SEBASTIAN DARKE

In this rousing sequel to Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools (2008), “elfling” Sebastian abandons a disastrous career as a court jester and takes to the high seas in search of pirate treasure with Max, his witty talking buffalope, and Cornelius, his pint-sized warrior pal. En route to the port of Ramalat to hire a ship, the treasure hunters fall prey to a shape-shifting enchantress who bewitches Sebastian and obsessively stalks him throughout his quest. After engaging the fetching Captain Jenna Swift and her ship, the Sea Witch, the companions sail through dangerous waters infested with carnivorous keifers, battle unsavory pirates and narrowly escape giant lizards as they follow a cryptic map to Captain Callinestra’s hidden booty. Caveney successfully balances a fast-paced, action-packed plot with unabashed humor, a suggestion of romance and three unlikely heroes, whose foibles make them convincing as well as endearing. Sebastian remains naively irresistible and Cornelius fearlessly valorous while self-centered Max steals the show with his plaintive whining and droll wisecracks. Swashbuckling fare for fans of this original adventure series. (Fantasy. 12-17)