Fool Me Twice

VOYA

Filidor Vesh, the underachieving nephew of the Archon, or absolute ruler of Old Earth, returns in Hughes's dryly funny sequel to Fools Errant (Warner, 2001/VOYA April 2001). Now the Archon's apprentice, Filidor sallies forth in search of his possibly kidnapped uncle and a certainly beautiful girl. Instead of the ravenous beasts, raging mobs, and evil wizard that he encountered in his earlier saga, Filidor must cope with philosophical pirates, ardent alien converts, a troupe of actors who support their performances through theft, and a transcosmic integrator that has become lodged in his left ear. Abandoned by his treacherous majordomo and his documents stolen by the beautiful yet tricky Emmlyn, the Archon's nephew pursues his mission across the variegated landscape of Old Earth undeterred. In true picaresque fashion, Filidor overcomes all obstacles, defeats an evil plot to disassemble the Archon, becomes the appointed UnderArchon, and performs a speaking part in a masque at his own engagement party. Teens who value the ironic wit of Jack Vance, Tom Holt, and Terry Pratchett will appreciate this literate romp. Purchase where Filidor's introduction to readers circulates well. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2001, Warner, 287p,
— Marsha Valance