SFF

The Murdstone Trilogy

by Mal Peet
Candlewick. Sept. 2015. 320p. ISBN 9780763681845. $18.99. FANTASY
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This is one of the few fantasy send-ups that matches the genius of Diana Wynne Jones's masterpiece Dark Lord of Derkholm and the hilarious companion, A Traveler's Guide to Fantasy Land. YA author Philip Murdstone is recognized for his stories of sensitive teenage boys in contemporary settings, appreciated by critics but not widely read, which is why his pushy agent talks him into an absolutely new writing venture, an epic fantasy novel with all the Tolkienesque trimmings. Murdstone hates fantasy fiction and has no idea what to write, so he's grateful when a complete story arrives in his head.
VERDICT Few adult fantasy readers are familiar with the late Carnegie Medal-winning YA author Peet (Tamar), but this work should gain him a mature audience. His clear appreciation and knowledge of the genre, plus adult language, make this clever story best for adults and those well versed in fantasy.
Reviewed by Jessica E. Moyer , Apr 01, 2016
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