One of my favorite books of the last decade. I love Clementine and the rest of the book's characters. I strongly suggest this for mother-daughter read out loud book time. ( )

At first I just kind of liked this, but by the end I found myself really into the whole story and loving Clementine quite a bit so I bumped it up to 4 stars. At first it reminded me a little bit of [b: Castle Hangnail|22504710|Castle Hangnail|Ursula Vernon|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1408312316l/22504710._SX50_.jpg|41951499], but it's got a very different tone after the beginning. I loved the mixture of characters and I REALLY loved Darka's story arc. It's a weird blend of funny, poignant, and magical, so if you're looking for something a bit different it would be a good choice. ( )

Clementine’s father, the Dark Lord, is not doing well. It appears that he has been cursed. He forbids Clementine from going after the witch who placed the curse, and demands that she remain at the castle, overseeing the farm and grounds. But it’s obvious that her father’s magic is failing, and she’s going to need some help around the farm. Plus, the Council of Evil Overlords is demanding evidence of a dastardly deed in order for her father to remain in good standing. What’s a girl to do?

This book is good fun, though it perhaps doesn’t rise to the level of Diana Wynne Jones or Patricia C. Wrede. The characters are great and there’s some nice humor, but I thought the plot meandered a bit in the middle. Still, recommended for readers who enjoy this sort of juvenile fantasy. ( )

I received a gratis copy of the ebook for award consideration.

The Dark Lord Clementine is an incredibly witty, fun frolic in a fresh new fantasy world. I would have adored this book as a kid and enjoyed it as an adult too--and had to fight the urge to giggle aloud more than once as I read in a waiting room.

Clementine is the only child of the Dark Lord Elithor. She's been raised in isolation, instructed in the importance of villainy as she helps to manage their silent farm with nightmares and flaming chickens. When her father comes down with a dreadful curse, Clementine does her best to manage the estate, but as loneliness and desperation sets in, she is determined to take on the witch who cursed her father... and instead falls in with some people who might, possibly be her first friends.

What I loved about this book was that it's delightfully amusing and that the moral lesson of the book is always kept fun, never preachy. Clementine--and her dad--can't be TOO evil, after all. The end of the book is packed with surprises, too. Really, it's a fantastic read start to finish. How can I not love a book that has a spell-book-turned-into-a-chicken? ( )

I know lots of kids who will love Clementine! She is dark (of course, as an evil warlord) but also caring. She cared about keeping her Dad in the evil Lord business. I liked how she interacted with her friends and just how the whole world came together. ( )