Review by salbs -- Fish Wielder by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
Post Reply
salbs
Posts: 30
Joined: 24 Feb 2018, 03:57
Currently Reading: Ironbark Hill
Bookshelf Size: 29
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-salbs.html
Latest Review: Raven's Peak by Lincoln Cole

Review by salbs -- Fish Wielder by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison

Post by salbs »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Fish Wielder" by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Well Mr J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison, this is the second of your novels that I have reviewed, and I have learned a few things. You certainly love a good twist or two, in fact I think you may even thrive on them. I have an image of you sitting at your laptop giggling maniacally as the latest convolution presents itself to your creative hub, and you treat your audience to yet another shock. It's brilliant!

If you enjoy Terry Pratchett's Discworld, or Stephen King's The Dark Tower, I would be fairly confident that you will also like this. The author writes characters whom one does not struggle to become familiar with or get attached to, whatever their species.

Our tale follows the Fish Wielder of the title, one Thoral Mighty Fist, also know as the Fist Wielder, as he treks through the land of Grome, seemingly with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He clearly has a history which he is attempting to escape through a combination of impossible quests and plentiful alcohol. His best friend, a talking Koi called Brad whom he rescued from drowning as he can't swim (obviously), attempts to keep him on the straight and narrow, but is often (literally) thrown - or one might say wielded - in the midst of battle. His other constant allies are a (non-talking) horse called Warlordhorse, and a magnificent blade named Blurmflard, both of whom were loaned to him by his now deceased wizard mentor, Yiz.

Ultimately our hero must tackle the Dark Brothers of the Bad Religion and their leader, The Heartless One who wants to eat The Pudding of Power (a chocolatey delight) and take over the world. Thoral, along with several elven comrades, form the Fellowship of the Pudding, travel the yellow road to traverse the Great Wall of Chowder, in their quest (honestly, nothing's sacred!).

I very much enjoy this author's work, however in this novel I found some elements of the gore to be a little extreme. Having said that, one can read over these brief passages fairly quickly if one desires, without interrupting the flow of the tale. I also found some of the devices used a little clumsy at times. For example, the regular serious battle in which Thoral is definitely going to die and then doesn't, but even this is used ironically by the author. I did enjoy the breaking of the literary equivalent of the fourth wall on occasion, as it made the reader feel very much a part of the story.

On the scale provided, I rate this book 4 out of 4. I didn't find any significant typographical or grammatical errors. But I did find that I couldn't put it down and am eagerly awaiting the next instalment. Read this if you enjoy tongue -in-cheek, other worldly fantasy, with plenty of twists and turns in the narrative. I loved it!

******
Fish Wielder
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes

Like salbs's review? Post a comment saying so!
User avatar
Bianka Walter
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 1874
Joined: 10 Feb 2018, 15:22
Favorite Book: The Old Man and the Sea
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 368
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-bianka-walter.html
Latest Review: Thir13en by Keegan Nielsen
Reading Device: B06XD5YCKX

Post by Bianka Walter »

When I was making notes on this book, I also noticed the impending death that Thoral constantly found himself facing. But after a while, it kind of works, doesn't it? I totally agree with you - this book was great :)
Thanks for your review, I really enjoyed it!
You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.
- Dr. Seuss
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”