the first story is toned down to (frequent) chuckles in the second. What can be seen is that the first book's comedy was centred around some very worthy characters, and it is they, not just the laughter, that readers will come back for.

The only down-side is that—as with the first book—the ending only increases one's impatience to find out what happens next... How to get my hands on an advanced copy of the third book...?

Review copy received from the publisher, reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com

[Hannah Greendale (Hello, Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle is packed with the same hilarity, adventure, and charm as its predecessor. Duty calls in the form of a rumor: An object of great power is poised to fall into the hands of evil. The League of Princes band together and set forth once more to brand their names in the history books -- or, in the tales sung by those befuddling bards who never seem to get their facts straight.

The stakes are high: It all begins in Harmonia, where one prince's moment of distraction starts a chain of events that will force the whole League to tackle a perilous quest -- a quest during which both lives and pants will be lost.

And the princes are as lovable as ever:

"Why is Big Mamma a rude name?" Gustav asked. "It's factually accurate."
"Oh, so you're a smart guy, eh?" Maude sneered.
"Who are you calling smart?" Gustav growled.

Duncan pulled out his flute. "Yes," he said in what he hoped was a sinister voice. "Prepare to hear the worst concerto ever composed for a wind instrument."

Feisty Princesses, sharp-toothed eels, dangerous warlords, and a complicated device used to pull armpit hair await you in this dazzling sequel to The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom.

[Charity (Booktrovert Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the first one. But nevertheless, still cute.

Oddly enough, I love Briar Rose in this. She is considered evil and she is not apologetic about it.

I wasn't too thrilled with the narrator in this. I get there are so many different voices to vocalize. But the narrator made them sound stupider than they actually are. That's an adult opinion but may not be terrible for a younger reader. Could actually be entertaining.

[Abigail McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars. these books read, and I say this with all the love in my heart, like a chaotic D&D campaign, and it is delightful

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When facing unbeatable odds, just think of yourself as unbeatably odd."--Dunkin

Volume two of Healy’s tween story, where, guess what, the League of Princes storm the castle to free Liam who was imprisoned there by Briar Rose. The idea in this time of postmodern meta-reflection about narrative, is that every story we ever read while growing up about all the Prince Charmings and Princesses was romanticized lies. So who is writing the realistic version of all these romances? The most bumbling one, Dunkin. And what we are left with are hilariously bumbling, every day human beings, most of them really likable. And those assumptions you make about happily ever afters and Finding The Right One? Well, it turns out to be as complicated for them as it is for the rest of us. Liam, Ella, and Frederic's relationship? Liam who is with Briar Rose likes Ella and Frederic who is with Ella doesn't think he's good enough for her. Frederic likes Rapunzel, but maybe just for friends.

This volume maybe has perhaps fewer guffaws as the first volume, but there is certainly laugh-aloud humor on every page. We just have to take a little time get to know the characters, and there’s a lot of them, and we need to rescue Liam. We have this adventure action to get done.

Key stuff that figures in: A magical gemstones, the Sword of Erinthia, bladejaw eels, two evil warlords --one of them, Deeb Rauber, an eleven year old boy (oh, those are the WORST villains, because you get evil AND nosepicking and corny jokes). Fun word play abounds: sparzle, string-chi, Humperdinck. Oh, and it ends with a cliff-hanger.

You don’t have to be a tween to love Branson Pinchot reading this book. He’s terrific. So good. And in this story you get to reflect on the complex meaning of things like love and hero, though double-dipped in slapstick. Bravo, I say, Mr. Healy. I guess maybe it is more like 4.5 because this high level of hilarity and silliness, how long can I take it? But I thought before I started this that I would be sick of it, that it would achieve maxed-out groan level, but it has not yet happened.

Started in a car on the way to Iowa, finished in a car on the way to Stevens Point, Wisconsin for a reunion. Splash!

[TheBookSmugglers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally reviewed on The Book Smugglers

**NOTE: We are running a US-only giveaway of the final hardcover and framed art from the book! Contest ends on Sunday, April 21 at 12:01am EST. Go forth HERE to enter.**

A NOTE: Though this is the second book in the series, you can easily read this book without having read The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom. (In other words, no spoilers ahead!)

Review:

Ever since the League of Heroes saved their respective kingdoms from clutches of a truly evil witch, you'd think they would have earned a little bit of respect. But, unfortunately, not much has changed for Prince Charmings Frederic, Liam, Gustav, Duncan, and Princess Cinderella. (Ok, that last bit is a lie - Cinderella is as awesome and beloved as she has always been.) Prince Frederic is still afraid of adventure - and now has a serious complex about not measuring up to the truly heroic Prince Liam, who seems to have so much more in common with his courageous fiancee, Ella. Liam is still afraid to return home and face his own betrothed, Briar Rose. Prince Gustav is still the laughingstock of his family (ever since he had to be saved by Rapunzel and later, Ella); Prince Duncan is just as scattered and strange as usual (though he and his wife, Snow White, are happy together). But when all seems lost, adventure calls! Prince Liam is kidnapped by his fiancee and forced to marry the frilly, conniving Briar Rose - for the spoiled Princess has a dastardly plan to take over ALL the kingdoms with a magical heirloom in her new husband's family vault. And while Briar Rose is up to her elaborate coif in evil machinations, other, more sinister forces are at play - the Bandit King Deeb Rauber (eleven years old, but fiercer than anyone else in the land) and the vicious Lord Rundark of the fearsome land of Dar play to take over the Thirteen Kingdoms.

