Review of Fish Wielder
-
Meera Dandekar
- Posts: 9
- Joined: 24 May 2021, 23:35
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 13
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-meera-dandekar.html
- Latest Review: Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature by Chet Shupe
Review of Fish Wielder
[Following is a volunteer review of "Fish Wielder" by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison.]
Fish Wielder by J. R. R. R. (Jim) Hardison is the first book in the trilogy. It is a bizarre tale of epic fantasy. We follow Thoral Mighty Fist, a warrior, and his best friend, Brad who is a Koi Fish on a journey to save the World of Grome from The Heartless One, who is determined to find the Lost pudding that could enslave the people of Grome.
The story has a parody-like atmosphere that follows Thoral Mighty Fist on a journey of redemption, his defeated attitude looking for a change, an adventure to fix himself from feeling empty. A very powerful chocolate dessert, The Pudding Of Power will be stolen by the evil leader for his own amusement and power. On their journey, Thoral and Brad come across various creatures that they must fight in order to save the Gromes before it’s too late.
There is an air of absurd and mysterious plot surrounding the story which is its driving force. If I was to imagine myself as an author of this novel, knowing that it is absurd, I wouldn’t put much thought into developing characters. It was a deep breath of air to see that the author beat any such stereotypes and put in the work to give us likeable characters.
Even though you know it’s the typical hero’s journey plot that has been used since ancient times, Hardison brings something new to the table. Firstly, Thoral’s character started the divergent plot. He’s not a typical chosen hero. He has his flaws and owns them. It makes him likeable and human. It’s easier to connect with him. His fish sidekick is smart, owing a lot to friendship. Everyone wishes to have unbreakable bonds of friendship. Someone who will put their lives at stake in order to save yours. Brad is someone like that. His character gives hope and provides a sense of security.
I won’t dive into the plot details because there isn’t anything much to say without spoiling its humour. All I would like it to add is that it takes unexpected turns from the points you think you know where it’s going.
You have to keep a clear mind while reading this book. This could be the book’s greatest asset and it’s biggest flaw. As a reviewer, I judge all books with an open mind. It doesn’t always happen that way. There will be readers expecting something out of the book, which would lead them to be disappointed. When I added this book, I saw many readers who disliked it for its plot and weirdness. Recommending this book is difficult because you have to know the person’s liking and mood.
I am rating this book 4 out of 4 stars for its absurd plot and interesting characters. It’s definitely worthwhile for those who just want to sit back and relax. I didn’t find anything that would stop young readers from reading it. It’s a hero’s journey type novel so fans of The Alchemist or Lord Of The Rings would certainly enjoy this book.
******
Fish Wielder
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Fish Wielder by J. R. R. R. (Jim) Hardison is the first book in the trilogy. It is a bizarre tale of epic fantasy. We follow Thoral Mighty Fist, a warrior, and his best friend, Brad who is a Koi Fish on a journey to save the World of Grome from The Heartless One, who is determined to find the Lost pudding that could enslave the people of Grome.
The story has a parody-like atmosphere that follows Thoral Mighty Fist on a journey of redemption, his defeated attitude looking for a change, an adventure to fix himself from feeling empty. A very powerful chocolate dessert, The Pudding Of Power will be stolen by the evil leader for his own amusement and power. On their journey, Thoral and Brad come across various creatures that they must fight in order to save the Gromes before it’s too late.
There is an air of absurd and mysterious plot surrounding the story which is its driving force. If I was to imagine myself as an author of this novel, knowing that it is absurd, I wouldn’t put much thought into developing characters. It was a deep breath of air to see that the author beat any such stereotypes and put in the work to give us likeable characters.
Even though you know it’s the typical hero’s journey plot that has been used since ancient times, Hardison brings something new to the table. Firstly, Thoral’s character started the divergent plot. He’s not a typical chosen hero. He has his flaws and owns them. It makes him likeable and human. It’s easier to connect with him. His fish sidekick is smart, owing a lot to friendship. Everyone wishes to have unbreakable bonds of friendship. Someone who will put their lives at stake in order to save yours. Brad is someone like that. His character gives hope and provides a sense of security.
I won’t dive into the plot details because there isn’t anything much to say without spoiling its humour. All I would like it to add is that it takes unexpected turns from the points you think you know where it’s going.
You have to keep a clear mind while reading this book. This could be the book’s greatest asset and it’s biggest flaw. As a reviewer, I judge all books with an open mind. It doesn’t always happen that way. There will be readers expecting something out of the book, which would lead them to be disappointed. When I added this book, I saw many readers who disliked it for its plot and weirdness. Recommending this book is difficult because you have to know the person’s liking and mood.
I am rating this book 4 out of 4 stars for its absurd plot and interesting characters. It’s definitely worthwhile for those who just want to sit back and relax. I didn’t find anything that would stop young readers from reading it. It’s a hero’s journey type novel so fans of The Alchemist or Lord Of The Rings would certainly enjoy this book.
******
Fish Wielder
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature by Chet Shupe
