| Third and last book in the trilogy which was later published in one volume as the Reluctant King, this volume picks up after Jorian has escaped the seige of Iraz and represents the last attempt to rescue his lady love Estrildis from captivity. Xylar will exchange her gladly for his head; as ex-king he blocks them from gaining a new king becuase their political system requires the king's head be chopped off after five years and tossed into the crowd to see who catches it and becomes the lucky person for the next five year term.
Novaria, the setting of the trilogy and several other books, is explored more. And provides the mishaps that get in his way: a demon too busy to do his job right, lasso men from Xylar trying to pull him back, evading said men while trying to sneak back, and assorted other perils. In the end Jorian does discover true love. Albeit you'll never figure out how if you are used to reading save-the-princess-kill-the-monster romances.
One thing I like about de Camp's writing is that it's fairly well thought out and detailed. Novaria is a real world with it's own character. Jorian himself is a story teller and that in itself indicates the dedication to story telling de Camp possesses because, unlike some books, Jorian actually can mesmerize the audience with stories. Unique tales at that.
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