Only the League of Heroes (and a few old friends) can stop these power-hungry villains - but they'll have to reunite and work together to save the day. Again.

The followup to 2012's delightfully zany The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle is every bit as charming and winsome as its predecessor. Like that first book, Storming the Castle blends humor, familiar fairy tales and an unexpected cast of heroes and villains (and some folks that sit somewhere between both extremes) to make for a truly hilarious and action-filled romp. This is the kind of book you want to read aloud in a classroom full of eager kids, because it is sure to get laughs (I'm not talking giggles or titters, but full-bodied, belly shaking guffaws and laughs). It's also full of absurd battles, vegetarian trolls, marauding giantresses, bejeweled swords, Hermes-style messengers (complete with seven-league boots and unique fashion choices), and... well, plenty more. Suffice it to say, the scope of Christopher Healy's imagination in this series is pretty fantastic.

Of course, the biggest draw to the series lies with the main characters, the League of Heroes (and Heroines). While Duncan is charmingly spacey and Gustav unerringly hot-tempered, the real main characters of this book are Frederic (with his fashion sense and aversion to action, but his desire to prove himself to his amazing fiancée, Ella), and Liam (who goes through a bit of an identity crisis - and is called out on his ridiculousness). Ultimately, being the lover of heroines that I am, my favorite characters are the ladies - Princess Ella of the fierce, fast sword and big heart, and Princess Lila the bold (Liam's little sister, who is on the way to becoming one of the kingdom's best bounty hunters with a little guidance).

And then there's Sleeping Beauty. What initially bothered me about this book ended up being the thing that pleasantly surprised me by the novel's end - that is, the "evil" character of Briar Rose. Briar, you may remember from the first book (if you've read it), is a bit of a prickly character - ok, that's putting it nicely. She's a spoiled brat, bent on controlling everyone and everything just because. While I hated this characterization in the first book (because, come on, why go with the spoiled brat princess stereotype in a book where boys are meant to save the day?), I love that she's given a deeper, different characterization in this book. I won't spoil it, but I'm glad it happens...eventually.

My only criticism for this book is that it feels a tad overlong. While there's a lot of action and movement in this book, ultimately it boils down to a single siege of the eponymous castle - at nearly 500 pages, the book is a fast read, but could have used some significant trimming down. Still, The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle is a delightful read that should resonate with its target audience. Definitely recommended, especially for younger readers.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strap on your Seven League Boots and clown costumes friends, because Christopher Healy is back with the second installment to The Leage of Princes with The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle, and it's every bit as informative as book one. Though I suppose it could alternatively be called "How Not to Fail at Banditry" because not only our are heroes and heroines returned, so is Deeb Rauber, the pint-sized squirt of a comical villain. In fact, as I've pointed out before, Storming the Castle is practically overflowing with villains, and I love every one. Except for maybe the Warlord of Dar, because he clearly takes his job way too seriously. I suppose when you head a corner of the land known for the 101+ terrifying animals that live there, you do develop a few hard edges. Anyway, scratch him, bring on the henchmen, and give me a carnival on the castle roof any day!

It's easy to dive into my enthusiasm and know that Healy's second effort at shaking up fairy tale lore stands right up there with his first. This time we lose the fun of meeting everyone, but get to see their relationships develop in whole new ways. While in Saving Your Kingdom I felt a bit on the outside as I didn't fall for a particular prince (okay, so I had a bit of a crush on Liam who makes a right putz out of himself in book two), I have finally and utterly sealed my alliance to Prince Gustav. I do love some nicely timed irrational anger, and if the only characters who really appreciate you for who you are end up being Troll (Troll is back! And so is Troll. And also Troll...Gustav's nicknames for him--Awful Clawful, Hairy Scary, etc.--make me really happy.) and the quippy Briar Rose (LOVE the interplay of insults between Briar Rose and Gustav...it's like you can feel the love/hate fizzling), then I feel it's my duty to step up and love you as well. But again, it isn't the princes in general but all of the cast and crew as a whole that really make Storming the Castle shine.

I got my wish and Rapunzel's back for more this time round, finally taking an active roll in the tale along with the other princesses. You've got dwarfs (sorry Frank, my spellcheck recognizes dwarfs but not dwarves *snickers*), giants, traveling entertainment, and evil (or maybe no-quite-as-evil-as-you'd-think) masterminds. Healy does an excellent job of interspersing new characters, while making the most of those we already know. Again, he spoils the plot up-front, but then takes the unexpected road to and from that juncture, making Storming the Castle another surprisingly non-typical Middle Grade read.

Christopher Healy gives voice to the ambiguous princes of fairy tales, but he also gives the princesses agency. They don't all seek or want happily ever after, or if they do it's certainly not in the form of marriage and a crown. The heroes in The Hero's Guide just want to do the greatest good for the largest amount of people possible, and the villains simply want to collect the greatest benefit for themselves. Really, Healy's distilled right and wrong/good and bad down to its core, and lain it out there in a way that's completely fun and surprising. He plays with words, stereotypes, and world knowledge in a way that will have both children and adults laughing--he certainly always makes me feel a bit like a kid again.

