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Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Book Club Edition, Del Rey, Published by Ballantine Books
Description
Book One in the Magic Kingdom of Landover Series Landover was a genuine magic kingdom, with fairy folk and wizardry, just as the advertisement promised. But after he purchased it, Ben Holiday learned that there were a few details the ad had failed to mention. The kingdom was in ruin. The Barons refused to recognize the king, and the peasants were without hope. A dragon was laying waste the countryside, while an evil witch plotted to destroy everything. Ben's only followers were the incompetent Court Magician; Abernathy, the talking dog who served as Court Scribe; and the lovely Willow - but she had a habit of putting down roots in the moonlight and turning into a tree. The Paladin, legendary champion of the Kings of Landover, seemed to be only a myth and an empty suit of armor. To put a final touch on the whole affair, Ben soon learned that the Iron Mark, terrible lord of the demons, had challenged all prospective Kings of Landover to a duel to the death - a duel which no human could hope to win. The task of proving his right to be King seemed hopeless. But Ben Holiday was stubborn. . .… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member wolfjack
A thoroughly enjoyable romp through a magical land named Landover, a world that is surrounded by magical mists wherein live faeries. Through the mists lay corridors, almost like labyrinths (in their difficulty to navigate), that lead to many, possibly countless, worlds, including Earth as we know
The main character is Ben Holliday, a lawyer from our world that is tired of his life. He purchases what he almost wants to believe is a hoax item, though deep down he hopes it's real: the Kingship of Landover. He finds this item for sale in a rare & exotic gift catalog from a respected upscale company. After coming to Landover, he must defeat enemies who yearn for nothing less than his death and the return to anarchy that was before. He must also regain his ability to hope again and have purpose while attempting to forge a new life.
This book is a book that I've read and then re-read a dozen times. It's completely enjoyable by both young adults and adults. A wonderfully straight forward tale of overcoming one's own doubts and helping others, while battling a heinous evil (or three).
The writing style was easy to follow and still very descriptive when the need arose. This is a book that you can kick back in a comfortable chair on a rainy day and it will take you away to a special place that may be just what you needed...Landover.
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it.The main character is Ben Holliday, a lawyer from our world that is tired of his life. He purchases what he almost wants to believe is a hoax item, though deep down he hopes it's real: the Kingship of Landover. He finds this item for sale in a rare & exotic gift catalog from a respected upscale company. After coming to Landover, he must defeat enemies who yearn for nothing less than his death and the return to anarchy that was before. He must also regain his ability to hope again and have purpose while attempting to forge a new life.
This book is a book that I've read and then re-read a dozen times. It's completely enjoyable by both young adults and adults. A wonderfully straight forward tale of overcoming one's own doubts and helping others, while battling a heinous evil (or three).
The writing style was easy to follow and still very descriptive when the need arose. This is a book that you can kick back in a comfortable chair on a rainy day and it will take you away to a special place that may be just what you needed...Landover.
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LibraryThing member melydia
This was my introduction to Terry Brooks (not counting the novelization of The Phantom Menace, which I am embarrassed to admit to purchasing), and it was pretty good. The premise was straightforward: depressed lawyer Ben Holiday sees a magic kingdom for sale in a department store catalog, purchases
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it, and discovers it's not quite everything he hoped it would be. It was well-written and clever, if a bit predictable. It reminded me a lot of the books I read back in middle school, and in its own way was a pleasant trip down memory lane. In short, it's a relaxing bit of light fantasy, but nothing I would go out of my way for. Show Less
LibraryThing member brendanus
With a simple time-travel device, a contempoary man is transported to another time, as the latest king to a torn kingdom. The series essentially explores the politics of leadership
LibraryThing member cmbohn
The first in the Landover series, and my favorite. Still, I felt it wasn't as good as it could have been. The idea was a really fun one, but the story didn't measure up.
LibraryThing member LordRoe
These are some very strange books. They're not great, but they have a strange charm to them that kept me reading. Older readers may find the series a bit too childish and trite, but younger readers should enjoy it.
