The Dark Lord of Derkholm is a fantasy novel written by Diana Wynne Jones. It takes place in a parody of a high fantasy world first explored in Jones' humorous guidebook in the Rough Guide model, Tough Guide to Fantasyland.

Plot Introduction

Mr. Chesney's Pilgrim Parties descend once a year from a nearby world, expecting all the trappings of a fantasy land: Dark Lord, Evil Enchantress, Winged Minions, Wizard Guides.

This fantasy world is nothing like that. But Mr. Chesney is backed by a very powerful demon, so the entire world must put on an enormous act, just for the tourists, and it is devastating the fantasy world.

An Oracle is consulted, and the only way to stop the tours is to make Wizard Derk the next Dark Lord, and his son, Blade, must become a Wizard Guide. This book entails their adventures as they struggle to put on a show for the Pilgrims, and end up ending them forever.

Diana Wynne Jones novels