One wizard. One competition. One spectacularly bad feeling about all of it. If there’s one wizard Jackdaw can’t stand, it’s Merlin. So when a letter arrives from the most legendary mage of all time, he prepares for the worst. Instead, he gets an opportunity. Jackdaw has been chosen to host the annual Battle of the Bards, a high-profile magical competition that could finally secure his reputation as one of the Beandom’s premier prognosticators. All he has to do is keep things running smoothly, impress Merlin, and not embarrass himself in front of a crowd of dangerously talented musicians. Naturally, things go very wrong. As the contestants arrive, so does something far more troubling. A creeping darkness begins to spread through the Beandom, and it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary competition. A sinister plot is unfolding, one that threatens to turn music into a weapon, eliminate the competition permanently, and enslave the entire realm. With the help of his friends, Jackdaw must uncover the truth, stop the chaos, and somehow survive a festival that is rapidly turning into a disaster of magical proportions.

Perfect for readers who love:

• Humorous fantasy packed with wit and chaos

• Magical competitions and clever twists

• Misfit heroes who are in way over their heads

• Fast-paced adventures with heart and humor

For fans of Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, and wildly unpredictable fantasy quests. The music is starting. The stakes are rising. And Jackdaw is about to find out just how dangerous a song can be.