LibraryThing member adb42
A lighthearted fantasy story, which gets off to a good start, but as per usual with Terry Brooks, gets soon bogged down into a description of all the characters and their relationships and all that. Pity, it's a great story in itself.
LibraryThing member willowcove
I love this series! It's simple reading but just the kind of easy escapism read you need sometimes.
LibraryThing member Jim53
Ben Holiday is a lawyer whose pregnant wife was killed. Two years later he receives a fantastical catalogue addressed to her. He is intrigued by an ad for a "Magic Kimgdom For Sale." He recognizes how empty his life has become, and he purchases the magic kingdom of Landover (a funny name to those
Arriving eventually in Landover, Ben finds it in disarray. There has not been a "real" king for twenty years, and the land withers for lack of one. His only supporters are an inept wizard, a royal scribe who is a dog, and two kobolds who perform the everyday tasks so that heroes don't have to.
Ben seeks the support of various inhabitants of Landover, but each wants something from him first. He must find depths of wisdom and courage in order to become a real king.
This book is a vast improvement on Brooks's interminable Shanarra series, but shares some of its faults: many of the ideas and characters are taken from other contemporary fantasies, the individual characters appear interesting at first but devolve into cardboard cliches, and the style is remarkable only when it clunks. In spite of these flaws, Ben himself is an interesting character, and his motivations and ability to think through problems are admirable. Overall a fun light read if you don't expect too much.
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of us from the DC area, by the way).Arriving eventually in Landover, Ben finds it in disarray. There has not been a "real" king for twenty years, and the land withers for lack of one. His only supporters are an inept wizard, a royal scribe who is a dog, and two kobolds who perform the everyday tasks so that heroes don't have to.
Ben seeks the support of various inhabitants of Landover, but each wants something from him first. He must find depths of wisdom and courage in order to become a real king.
This book is a vast improvement on Brooks's interminable Shanarra series, but shares some of its faults: many of the ideas and characters are taken from other contemporary fantasies, the individual characters appear interesting at first but devolve into cardboard cliches, and the style is remarkable only when it clunks. In spite of these flaws, Ben himself is an interesting character, and his motivations and ability to think through problems are admirable. Overall a fun light read if you don't expect too much.
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LibraryThing member DBJones
Terry Brooks is the writer of the ongoing Shannara series, high fantasy that quite frankly bored me to tears. With the Kingdom of Landover series however, Brooks created a funny and unique set of magical books. A lawyer in our world finds a classified ad looking for a king, he buys it and discovers
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that what he has in fact bought is the throne to the kingdom of Landover a magical fantasy world he can cross over into. Wonderful whimsy this is entertaining fare for all and a great introduction to fantasy for younger readers. Show Less
LibraryThing member slpenney07
Summary: A Chicago lawyer is missing something from his life, but he can't quite put his finger on what it is, until a listing in a Christmas catalog for a magic kingdom catches his eye.
The Take-Away: A very clever fantasy novel. What working adult wouldn't like to escape to a magic kingdom? To
The title was published in 1986 when third person point of view was the standard. If written today, it would benefit from a switch to first person.
The series is a bit of required reading for a secret project that I'm working on. I lack a strong foundation in fantasy, and need to get some basics under my belt. I enjoyed the escapist mentality and tried not to notice the dated writing style. Since I'm researching fantastical elements, I don't have comments on the use of magic or the worldbuilding. Yet.
Recommendation: A great escape and a promising start to the series.
The Take-Away: A very clever fantasy novel. What working adult wouldn't like to escape to a magic kingdom? To
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find that magic works and mystical creature live? Of course, there's a catch. After twenty-some odd years, the kingdom is in less than stellar shape. No money in the treasury, no army and enemies abound. It's not so much as a kingdom, as a living castle and a strong sense of responsibility without authority.The title was published in 1986 when third person point of view was the standard. If written today, it would benefit from a switch to first person.
The series is a bit of required reading for a secret project that I'm working on. I lack a strong foundation in fantasy, and need to get some basics under my belt. I enjoyed the escapist mentality and tried not to notice the dated writing style. Since I'm researching fantastical elements, I don't have comments on the use of magic or the worldbuilding. Yet.
