The Seven Towers by Patricia C. Wrede: Let’s see here. Has it got…

…a worrywart prince investigating political intrigue? Check!
…a new royal advisor whose presence causes the king to act strangely? Check!
…and absent-minded sorceress who is actually extremely powerful? Check!
…a beautiful princess stressing over being betrothed to a man she’s never met? Check!
…a tough-talking but soft-hearted soldier? Check!
…an honor-obsessed desert nomad who speaks exclusively in awkward, desert-themed metaphors? Check!
…a nebulous, “undefeatable” enemy that is invariably defeated? Check!

Ah, but if I didn’t love fantasy cliches I wouldn’t read fantasy. This one was fun, if a bit forced in places. I’m not sure if I’d go out of my way to seek out other Wrede books, but this was a nice light read.

Also posted on BookCrossing.