Blue Moon Rising (Forest Kingdom series Book 1)

Poor Prince Rupert. Born the second son of the bankrupt Forest kingdom, he is sent out by the king to slay a dragon but the hope is that he will be killed because the kingdom does not want a second prince. Rupert does indeed find more than he ever bargained for. On his quest, with his friend Unicorn he finds a sword-welding princess along with a flatulent dragon who begs Rupert to save the dragon from the princess! I found myself laughing out loud at Rupert's (and the dragon's) dilemma. Instead of slaying the dragon, Rupert heads back with his charges to the intrigue of the forest kingdom wherein he discovers that the DarkWood is quietly spreading wherein demons are on the move and Wild Magic is becoming stronger, hence the Blue Moon Rising. Rupert and friends must find a way to stop it before the Forest Kingdom is overcome the DarkWood and all they know will be lost.Rupert had had a rough start in life, his lot in life was destined to be the ridiculed, unwanted son who was always came in second to his more charming older brother. He even came in second after rescuing the princess; while Rupert was off on a time-consuming and dangerous quest, his beloved princess bedded down with the older brother. Rupert always chalked his hardships as doing his duty even when everyone in his life had a hand in causing him some type torment. I loved the dragon and the unicorn, even the goblins. These mythical creatures were very endearing.Although this is no epic fantasy story, Blue Moon Rising is well-written with a fair amount of humor, action, and intrigue for some easy reading.

I was very pleasantly surprised with this book and the rest of the series as well. Both plot and characters were well developed. It is hard to find something new in this genre that I have been reading for 40 some odd years so it is really fun to find a new, to me at least, author who can make it feel exciting again. Keep it up. My old favorite authors are slowing down or retiring, I need some new ones to step up like Green did here.

This book started out like a witty quest story, with a smart-mouthed unicorn being ridden by a cynical prince. I read on, enjoying the humor. And the plot kept building. And the characters kept deepening. And I found myself in the middle of a poignant story, with true surprises and seriously emotional moments. The ending had some obvious elements, but also some clever surprises.What started as a fun read ended as a true gem of a story. The humor never weakened while the other elements continued to grow. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

I love Simon Green's books. They're always fun, snarky, and classic "our heroes battling against impossible odds". This is the story of Raul and Julia, two very reluctant Royals whose respective families can't stand either of them, so of course they're the perfect couple. Add in a dragon who collects butterflies, a unicorn who talks, and enough Royal politics to make your head hurt - and you've got a fairy tale story for today's jaded adults. This is grown-up Grimm, and hilarious!

In BLUE MOON RISING, Simon Green masterfully challenges the stereotypes we see in so many fantasy novels, deftly weaving a story that is engaging and action packed without leaving the reader wondering why they bothered. Very little in this book happens as it should in what might be called a traditional fantasy novel. Still, Green weaves his tale so well that the reader is certain the story could not happen any other way. Unfair things happen to the hero, good things happen to the bad guy, and creatures usually found as good or bad in other fantasy worlds are really neither in Green's world.While BLUE MOON RISING simply cannot be classed with high fantasy novels such as those written by Tolkein, Jordan, Eddings, or perhaps Goodkind, I believe that if you appreciate these authors or solid fantasy authors like Elizabeth Moon (who wrote the Paksenarrion trilogy), you will enjoy this book.

Villains galore with no redeeming values fall by the wayside to Heroes with major attitudes. Intrigue, betrayal, magic of all sorts, monsters of all shapes and sizes and thorough it all a glimpse of the intrigues of High Court life that parallel all too closely the world around us. But Heroes arise, sometimes from unexpected places and circumstances, usually with little fanfare and do the heavy lifting.The author here keeps it moving, keeps it fun, and with his usual flair fills the pages with dry wit and characters to thoroughly enjoy. This work takes us in a different direction from Eddie Drood and Molly, but with a clear familiarity of character types.Great fun !

I read this book over 20 years ago, after having read the entire Hawk and Fisher series. I have to say this book is great, both as prequel and as a stand alone story. It is an interesting take on prince rescuing the princess, quite diffrent than what would be normally be expected in such a story, and well worth your time. It has definitely stayed in my reread list over the years. I don't want to spoil the story, but Simon Green wrote an amazing cast of characters for this, and while a little violent for younger readers, it is a fast paced story that you won't want to put down. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I read this book for the first time over two decades ago. It’s still one of my favorites. It definitely doesn’t fit the mold of normal high fantasy, but somewhere between the sarcasm, the snarky comedy, and the gritty realism, true idealism endures and even flourishes. Friendship, honor, duty, and love. This will always be one of my favorite books!

A brilliant foray into the forest Kingdom this was a great start to what will be another great series from Simon r Green, Rupert is just what a Prince should be strong sarcastic a bit jadeded and in love with the princess who can hold her own and fight her own battles without someone telling her how too

I like everything written by Simon Green and have bought the complete series. Excellent light reading. Recommend anything he writes. I'm awaiting his laundry list to come into print.

Read this book a few years ago lent it out and could not get it back so was really glad to find a kindle copy

love this book, funny, fast, heroic, magical and action packed, not that rupert would like that. it's just good fun.

Enjoyed