Recommendation: A great escape and a promising start to the series.
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LibraryThing member EmScape
Ben Holiday, attorney at law, is dissatisfied with his life. He sees the justice system becoming more and more flawed and his profession become the butt of every bad lawyer joke. His wife has passed away and he is increasingly withdrawn. When he sees an advertisement for a honest-to-goodness magic
With such a premise, I expected this book to be much funnier than it was. I was only disappointed for a few minutes, though, because the story was so engaging as it was. I am not a huge fan of swords and magic epic fantasy, but this really brought a new twist, what with the protagonist being so out of place within the fantasy world. He spends just the right amount of time being amazed and disbelieving of his situation before coming to terms with the reality of the magic and the danger. He shows a lot of fortitude, but not so much that it comes across as disingenuous. The dynamism of the character is also an asset to the narrative. His rag-tag band of supporters are also able to learn and grow through their experiences with Ben, but not so much that there is no room for further development in the sequels, of which there are several. The climax and resolution of the tale is also just the right amount of satisfying whiles still leaving threads to be followed up with in later books.
I must also say that I listened to an audio book of the author's seminal work, The Sword of Shannara, some years ago, and despite the fact that it was the Absolute Favorite Book Ever of the guy I was seeing at the time, was not wholly enamored of the tale. I felt it went on too long and that it did not seem terribly original or engaging. Of course I was also driving from Minnesota to Georgia at the time and might have missed some things while my attention was diverted by traffic. I am pleased to say that I found this book much more pleasurable and may be induced to give that other series a try at some point. I continue to be told that it is rather good.
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kingdom in the Christmas Wishbook, he seizes on his chance to give some more meaning and purpose to his life. He's got more than he bargained for when he arrives to find the kingdom in disrepair and no small amount of dangerous foes clamoring for his throne and his only allies a talking dog, an inept wizard, two kobolds and a girl who is part tree. With such a premise, I expected this book to be much funnier than it was. I was only disappointed for a few minutes, though, because the story was so engaging as it was. I am not a huge fan of swords and magic epic fantasy, but this really brought a new twist, what with the protagonist being so out of place within the fantasy world. He spends just the right amount of time being amazed and disbelieving of his situation before coming to terms with the reality of the magic and the danger. He shows a lot of fortitude, but not so much that it comes across as disingenuous. The dynamism of the character is also an asset to the narrative. His rag-tag band of supporters are also able to learn and grow through their experiences with Ben, but not so much that there is no room for further development in the sequels, of which there are several. The climax and resolution of the tale is also just the right amount of satisfying whiles still leaving threads to be followed up with in later books.
I must also say that I listened to an audio book of the author's seminal work, The Sword of Shannara, some years ago, and despite the fact that it was the Absolute Favorite Book Ever of the guy I was seeing at the time, was not wholly enamored of the tale. I felt it went on too long and that it did not seem terribly original or engaging. Of course I was also driving from Minnesota to Georgia at the time and might have missed some things while my attention was diverted by traffic. I am pleased to say that I found this book much more pleasurable and may be induced to give that other series a try at some point. I continue to be told that it is rather good.
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LibraryThing member kuatoquaid
Classic tale of "triumph if only you believe in yourself." I enjoyed how the "house of cards" he built for himself ended up working out. Predictable, but fun.
LibraryThing member theokester
Last fall, Princess of Landover was released…a new book in the Landover series after more than a decade. I had read the Landover books back in the 90s but had largely forgotten many details of the story, so I decided I may as well catch back up before reading the new book.
In Magic Kingdom For
Ben Holliday is officially king, but the kingdom is a mess, thanks largely to the neglect caused by the continual sale of kingship and the lack of successful kings doing the job. Although set up for failure in many ways, Ben decides to give it his all and actually try to succeed at the job that many before him had run away from.
