Special Review: Rutland Quincy Sherwood's Unbelievable Guide to Salvaging the Impossible

Special Review: 

Rutland Quincy Sherwood's Unbelievable Guide to Salvaging the Impossible

The Story:
Arthur Sherwood and his love Eliza have just gotten married when they're met by the mysterious Chadwick von Winkler, an old partner of Arthur's uncle Rutland.  He informs Arthur that Rutland is still alive and missing, and he has to be found in order to save the magical land of Adelmar from the evil Kepler and his sorcerer Keres.  Embarking on another magical adventure, Arthur and his friends find more twists and turns, and learn some shocking revelations that threaten to change their world forever.

The Synopsis:
The much-anticipated sequel to my friend's previous book "The Last Will and Testament of the Incredible Mr. Rutland Quincy Sherwood," this novel takes what made the first book great and adds an even more meaningful depth and meaning than originally expected.  Much like true sequels, it manages to both maintain strong character development and provide exciting twists and turns that are pleasantly unexpected and yet wholly plausible, culminating in another fantastic, fanciful adventure into the world of the unknown.

Drawing illusions from great films like "National Treasure" and "The Da Vinci Code," this novel again reunites our favorite hero Arthur with his ragtag team of adventurers as they go on yet another perilous journey to discover that which is lost and return it to where it came, but this time they're not searching for a fabled object, but rather the illustrious Mr. Rutland Sherwood, whom was thought to be dead.  Their journey leads them to the mythical world of Adelmar, which they find has come mostly under the control of the evil sorceress Keres, who works for the evil Kepler, who longs to control all three mythical worlds.  They must decipher clues, learn new magic, and rely on old heritage to make it through alive and rescue all the worlds from the evil that threatens to encompass them.

"Rutland Quincy Sherwood was by no means a man of simple truths or small adventures, no, rather he was a man of gaping wide mystery with enough secrets that would take all of eternity to uncover."  Thus are the first words of the novel and, much like an exciting start to a fantastic film, sets the tone for the remainder of the story.  Much like the thesis statement of a report, it serves as much more than just a simple opening paragraph, but rather serves as a roadmap of what's to come.  Set in London, the book features strong characters who deliver their lines with fun British wit and ironic sarcasm, providing an enjoyable ride as you imagine the story being told on screen.

There's a line given later in the book that reads, "sometimes the truth is best kept secret," and the truths in this book are revealed with intense gusto and provides some truly shocking moments that adds more depth and emotion to the story.  Much like the first novel, you cannot take what happens at face value, but rather offers a deeper meaning to everything you read.  It's a tremendous undertaking that adds a deeper sense of nuance to the story that's more than just surface level.

The story focuses on an evil man who wishes to gain control of all worlds due to his pride and envy, and shows how such pitfalls can destroy not just the man, but everything and everyone around him.  In an effort to gain control of everything, Kepler destines himself to destroy everything in his path instead, leading to a world of ruin and despair in what was once full of light and love.  The novel so beautifully tells us that the most important things in life is love, family, and an innocent child-like thirst for adventure, rather than seeking out monetary gains and popular opinion.

Author Daniel Reed manages to tell his story in vivid detail, offering imagery and detailed descriptions in ways that make us feel like we're the unmentioned fellow adventurer in Arthur's journey, and fully encapsulates us in the story.  Much like great authors C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein, Reed also manages to provide us with deeply religious allegories and symbolism in ways that don't come off as preachy or generic, but rather adds a deeper sense of the mythology of the world he provides, and offers a different way for us to look at things that normally appear stoic and static, by bringing it to marvelous life.

In no uncertain terms, the novel leads way to a third outing, and I simply can't wait for the next adventure to arrive.

The Summary:
Offering a fantastical world of imagery and imagination, author Daniel Reed again takes us to his mythical world, providing a fantastic adventure that showcases the best in all of us, and how good can truly triumph over evil.

The Score: A