The Thirteenth Prince Review

Published on 3 February 2025 at 21:41

In the Eternal Empire the Department of War has a plan. A plan for plunder. A plan for conquest.

In the League of Cities they say the Prince will return when he’s needed. That there will always be a Prince, when he’s needed. And every man, woman and child thinks it could be them.

For two lowly functionaries, stopping a doomed invasion might seem like a steep hill to climb. But when all you have is your wits and a broken heart, you really don’t have much to lose.

 

A fantasy novel with accountants and subversive twists

'Fantasy' novels are usually known for their grand settings, their world-building, magical battles with dungeons and dragons, but every so often a book comes along that is entirely unique. Joel Glover's book intricately weaves the seemingly mundane profession of accounting into a fantasy world, and this was a refreshingly different experience for me. 

The protagonist, Gene quickly became one of my favourite characters, unlike in traditional fantasy books, usual 'heroes' wield swords or harness magical abilities, but Gene, well...his greatest weapon is his intelligence. His talents lie in seeing patterns in numbers- in a world where uncovering hidden truths mean the difference between war and peace. His analytical behaviour sets him apart, making him a character to root for as he works out a plan an attempt to prevent impending disaster, via a memo from the Department Of War. 

Another standout character for me is Kostya, whose constant stream of foul language and blunt remarks made him a joy to read, wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea but for those who read my blogs, or follow me on social media probably know why I enjoyed him so much. His crude humour and unfiltered speech brings a comedic realism to the dialogue. My favourite sarcastic remark was this one:

"Oh, you thought, did you? Well fuck me, that's a nice change of scenery alright. Doing your own thinking again, are you? After the time where it turned out that doing your own thinking was, in fact, a recipe for a total fucking disaster?"

His language was not only entertaining, but revealing of a great personality, a counterbalance to Gene's more methodical nature adds depth to their dynamic. Many others can struggle to create names, cities, government structures that feel original and immersive. Joel managed to create a setting that is also rich with political intrigue. The idea that entire cities believe they are the next 'prince' fuels much of the book's conflict, and drives tension between powerful and even ordinary citizens. The only critique I have about this novel, is the lack of setting/imagery. I would of liked more of a feel of the physical description of the areas. However, the notion of competing egos and self-importance creates another great backdrop for the story. 

One of the most striking aspects of this novel is it's reversal of traditional gender dynamics. In this world, men are perceived as the weaker sex- a narrative choice that can upend some conventional fantasy trope. I liked this perspective, it added an extra layer of intrigue. This theme is woven seamlessly into the story, rather than feeling forced or gimmicky, which speaks to Joel's skill as a writer. His writing style was another major highlight for me. Told in first person, lacing with sarcastic monologue that never feels forced, it flows naturally, making it fun to read. It's the kind of dry wit that doesn't try too hard and lands perfectly without even realising it. It's evident a great deal of research/planning went into crafting the story. Beyond the humour and action, there are deeper themes at play, whether that is through political power, societal expectations or the nature of intelligence, makes this novel into something thought-provoking.

I actually spoke to Joel after I read this book, due to the fact the ending of it got me a tad emotion. But let's not get into any spoilers shall we?
It's the first true fleshed out novel that I have read of Joels. I have always been a fan of his children's books, as all my children adore them and we have recently brought his latest one. 

Overall this book stands out as a different fantasy for all the right reasons. If you're looking for something different and a unique take on fantasy storytelling, give Joel a chance. His writing has crafted something special here, and I can't wait to read more from him in the future.

 

To follow the author:
X- @booksafterbed
Joel Glover (author) | Instagram | Linktree

To buy his books: (Also Available as KU)
https://amzn.to/4jKKuF8
Amazon.co.uk: Joel Glover: books, biography, latest update

 

 

 

 

 

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