The childlike nature of The Hero's Guide books make them easy to love, but also very particular to a certain mood-set. Hence, the book did at times for me seem hard to get into or a bit long, but every time I felt my attention wandering, Healy would draw me back in with a random fact about used car salesmen or facial hair, and I would be back in completely. The ending wraps up the castle storming quite nicely, but with some maniacal cackling that leads us on toward the next installment, which you can be certain I'll be signing up for.

Original review posted at Bunbury in the Stacks.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars.


DNF @ page 142.

I was bored shitless. I tried. There wasn't enough humor and it was so dull. Really unfortunate because this series is a stunning hardcover set. Man my local library will love it.

[Barb Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Healy is the Groucho Marx of fractured fairy tales. His first book, "A Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom," was hysterical - sometimes at the expense of the plot - but this one strikes the right balance with more depth, solid plot, and a fun cliff hanger ending. Healy takes the delicate business of writing children's comedy and makes it a hoot for children and adults alike. You need to set aside your "doohickeys and dingle-dangles" and snort-laugh as the League of Princes reunite in order to rescue Liam who has been kidnapped by Briar Rose. Don't worry, the Princes Charming bumble plans that would do Elmer Fudd proud as their adventure leads them to recover the Sword of Erinthia from the Bandit King causing all sorts of "sparzle" or unpredictable twists and turns in the plot. A steady beat of wordplay highlights Healy's forte for clever dialogue, asides, and epigraph's that make for laugh out loud passages while poking fun at the hero concept. I like the made-up word "sparzle" because I can use it when I have writer's block. I"m sure you'll find your own word favorites. Perhaps you'll latch onto, "flash-fried" or "tchotchkes" or "String-Chi" or "Hwah!" Take your pick. If you liked book one, I guarantee that you'll love book 2. If not, call me "Humperdinck." (Did you know he wrote the opera, Hansel and Gretel in 1893?) "Huzzah!"

Prince Duncan is writing his book "The Hero's Guide to Being a Hero." He's not an ordinary hero being under five feet tall, an animal whisperer, and clod. The epigraphs before each chapter have the simple-minded Duncan making ridiculous statements that are either frivolous or bad advice to the "path to hero-hood." There are epigraphs that play on words and a few others from the ancient tome of Darian wisdom that gives villains mostly good advice on the path to power with some silly twist. Duncan gives useless advice such as a hero leaves nothing to fate which is why he or she must always have a coin to flip. The Darian book of wisdom stresses the importance of inducing terror in visitors down to a welcome mat that will haunt nightmares. Some epigraphs preface the chapter such as this Darian one, "They say laughter is the best medicine. Destroy the clowns!" The main theme of the book can be found in this hero epigraph, "When facing unbeatable odds, just think of yourself as unbeatably odd." I'd say that sums up not only Duncan, but everyone in the oddball League of Princes.

Duncan and Snow are perhaps the nerdiest couple in this book. Duncan tries to high five Gustav and accidentally slaps him in the face during a pep talk. "I'm just going to pretend that didn't happen," Gustav said. "Go, B Team!" Slapstick abounds like in this dialogue sequence: "'Dunky?' Snow called as she looked around anxiously. 'Where are you Dunky?' 'I am sorry, miss, but your donkey will have to wait,' Vero [a bad guy] said." Even though the two are hopeless ding-dongs, their friends truly care about them and they do make a difference in the mission's outcome. I like the subtle message of respecting others no matter how different they are from what's considered normal. Duncan's strange habit of naming animals is worked into the plot too. When Liam asks what JJDG stands for Duncan shouts, "Jimmy John Digglesford Garbenflarben!" (Next time I see a Jimmy John's commercial I'm going to yell the tongue twister, "Digglesford Garbenflarben!") When he names a rat, King Moonracer, it becomes his friend and chews his ropes when he's captured. I admire how Healy creates cartoonish characters that are endearing and doofy at the same time; plus their internal changes give them depth. Duncan learns to embrace himself and work with Snow when they storm the castle. He also realizes that all of his epigraphs aren't true so he needs to rewrite his book on heroes. He tells Snow that she's the "hero" at the end of this story. I can't wait to see the goofy epigraphs Healy creates in his next book. Beneath the silliness there are messages of teamwork, courage, and acceptance.

*Spoiler alert*
Liam, Ella, and Frederic's relationship is more complex. Liam is interested in Ella who is very much like him and Frederic doesn't think he's good enough for Ella even though they are engaged. Frederic is interested in Rapunzel, but it isn't clear if he wants more than friendship. This will probably be explored in book 3. When Liam hurts Frederic's feelings by not listening to his ideas, Frederic storms off determined to execute his idea. Ella is stuck with Liam and she's miffed at how he treated Frederic. Liam struggles with the definition of a hero and represents the classic hero for the most part. His problem is he is egocentric and enjoys the power that comes from leading others. He becomes so used to telling people what to do that he doesn't listen to others, which prevents all of the princes working together as a strong team. Liam doesn't particularly respect Frederic's opinion because he's a sissy and Liam is interested in Ella. In the end, his actions hurt all of them and he must either change or lose his position as leader. When he finds out what his dad did to him as a child he loses his self-confidence and isn't even sure what defines a hero. He makes peace with Frederic and changes, but he still doesn't quite get the hero gig as evidenced by the dialogue he and Briar Rose have at the end.

