Deep Secret by Diana Wynne Jones

[meganbmoore]

Rupert Venables is the magid (assigned magician/guardian) of Earth, and assigned the task of locating the heir of the recently deceased Koryfonic Emperor. This is a task made ridiculously difficult by layers and layers of secrets and codes, resulting in Rupert arranging for all the possible heirs to attend a fantasy convention so he can have them all in one place. Accompanying him are the ghost of his mentor and his ridiculously good looking neighbor, Andrew, who seems determined to tag along. Among the possible heirs are Maree and Nick, the niece and son of the convention’s guest of honor, who Rupert recently met disastrously.

I haven’t been to many conventions (specifically, I’ve been to one convention twice) but this is a very entertaining depiction of one. Rupert is something of a jerk, but a largely likable one, and I’m exceptionally fond of Maree’s bitterness. Many of the characters and their motivations and explanations make me want to cock my head to the side in the hopes that they’ll be more sensible that way, but it’s largely best to just go along for the ride and assume it will all come to a natural conclusion.

It’s a very entertaining ride, if a sometimes confusing one.