Synopsis: Tom’s older brothers are getting ready for a fairytale wedding to their princess brides. But they don’t count on the evil Ormestone who, determined that there be no more Happy Endings, steals the brides away to the Land of Dark Stories.

Review: I hadn’t read the first book (The Secret History of Tom Trueheart) but Tom Trueheart and the Land of Dark Stories stands alone.

The story is beautifully written and although the plot unfolds at a gradual pace, it is gripping. The characters are endearing – particularly the resourceful Tom and his plucky brother Jack. It’s also nice to see princess brides being not so much damsels in distress but able to don armour and (Rapunzel at least) wielding a sword to devastating effect. As befits a fairytale, Ormestone is something of a larger-than-life villain who’s rather fond of telling everyone his evil plans. This is a story that will appeal to readers of fantasy and especially those who love fairytales.

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2008-04-19