Briar Rose is the perfect foil to Liam and there is more depth to both characters than implied from their initial appearance in the story. Both grew up with the adulation of the kingdom's citizens and are used to getting their own way. Liam has lost his peoples' love for him, but has the respect of his friends. Briar realizes on her adventure that she wants respect, companionship, and to do the right thing so she can have someone who cares about her; a lesson Liam learned in the first book. Ironically, Liam doesn't understand this because he's too wrapped up in his own feelings and doesn't realize he's like Briar in so many ways. Frederic and Ella still don't seem sure about each other and at the end when it looks like they have reached an understanding about their differences, Frederic's father messes things up telling Ella to leave his castle because she keeps leading her son off on dangerous adventures. In the first book, Frederic has to face his fears. In this book he has to embrace who he is as a person and find the courage to stand up to his overprotective father. Frederic is growing up into an independent person who realizes that his father's unreasonable protectiveness is from Frederic's mother dying on a similar adventure when Frederic was young.

Gustav is still the courageous, cynical, not-to-smart brawny guy, who changes in that he has to learn to get out from the shadows of his sixteen successful brothers and find his own identity. When he decides to be a hero by helping people, it is evident that Rapunzel, the healer, has been his literary foil. He keeps messing up the sword-stealing mission by not knowing the meaning of words. In a laugh-till-you-can't-breathe part where he and Duncan have to talk to a bard to get critical information, Gustav argues with Duncan about how to say and spell, "Jeopardous Jade Djinn Gem (JJDG)" which Gustav pronounces, "Jepperjajinjam" and insists he heard only J's. When Duncan explains the D in djinn is silent he gives the snarky reply, "Stupid language." Later Liam and Ella survey how Gustav destroyed most of the bard's bedroom and Liam scolds him that they needed to proceed "subtly." Gustav insists he did. "Everything's quiet, the bard suspects nothing, and then subtly-BOOM!-we attack." "Gustav?" Duncan said gently. "I think you were thinking of 'suddenly.'" Gustav is the king of name-calling such as calling Lila, "Duchess Dictionary" to which she dryly responds "I think you mean 'Thesaurus.'" He was correcting Lila that Duncan was "fortunate" not "lucky." Let me punt you a string of Gustav's names that point out characteristics in others: Mr. Mini-Cape, Captain Specific, Mount High-Hair, Professor Textbook, Awful Clawful, Lady Twig-Arms, Hairy Scary, Capey, Tassels, Blondie, Furface, Goldilocks, Masked Marvel, and more.

The villains are a contrast in characters too. Deeb Rauber is the eleven-year-old Bandit King who punishes his flunkies by making them go "through the spanking machine." He's a villain that you won't find anywhere; a kid whose loyal followers are adults and whose diet is the candy pyramid. What person wouldn't love that? Don't call attention to Deeb's age or size. He's the kind of person that punishes friends and foes alike by dunking them in a vats of caramel sauce. The person that met this fate was talking about a "kid" goat, but Deeb is a dweeb who thought he was being called a name. In contrast to Deeb's innocence and self-centeredness, is the nasty Warlord of Darian. When Deeb invites the brutal Warlord Lord Rundark to his castle, Lord Rundark is amused, "We shall go. It is always fun to kill a novice king." Deeb is fascinated by Lord Rundark and doesn't realize how dangerous he is while Lord Rundark is fascinated that a young boy can command the loyalty of adults. The two try to thwart each others plans and create an interesting contrast between childhood innocence and maturity. The characters are one-dimensional but I did wonder if Rundark's statement that his "thirst for knowledge" was as great as blood might be further explored making him more multifarious. It isn't elaborated on in this book, but I hope it will play a part in the next book. I prefer a good bite out of a complex villain.

Healy is a maestro with words, poking fun at conventions, and describing colorful characters. Fairy tales have an oral tradition as exemplified in the bards or minstrels in the kingdoms who change stories to fit their audiences. This reflects the changing history of fairy tales that have evolved from an adult to child audience that is explained in the "Norton Anthology of Children's Literature." The bard, Reynaldo, changes the League of Princes adventures and name to make them more entertaining and improve the cadence and rhythm of a song (just like Healy has fractured several original fairy tales). When Gustav and Duncan break into the Reynaldo's room, he jumps into song: "Listen dear hearts to a tale most upsetting, four bumbling Prince Charmings who destroyed a wedding-" "Not that song!" Gustav growled. "And it's Princes Charming," Duncan added pointedly. "How many times do I have to remind people of that?" "But Princes Charming just sounds wrong," Reynaldo said. "No one would request my songs if I used stiff grammar like that." Not only do the metafictional elements make the story more interesting, but the anachronistic use of Internet slang such as Briar using, "JJDG," in her journal was a stitch as well. As an adult I laughed at this because I remember my daughter first using Instant Messaging abbreviations and going, "Huh? What's LOL mean?" And how can you not "sparzle" at his descriptions of characters such as Redshirt, "a thick-necked barbarian with a penchant for licking the edge of his ax." Or Maude, the big troll who was the villain in "Jack and the Giant Beanstalk" and has teeth like tombstones and eyebrows like untrimmed hedges. "Entire families could get lost in her forest of spiky gray hair."

