4 out of 4 stars
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47 chapters of sublime comedic fantasy fiction, animated by diverse characters and satirical dialogues, Fish Wielder is the unexpected delicious read.
It is the first official ‘novel novel’ by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison, a writer, screen writer, animator and film director whose work is reflected in his writing. Initially drawn by the somewhat childish graphic cover, I thought Fish Wielder would be the predictable, corny story with the far-fetched twists read for its relaxed feel and humorous plot. I was pleasantly surprised, however. True, it contains a facsimile of these basic elements, but Hardison deftly delivers his tale with an ingenious and tangible unpredictability.
Written in the third person narrative, Fish Wielder, at first, seemingly follows the stereotypical line of the storybook hero with the unbelievably dashing looks accompanied by the convenient sidekick and likewise gorgeous love interest on a mission to save the world. It’s so much more than that.
Thoral Mighty Fist, our protagonist, is an interesting dichotomy; a fight-loving brute that detests blood on his person, presumed uncaring yet with a soft spot for cute animals, and thought a raging barbarian but who’s a stickler for hygiene. We’re introduced to Bradfast, your resident Koi fish out of water, who provides an easy camaraderie and saucy exchanges and Nalweegie, an elfin princess who’s the more dramatic version of Lois Lane’s counter to a morose Clark Kent. The three characters, along with King Elfrod and fellow supporting personae, set off on a time-sensitive mission in the land of Grome to prevent the fabled Pudding of Power, created over a millennium earlier, from falling into the hands of the Heartless one, the mastermind behind the Bad Religion.
What captivated me throughout this book was its tone. Hardison composed an utterly absurd novel and he wants readers to know it. Rich with puns and a tendency to lean towards hilarious nomenclature – Futon and Tampon being honorable mentions – Fish Wielder is a curious mix of fairytale and parody. The character buildup and subsequent reveal was free-flowing and I appreciated the lightheartedness it transmitted. Worth acknowledging is the fact that the novel is not solely focused on humor. Midway through the story, we encounter a touching and for lack of a better word, deep moment. The heroes undergo loss, and we connect with them on a empathic note, and we see where they come to terms with past and present hardships.
There were, in my opinion, marginal to nonexistent errors. Throughout the story, however, there’s an inconsistent ring of Old English, formal speech primarily established, then occasions of modern vernacular. This might create some slight confusion, but towards the end this is cleared up.
I rate this book 4 out of four stars. I opine that lovers of fantasy and even comics will find this an interesting read as the storyline is unique and titillating with lovable characters. Give it a go, have a laugh.
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Fish Wielder
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