Review by ReyvrexQuestor Reyes -- Fish Wielder

ReyvrexQuestor Reyes · Post by **ReyvrexQuestor Reyes** » 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
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thaservices1 · Post by **thaservices1** » 02 Nov 2018, 00:40

This book sounds fun. Thank you for the in-depth review.

Caylie_Cat · Post by **Caylie_Cat** » 06 Nov 2018, 19:05

This book was one of the first reviews I did, and a book that I quite enjoyed. Some of the ridiculous descriptions had me guffawing and I enjoyed the little parodies of so many 'classic' movies and books. Good review!

ReyvrexQuestor Reyes · Post by **ReyvrexQuestor Reyes** » 06 Nov 2018, 21:39

thaservices1 wrote: ↑02 Nov 2018, 00:40 This book sounds fun. Thank you for the in-depth review.

Sure, it was fun reading, and I forgot I was supposed to review it.

ReyvrexQuestor Reyes · Post by **ReyvrexQuestor Reyes** » 06 Nov 2018, 21:43

Caylie_Cat wrote: ↑06 Nov 2018, 19:05 This book was one of the first reviews I did, and a book that I quite enjoyed. Some of the ridiculous descriptions had me guffawing and I enjoyed the little parodies of so many 'classic' movies and books. Good review!

It was a good thing that I let my fancy run wild here, even to the chagrin of the Editors rating my review. Truth be told, I did have a good time, and that seemed to matter most. No regrets. Thanks for passing by.

Julie Green · Post by **Julie Green** » 07 Nov 2018, 13:17

I like the idea of a fish as a sidekick! Fantasy novels are not really my cup of tea but this does sounds like a very creative, and quite jolly, story!

ReyvrexQuestor Reyes · Post by **ReyvrexQuestor Reyes** » 07 Nov 2018, 21:05

Julie Green wrote: ↑07 Nov 2018, 13:17 I like the idea of a fish as a sidekick! Fantasy novels are not really my cup of tea but this does sounds like a very creative, and quite jolly, story!

The parody applied is terrific. I just could not help laughing at the way the author handles the humor. At times he is no longer subtle, seems like he is laying it thick with a trowel.

Hiruni Bhagya 81 · Post by **Hiruni Bhagya 81** » 08 Nov 2018, 02:11

I love this genre and this book looks like a very fun read. So most probably I'll read it. Thanks for the thorough review.

Book Lover 35 · Post by **Book Lover 35** » 14 Nov 2018, 22:53

A talking fish. That sounds funny. This book sounds good. I haven't read a good comedy in a while. Thank you for the review!

ReyvrexQuestor Reyes · Post by **ReyvrexQuestor Reyes** » 14 Nov 2018, 23:35

Hiruni Bhagya 81 wrote: ↑08 Nov 2018, 02:11 I love this genre and this book looks like a very fun read. So most probably I'll read it. Thanks for the thorough review.

It surely is. Get to the last chapter and you will have the loudest laugh. Thanks for passing by.

ReyvrexQuestor Reyes · Post by **ReyvrexQuestor Reyes** » 14 Nov 2018, 23:43

Book Lover 35 wrote: ↑14 Nov 2018, 22:53 A talking fish. That sounds funny. This book sounds good. I haven't read a good comedy in a while. Thank you for the review!

Yes, a talking fish. And with the proliferation of cutting blades around, it's fortunate that the fish did not end up as some dish a la carte in some menu around there. As I have said, if I would have a companion in these battles, I prefer to have a dragon.

Bianka Walter · Post by **Bianka Walter** » 17 Nov 2018, 01:27

Warlordhorse was definitely one of my favourite characters. Like you say - everyone needs a sidekick - I agree that the author got this right

Great review!

ReyvrexQuestor Reyes · Post by **ReyvrexQuestor Reyes** » 17 Nov 2018, 19:53

Bianka Walter wrote: ↑17 Nov 2018, 01:27 Warlordhorse was definitely one of my favourite characters. Like you say - everyone needs a sidekick - I agree that the author got this right
Great review!

If I have to employ a horse, I would rather have Incitatus. Remember the horse appointed by Emperor Caligula to being Consul? Lol. Thanks for passing by.

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 17 Nov 2018, 22:36

A fish for a sidekick? I can already see the ridiculous humor you talk about. Sounds like a fun read. You have sold this one to me. Great review!

ReyvrexQuestor Reyes · Post by **ReyvrexQuestor Reyes** » 18 Nov 2018, 08:03

Cotwani wrote: ↑17 Nov 2018, 22:36 A fish for a sidekick? I can already see the ridiculous humor you talk about. Sounds like a fun read. You have sold this one to me. Great review!

Wait till you get to the last chapters. It's outrageous.
Thanks for passing by.