DNF @20%. Thanks to the author/publisher for providing me with a free eARC through NetGalley.

Murray is a middle-aged, recently divorced man who pays the rent and cat food for his only remaining family member by writing technical manuals - for toasters and massage chairs. But one day he starts hearing in his head the voice of Hero, the protagonist of a YA fantasy he half-dreamed, half-began writing in a moment of despair over his life. Hero demands that he continue "weaving" her story to help her save her land of Dystpopia and unravel the secrets of her mother, named Mother, who died at the hands of evil enemies before Hero was born. (Yeah, I know...)

I was very interested in this metafictional premise, so I requested this ARC from NetGalley. Unfortunately, it didn't work out for me. I made sure to read way farther than I would have considered sufficient to decide that a book checked out from a library was not for me, to see if maybe it would catch on. I understand why it might be hilarious to some - after all, I recognize that the idea is to expose and poke fun at the clichés of the YA fantasy genre and the sloppy worldbuilding common in YA titles. I would want to enjoy the writing in addition to appreciating the concept, which I didn't, as there was too much bickering between Murray and Hero for me.

"Dystpopia! Hero's Quest" by David Horn is a clever, meta-fictional adventure that blurs the lines between author and character, reality and fiction, and creator and creation. The story is a playful and imaginative exploration of storytelling itself, centered on the dynamic between Murray, a struggling 45-year-old writer, and Hero, his fierce 17-year-old protagonist who refuses to let her story be dictated by anyone—even her own creator.

Set in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Lands, the novel follows Hero as she battles to save her Kingdom of Dystpopia from the Queendom of Fant, a rival power wielding dark magic. The stakes are high, but the real conflict arises when Hero becomes aware of Murray, the "Author," who is weaving her story. Frustrated with his control over her life—including an unwanted enemy-to-lover subplot—Hero begins to assert her own agency, challenging Murray’s narrative decisions and even taking control of the story herself.

The interplay between Murray and Hero is the heart of the novel, filled with humour, tension, and a surprising amount of heart. Their relationship evolves into a kind of father-daughter dynamic, with Murray struggling to balance his role as a creator with his growing affection for his headstrong protagonist. Meanwhile, Hero’s determination to forge her own path leads her on a wild journey through the Lands, where she encounters a colourful cast of characters, battles flying zombies, and confronts the dark forces threatening her kingdom.

The novel is packed with witty meta-commentary on the writing process, genre tropes, and the relationship between authors and their characters. Horn’s playful narrative style keeps readers engaged, as Murray and Hero trade barbs and compete for control of the story. The inclusion of flying zombies, magical battles, and a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland adds plenty of action and excitement, while the underlying themes of creativity, agency, and collaboration give the story depth.

Ultimately, "Dystpopia! Hero's Quest" is a celebration of storytelling, imagination, and the power of characters to take on a life of their own. It asks thought-provoking questions about who really controls a story—the author or the characters—and whether a happy ending is possible when the creator and creation are at odds. With its unique blend of humour, action, and meta-fiction, this novel is a must-read for fans of unconventional storytelling and genre-bending adventures.