The concept itself is intriguing and a lot of fun. It's the sort of fantasy I remember from my youth and wanted to experience…the idea that if you found the right path, took the right turn, or moved a certain rock, there would be a passageway to an amazing land where magic was real, fantastic creatures and races flourished and anything was possible. Instead of merely happening on the kingdom, the adventure is taken up a notch by making Ben king (even if his power is largely limited due to lack of political recognition in the land).
The writing is solid and I could really visualize a lot of what was going on. The characters are fun and well crafted, though sometimes not quite as three-dimensional as I would have liked. Ben himself is a good full character though I often found myself frustrated with his perceptions and doubts.
The plot is enjoyable and believable. We wander the land with Ben and his new found friends as they try to show citizens of Landover that he, Ben, is in fact king and he deserves to be recognized as such. All of the factions have natural doubts but slowly they set up specific conditions under which they'll recognize his authority. And those conditions set up a variety of fun adventures.
The fantasy action itself isn't anything terribly revolutionary or exciting in terms of the Fantasy genre. However, the intriguing characters, the well constructed plot tension, and the solid writing make this a worthwhile read.
One note that put me off a little bit because I had forgotten about it, is the fact that Ben Holliday swears. In Brooks's Shannara series, the language is very subdued. They have their own form of swearing (Shades) but generally the language is very "G" rated. Landover's language is still mild by comparison but would be "PG" rather than "G." While this did strike me as odd, it was realistic when considering that Ben is an American lawyer from the heart of Chicago in the 19080s.
I look forward to re-reading the series and getting back into the heart of Landover. Most people I talk to don't really consider the Landover series to be Brooks's best work. Many even shun then. While I agree that he has many books that are better, Magic Kingdom is well worth reading and is a lot of fun as long as you go into it not expecting some sprawling fantasy epic with deep reaching effect.
***
3 out of 5 stars
In Magic Kingdom For
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Sale -- Sold, we follow a meandering lawyer in his quest to find purpose in a life that has become dull and unfulfilling. On a whim, he responds to an advertisement selling the right to be king in a fantasy realm called Landover. He initially expects some sort of special effects or other technological wizardry but is shocked to quickly discover that this magical world is real and with it come all sorts of dangers and adventures.Ben Holliday is officially king, but the kingdom is a mess, thanks largely to the neglect caused by the continual sale of kingship and the lack of successful kings doing the job. Although set up for failure in many ways, Ben decides to give it his all and actually try to succeed at the job that many before him had run away from.
The concept itself is intriguing and a lot of fun. It's the sort of fantasy I remember from my youth and wanted to experience…the idea that if you found the right path, took the right turn, or moved a certain rock, there would be a passageway to an amazing land where magic was real, fantastic creatures and races flourished and anything was possible. Instead of merely happening on the kingdom, the adventure is taken up a notch by making Ben king (even if his power is largely limited due to lack of political recognition in the land).
The writing is solid and I could really visualize a lot of what was going on. The characters are fun and well crafted, though sometimes not quite as three-dimensional as I would have liked. Ben himself is a good full character though I often found myself frustrated with his perceptions and doubts.
The plot is enjoyable and believable. We wander the land with Ben and his new found friends as they try to show citizens of Landover that he, Ben, is in fact king and he deserves to be recognized as such. All of the factions have natural doubts but slowly they set up specific conditions under which they'll recognize his authority. And those conditions set up a variety of fun adventures.
The fantasy action itself isn't anything terribly revolutionary or exciting in terms of the Fantasy genre. However, the intriguing characters, the well constructed plot tension, and the solid writing make this a worthwhile read.
One note that put me off a little bit because I had forgotten about it, is the fact that Ben Holliday swears. In Brooks's Shannara series, the language is very subdued. They have their own form of swearing (Shades) but generally the language is very "G" rated. Landover's language is still mild by comparison but would be "PG" rather than "G." While this did strike me as odd, it was realistic when considering that Ben is an American lawyer from the heart of Chicago in the 19080s.
I look forward to re-reading the series and getting back into the heart of Landover. Most people I talk to don't really consider the Landover series to be Brooks's best work. Many even shun then. While I agree that he has many books that are better, Magic Kingdom is well worth reading and is a lot of fun as long as you go into it not expecting some sprawling fantasy epic with deep reaching effect.
