published 1996; hardback 1996; paperback 1997, Tor Books

Paul McCartney once wrote: "Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be. There's a shadow hanging over me."

The legendary ex-Beatle and sometime vegetarian food guru might have been talking about Prince Amatus of the Kingdom, the main character of John Barnes' One for the Morning Glory. Both funny and unexpectedly touching, this novel is likely to carve itself a small but hallowed place in fantasy literature.

As a young child, Prince Amatus drank a magical potion called the Wine of the Gods. This mishap caused him to literally become half a person: one side of his body disappeared. It also caused his father, King Boniface, to dismiss or execute the young Prince's retainers, who were supposed to prevent such accidents from happening. After a lengthy job search, no suitable candidates had been found to take their places ... until the day four strangers came to the Kingdom.

The four odd travelers -- Golias, Mortis, Psyche, and the Twisted Man -- filled the positions of royal alchemist, court witch, maidservant, and captain of the guard, respectively. Their coming was a mystery, as was their bond to the prince and to each other. But the talents of all four would be needed for the Prince to win back his kingdom after a treacherous invasion, avenge the death of his father, and become a whole man at last.

One for the Morning Glory is written in a style that has been aptly compared to The Once and Future King and The Princess Bride. I was impressed by Barnes' ability to be consistently humorous without descending into sarcasm or cynicism. One for the Morning Glory is a charming, warm-hearted read.

Review by Sara Lipowitz
Reviewed February 15, 1998

ISBN 0-312-86106-0

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