Witches Be Crazy

May 4, 2015
Hunder's debut, an excursion into comic epic fantasy parody, tilts at many of the favorite windmills of the genre, but it's loaded with historical and genre allusions that may leave readers puzzled. In the mythical kingdom of Jenair, King Ik is sick unto death, with only a newfound daughter to succeed him. Assorted high- and low-born hopefuls launch into a perilous quest for her hand and a lifetime meal ticket. Enter bumptious blacksmith Dungar Loloth, whose tavern sideline has picked up since the great search began. Drawn into the quest himself, Dungar is joined by a series of familiar fantasy types: Jiminy, his relentlessly devoted best pal; Sir Pent, a muddled knight in dinged-up armor; Rainchild, a malevolent wizard; pirate Captain Nobeard; dangerous nymphs; and a flock of gruesomely portrayed feminists. This adventure parallels the Odyssey and all its imitators, couched in language that sometimes warrants a chuckle. It goes on several adventures too long for its slim framework to bear, reprising characters to pad out Hunder's clever but essentially one-shot shtick. One of its own characters may too optimistically suggest "a sequel, I think."

June 15, 2015

This fast-paced and humorous take on traditional fantasy stories stars Dungar Loloth, a middle-aged blacksmith-turned-innkeeper with a reputation for grumpiness and violence, and mysterious musician and sidekick Jiminy. These two unlikely heroes may be the only ones who can save the kingdom after the untimely death of King Ik. But to reach the palace they will have to battle deranged knights, magical trees, and a remarkably dangerous village of man-hating women. Assisted by gay pirates, a disgraced knight, and two women who fled their community of misandrists, Dungar and Jiminy take on desperate odds in their quest. VERDICT Hunder's engaging debut cleverly skewers traditional fantasy tropes with two seemingly unbeatable (and unconventional) protagonists, and the nonstop action will keep readers flipping the pages late into the night. Suggest to fans of Tom Holt who appreciate his mix of humor and imagination.--JM

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