Book details
DARK LORD OF DERKHOLM PB
Description
A hilarious adventure about a fantasy world in danger of destruction from that most vile of threats… tourism .Winner of the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature in 1999.A humorous fantasy from Diana Wynne Jones. In a world next door to ours, the tourist industry is devastating the population by its desire to experience all the fantasy clichés - Dark Lords, impoverished villages, dragons etc.The Head of the University resolves to shut the tours down; the only problem being the ruthless tour-master - and his all-powerful demons. To save them all, the incompetent wizard Derk is appointed as Dark Lord in the hope that he will ruin the tours, and sure enough proceeds to fail at everything due to his general uselessness. But can failing at everything lead to a win this time?
Age
12-17
Text complexity
proficient
Length
509 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Engaging Fantasy World: 'Dark Lord of Derkholm' is set in a richly imagined fantasy world that combines magic, mythical creatures, and unique characters, making it a captivating read for fans of the genre.
- Subversion of Tropes: Diana Wynne Jones cleverly subverts typical fantasy tropes, offering a fresh and humorous take on the genre. The book plays with the idea of roles and expectations in a fantasy setting, providing a unique and entertaining perspective.
- Complex Characters: The novel features a diverse cast of well-developed characters, each with their own distinct personalities and growth arcs. Readers will find themselves invested in the fates and struggles of the characters, particularly the wizard Derk and his family.
- Thought-Provoking Themes: While the book is humorous and light-hearted, it also touches on deeper themes such as the exploitation of land and people, the nature of good and evil, and the consequences of tourism on a fantasy world, encouraging readers to think critically about these issues.