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Another excellent volume in the Fables series. The Arabian Fables have sent Sindbad as a visiting emissary to speak with the Western Fables about setting up a Fabletown East. Unfortunately there are some differences between the Arabian and Western Fables. The Arabians still keep slaves, which goes against the anti-slavery laws of Fabletown.
Sindbad tries to emulate the Western Fables (Prince Charming and the former Mayor) and this causes his Vizier, Usuf, to think that Sinbad is becoming an infidel. Usuf summons a Djinn and gives it three commands. First to kill all the people who support Sinbad; second kill all the Fabletown leaders and third to grant Usuf a wealthy and powerful life. This might seem bad save that Frau Totenkinder knows what's going on. She changes Usuf's words to the Djinn and wreaks havoc with his plans and ends in his painful demise. But the former Mayor is made into the Ambassador to Arabian Fables.

The second part of the story has to do with one of Gepetto's wooden soldiers. He falls in love with a wooden girl and requests that both be turned into flesh. Gepetto agrees but in return the two must carry out a mission for him. They are infiltrated into the Mundy world and now act as spies and occasional assassins for the Adversary. But spending time among Mundy's, and expecting a baby, they begin to question their future.

As with the rest of these volumes, it is beautifully illustrated. A smooth, fast paced story. There are too many different subplots and stories to list in my review. That's why this is such a great series. The events play out over volumes and that gives it a grand scale. Still while this grand tale is being told Fables has a remarkable ability to make even the subplots and side stories (that may take up an issue or two) become some memorable moments. It is also becoming clear that even the little stories may have a large effect down the road. That is good writing. The addition of the Arabian fables is a cool idea. But as varied as this motley collection is by far, my most favorite character is Frau Totenkinder. She always seems this nice, old and frail grandmotherly type sitting in her rocking chair and knitting. This hides one of the most powerful, devious and skilled magic users in this world. Period. Her utter destruction of Baba Yaga was proof enough, but her brilliant ploy to destroy Usuf's plan was truly superb. Hats off to Frau Totenkinder a great character and one of my favorites in any series. Fables is a gem that I recommend to any one who is interested in good art, great writing and a large cast of characters.