The Gray Phantom character is a clever spoof on Grimm's fairy tale, "The Valiant Little Tailor." In Grimm's tale the tailor kills seven flies and goes out to seek his fortune. He makes a flashy belt that says, "Seven at One Blow" and everyone thinks he killed seven men with one blow. He uses his cunning to trick others and eventually marries the king's daughter. She hears him mumbling he's a tailor and he is chased out of the kingdom because he's a commoner. In Healy's tale, "The Tailor" adopts the alias "The Gray Phantom," after the Bandit King won't let him be a part of his crew because his weapon is using thread, which is just as silly as killing seven flies. The princes call the Tailor's skill, "String-Chi," because he's so good at disabling his enemies by tying them up. He has fooled them into thinking he is on their side and they have no clue that he is the Gray Phantom. Like Grimm's tailor, he is deceptive and cunning. At the end String-Man (Gustav is rubbing off on me) meets a more gruesome end than in Grimm's story which I thought was funny because Grimm's original stories are known for their violence versus the conventionalized Disney fairy tale versions seen today. Not that this is a Disney-style fairy. Oof! It's more in the vein of "The Stinky cheese man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales," by John Scieska.

Healy creates strong, empowered females that help balance the male characters. Below the surface humor is the subtle message to rethink old-fashioned views on gender and power. Ella knows her own mind and has amazing sword skills. We learn that Frederic's mom was an athletic person with an adventurous spirit. Snow keeps Duncan from getting lost and is encouraging. She's into frilly clothes, but so is her husband. Snow has the best throwing arm in the kingdom which in the end saves all of them from dying or being controlled by the Warlord. Troll Maude likes to crush things and contemplates squashing Gustav when he calls her "Big Mamma." Usually male trolls are presented like her. Kind Rapunzel is wise and saves many lives, not to mention, doling out advice to Gustav regarding why he's unhappy. Briar Rose is a champion at manipulating people, but wonders what it would be like to have friends.This basketful of supporting female characters helps bring some normalcy to the kooky male characters. Okay that's not completely true. Troll Maude is a bit extreme. Just don't expect any stereotypical characters in this tale.

So folks, read this book for it's "sparzle." (or "sparkle" if you are an automatic dictionary). Or read this book for its "rampage-and-wanton-destruction" type troll that can be found in Maude. Or read this book to study foils, wordplay, irony, epigraphs, characters, and fairy tale twists. Or read this book to write a glorious paper that explores the oral traditions of fairy tales and their function in cultural socialization processes. Just kidding. Or read this book for a good belly laugh. Do keep in mind that below all the silliness is a great story that challenges readers to examine their own lives and decide how they want to live through the choices they make each day. This is what shapes people of character. People who don't need capes to be called, "heroes."

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hilarious. It's utterly hilarious. I laughed so hard that I couldn't see the page because of the tears streaming down my face.

Even better than the first one.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not all sequels are great— but this one sure was! Big applause to Christopher Healy for being able to have the story continue so well from the first installment. And I absolutely loved the ending of this book. I have so many questions! I suppose I will need to read the third book to find out what happens next, who ends up with who, and if they can all find a happily ever after.

[Taryn McEwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

am i the only hardcore vero stan in the whole world? possibly.
but that is irrelevant, the love i have for that man and the very small role he plays as a minor antagonist in this sequel is enough for a whole fandom.

[✴ eve ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Princes Charming, yes, you read right. Not the Prince Charmings, but the Princes Charming are back in this equally hilarious and fantastic sequel to The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom.

This time they band together to find an item of great power, one that can control minds and take over the world, before it gets into the wrong hands.

Firstly, I loved it. I think it's so funny even though it's targeted toward a younger audience. The princes all have vastly different personalities, and that's what makes them so unique. I love them all, but my favourite is Gustav - he is so damn reckless, and I always laugh when he says, "Oh, starf it all!" before he dives into action.
Mr. Troll has a special place in my heart, too.

Duncan's in the middle of writing a book, The Hero's Guide to Being a Hero, and at the beginning of each chapter there's a little excerpt from it. I found them funny. Here are a few I liked:

- Avoid capture at all costs. Dungeons are horrible, dirty, smelly places. They're cold. They're cramped. And don't even get me started on the room service.

- The element of surprise can offer a hero great advantage in battle. The element of oxygen - also important.

- If you want something, the best way to get it is to just ask. If that doesn't work, you can always fall back on a fully armed twelve-person assault team.

- Never regret anything. (If that turns out to be bad advice, I sincerely apologise.)

The ending made me wonder if there will be a third book. I hope so, because you can't leave a book hanging like that, Christopher Healy!

[Ashley (gotbookcitement) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts: Another fantastic and funny book in this great middle grade series. I loved The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, so I was super excited to get my hands on the sequel, and it did not disappoint. The story was super fun with everyone's favorite princes out to save the day in their own particular ways. I was so excited to read more of The League of Princes. Each and every prince has a special place in my heart and they always cause a good laugh. I loved how the story played out and being able to spend more time with all the characters from the first book.
I love Christopher Healy's humor, writing, and story. There was a particular scene involving the "dwarfs" and Duncan that still makes me chuckle. I will only say that it involves a reenactment of past adventures and I could just picture and hear it in my head. I love the humor of this series, such fun.
I also want to appreciate the beauty of Todd Harris's illustrations. His pictures are perfect representations of this quirky cast of characters and really help bring this book to life. It was a smart decision to bring Todd Harris into this project.
Prince Liam, Frederic, Duncan, and Gustav have earned a place in my bookish heart. I love them and their adventures and can't wait to see what they get up to next. They are gonna have to watch themselves with this new enemy. I also appreciate how Healy made my feelings for Briar Rose change. I just can't seem to hate her as much.
I recommend this series to anybody searching for a sweet story and a good laugh. I <3 this series and these princes. Can't wait to see what happens next!
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 5/5
Huzzah, Huzzah, HUZZAH!

