Prince of the Apple Towns

Most people pass the shop without a second glance, mistaking it for an old estate agent with bad signage. But inside, James (Jay), Jones (Jo), and their not-so-receptionist Suzé tackle problems that shouldn’t exist.



When Phillens Martens arrives clutching an apple-shaped brooch, they’re drawn into a tangle of illusionists, collectors, and the ancient title of Prince of the Apple Towns — a title that tends to cause chaos for whoever holds it.



Witty, wondrous, and brimming with invention, Prince of the Apple Towns is the first adventure in James and Jones — a whimsical fantasy series about a not-so-ordinary shop, its impossible cases, and the unlikely team who take them on.



PRAISE FOR PRINCE OF THE APPLE TOWNS

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

— Book Below



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