What they’re saying...
...about Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools
En route to the kingdom of Keladon, Sebastian and his talking 'buffalope', Max, meet Cornelius, a tiny but powerful warrior. Bloodthirsty brigands, damsels in distress, battles against overwhelming forces and mind-boggling conspiracies make this a rip-roaring adventure that will have you laughing out loud.
Tina Everitt, Waterstone's Harrods
Desperate for fame and fortune, Sebastian Darke sets off for the distant kingdom of Keladon, hoping to become court jester. Unfortunately, his world-weary travelling companion, Max the buffalope, tells much funnier jokes. When he finds a Princess in danger, Sebastian finds he needs courage and pluck - not jokes - to save her and his friends. Fantasy, traditional tale and pantomime blend in this action-packed, fast-moving story. Suspense alternates with humour and the breathtaking action scenes are brilliantly written.
Booktrusted.co.uk
Drawing on facets of the fantasy, mystery, comedy, action and adventure genres, Philip Caveney's great skill in his debut children's novel Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools is bringing together the familiar and the fresh for readers of all tastes, backgrounds and indeed ages.
Son of a jester, Sebastian Darke endeavours to appropriate his father's occupation and together with his trusty buffalope, Max, sets out to seek his fortune. That this aim seems ill-fated is evidenced by Darke's inability to imbue comedic value to even the most simple of jokes.
Together with the pint-sized Cornelius, Sebastian and Max aid the Princess Kerin, thereby becoming ensnared in a web of intrigue and cunning subterfuge. Only through their assistance will Princess Kerin be able to ascend to her rightful position as heir to the throne of Keladon, however Brigands abound as obstacles towards this.
Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools is a gripping quest novel that transports readers on a voyage across wide vistas of imaginative lands. Teasing out the elegance and grandeur of epics and energising these with fast-paced modern humour, the novel feels at once wholesome and wicked of wit...
Achuka.co.uk
Unputdownable! The comedy in the book makes it very enjoyable and you will keep turning page after page. There is also always something on the horizon that you just can't wait to find out what will happen when they get there.
CBBC Newsround
Crazy. Funny. Inventive. Emotive. These are just a few words that describe Philip Caveney's debut novel, The Prince of Fools. Packed with obscure characters and surprising plot twists, this is the perfect story for people who want a 'different' book.
The main character, Sebastian Darke, is now the family wage earner, and, along with his hairy and talkative sidekick, Max, he sets off to try his chances at jesting in the royal court of Keladon. The only thing is; he can't make anyone laugh... or can he? I liked this book very much, and enjoyed the plot's swiftness.
I think it's suitable for all ages, as there are different levels of humour and plot. Be prepared for laughs, sobs, and gory scenes. (Well, with a pint-sized warrior killing left, right and centre, there has to be a certain amount!)
Naomi Fitzpatrick, 12
Sebastian Darke is the author's debut work for children and is pitched squarely at the 9+ market. Featuring the eponymous hero (a would-be jester desperate to make money, let alone people laugh); a shaggy, sarcastic 'buffalope' called Max who can talk (and does, at great length); and Cornelius, an unlikely pint-size warrior who could give Zorro a run for his money. This is a fast, funny story that will grip readers from the very first page.
Red Fox Reading Gang