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll admit right off the bat that I loved this book. I enjoyed it just as much as I enjoyed the first one. The characters are great. Each one has their own strengths and weaknesses and all made me roll my eyes at one time or another, but I couldn't help liking them (most of them) despite their flaws. The four princes and princesses I found especially entertaining. Most of them have good intentions but those good intentions inevitably go awry, which is where the humor comes in. I found myself laughing out loud at numerous points in the book. Whether it's Frederick hiding behind a plant to avoid sword training with Liam or Frederick, Duncan, and Gustav's bumbling efforts to rescue Liam from an unwanted wedding, there is much here to enjoy.

Healy turns fairy tales on their head with this tale of princes trying desperately to be heroes while matching up with the wrong princesses. It's clear that the princes are 'lined up' with princesses who are wrong for them, except for Duncan who is already married to Snow White. I'm interested in seeing how things play out there. In addition, the play between the villains and 'heroes' made for amusing reading. If you enjoy fairy tales full of eccentric characters with plenty of humor and great illustrations, I can highly recommend this one.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The League of Princes gets even more charming in this sequel, in which the awful Briar Rose enlists their aid in stealing something from Deeb Rauber, King of Thieves!

These books are so delightful, and I was laughing helplessly over some of it, and also wondering if a lot of the humor isn't lost on the "target audience." For instance: Deeb Rauber . . . Dieb is German for thief, and Rauber is German for robber. Duncan names a rat King Moonracer, which is the name of the king of the Island of Misfit Toys in Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. And there's just lots of little things like that going on, along with the bigger adventure, which is just as fun and zippy. This adds the complication of Ella and Liam being more perfectly suited than Ella and Frederick, while Frederick and Rapunzel make a strong connection. I also like the fact that, even though the book is very innocent and there's nothing inappropriate at all, several of the characters are married, as they would be at the end of their fairy tales, right? It reminds me of the kids' books of my childhood, like Mr. Wilmer or Mr. Popper's Penguins, when you had adult characters who were just as relatable and engaging as child-aged characters.

Super excited for the next one!

[Alanna (The Flashlight Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment in the League of Princes series!


This time around we see a whole new side to some of our beloved princes and princesses. I was so intrigued by the 'other side' of Briar Rose and Liam. I can't tell you much, but I can say there are some definite surprises in store for you, dear reader.


What I really enjoyed in The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle were the new characters. The villains were extra vile and the sidekicks were extra punchy. (I love Mr. Troll!) The ending had a nice surprise that sets the stage perfectly for the next book. I also really enjoyed watching some of the princes grow. Liam learned that he is not perfect, and Frederic learned he has strengths. Duncan is still a little 'off' but such a delight. I really think that he and Snow White are my favorites.


If you're wondering what you can expect in The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle, that's simple. You can expect mischief and mayhem of the highest quality. You can also expect uproarious laughter and strange looks from bystanders (because you will laugh out loud). Finally, though, you can expect an excellent adventure full of surprises that will not disappoint.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd probably like it more if I hadn't just finished the first book a few days ago. 900 plus pages of this kind of silliness is just too much. Even so, it just wasn't as good as the first. More mayhem, less world-building. Some of the jokes are getting pretty stale. The characters are developing by tiny increments and I do want to see how they all get sorted out in the end, but not enough to read the third book, I don't think. (Is the third the last? I will check....) 2.5 stars.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The comedic talent of this author is amazing. This is one of the few books that makes me laugh on multiple occasions. An absolutely hilarious and delightful read.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review available at http://adolescentaudioadventures.blog...

Reviewed from a library copy.

[Jazzy-girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Golly day these books are so enjoyable! Maybe not as memorable as the first read, BUT still love this series :)