***
3 out of 5 stars
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LibraryThing member g026r
I wasn't expecting much, but was led to believe that Magic Kingdom for Sale—SOLD! was a humorous fantasy about a character from our world who purchases a run-down fantasy kingdom. Not high art by any means, but perhaps a passable amusement and that's all I was looking for: a fun, light amusement
Unfortunately, like the protagonist of this novel, it appears I was sold an incorrect bill of goods: while the rest of the description was correct, the suggested humour was entirely absent. With that result, I found the book to be a fairly bog-standard fantasy novel, ultimately forgettable in all regards, whose prose never rose above workmanlike.
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to fill some time between other books.Unfortunately, like the protagonist of this novel, it appears I was sold an incorrect bill of goods: while the rest of the description was correct, the suggested humour was entirely absent. With that result, I found the book to be a fairly bog-standard fantasy novel, ultimately forgettable in all regards, whose prose never rose above workmanlike.
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LibraryThing member mdekleine
Fun reading in a not-so common fantasy setting. Lots of humor.
LibraryThing member Shambler
I picked up this book with doubts. To my surprise a came away satisfied. It's a fun read, one that I think would benefit from being longer. There is a good balance of humor, absurdity, and actual emotion. That said, the book really needs more. Relationships between characters come across as
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somewhat shallow, as do their motivations and behavior. Everything is too perfect, too neat, and too tidy. I would have proffered to see the book be longer and more time dedicated to pulling the kingdom together. The whole thing just feels rushed.I'm aware of the sequels, but I have no interest in following them. What I was really interested in was the pulling a kingdom up by the bootstraps bit, and that happened far to quickly for my tastes. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheBoltChick
Let me start out by saying that I have never been a huge fantasy fan. Somehow when a book starts out with orcs, trolls, elves, and yes.. even hobbits.. I just have trouble suspending my disbelief. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy romp. (Then again, this book starts out with real
Ben Holiday is a lawyer whose wife was killed. He is dissatisfied with his current life as a remarkably successful lawyer, and one day sees a classified ad for a magic fairy kingdom. While he thinks the ad is a joke, he decides to check it out. He finds a man very serious about selling this magic kingdom. In exchange for 1 million dollars, Ben can become king of Landover. While he is still skeptical, he decides to give it a try.
To his surprise, the kingdom really exists. It is in disrepair, having had no ruler in quite some time. The various lands with fairies, gnomes, etc are all quarreling with one another, there is no military, no tax collection.. generally speaking it is a mess! He meets his staff, a somewhat inept wizard, a man who has been turned into a dog, and two kobolds, and begins the process of understanding what he has just purchased and setting it to rights.
Of course the purchase didn't come without strings attached, and the complications that ensue make for the adventure in the book.
I found the book to be light, entertaining reading. At times the author's excessive use of adverbs got a bit annoying, but not enough to turn me off from finishing. While I would have also liked a bit more humor (I mean look at the scenario, it screams of humor), I still found this to be a fun, satisfying read.
On to the sequel!
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people, which probably helped me.)Ben Holiday is a lawyer whose wife was killed. He is dissatisfied with his current life as a remarkably successful lawyer, and one day sees a classified ad for a magic fairy kingdom. While he thinks the ad is a joke, he decides to check it out. He finds a man very serious about selling this magic kingdom. In exchange for 1 million dollars, Ben can become king of Landover. While he is still skeptical, he decides to give it a try.
To his surprise, the kingdom really exists. It is in disrepair, having had no ruler in quite some time. The various lands with fairies, gnomes, etc are all quarreling with one another, there is no military, no tax collection.. generally speaking it is a mess! He meets his staff, a somewhat inept wizard, a man who has been turned into a dog, and two kobolds, and begins the process of understanding what he has just purchased and setting it to rights.
Of course the purchase didn't come without strings attached, and the complications that ensue make for the adventure in the book.
I found the book to be light, entertaining reading. At times the author's excessive use of adverbs got a bit annoying, but not enough to turn me off from finishing. While I would have also liked a bit more humor (I mean look at the scenario, it screams of humor), I still found this to be a fun, satisfying read.
