(See, Clopper's not the only one who can write puns.) But all the characters are solid, and the story moves at a pretty fair clip, culminating in an epic ending.Īs I said, I had the privilege of reading an early pre-publication copy of this novel, and there are a number of things the author has since adjusted and improved based on feedback from myself and other beta readers. On this journey of discovery, my favorite character has to be the magical tree, dubbed Sir Franklin, who leaves his roots behind and branches out in an effort not to leaf Ned to fend for himself on his quest. And why is he in the company of Aunt Nance and four lovely princesses?

Clopper goes all out in this tale of a dragonslayer who's lost his memory and has to figure out how he's supposed to continue his trade when he has no recollection of his skills. This is a solid tale of princesses, dragons, and not-quite-dragonslayers Can he make the world outside of the reservation safe for the princesses? Will he uncover the true threat to the maidens' well-being? Can he find his father before he must face off against the nefarious black dragon, Rackeesus, who dogs his trail every step of the way? Find out Ned's fate in this rousing tale that blends fantasy with mystery and heaping helpings of wit. Along the way, Ned picks up a tree sidekick, a wizard versed in the ludicrous art of pun magic, and a healthy respect for both princesses and dragons alike. With the help of three motivated princesses and one who's rather a hindrance, he sets out to uncover his missing memories and reveal the truth of the Firebreaks' dealings with the dragons of the Eight Kingdoms. When Ned wakes up from a coma, he finds key memories relating to his rescue missions and missing-in-action father erased by magic. At least that's what their brochure would have you believe. After dispatching the unruly lizards, this father/son team brings back the fair maidens to live on their magically protected princess reservation. The Firebreaks are a family of dragonslayers.

Ned Firebreak by Brian Clopper