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot more people die in this book than you would imagine, but it's still mostly just hilarious.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of the same convoluted hijinks for better AND worse with the second installment. The first 75 pages is once again devoted to establishing all the characters, catching up with where they landed after the first adventure. The more things change… the more they stay the same. There are multiple love triangles overlapping for some interesting geometry indeed. Aside from Duncan and Snow who are so quirky they could only love one another. What’s meant to be zany just winds up being irritating when it comes to Duncan. The fact that he wouldn’t remember any of the premise of his life changing adventure and befriending some unusual heroes pushes things too far past belief and just seems willfully ridiculous and/ or too dunder headed to like or respect him as a character. What is he adding to the dynamic at this point? The absurd? Comic relief? He’s not so great at either of those even. Wound up skimming any dialogue involving him as it was so grating. That said I love that Snow got some hidden talents revealed and more gusto in this one. The women truly do outshine the men and while I admire the author for giving his heroines the opportunity to shine, it would have been more impressive if some of the heroes weren’t so dull to begin with.
The premise is that because the bards have intentionally bungled things s once again our heroes are getting zero credit for their rescue from book one and are still the underdogs.
Liam is kidnapped by his fiancé and forced to walk the aisle and say I do when he really doesn’t. Briar captures all the League of Princes and Ella in their pathetic rescue attempt and takes them all prisoner when attempts to befriend them don’t get her very far. No one trusts her, for good reason. So she puts together an impossible mission for them in exchange for their freedom (and could it be possible, as an excuse to hang out with them and go on an adventure with them?!). She wants Liam to retrieve his jewel encrusted family sword. No, no, not a euphemism, really. It was stolen decades ago and has a legend attached to it but Briar’s not revealing any details about why she wants it. So Liam does the noble thing. Sneaks behind her back and reads her diary - shocking.
He uncovers her plot to use the sword to take over all 13 kingdoms. They have to pretend to work with her while plotting against her. And the sword is… plundered by Deeb Raub, the Bandit King, of course and safely tucked away in the vault with all his other treasures. (Or Little Deebie, as Ella has hilariously nicknamed him and I thought of him ever after.) The vault that’s only released by a lever 30 feet underground and triggered by a massive snake, the only thing small enough to fit down the castle turret. And the castle is surrounded by an impenetrable wall and a moat of blackjaw eels.
So what is our heroes plan? Join the circus! Which is performing for the Bandit King by special appointment. What they aren’t planning on is Lord Rudark, King of Dar, who has joined forces with the Bandit King and has some nefarious, double crossing plans of his own.
So eventually, after attempts to tweak and revise the plan and recruit help from Trolls, Gnomes, Giants, and whoever else they can enlist, the heroes start their infiltration and of course nothing goes quite according to plan.
The ending sets up another dark plot for the next book, rather frustratingly in some ways. And our heroes all end just as confused about their pairings and destinations as the beginning of the book. Will they find their happily ever after sun book three? And will it take less time to get there?!!

[Small Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at Small Review

Is it as good as the first?

Look, the first book left some pretty big shoes to fill. I had every confidence that Christopher Healy wouldn't let me down, but I'll be honest, I was a little worried. It's not that I had any real reason to worry. It's just that, well, when a book is SO good, it's kinda hard for a sequel to live up to that.

But don't worry, because The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle totally lives up to all my internal hype. I keep almost wanting to say it's better than the first book, but then I remember how awesome the first book was and I think no, no, it can't be better (but maybe it is a little better. Or, no, ahm...agh I'm not good with ranking things.)

So, yeah, I'm going to go with: Yes, it is definitely as good as the first.

(and maybe even a little better.)

Are all my favorite characters back?

YES! Plus a few new ones who are now also favorites.

And not only are they back, but they're just as great as they were in the first book. Maybe better, since there's all sorts of character growth going on.

Well, Liam is a little less great than the first book but that's because he's doing hero-soul-searching and you know me and issues. I just wanted him to be quiet, put on his cape, and get down to the mission. Still, he's not that bad.

But his sister Lila? SHE was beyond awesome. Talk about a plucky, intrepid character! She also has a non-romantic relationship developing with another character that made me want to go around hugging puppies every time it came up. It's absolutely wonderful.

Also, it has great spinoff fodder (hint, hint, Mr. Healy...)

Then there's Briar, who was annoying in the first book (in a good way) but is downright BAD in the second book. She's fantastic! She totally revels in her villainous ways but I can't help wanting to invite her to a sleepover party anyway. One thing is for sure, we would definitely have fun. And pageantry (which is a plus, I think).

Her total hate-turned love flirting with Gustav is also a blast to read. They're two characters who are funny and great on their own, but enhance the second they're put together. But don't think romance is a big thing. It's there for sure, and the hints from the first book at switching up the couples are developed more (YAY!) but romance still takes a back seat to the humorous action.

I also have to note how Frederic never failed to make me laugh out loud. I'm a sucker for a good pun, and the way Frederic congratulates the other characters for their unintentional puns just about made my day. While it's insanely hard to pick a single favorite character among all the awesome characters in this book, I think Frederic may just be my favoritest favorite.

Four hundred ninety six pages is a LONG book

And I don't do well with long books. It's just, all those pages! Long books leave a lot of room for boring stuff, and I really don't like reading about boring stuff.

Thankfully, Christopher Healy doesn't write about boring stuff (and if he did, I guarantee he'd find a way to write it funny). The plot is peppered with all sorts of things like questing, mystery solving, battling, sneaking in castles, taking over kingdoms, plotting, scheming, and a bank-heist-type escapade to steal a sword (the presence of swords adds auto points).

Plus, more.

Every bit is super, laugh-out-loud funny. I'm not really big on quoting things, but The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle makes me want to start quoting. I might have annoyed my husband (!!) once or twice or ten or so times reading bits out loud or just shoving the book at him and telling him to read the page I had open. It's that quotable.

Do you have to read the first book? Or the third?

I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to read the first or third books, but, yes, The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle can be read pretty well as a standalone.

As for the first book, their adventures are referenced for sure, but it's pretty easy to get the gist of what happened without totally spoiling book one or leaving the reader lost in book two. So if you only have book two in your hands, go ahead and start reading. Just make sure to track down book one later on (because it's so worth it).  

