Book: Morfran, Dark Lord Reformed by West, S.B.
Reviewed by bookwyrm_in_kc
Rating: 4/5
Morfran, Dark Lord Reformed is funny, a little ridiculous and absolutely delightful. Morfran is the former Dark Lord who took over the entire realm before age 40. But his Dark Lady Ravana (and now ex-wife) and his idiotic, village burning soldiers took all the joy out of ruling (because he's a DARK lord, not an EVIL lord), so he absconded from his keep 10 months ago to live the quiet life of a goat farmer and jam maker.
But his life of peace is short lived, because his ex has found him and sent his former soldiers after him. So he flees his farm and accidentally stumbles into the rebellion who are mobilizing to take back the kingdom and string him (and his ex) up for their Dark Lord/Lady crimes. Lucky for him, they don't recognize him. Unlucky for him, they're very suspicious of him/his motives (as they should be, because he plots to escape them multiple times throughout the story).
Morfran's internal monologue is amusing, because he frequently has imaginary arguments with Benjamin, his nanny goat. His internal Beni definitely functions as his conscience at times. I liked how Morfran doesn't just suddenly decide to be "good". His reformation from Dark Lord to good person is a process, fueled by the decisions he makes every day.
Thank you Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to advance read!