Prince of the Apple Towns: Book One of James and Jones

When Phillens Martens arrives clutching an apple-shaped brooch he desperately needs to be rid of, Jay and Jo aren't sure they can help. The item is extraordinary, the insurance implications are considerable, and their not-so-receptionist Suzé has opinions about all of it. But the brooch belongs to a world far stranger than their peculiar shop — a world of ancient towns, lost brooches, and a contest for a title that turns its holders into something more than human.

And someone very dangerous wants it back.

Witty, warm, and set in a world that rewards attention, Prince of the Apple Towns is the first adventure in the James and Jones series — perfect for readers who loved the imagination of Howl's Moving Castle or the offbeat charm of Piranesi.

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PRAISE FOR PRINCE OF THE APPLE TOWNS:

“Inventive, atmospheric, and wonderfully original — a must-read for fantasy fans seeking something different.” 

— Book Below

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FULL EDITORIAL REVIEW:

Prince of the Apple Towns surprised me in the best way. What begins as a story about magical brooches quickly unfolds into a vividly imaginative fantasy world with its own logic, history, and stakes. Phillens, entrusted with protecting the brooch Delcorf, becomes the gateway to a larger narrative involving competing Apple Towns, each with their own identity and abilities. Once James & Jones Intuitive Consultants enter the picture, the story expands into a surreal wonderland of transforming rooms, looping interior trains, and shifting landscapes.

Del Elle's world-building shines. The Apple Towns feel alive, the four-year competition to crown a Prince adds real tension, and the antagonists from Akane stand out as complex and purposeful rather than evil for the sake of it. Jo and Jay, the consultants, bring humour and balance to the story’s more intense moments.

The writing is richly visual—action scenes have a cinematic flair, and the descriptive style brings each setting to life. While the character names may take a moment to settle, the narrative flows smoothly once the rhythm clicks. The book concludes by setting up further adventures, leaving readers curious about what happens next for Phillens and the fate of Delcorf.

For readers who enjoy imaginative, unconventional fantasy worlds, Prince of the Apple Towns is a refreshing and original journey.

— Book Below Editorial Review