(Review) The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle

THIS is the second part of children’s author Christopher Healy’s Hero’s Guide trilogy, which focuses on the ‘Princes Charming’ from popular ­fairytales, who have been overshadowed by their more famous princesses.
The princes – the brave Liam, oddball Duncan, cowardly Frederic and muscle-bound Gustav – formed the League of Princes in the first book, and embarked on an adventure together with the fiesty Cinderella (known as Ella) to save their various kingdoms from an evil witch.
While the group managed to defeat their enemy, they also made a new one – Deeb Rauber the Bandit King, a 10-year-old leader of a vicious army of marauders.
The story begins one year afterwards, when the princes are trying to live down their notoriety from their earlier adventure.
However, things soon get complicated when Liam is kidnapped by his ex-fiance, the evil and somewhat psychotic Briar Rose (of Sleeping Beauty fame), and forced to marry her.
His friends try to rescue him, but are soon threatened by Briar into stealing the mysterious Sword of Erinthia for her, which she needs as part of another ambitious plot that involves ruling the entire land.
However, the sword is in the possession of the Bandit King, and the League of Princes must figure out how to break into his castle.
Despite not having read the first book, I found the story pretty easy to follow. The characters are all interesting and humorous, even the villains, and this is a refreshing take on fairytales which your young ones will enjoy.
Of the four princes, the most ‘conventional’ hero would be Liam, although the others all have their own lovable traits and special skills.
Gustav wants nothing more than to fight, Frederic wants to run away, and Duncan just wants to be himself. Overall, it’s a fun ride for the readers as the heroes try to save the day.
I would definitely recommend reading the first book, The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, and the third and final book, The Hero’s Guide to Being an Outlaw.