The newest book by Wisconsin author David Michael Williams comes out October 6, 2020 and it’s a humorous, coming-of-age YA novel for geeks everywhere.
The Lost Tale of Sir Larpsalot is described as a cross between Galaxy Quest and Dungeons & Dragons and has many of our favorite things…
As the first day of high school creeps closer, five friends agree to one last LARP before splitting the party and ending their geeky game forever.
But the real adventure is just beginning…
Mistaking the teens’ costumed characters for actual warriors, a sorceress summons Sir Larpsalot, Elvish Presley, Brutus the Bullheaded, Master Prospero, and Tom Foolery to her world to complete an impossible quest. To succeed, they must become the heroes they only ever pretended to be.
And if they can’t find a way to win, it’s GAME OVER for real!
Williams, who had his own son in mind while writing, specifically wanted to write a humorous, fast-paced novel that would catch the attention of young adults already interested in fantasy gaming or graphic novels. But the non-stop references to the fantasy RPG world are sure to please anyone who’s done a bit of questing themselves, no matter the age.
That doesn’t mean The Lost Tale of Sir Larpsalot will rely on tired tropes and trends. Williams specifically wanted to fiddle with fantasy cliches and smash stereotypes. He said, “The Lost Tale of Sir Larpsalot is what’s called a portal fantasy, but the heroes of my story have a bit of an advantage in that they know how fantasy quests work–or at least they think they do.”
Williams added, “In some ways, it’s every gamer’s dream come true and nightmare rolled into one.”
In writing a book about larpers, Williams explores what it means to grow up and whether or not you ever have to stop playing make-believe. It’s a coming-of-age tale like you’ve never read before, all set in Fond du Lac, WI.
You can get your paperback and Kindle editions of The Lost Tale of Sir Larpsalot on October 6.
Learn more about David Michel Williams and his fantasy and dreampunk novels on his website David-Michael-Williams.com.