Peter & Max : A Fables Novel

A Fables Novel

Peter & Max is a stand alone novel set within the Fables world but easily accessed by readers unfamiliar with the comic books. It is the story of the Piper brothers, Peter, the pickled pepper picker, and his older brother Max. Sons in a musical troupe, Peter is the more naturally gifted musician, a fact that Max can never accept. When their father gives the magical family heirloom, a flute named Frost, to Peter, Max goes mad with jealousy and seeks out black magic in his attempt to steal the flute for himself. Descending into madness, he becomes the Pied Piper and Peter is forced to pursue him as he brings death and destruction wherever he goes.

With the black and white illustrations by experienced Fables inker Steve Leialoha adding to the fairy tale charm of the story, Willingham has done a great job transitioning from the shorter comic book medium to the longer, more sustained novel format. If there is any criticism it is only that the first two chapters are blatantly expositional as Willingham tries to bring new readers up to date with his Fables world before launching into the story proper. Don't be put off by this clunky beginning — it's like the safety drill before a parachute jump — just push through it and enjoy the adventure. Based on the long-running and award-winning comic book series "Fables, Peter & Max" spans medieval times to the present day as Peter Piper and his older brother encounter ominous forces in the deepest dark of The Black Forest.

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