Featured Official Review: Fish Wielder by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison

Paul78 · Post by **Paul78** » 18 Nov 2017, 17:02

It seems each part of the book was interesting to you.

Gunnar Ohberg · Post by **Gunnar Ohberg** » 06 Dec 2017, 18:25

Your review reminds me a lot of "Bored of the Rings," the LOTR satire National Lampoon wrote a long time ago. I really enjoyed that book, so I might have to give this one a try.

inaramid · Post by **inaramid** » 07 Dec 2017, 01:16

I've just seen another Hardison book that got a 4-star review here at OBC. Seeing another positive review makes me really want to check this author's works ASAP.

uyky · Post by **uyky** » 22 Jan 2018, 12:03

I just started reading this book and it is hilarious. Thank you for your review, it's what made me start it.

rssllue · Post by **rssllue** » 07 Feb 2018, 02:48

Thank you all for the feedback on the review and (for those of you who have started it) on the book too! I am glad that my review might have tipped the scales for some of you in choosing to read this story. Be sure to let me and everyone else know what you think when you finish the book!

Mekkinism · Post by **Mekkinism** » 08 Feb 2018, 17:17

I'm actually really surprised that it got 4 out of 4 stars. I read the book, and while I did find it funny in places, it didn't really seem well written on a prose level. I noticed the word "then" used quite a lot, a lot of only vaguely funny expositional info-dumps, as well as some head-hopping (changing perspective or point of view from one character to another without using scene or even paragraph breaks). I could very much see where Hardison's previous graphic novel work came into play, it read like he was transcribing a comic book. In fact, I think it might have worked better in that format. To be fair, I do think that there is some pretty satisfying plot payoff, but I was really just ready to give up on the book completely until about a third of the way through, and I honestly don't think it got interesting until the plot twists in the second half of the book.

I definitely think if you're a fan of the grounded world building of Terry Pratchett, or the glorious word play of Piers Anthony, you might be a little underwhelmed by this particular book.

rssllue · Post by **rssllue** » 08 Feb 2018, 21:35

Thanks for your feedback on the review and your perspective on the book.

Lysander99 · Post by **Lysander99** » 09 Feb 2018, 13:26

This is a really good book in similar genre to the Xanth or Discworld novels. The author has created a unique entry into this genre and has updated the plot and characters and setting to give an interesting storyline.

I agree with you that this is a tongue in cheek adventure that gives a funny take on the concept of the barbarian hero saving the world. Although i have to admit that the alarming rate that Thoral nearly gets killed is sometimes overdone at times and can detract from the immersion you feel when reading the story.

It is also true that the author makes a farce of the entire adventure at times but that just serves to allow you to enjoy the absurdity of the entire concept of a lone hero saving the world.

rssllue · Post by **rssllue** » 09 Feb 2018, 17:35

Thanks for your feedback. I think that you encapsulated the essence of the story quite well.

gali · Post by **gali** » 28 Feb 2018, 07:46

A book revolving around a barbarian warrior and his mate, a talking fish, as they try to save the world of Grome with a pudding sounds like a fun read. I like your definition of it as a "farctasy". It is great that the author balances well the action and the farce. It does sound like an entertaining fantasy tale with a refreshing take. Thank you for the review!

jaliper · Post by **jaliper** » 28 Feb 2018, 07:48

I'm not gonna lie--it does look a bit skeptical but if this is recommended by you, I'm not gonna hesitate to give this a chance! I love books with a humorous and action-packed storyline. Thank you!

mindyg123 · Post by **mindyg123** » 28 Feb 2018, 07:51

Tongue-in-cheek humor /fantasy sounds like my cup of tea. With a talking fish named Brad and farce that doesn't get boring it's definitely caught my interest. I'm adding this to my TBR list and congrats on being BOTD.

Heidi M Simone · Post by **Heidi M Simone** » 28 Feb 2018, 08:07

Can talking fish Brad and barbarian warrior Thoral save the world of Grome? Will they get to the Pudding of Power before the evil leader does? Sounds like an entertaining read! It's great to hear that the author is able to include the silliness without hurting the writing quality. I actually read another book of his that combined humor and the supernatural, as well. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy it. In general, I don't tend to enjoy humor in my fantasy, so I'll pass, but I'm glad you enjoyed it and that it kept your attention until the end! Thanks for sharing!

Bookworm39 · Post by **Bookworm39** » 28 Feb 2018, 08:11

This is a great book review. It does sound interesting with Thoral and his talking fish friend, Brad. But I don't think that I will be reading it.

RebeccasReading · Post by **RebeccasReading** » 28 Feb 2018, 08:29

I really enjoyed this sample but I'm not typically a fan of sci-fi. I'm wondering if maybe I should give it a try anyway! I really liked the fun nature of the author's writing.