This is a debut novel which honestly doesn't feel like the author's first published work. It could be that he's found a perfect editor and a gang of proofreaders, but the book is well written and polished, but not too slick. It's exceedingly challenging to write humor. Pacing is everything, and this book (and this author), manage it very well. The voice is sure and the humor is deftly handled. The dialogue is sometimes silly, but also poignant, strong, and never clunky. The narrative literally starts at a heart-stopping climax and moves at breakneck speed onward. It took me a while to figure out what was happening after the grand opening, but once I found a footing, it was a really enjoyable read. This is SF/fantasy by someone who seems to be a fan of the genre.
While I think direct comparisons with Pratchett's Dirk Gently (and Douglas Adams, et.al.) are maybe a trifle premature, there are real glimmers of something seriously nice here and I sincerely hope and pray that the author continues. I am eagerly awaiting more and can't wait to find out "What Comes Next"?!
Possibly worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. This title is available in the KU subscription to borrow and download for free.
Four and a half stars. (Rounded up on my part because I grew up on a diet of Indiana Jones, Gor, Barsoom, Conan, etc etc). Good humor full on.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Wow! Thank you so much for this amazing review. It's certainly validating when someone picks up exactly what you're trying to put down!
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