Django Wexler’s How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying is what happens when epic fantasy crashes into Groundhog Day and Deadpool. It’s chaotic, clever, and absolutely bursting with energy. This is a story that gleefully mocks fantasy tropes while still delivering the kind of immersive worldbuilding and heart you’d expect from a serious high fantasy saga.
A Hero Who’s Done Saving the World
Meet Davi, a reluctant hero who’s lived through this story a few hundred times already. Every life ends the same way: she fights the Dark Lord, dies in some creatively brutal fashion, and wakes up at the beginning again. After hundreds of cycles of defeat, she decides she’s tired of being the savior. If the Dark Lord always wins, then maybe it’s time to join the winning side.
So begins Davi’s most entertaining and unhinged reincarnation yet one where she sets out to become the Dark Lord herself. What follows is a wild ride full of orcs, yetis, fox-wilders, stone-eaters, betrayal, snarky one-liners, and a surprising amount of emotional depth beneath the humor.
Fantasy Meets Comedy Gold
Wexler strikes a perfect balance between biting satire and genuine adventure. Davi’s voice is sardonic, brash, and full of life (and expletives). Her commentary on fantasy politics, hero complexes, and the absurdity of moral binaries keeps the book as sharp as it is funny. Fans of Guardians of the Galaxy, Discworld, or irreverent fantasy humor will feel right at home here.
As reviewer Jamie put it, the tone is “amazeballs” irreverent, bawdy, and often laugh-out-loud funny. Davi’s diverse band of misfits includes everything from orcs to sly fox-people, each with a distinct personality that makes their chaotic journey toward the Dark Convocation a joy to follow. The banter is quick, the pacing relentless, and the worldbuilding surprisingly rich for such a comedic narrative.
Beneath the Snark, a Touch of Existentialism
But what makes How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying stand out from a simple parody is its heart. Beneath the irreverent humor and over-the-top violence lies an unexpectedly poignant meditation on exhaustion, trauma, and the futility of repetition. After hundreds of lifetimes dying for a cause that never changes, Davi’s cynicism feels earned. Her decision to “go dark” isn’t pure evil it’s rebellion, survival, and a desperate search for meaning.
As Carol from Goodreads noted, the book’s humor sometimes leans juvenile or too flippant, especially around violence or sensitive topics. Yet that same tone cleverly mirrors Davi’s dissociation after centuries of looping deaths. Her snark becomes a coping mechanism, turning gallows humor into a survival tool.
The supporting cast shines as well, especially Droff, the stoic “stone-eater” whose deadpan lines provide some of the funniest and most unexpectedly heartfelt moments in the book. And while the ending delivers a brutal cliffhanger, it also sets the stage for what promises to be an even wilder sequel.
Final Thoughts
How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying is irreverent, bloody, and wickedly smart. It’s a love letter to gamers, fantasy fans, and anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at the Chosen One trope. Davi isn’t your typical hero or even your typical villain and that’s exactly what makes her story so addictive.
Wexler’s writing is fast-paced, full of personality, and never afraid to get messy. If you like your fantasy with a generous dose of humor, meta-commentary, and emotional chaos, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.
✨ Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 stars
A sharp, hilarious, and surprisingly thoughtful adventure about breaking cycles, redefining power, and embracing chaos.
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