It has been many years since the demon war, and the demons themselves are starting to become mythological and underestimated in the minds of those that never knew them. This book is set to release on the 3rd of August. Thank you to Harper Collins/Voyager for the early proof copy and the chance to give an honest review. Peephole in my Skull - Desert Prince Cover Reveal and Sample Chapter by PeatB March 9, 2021 at 11:41 am Darin faces challenges of a different kind. Though free to choose his own path, the weight of legacy hangs heavy around his shoulders. It isn’t easy being the son of the man people say saved the world. Everyone expects greatness from Darin, but the only thing he’s ever been great at is hiding.

It has been quite awhile since I read The Demon Cycle series, and was pretty great getting to read this book set in the same world, but seventeen years later. Our main characters are the children of the heroes from the first book, which is a big burden to carry. I think I would have enjoyed this book without reading the earlier series, but seeing some of those original characters, even briefly, was pretty great. Gizmodo - Get an Exclusive Peek at Peter V. Brett's Return to the Demon Cycle World With The Desert Prince by Cheryl Eddy March 8, 2021 1:30PM The writing itself goes at a steady pace and is split up into the point of view of two characters - Olive Paper and Darin Bales. I enjoyed both characters but have a special place in my heart for little Darin. The secondary characters are equally enjoyable and varied. They are all brave and clever and strong in their own ways, there will be someone for everyone to relate to. With the characters of this book being a little younger (teenagers) than those in The Demon Cycle series, this book feels a little more in the Young Adult genre with themes of "coming of age" and "finding oneself". I really enjoyed both Olive and Darin’s POVs. They both have their own challenges to overcome and Brett manages to write both very well. Olive is a hermaphrodite in the true sense of the Greek myth. She has been raised a girl by her mother but he is seen as a man by his Krasian relatives so a large part of Olive’s story is coming to terms with identity, especially when Olive is neither male nor female, but both. It’s a more literal interpretation of a teenager coming to terms with who they are and I liked the way Brett wrote it. Darin’s story is one of having to overcome the legacy of his father, especially when he feels that he cannot live up to Arlen and what he did.

USA (Tachyon/Subterranean Press)

I held out hope with every hour that I would see some transformation in the characters presented in this book. The main character changed her gender identity but seemed to embrace only the most boorish characteristics of the male sex. She/he was self-centered and egotistical to the very end of the book never recognizing the roles of her "friends" or the contributions of others. She/he would have an internal dialogue identifying this shortcoming, but dared not show weakness by voicing her appreciation for others while openly lambasting those who would not recognize or stand-up for him/her. Only his/her feelings were important. Then there is the other "main" character Darren who is insecure, self-deprecating and continually manipulated by his friends. He exhibits zero growth throughout the book and is largely ignored by the author. Heart-wrenching, smart, and modern . . . TheDesertPrince has set a new standard for fantasy.”—Wesley Chu, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The War Arts Saga There is plenty of action and combat with sprinkles of character growth and mystery. The climax of the story will only leave you wanting more from all the characters presented. Peter V. Brett shows us once again why he is a best selling author and I look forward to reading the sequel, whenever that may be. I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.

The story is told from the tight first person points of view of two very different characters. Both are teenagers, but I would not characterize this book as young adult, even though in many aspects these characters and their friends are all coming of age. Both characters are intriguing and their development bodes well for the next book. The world: The world building is beautifully done, everything makes sense, and I loved the creativity behind the two different cities. It really felt like a world where Aladdin could take place, without being an exact copy of every other Aladdin story. The Desert Prince has a brilliant new cover by Demon Cyclecover artist Larry Rostantwith model xhenetzen. everyone says my da saved the world … Sometimes I catch them staring, like they’re expecting me to do something amazing. And when I don’t, I can smell their disappointment. Olive Paper and Darin Bales have grown up in this new peaceful world. Demons have been all but destroyed, but dangers still lurk for the children of heroes.This imaginative retelling of Aladdin has enough similarities to be recognizable, but doesn't tie itself too tightly to the details of the original tale.