One of our masters of comedy writing is back with the third book and final book (or is it?) in the fabulous Pete McGee (the one-armed knight) series.
I loved the first two books in this hilarious series, about a one-armed knight tasked with saving those he loves and finding the famed Wilderene Flower--a bloom known for its life-giving magic.
So far, Pete has saved his mum's life, thwarted an evil King, fallen in love, pulverised some zombie knights and generally triumphed over tragedy.
In Book Three--The Master of Darkness--Pete meets his worst foe yet. The Master of Darkness. But not only that, there's Bob. Bob the Blob. An evil, squidgy, beanbag-like creation released from its cell of woe, and UNleashed onto Pete. You will be quite simply terrified.
It's hard to decide which Pete McGee book I like best, but I must admit this third book had me laughing--or at the very least, harrumphing--on almost every page. I simply adore the Wallace Wit and writing style; and this read is a sail-through of action and tongue-in-cheek evil, with strong characters, a dastardly evil protagonist that's almost Austin Powers in his manner and hilarity, and a lovely chug of romance.
The lovely subplots of Ashlyn and Marloynne's wedding and the friendship jostling between Smithers and Malloy, are all topped off with a divine Bridezilla moment women will relate to. And I simply adore the snappy ending, when we discover the fate of Green Book.
Brilliant stuff. Such a shame Wallace is drawing closed the noose on this series.
Or is he? (queue ominous music)
See our reviews of Book One: The Journey of Pete McGee and Book Two: Dawn of the Zombie Knights.
Note: the publisher has listed this book as Young Adult fiction, however its content is more middle fiction, with mild mature concepts. Best suited for kids 11+.
Title: Pete McGee and the Master of Darkness
Author: Adam Wallace
Publisher: JoJo Publishing, $14.99 RRP
Publication Date: 30 June 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780987463562
For ages: 11+
Type: Middle Fiction