His past assignment blew up in his face... is New Ottosland ready for this?

For the life of him, Gerald Dunwoody can't seem to keep a job or a roof over his head. When disaster strikes again it looks like his days of being a wizard are over for good... until his friend Monk, genius of the government's secret research department, helps him to get appointed as Royal Court Wizard to the King of New Ottosland. His offsider, Reg, an ensorcelled bird with a mysterious past, isn't so sure this is a good idea. But Gerald's choices are limited. It's New Ottosland or starve. 

But once Gerald arrives it quickly becomes clear that King Lional isn't the vain, indolent young man he appears to be. And with the passing of time, it becomes even clearer that Lional's plans may not, in fact, be in Gerald's best interests...