The beloved novel that spawned the cult classic film. Embark on a tale of true love and swashbuckling adventure like no other. Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father; prepare to die! Beautiful, flaxen-haired Buttercup has fallen for Westley, the farm boy. When he departs to make his fortune, she vows never to love another. But when she hears that his ship has been captured by the Dread Pirate Roberts - who never leaves survivors - her heart is broken. Buttercup's charms draw the attention of the relentless Prince Humperdinck who wants a wife and will go to any lengths to make her his bride. But there are other plans afoot. Plans involving mercenaries, giants, criminal philosophers, villainous counts, and pirates. So begins one of modern storytelling's most beloved tales. ________________________ 'As brilliant and funny as its screen version' Observer 'One of the funniest, most original, and deeply moving novels I have read in a long time' Los Angeles Times 'Both modern and timeless' Neon 'A wonderful fairy tale' The Times

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About the author
William Goldman
Author
William Goldman was an American novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. He first came to prominence in the 1950s as a novelist before turning to screenwriting. Among other accolades, Goldman won two Academy Awards in both writing categories: first for Best Original Screenplay for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) and then for Best Adapted Screenplay for All the President's Men (1976).
The Princess Bride
by William Goldman
Books Like The Princess Bride
If you're looking for books similar to The Princess Bride, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Name of the Wind
Patrick Rothfuss
A richly imagined fantasy that follows Kvothe, a legendary wizard recounting his extraordinary life story. The narrative combines adventure, magic, and personal quest with witty storytelling and complex characters. While more serious in tone, it shares the original storytelling approach and deep character development found in The Princess Bride. Kvothe's journey is filled with wit, danger, and unexpected turns.
The Lies of Locke Lamora
Scott Lynch
A cunning tale of clever thieves in a richly detailed fantasy world. Locke Lamora leads a band of con artists through elaborate schemes in the city of Camorr. The book combines sharp wit, intricate plotting, and swashbuckling adventure reminiscent of The Princess Bride. Its blend of humor, action, and unexpected twists will appeal to fans of Goldman's storytelling style.
Good Omens
Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
A hilarious collaboration about an angel and demon trying to prevent the apocalypse. The book combines razor-sharp wit, unexpected characters, and a playful approach to epic storytelling. Like The Princess Bride, it subverts genre expectations and delivers comedy alongside genuine adventure. Its irreverent humor and creative narrative make it a perfect recommendation for fans of Goldman's style.
Stardust
Neil Gaiman
A whimsical fantasy adventure that captures the spirit of fairy tale romance and heroic quests. Young Tristan Thorn ventures beyond the wall of his village to retrieve a fallen star for his beloved. His journey leads him into a magical realm filled with unexpected characters and dangerous challenges. Like The Princess Bride, it blends humor, adventure, and true love in a playful narrative that subverts traditional fantasy tropes.
The Wee Free Men
Terry Pratchett
A humorous fantasy following young witch Tiffany Aching and her band of tiny, rowdy fairy allies. The book combines clever humor, magical adventure, and a young protagonist facing extraordinary challenges. Pratchett's witty narrative style and playful approach to fantasy echo the spirit of The Princess Bride. Tiffany's determination and the story's comedic elements make it a delightful recommendation.
Mort
Terry Pratchett
A comedic fantasy about Death's apprentice learning the trade of collecting souls. The book combines philosophical humor, magical adventure, and unexpected character development. Pratchett's witty narrative style and playful approach to fantasy mirror the spirit of The Princess Bride. Mort's journey is filled with clever observations and humorous encounters that will delight fans of Goldman's storytelling.
Howl's Moving Castle
Diana Wynne Jones
A charming fantasy about Sophie, a young woman transformed into an old woman by a witch's curse. She finds herself in the magical moving castle of the wizard Howl, embarking on a humorous and adventurous journey. The book combines magical elements, romance, and clever humor similar to The Princess Bride. Sophie's witty resilience and the story's playful tone make it a delightful companion read.
The Amulet of Samarkand
Jonathan Stroud
The first book in the Bartimaeus Trilogy, featuring a young magician and a sarcastic djinni. The story combines magical adventure with witty dialogue and unexpected plot twists. Its blend of humor, magical elements, and complex characters echoes the storytelling approach of The Princess Bride. The narrative's clever tone and imaginative world-building make it an engaging recommendation.
Neverwhere
Neil Gaiman
An urban fantasy following Richard Mayhew, who is pulled into London's magical underground world. The story blends humor, adventure, and strange encounters with a protagonist thrust into an extraordinary journey. Like The Princess Bride, it features unexpected heroes, witty dialogue, and a sense of magical possibility. Richard's transformation mirrors the unexpected heroism found in Goldman's classic.
Dealing with Dragons
Patricia C. Wrede
A delightful fantasy about Princess Cimorene, who refuses to be a traditional princess and instead becomes a dragon's assistant. The book playfully subverts fairy tale tropes with humor and strong character agency. Its witty approach to fantasy and adventurous spirit closely align with The Princess Bride's narrative style. Cimorene's rebellious nature and the story's clever humor make it a perfect companion read.
Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine
A creative retelling of Cinderella where the protagonist is cursed with absolute obedience. Ella must find a way to break her magical curse and forge her own destiny. The book shares The Princess Bride's playful approach to fairy tale conventions and features a strong, witty protagonist. Its blend of romance, adventure, and humor makes it a charming companion read.
The Tough Guide to Fantasyland
Diana Wynne Jones
A satirical guidebook that hilariously deconstructs fantasy novel conventions. While not a traditional narrative, it shares The Princess Bride's meta-fictional approach and sharp humor about fantasy tropes. The book offers a witty, insider's look at fantasy storytelling that fans of Goldman's playful narrative will appreciate. Its clever commentary provides a unique perspective on the genre.
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