Brandon Sanderson’s second secret project, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, is a polarizing comedic sci-fi novel centered around redemption. Prepare for a unique experience that might either captivate you or completely miss the mark.
“Your life isn’t unremarkable. You are merely living in the wrong time. Find your Perfect Dimension ™. Embrace your destiny— whether it be to bring Promethean light or exert relentless domination— and travel the dimensions. Become a wizard.”
After the success of Tress of the Emerald Sea, Sanderson delivers a novel that veers sharply from the expected. As someone who anticipated the other secret projects more eagerly, I found this one a mixed bag. While Tress of the Emerald Sea was a pleasant surprise, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England presented a blend of enjoyable and underwhelming elements.
“In the early 1960s, science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke formalized what would become his most famous truism: Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. This can be further extrapolated to Bagsworth’s Law ™: Any sufficiently trained modern person can become a god to those from previous eras. You may be mediocre by today’s standards. But in grade school you were taught a fundamental understanding of science, nature, and medicine— power that can establish dynasties, save millions of lives, and fundamentally change the world. And there are enough dimensions that each and every one of us can have our own.”
The story unfolds with a man awakening in medieval England, stripped of his memories. Armed only with a now-destroyed guidebook, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, he must navigate the unfamiliar world, recover his past, and forge alliances. Despite being marketed as a blend of Jason Bourne and epic fantasy, the novel leans heavily into sci-fi, complete with time travel, advanced technologies, and multiple dimensions. The narrative’s tone, however, is far from the gritty realism of Bourne; it’s primarily comedic, which is where some of the challenges arise.
“No, my lord,” Sefawynn said, tugging on my sleeve. “That is too cruel, even for them.” “Silence, thrael!” I bellowed at her. “Or I shall Nintendo you!”
The humor, while aiming for whimsy, often falls flat. Sanderson’s comedic writing in his Cosmere works is generally well-received, with characters like Wayne, Wit, Lopen, and Lightsong being fan favorites. However, in this novel, the jokes feel forced and geared towards a younger audience, leading to moments of secondhand embarrassment. While the comedic tone successfully sets a lighthearted mood, it sometimes detracts from the overall narrative.
Despite the comedic shortcomings, the main character’s development is a strong point. The theme of redemption, coupled with overcoming adversity and dismantling negative thought patterns, resonates powerfully as the protagonist’s past is gradually revealed. The gradual unveiling of his past and the battles he faces contribute significantly to the book’s appeal, especially in the latter half.
However, the supporting characters suffer from a lack of development due to the novel’s relatively short length. In first-person narratives like Red Rising Saga and The Will of the Many, authors skillfully create compelling supporting characters. The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, however, lacks the depth needed to make the supporting cast truly memorable.
The cover art for The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England showcases a vibrant and whimsical design, hinting at the unique blend of fantasy and science fiction within.
“Killing is desperation, not strength. To live without killing… that is a strong society. If the reverse were true, my lands would not be withering away, like crops long without water…” Damn, that guy could be profound. And depressing. Five stars. Should be narrating documentaries about disasters like Chernobyl. Or my love life.”
Sanderson’s world-building prowess remains evident, but the concept of multiple dimensions feels underdeveloped within the confines of a standalone novel. This intricate world with immense possibilities would thrive as the foundation for a series or interconnected standalone stories, allowing for greater exploration and depth. The Sanderlanche delivers a satisfying climax, but the world-building ultimately feels like an unrealized potential due to the story’s limited scope.
“The more I’ve studied history, the more I’ve realized that grand achievements aren’t so much about aptitude as about timing. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, history will fill important roles with the people it has available.”
Ultimately, rating this book is a challenge. Sanderson’s writing usually resonates deeply, but the comedic elements and underdeveloped supporting characters hold this novel back. However, the exceptional production value, particularly Steve Argyle’s stunning artwork, elevates the overall experience. With over 100 unique artworks, including chapter headers, full-color illustrations, and comic strips, the visual aspect of the book is undeniably impressive.
An interior illustration from The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook, showcasing the intricate details and artistic flair that enhance the reading experience.
“We get the word “wizard” itself from the same root as “wisdom.” While modern pop culture has co-opted the term to evoke the image of long beards, pointy hats, and the occasional bescarred boy with a wand, in ancient times it wasn’t so much the magic that identified these individuals. It was knowledge. Yes, this knowledge is often attached to the arcane or unseen in the stories— but what is magic but a science not yet discovered? In the life you now live, you might think yourself unaccomplished, stuck in a rut. You might mourn at how little you’ve accomplished. But in the scope of the history of humankind, you are a god. The knowledge you hold from a simple high school education is vast compared to the comprehensive knowledge of some of the weightiest minds in history. You carry technological marvels that could literally topple kingdoms in your pocket, or perhaps embedded in your own body.”
In conclusion, The Frugal Wizard’s Handbook for Surviving Medieval England is a mixed bag. While the core themes of redemption and self-improvement are compelling, the comedic execution and underdeveloped supporting characters detract from the overall experience. However, the stunning artwork significantly enhances the book’s appeal. As a standalone novel, it may not reach its full potential, but it remains a worthwhile read for Sanderson fans seeking something different.
“Do not be ashamed of your joy… Regardless of what aelv Ryan says. This is not a thing of shame. It is why I fight. It is why my sons bled. Never be ashamed of joy.”