And as for book three, there is definite Set Up going on at the end (villains cackling, heroes regrouping, travel plans established) but no one is left in peril or anything like that. So if you're worried about not starting the series until the third book is published and the series is complete, don't be. I'm a total proponent of that approach, but in this case I don't think it's necessary at all. Jump in.

Bottom line

Christopher Healy was an auto-buy author after The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom and he's still solidly an auto-buy author. I can't stop raving about this fantastic series and book-pushering it on everyone I know.

Explanation of rating system: Star Rating Key 

Originally posted at Small Review

[Michelle Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a true gem, and so is Bronson Pinchot’s narration in the audiobook production. I can just relax and have fun with a book and revel in the humor, which is here in spades, both dry and zany. The complex ranges of character personalities work so well together, and I was pleased everybody developed a little in this installment. Frederic became more courageous (and wise! I loved his speech to Liam in the dungeon. And how he stood up to his dad at the end). Liam became more humble. Briar Rose became more human.

Okay, Duncan and Gustav didn’t change much. Duncan was still his lovable puppy-dog self who can be counted on in a pinch, and Gustav was still the grudging hero. But I still loved both of them as much as I did in book one.

The tone gets just a wee bit darker in this one, with scarier villains and maybe even a bit more violence, but it still cruised along with what I would describe as lighthearted whimsy. It’s the perfect buoyancy for anyone who needs a break from getting bogged down in the news of the day, which, as we know, never seems to be good. Can’t wait to listen to book three!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun read with my two daughters (8 and 5). Everyone laughed a lot and were riveted waiting to see what happened next. This is another fun twist to the fairy tale characters we know and love.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of the best🧐

[Sharon Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I looooove this narrator 🤣

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed on Books Take You Places

One would assume that after saving the bards of the land, the Princes Charming would get some glorious fame. Unfortunately, as we learned in book one of The League of Princes, the bards don’t always get it right. Instead, Frederick and Ella are back to their boring day to day activities, Gustav is still living in the shadow of his older brothers, and Liam is still hiding from his bridezilla. Unfortunately for Liam, Briar Rose is no dummy and it doesn’t take long before she hatches a plan to steal her future husband and in turn, force him to marry her. One would assume that the league (and Ella, of course) would do their best to steal Liam back, but they are thwarted and get imprisoned by Briar, and therefore become stuck helping her steal back a magical sword from the child king, Deeb Rauber. Thus begins the tale of how the League of Princes (and Ella, and then later, Lila) embark on a journey to storm the castle.

I have to say, if The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom focused mainly on the Princes Charming, The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle was very much led by the villains, and I’m not complaining! We see much more from the villains in this sequel and this reader is overjoyed by the complexity of the characters found in Storming the Castle, you guys know I love me some layered characters! Deeb Rauber is back again and he is just as childish and ruthless as he was in the first installment of the series. His character reminds the reader that as we grow, many of us lose our imagination that would enable us to make a torture chamber equipped with a spitball moistener. Briar Rose is just as prickly as she was in book one, but the reader is able to see a different side to her, one that makes your head tilt a bit and wonder if there is more to the spoiled brat than meets the eye. I was actually ecstatic to find that she was included in so many of the shenanigans that went on throughout the novel. My favorite, “villain,” (though he will argue that Bounty Hunting is a legitimate profession) was definitely Ruffian the Blue. I was really unsure of his motives at moments throughout the novel, but I found that every time he was on the page that he stole my heart a little. Perhaps it was the way he helped save Lila, or more probable, the way he argued his absolute need for his cowl.

Briar rubbed the fabric of Ruffian’s cowl between her thumb and forefinger. “Why aren’t you wearing a cloak? I wanted a henchman draped in a mysterious cloak.”

“How could the name of the garment possibly make a difference?” Ruffian asked.

“It sounds scarier,” Briar said. “‘Cowl’ is the least terrifying word I’ve ever heard.”

“Oh, I disagree,” Duncan added. “It makes me think of cow-owls. And those are horrifying. MOO-WHO! MOO-WHO!”

Other fantastic characters that had a bit more limelight were Snow White, Rapunzel, and Lila. You may remember that one thing I had hoped from this novel was that Mr. Healy would provide us with some more Rapunzel, and I am so glad to say that he didn’t disappoint. Rapunzel was as sweet and helpful as ever, and Snow White was adorably naive and loving, especially when sharing a scene with her just as lovable husband, Duncan. Lila, on the other hand, was daring, adventurous, and full of spirit, she was really like a younger, and equally amazing version of Ella. In few words, I loved her. The Princes Charming all had their own issues to handle and it was wonderful to watch as they grew and worked on themselves through the novel. I was very happy with the growth we saw in Gustav and found him particularly charming in a way that I somehow missed in the first book. One thing I can say for sure is that each of the Princes Charming holds their own in their own way and though they each carry their own unique baggage qualities, they all come together to form one spectacular group.

No one will be surprised to hear that I adored this novel, I was surprised at how Christopher Healy managed to again make me feel such a range of emotions, the most of which made me laugh out loud while reading. I won’t say that I was dissatisfied with the ending, rather that I had hoped for things to be tied up a bit differently. I can only assume that Mr. Healy plans to extend this series and eventually give the readers what they need in the form of a big ‘ol wedding. No, I won’t tell you who I’m rooting for! In short, everyone should read this series, I find it hard to not fall to my knees and thank the author for again delivering a book that made me feel like a kid again!