Review by ReyvrexQuestor Reyes -- Fish Wielder
Posted: 01 Nov 2018, 04:17
[Following is a volunteer review of "Fish Wielder" by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison.]
4 out of 4 stars
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The novel of J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison, Fish Wielder, tells of a fantastical story about the hilarious and perilous escapades of the barbarian known as Thoral Mighty Fist. Depressed, he hangs around the bars in the mystical world of Grome, while he looks for fights, in a seeming death wish. And as danger seems to be a predominant gene in this barbarian’s genome, naturally, he comes prepared for eventualities. His habiliment includes a magic broadsword, which hangs on a belt along the waistline of his pirate outfit, and a talking Koi carp, named Bradfast --- Brad for short --- which is a vocabulary expert, quite remarkable for a carp, although not so much a requirement for battling unschooled criminals and cutthroats. Brad lives in a leather pouch hanging by Thoral’s waist, as do hang other pouches of leather and velvet, containing herbs and additional magic accouterments that Thoral could use, provided he doesn’t forget the spell or incantation that applies. And mark that you do not misconstrue Thoral as being that blood-thirsty, as blood-thirsty barbarians go. He only does this with an ulterior motive, that is, in the hope to come across the monster, or scoundrels, who messed up with his family and wizard mentor.
The epithet, Thoral Mighty Fist, is not inapplicable to his person, really. Standing six feet tall, with a powerfully built body, and with exemplary fighting skills, he is perhaps the manliest warrior in all of Grome, by Gromish standard, of course. He has to be, not only for his reputation, but also for the sake of Brad, or else, Brad ends up as carp casserole in some barbarian smorgasbord, if otherwise. But rest assured, Thoral is the good guy, having saved a king, and an Elfin princess, which complicated matters.
His main goal is to wipe out the Bad Religion, which is poised for world domination by, among other things, getting hold of the Goomy Crystal in order to find the Pudding of Power. So many blocking his way literally became roadkills, but will he succeed, being aided by the Brotherhood of the Pudding?
The author, Jim Hardison, has surely a knack for making the ridiculous funny, in a subtle way. Take, for instance, Brad, of all creatures for a sidekick, why this fish? I presume this is a sort of parody for a companion. During the Medieval times, it became customary for people to have demons familiar. Witches and wizards had, but in such a way that these creatures possess apparent usefulness, unlike Brad here which can sometimes become a liability. A dragon would have been much more convenient in battles. In fairness, Thoral has an intelligent horse called Warlordhorse, which is okay. Don Quixote has Rosinante, the Lone Ranger has Tonto, and the Roman Emperor Caligula has Incitatus, among the ones I could recall. So, Mr Hardison got it right on this. Just imagine having a horse like Incitatus, appointed Consul of Rome.
One thing I could say, on a sour note, regards this novel is the way it conforms to the apparent norm of other out-of-this-world fantasy stories. An object, creature, or relic of the mythical world is always brought unwittingly into the real time. Can the novel be more original?
I am entertained, no doubt, with the witty repartees between the characters, human, animal, or other taxonomic genus. Of course, I have to admit, I am not a fair judge between what’s humorous or absurd. But that can’t stand on the way of my enjoyment.
The editing of this novel seems adeptly done, and I can hardly make an issue with it, if any. So, without hesitation, I recommend this to readers of the fictional genre. For the record, 4 out of 4 stars is my rating for this novel.
******
Fish Wielder
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
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4 out of 4 stars
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The novel of J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison, Fish Wielder, tells of a fantastical story about the hilarious and perilous escapades of the barbarian known as Thoral Mighty Fist. Depressed, he hangs around the bars in the mystical world of Grome, while he looks for fights, in a seeming death wish. And as danger seems to be a predominant gene in this barbarian’s genome, naturally, he comes prepared for eventualities. His habiliment includes a magic broadsword, which hangs on a belt along the waistline of his pirate outfit, and a talking Koi carp, named Bradfast --- Brad for short --- which is a vocabulary expert, quite remarkable for a carp, although not so much a requirement for battling unschooled criminals and cutthroats. Brad lives in a leather pouch hanging by Thoral’s waist, as do hang other pouches of leather and velvet, containing herbs and additional magic accouterments that Thoral could use, provided he doesn’t forget the spell or incantation that applies. And mark that you do not misconstrue Thoral as being that blood-thirsty, as blood-thirsty barbarians go. He only does this with an ulterior motive, that is, in the hope to come across the monster, or scoundrels, who messed up with his family and wizard mentor.
The epithet, Thoral Mighty Fist, is not inapplicable to his person, really. Standing six feet tall, with a powerfully built body, and with exemplary fighting skills, he is perhaps the manliest warrior in all of Grome, by Gromish standard, of course. He has to be, not only for his reputation, but also for the sake of Brad, or else, Brad ends up as carp casserole in some barbarian smorgasbord, if otherwise. But rest assured, Thoral is the good guy, having saved a king, and an Elfin princess, which complicated matters.
His main goal is to wipe out the Bad Religion, which is poised for world domination by, among other things, getting hold of the Goomy Crystal in order to find the Pudding of Power. So many blocking his way literally became roadkills, but will he succeed, being aided by the Brotherhood of the Pudding?
The author, Jim Hardison, has surely a knack for making the ridiculous funny, in a subtle way. Take, for instance, Brad, of all creatures for a sidekick, why this fish? I presume this is a sort of parody for a companion. During the Medieval times, it became customary for people to have demons familiar. Witches and wizards had, but in such a way that these creatures possess apparent usefulness, unlike Brad here which can sometimes become a liability. A dragon would have been much more convenient in battles. In fairness, Thoral has an intelligent horse called Warlordhorse, which is okay. Don Quixote has Rosinante, the Lone Ranger has Tonto, and the Roman Emperor Caligula has Incitatus, among the ones I could recall. So, Mr Hardison got it right on this. Just imagine having a horse like Incitatus, appointed Consul of Rome.
One thing I could say, on a sour note, regards this novel is the way it conforms to the apparent norm of other out-of-this-world fantasy stories. An object, creature, or relic of the mythical world is always brought unwittingly into the real time. Can the novel be more original?
I am entertained, no doubt, with the witty repartees between the characters, human, animal, or other taxonomic genus. Of course, I have to admit, I am not a fair judge between what’s humorous or absurd. But that can’t stand on the way of my enjoyment.
The editing of this novel seems adeptly done, and I can hardly make an issue with it, if any. So, without hesitation, I recommend this to readers of the fictional genre. For the record, 4 out of 4 stars is my rating for this novel.
******
Fish Wielder
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Like ReyvrexQuestor Reyes's review? Post a comment saying so!
