The Accidental Highwayman

by Ben Tripp

[Beth C.]

I have not read any of Ben Tripp's books before, but the title of this one suited my fancy and the description sounded like it could be a right romp. It was fun and clever and magical, often all at the same time! I'm already anxious for book two (this is the first in a trilogy), because I have decided that I adore the characters.

We have our friend Kit, who is parentless and was taken in by his current master, a wealthy man who gambles and seems to like sleep little. About the time Kit finds out the reasons for his master's sleeplessness is also the time that said master shows up in the kitchen, near to death. Using his wits (as few as there might sometimes be), Kit manages to escape with little other than his master's clothes, his will and his horse. From there, his life takes an amazing turn - he finds out magical beings exist, tries his hand at rescuing a princess, wonders if baboons can talk, and...well, there is more. Much more. It's a fabulously fun story.

The characters are the best part of this tale. A half-fairy princess, a love-lorn tightrope walker, a crazy uncle...and of course, the baboon. They are all brilliantly written and had me wishing I was friends with them all.

I love it when a story transports me, and this one did. I will be anxiously awaiting the sequel, and looking at more of Mr. Tripp's work in the meantime.