Standard Hero Behavior

Did you know that all famous pirates are named after their beards? Blackbeard, Bluebeard, Flamebeard, Trimbeard, Bushbeard. It's a tradition.

It's rare to find a humorous fantasy. There's always Terry Prachett, but teens might find it hard to get all the references in his books. John David Anderson writes a very funny story in Standard Hero Behavior - after all, everyone knows what a Standard Hero should behave like.

The story is the usual fantasy; a young boy sets out to find some heroes to defend his town, and also tries to find his father who has disappeared. Along with his friend Cowel and a horse named Steed (what better name for a horse after all?) Mason Quayle sets off on his quest. The going isn't easy. They encounter marauding pixies and other creatures who test their mettle. The motto is the uplifting "Anyone Can Be A Hero" but the way the story gets to that point is very entertaining and not preachy in the least.

Don't drink anything when you are reading this book: I laughed so hard I spilled tea on it...