Review: A Fable of Desolation and Do-Overs

Of all the ARCs I received so far from the Dungeons and Legends series, A Fable of Desolation and Do-Overs by Sydney Winward is the closest interpretation to an actual RPG. This book takes place in a Dungeons and Dragons-inspired world with elves, magic, and monsters. It follows a video game-style quest that feels like it came straight out of a modern anime and covers everything from time travel to tyrannical monarchs to apocalyptic catastrophes while still having time for an endearing romance and a cute animal sidekick. Though I wasn't familiar with the story of Koschei the Deathless that inspired this book, it drew more elements from anime and RPG tropes that I know quite well.


Our story begins after the worst has already happened. The wicked force plaguing the elf kingdom took many lives. A heroic elf named Lirael uses a magic crystal to go back in time and try to prevent it from happening again. He teams up with his brother, Myrren, and together, they seek the aid of Shaelin, a rogue elf responsible for assassinating the tyrannical king. Lirael swore loyalty to the elf queen, who was just as bad, placing him in a negative light with Shaelin. The two must learn to overcome their differences and work together if they want to prevent the tragic future that Lirael came from.

Though not quite a LitRPG, this book reads just like a DnD campaign. Each character has their own weapons, spells, and abilities that they use to battle monsters that appear through magic gates they encounter along their journey while making the occasional questionable decision. Lirael and Shaelin are polar opposites, which creates an interesting dynamic with lots of banter. Lirael is loyal and practical, while Shaelin is impulsive and rebellious. Myrren stands between them as a mediator to ensure they remain in sight of their goal.

This book contains the same non-stop action as a fun RPG campaign. It's great for readers who enjoy fast pacing and lots of suspense. It might be more of a struggle for those who prefer cozy fantasy with slow-burn romance. Shaelin's adorable weasel companion adds levity to the story, balancing out the chaos and destruction. The story takes place in a magical elf kingdom with a flawed monarchy, and there is an underlying political message of rebellion.

Overall, A Fable of Desolation and Do-Overs is a perfect entry for the Dungeons and Legends series. It has all the makings of a great RPG campaign without having to worry about rolling dice or losing battles (because that already happened before the book started). It evokes a powerful message of hope after trauma through elves with strong personalities and lots of banter. If you're looking for a book that feels like watching a modern-day fantasy anime, this is the one for you.

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