Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold by Terry Brooks - Jul 1986

Futura Publications, Jul 1986. Paperback. This novel represents Brook's first departure from the Shannara series.Set in the fantasy realm of Landover he brings a whole new cast of characters into play.Ben Holiday purchases the land from a gift catalogue.The gateway between the human world and the fantasy world is an intriguing one.The good plot is complimented by a strong cast of characters including:Abernathy the polymorphed,canine scribe,Questor Thews the loyal but inept court magician,the alluring Willow and the devious witch Nightshade.I especially liked the characterisation of the dragon Strabo as Brooks humanises him, this is especially apparent in the conversation between Holiday and Strabo prior to the io dust being used;making Strabo a more vivid character.Humour is also injected into the tale with the addition of the 2 ghome gnomes Filip and Sot."great high lord" "mighty high lord"to give a sample of their speech.The book comes to a particularly strong conclusion with Ben turning the tables on Nightshade,binding Strabo to his will,rescuing his conpanions,summoning the paladin and defeating the Iron Mark.To sum up Brooks opens up Lanover in fine style.