Mightier than the Sword by Drew Callander (review)

You wake up on a deserted beach in a strange fictional land called Astorya, where characters created by humans are stored for safekeeping thanks to the Couriers, protectors of stories. You don’t know who you are or why you’re in Astorya but you quickly learn that you, the reader, are the hero of this tale wherein Prince S. has been captured by a nasty queen and Astorya is in danger of complete erasure. Along with an assorted band of characters including a stoat with a thick French accent, a Pegasus-centaur who doubles as the sheriff, a mind-reading chamalien (camouflaging alien), a ninja, and a giant dung beetle that likes to hug and travels by GPS (Giant Poop Ship), you set off on a rescue mission to find Prince S. and get home, wherever home is. An opening note explains the interactive nature of this Carrollian adventure written in the second person, and arch humor and goofy jokes provide continual laughter along the way. The book gives readers the power to influence their own story, and it will tickle readers who appreciate creative interactivity such as contributing to the story in Mad Libs–style sections. Humorous footnotes ramp up the jokes, a shortcut ending adds a loopy option, and softly sketched but detailed monochromatic illustrations (and some flipbook art) provide visual entertainment.