Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold
Book Description
A kingdom teetering on the brink of ruin, an unexpected hero with nothing left to lose, and a price tag that defies imagination. When former corporate man Ben Holiday buys a magical realm called Landover, he steps into an enchanting yet treacherous world brimming with mystical creatures and dark sorcery. But power comes at a cost, and as Ben grapples with his new role, he must confront a shadowy menace threatening to unravel everything he hopes to protect. Will Ben rise to become the champion Landover desperately needs, or will he lose it all to the very darkness he seeks to vanquish?
Quick Book Summary
Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold by Terry Brooks is a fantasy adventure about Ben Holiday, a grieving former lawyer who, longing for escape, purchases a magical kingdom called Landover through a mysterious catalog advertisement. Expecting a dream come true, Ben instead discovers a crumbling realm bereft of leadership and spirit, riddled with internal divisions and threatened by dark forces. As Ben contends with suspicious subjects, quirky companions, and deadly threats, he must prove his worth as king and restore hope and order. Through wit, courage, and perseverance, Ben embarks on a transformative journey, redefining himself and reigniting the magic and unity Landover so desperately needs.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
Escaping Grief Through Fantasy
Ben Holiday, devastated by the death of his wife, is desperate for meaning and purpose. When he comes across an advertisement selling an entire magical kingdom, he sees it as an unlikely but alluring escape. With nothing left to lose, he takes a leap of faith and purchases Landover, hoping to find solace and a new beginning. The premise seems absurd, but Ben’s willingness to believe leads him to a wholly unexpected reality—and a world in desperate need.
Unexpected Costs of Leadership
The kingdom of Landover is not the idyllic haven Ben hoped for. Once there, he finds ruin, distrust, and apathy. The castle is in disrepair, monsters prowl the borders, and the land’s diverse inhabitants have little faith in a new king—especially a skeptical outsider. Ben must earn their loyalty without the comfort of his old life or familiar rules, navigating the complexities of magical politics and forging an alliance with a peculiar group of subjects, including a talking dog and a court wizard who proves more comedic than capable.
Building Trust and Unity
As Ben learns the ropes of ruling a fantastical land, he is confronted with external threats, particularly the sinister Mark, an ancient demon determined to destroy the heart of Landover and seize power for himself. Ben’s journey becomes one of maturation as he deals with betrayal, magical trials, and his own internal doubts. He comes to understand that effective leadership requires both empathy and resolve—and that the choices he makes directly influence those who depend on him.
Confronting Evil and Personal Fear
Through these adventures, Ben slowly unites Landover’s contentious groups and earns their respect by confronting dangers head-on. He learns to wield both authority and kindness, relying on the support of loyal companions while making difficult decisions. Along the way, Ben’s grief becomes a wellspring of strength, allowing him to redefine his identity and purpose among Landover’s magic and mayhem.
Transformation Through Adventure
By story’s end, Ben’s transformation is complete. He is no longer the broken man who bought a kingdom on a whim. Instead, he becomes the champion Landover needs—one who values the power of partnership and the responsibilities of leadership. The book closes with a sense of renewed hope and possibility, setting the stage for future adventures in a world where magic and imagination reign.
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