The Well-Favored Man: The Tale of the Sorcerer's Nephew

Combine the most unlikely ingredients: Shakespeare's Prospero and his descendents, a bit of Sword and Sorcery, some domestic and parlor politics, and, oh yes, the sciences of the late twentieth century and some science fiction tropes. Can such a recipe succeed? Well, yes, actually, in the hands of Elizabeth Willey. Prospero has retired and his heir presumptive Gwydion has taken over. The job provides Gwydion with a variety of challenges: there are manticores to be hunted, dragons to be deterred, suits at law to be settled, and a tragic death in the family to be reversed ... with the help of some twentieth-century science. Nor is Prospero's displeasure to be taken lightly as the old man's power and wisdom demand their due. The unlikely milieu ingredients are cleverly seasoned with comedy-of-manners and lively characters. And it all works, and works well. The result is best described as "charming." The story is continued in Willey's other books. This series deserves to be back in print.

Be careful as you read to avoid associations with Roger Zelazny's Amber Chronicles, with which it shares many elements: multiple universes, a larger-than-life family full of political intrigue, powerful magic, first-person viewpoint. But unlike Zelazny's Corwin, Willey's hero is young, inexperienced, and uncertain of his place in the Grand Scheme of Things. He makes mistakes, steps on toes, and -- most endearing -- loves his mother.Before you conclude that this all milquetoast and romance, I should point out the rollocking adventure, powerful magic, and especially the sense of mystery that pervades the book. Hopefully, this will come back into print. It's one of my favorites, and I hate to think of what will happen when my well-thumbed copy disintergrates.

Often fantasy books are full of fighting and blood, with very little character development. This book had some excellent scenes of conflict, but it also made you see the characters as people with needs, hopes, and ulterior motives. Even the hero is not always wonderful. Instead he ends up being one of the most likeable, human, and noble individuals I have ever encountered between the pages of a book. This might just be my favorite book of all time.