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The Reluctant King

Published
Oct 1996
Main Genre
Science Fiction Sci-Fi
Rating
Pages
688

About This Book

The King had a good head on his shoulders—for the moment, anyway.

Everyone agreed that King Jorian of Xylar had been a good and just ruler. In fact, many also agreed that, in this case, it was a pity that the laws of Xylar decreed that each randomly chosen King must reign for only five years and then, after due pomp and ceremony, have his head cut off! Understandably, Jorian himself was wholeheartedly in agreement with the second sentiment, so with the help of a spell provided by the wizard Karadur, he escaped from the beheading ceremony with his head still on his shoulders.

Unfortunately, his beloved wife, Queen Estrildis, was left behind, and getting her out of Xylar would be anything but simple—particularly with the Royal Guard of Xylar hot on the trail of their fugitive monarch. With Karadur's magic, Jorian might be able to pull off the rescue. But first, he would have to locate a trove of ancient spells, deal with an enemy wizard, steal an item from a 500-year-old (but still beautiful) princess who turns into a giant serpent at inopportune moments, repair the giant tower clocks of Iraz to fulfill a prophecy, break a pirate siege, and finally fly back to Xylar in an enchanted bathtub and whisk away his beloved Estrildis before the Royal Guard notices that their King (not to mention his head) has returned. Then things began to get complicated...


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Paperback

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Mass Market Paperback
First Edition Oct 1996 Baen ISBN 0671877461
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eBook

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Nov 2016 Baen Books ISBN B01M7TN93K
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Nov 2016 Baen
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Nov 2016 Baen Publishing Enterprises ISBN 1625795440
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Dec 2012 Audible Studios ISBN B00AMCGUIM
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