Review of Fish Wielder
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Shaz Young
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Review of Fish Wielder
[Following is a volunteer review of "Fish Wielder" by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison.]
Toward the end of the 1960s, a group of British comedians took on a quest to turn the hero's journey into a comedic, satirical television show. They came up with Monty Python's Flying Circus, making 45 episodes over 4 series. I was too young to watch at the time of initial airing. But I caught every rerun, and I loved them all, time and time anew. I've been missing their comedy troupe for the last three years ... since I no longer have a box! I was thinking I'd never have a good chuckle again ... and then I found Fish Wielder by J.R.R.R. (Jim) HARDISON. His working style reminded me so much of that comedy parody, I adored every minute of his fable. Jim has a screenwriting and animation background and that cartoonist humour sure shines throughout this writing of his first novel. The central character, Thoral Mighty Fist, was once a weedy human on Earth. He finds himself in the mysterious fantasy land of Grome. Where he is a golden locked, Shakespearian-speaking, sword-wielding barbarian. Perhaps with a flourish of He-Man and Captain Hook on the side. He acquires a tiger-striped steed, superhuman strength, and a magic glowing blade. Thoral initially looks to be nothing more than a mead supping alcoholic, but there is a heavier sorrow to his anger and despair which is played out throughout the text. He and his companions, including Bradfast the walking and talking fish, seem to stumble by accident into the most foolish trouble: only avoiding defeat through their haphazard drunkenness. Eventually, they realize a bigger mission, to overcome dark forces threatening the greater society of Grome. Through every twist and turn, and with each new enemy, Thoral remains steadfast in his quest. His personal mission to seek his way home to Earth festers in the background. Will he discover his magical portal? Will it bring him the happiness he seeks?
On the positive front, Fish Wielder is a well-written book by a very humorous author. The plot conforms to the hero's journey, as you would expect in the fantasy genre, and the cast of characters does not disappoint. It has been highly polished with thorough editing.
On the negative side, some of you not used to the Monty Python comedy troupe may feel the middle dwindle a little. Believe me, this is all part and parcel of this exaggerated satirical style. Keep going ... you'll love the end.
I award this book 4 out of 4 stars because I could not put it down, and I laughed till my ribs were sore. Thank you, Jim ... your tale was a delightful relief to the boredom of life in a tent! I can't wait for the next one!
I recommend this work to all those twelve and above, but particularly to Monty Python, He-man, and Tolkien fans looking for an amusing twist on the classic fantasy hero's adventure.
******
Fish Wielder
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Toward the end of the 1960s, a group of British comedians took on a quest to turn the hero's journey into a comedic, satirical television show. They came up with Monty Python's Flying Circus, making 45 episodes over 4 series. I was too young to watch at the time of initial airing. But I caught every rerun, and I loved them all, time and time anew. I've been missing their comedy troupe for the last three years ... since I no longer have a box! I was thinking I'd never have a good chuckle again ... and then I found Fish Wielder by J.R.R.R. (Jim) HARDISON. His working style reminded me so much of that comedy parody, I adored every minute of his fable. Jim has a screenwriting and animation background and that cartoonist humour sure shines throughout this writing of his first novel. The central character, Thoral Mighty Fist, was once a weedy human on Earth. He finds himself in the mysterious fantasy land of Grome. Where he is a golden locked, Shakespearian-speaking, sword-wielding barbarian. Perhaps with a flourish of He-Man and Captain Hook on the side. He acquires a tiger-striped steed, superhuman strength, and a magic glowing blade. Thoral initially looks to be nothing more than a mead supping alcoholic, but there is a heavier sorrow to his anger and despair which is played out throughout the text. He and his companions, including Bradfast the walking and talking fish, seem to stumble by accident into the most foolish trouble: only avoiding defeat through their haphazard drunkenness. Eventually, they realize a bigger mission, to overcome dark forces threatening the greater society of Grome. Through every twist and turn, and with each new enemy, Thoral remains steadfast in his quest. His personal mission to seek his way home to Earth festers in the background. Will he discover his magical portal? Will it bring him the happiness he seeks?
On the positive front, Fish Wielder is a well-written book by a very humorous author. The plot conforms to the hero's journey, as you would expect in the fantasy genre, and the cast of characters does not disappoint. It has been highly polished with thorough editing.
On the negative side, some of you not used to the Monty Python comedy troupe may feel the middle dwindle a little. Believe me, this is all part and parcel of this exaggerated satirical style. Keep going ... you'll love the end.
I award this book 4 out of 4 stars because I could not put it down, and I laughed till my ribs were sore. Thank you, Jim ... your tale was a delightful relief to the boredom of life in a tent! I can't wait for the next one!
I recommend this work to all those twelve and above, but particularly to Monty Python, He-man, and Tolkien fans looking for an amusing twist on the classic fantasy hero's adventure.
******
Fish Wielder
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Tales from the Gray Area by Curtis Stephen Burdick