On to the sequel!
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LibraryThing member Aldrea_Alien
This starts off slower than the other stories I've been reading lately. Which wouldn’t have been so bad if it hadn’t taken a few chapters of umming and ahhing until we reached Landover. It’s not that I mind not being thrown into the action, in fact I like a good lead up. But when it takes two
Things sped up a little after he reached Landover, though there were a few dull patches, it’s an overall good balance between action and the internal doubt Ben has for his position. The struggles, both the mental and the physical, were interesting and, sometimes, very cleverly dealt with (other times, Ben’s a diggleberry who deserves a good slappin’, but that’s just my opinion).
There are a few things that happen that are just plain strange. Perhaps that’s because I’m not all for the “you’ve spotted me, I’ve fallen in love, now I’m yours, take me” idea of how he meets his ‘lover’. In fact, the whole scene feels a little odd to me.
The ending ... well, I always knew he was going to win; it’s the first in a series, after all, so I expected it. But the ending felt a little too predictable and easy.
That being said, I’m still looking forward to reading the next book.
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chapters for him to decide to buy the kingdom, then drags me halfway through third chapter before he get there ...Things sped up a little after he reached Landover, though there were a few dull patches, it’s an overall good balance between action and the internal doubt Ben has for his position. The struggles, both the mental and the physical, were interesting and, sometimes, very cleverly dealt with (other times, Ben’s a diggleberry who deserves a good slappin’, but that’s just my opinion).
There are a few things that happen that are just plain strange. Perhaps that’s because I’m not all for the “you’ve spotted me, I’ve fallen in love, now I’m yours, take me” idea of how he meets his ‘lover’. In fact, the whole scene feels a little odd to me.
The ending ... well, I always knew he was going to win; it’s the first in a series, after all, so I expected it. But the ending felt a little too predictable and easy.
That being said, I’m still looking forward to reading the next book.
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LibraryThing member parelle
A perfectly enjoyable fantasy romp
LibraryThing member ddjiii
I remembered only after I downloaded the book that Terry Brooks was the author of the offensively derivative Shanarra series, so I went into the book expecting the worst. Sure enough, the writing is quite hackneyed - but the story pulled me in. Ben's character attracted me, and the struggle to make
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the magic kingdom work seemed a real one. Finally, this is a true fantasy story in which the main character has no fighting ability or magic powers (other than the talisman given to him, over which he has no control.) That is, Ben has to solve his problems just as you or I would. So, a reluctant but genuine recommendation. Show Less
LibraryThing member LaPhenix
A great read, this book really had me immersed in the world. While I didn't always agree with the decisions the author/characters made in the book, the story was exciting and surprising.
LibraryThing member bkwyrmy43
Was one of two books I had with me when I was backpacking around Europe for 6 weeks with my bff. I don't read a lot of fantasy, but loved this one enough to read it twice on my trip. My fellow traveller had it in his bag.
LibraryThing member utbw42
Loved this book, and wish I had read it when I was much younger. I thought the concept of a fantasy kingdom accessible by a hiking path in the mountains of Virginia was a very original concept, and the characters and settings in this book made it an enjoyable read. Looking forward to the future
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volumes in this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member Markthenils
This is a great story of a lawyer stuck in an every day routine, until he buys himself a kingdom. Great fun with sympathtetic characters and exciting adventures.
LibraryThing member Karlstar
A fantasy come to life - a kingdom for sale, one that comes with fairy creatures and magical powers! When Ben Holiday buys it, he gets everything he expected and the catch that came with it. I enjoyed these novels, who doesn't want to be king of a fairy kingdom? Like the Shannara books, the world
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is limited (who could afford one that wasn't?) and the characters are a bit limited too, but they are engaging and the books are well written and interesting. I find that Brooks is a sneaky good writer, sometimes his prose is surprisingly good. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Locus Award (Nominee — Fantasy Novel — 1987)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 1986)
Language
Original publication date
1986-04
Physical description
308 p.; 8.5 inches