Library Journal
06/15/2015
This fast-paced and humorous take on traditional fantasy stories stars Dungar Loloth, a middle-aged blacksmith-turned-innkeeper with a reputation for grumpiness and violence, and mysterious musician and sidekick Jiminy. These two unlikely heroes may be the only ones who can save the kingdom after the untimely death of King Ik. But to reach the palace they will have to battle deranged knights, magical trees, and a remarkably dangerous village of man-hating women. Assisted by gay pirates, a disgraced knight, and two women who fled their community of misandrists, Dungar and Jiminy take on desperate odds in their quest. VERDICT Hunder's engaging debut cleverly skewers traditional fantasy tropes with two seemingly unbeatable (and unconventional) protagonists, and the nonstop action will keep readers flipping the pages late into the night. Suggest to fans of Tom Holt who appreciate his mix of humor and imagination.—JM