You Asked for It… by Sydney Salier

You Asked For It… caught my attention because it has a very different premise, and after reading so many P&P variations, I crave for anything that is remotely different and original. In this book, a Dark Lord from another galaxy has a mechanical issue in his spaceship that forces him to land on earth, more specifically in Meryton in 1812.

This was the best thing that could have happened to this Dark Lord, who has never been accepted by his peers due to his oddities, so he decides to use his powers to convince Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley to invite him to join their party just before arriving in Meryton.

I know the premise seems a bit silly, but in fact, the only change this will cause in the story is the additional character who will behave in a very gentlemanlike behaviour… most of the times. I say most of the times because throughout the entire story he will be completely honest with everyone, saying exactly what is on his mind without any fear of the consequences, and putting everyone in their right place.

He starts by telling Darcy how rude he is during the Meryton assembly, forcing him to apologise to Elizabeth, and he continues by telling Miss Bingley what no one has the courage to tell her. He doesn’t stop there, he will also make it clear he despises Mr. Bennet’s indolence, and will clash with Mrs. Bennet because of the upbringing she is giving Lydia, going so far as to tell her that she is doing a great job if her intuit is to raise a prostitute.

I particularly enjoyed seeing how his interference helped Mary grow confidence and become an accomplished lady, and how it helped Lydia change her wild behaviour.

All these scenes are incredibly funny, and let’s face it, who hasn’t dreamed of doing that himself? The Dark Lords’s truthful remarks will obviously have an impact on all characters, making them think about their failures and change their behaviour, so the journey to the happily ever after is faster, especially because due to his machinations Darcy doesn’t behave so badly and Elizabeth gets to know his true character much sooner.

He also help their romance by matchmaking and protecting Darcy from Miss Bingley’s attentions, which is also very funny!

This story follows cannon closely but because of the Dark Lord’s interference it ends much sooner, with everyone still in the Meryton neighbourhood. I really enjoyed reading this book, even if the story becomes a little slow paced towards the end.

I recommend it to readers who want an original and funny story that aims to improve the characters behaviour, and who do not mind the sci-fi element, which was actually what lead me to read it in the first place.

You can find You Asked for It… at:

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

and on Kindle Unlimited