“Tough Traveling” is a weekly Thursday feature created by Nathan at Review Barn where participants make a new list each week based on The Tough Guide to Fantasyland by Diana Wynne Jones. This hilarious little book cheerfully pokes fun at the most prevalent tropes in fantasy. All are welcome to take part, and there is a link up over at his site. Join in any time!
This week’s trope is KINGS:
KINGS come in four kinds: Puppet Kings, Bad Kings, Good Kings (rare), and Long Lost Kings.
Lookit, a list of entirely Tamora Pierce books! I’ve been waiting for this moment for months now. I tried to get them all in the same duolgoy, but it sadly wasn’t possible. If one of you reads a Tammy book I will consider it a Christmas miracle!
![]() Dunevon comes to the throne of the Copper Isles as a child, and under very tragic circumstances. He is obviously controlled by his regents, Rubinyan and Imajane who are some seriously sinister puppet-masters. While many perceive Rubinyan as the true master (since he’s a man) it is his wife Imajane who is the real threat to both the child king and his subjects. |
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![]() King Jonathan is firmly in the :good king” category since he cares about the people and makes good political decisions for the good of Tortall rather than personal gain. Some characters in the Tortall universe are critical of Jonathan and say that while he is a good king, in his personal life he can be arrogant and haughty. It’s nice to know that even the good kings aren’t perfect! |
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