u/Lady_Lynx

Hello! I read a book in the 2000's (but it was a pulp-y paperback which felt and looked like it was from the 90's) which had a medieval setting in a world with magic, very swords and sorcery.

It involved a young man who was seemingly resisting the Call of the Hero, who worked (possibly was forced to work) at a stall selling magic potions, and there MAY have been a talking bird sidekick. I think there may have been a battle between the kingdom and an invading force which he was tangled up in at the end of the book, and magic eventually saved them.

I remember the story had a satirical and anachronistic/modern feel to it, self-referential and snarky, and was similar to Terry Prachett but as far as I know it wasn't Prachett. I was middle-school aged when I got my hands on this in a used bookshop, but it read like it was for young adults.

Any help appreciated, this has been bugging me for a while!