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

Please use this sub-forum to discuss any fantasy or science fiction books or series.
Forum rules
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
Post Reply
User avatar
rssllue
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 50731
Joined: 02 Oct 2014, 01:52
Favorite Author: Ted Dekker
Favorite Book: The Bible
Currently Reading: A Year with C. S. Lewis
Bookshelf Size: 602
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rssllue.html
Latest Review: My Personal Desert Storm by Marcus Johnson
fav_author_id: 2881

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

Post by rssllue »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Fish Wielder" by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


I can honestly say that I have never read a book quite like Fish Wielder by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison before. It is a very unique take on the fantasy genre to say the least. I would even say that it might have to have its own classification made up for it and be labeled a farctasy instead of fantasy. It combines the ludicrous working in conjunction with the expected action and adventure one would anticipate to find in such a story. It is most assuredly a different take on the genre, but still comes out as quite the entertaining one.

This book follows the exploits of Thoral Mighty Fist as he makes his way through the world of Grome. He definitely stands out from the crowd. He is a mighty barbarian warrior who literally stands a head taller than most other humans who dwell in Grome. He also dresses like a pirate. And has a weird foreign accent. And carries a magic sword in his belt next to a plethora of leather and velvet pouches with various interesting items inside. Oh, and he also has a traveling companion. Who rides in one of the pouches. And is a fish. Named Brad. Who talks. And breathes air. See, Thoral is not your typical guy.

We get to find out a lot about Thoral as we follow him and Brad as they encounter and battle the Bad Religion and the Dark Brotherhood while questing through the land. Thoral seems to find himself nearly getting killed at an alarming rate at times throughout the story. Yet, with his enormously strong fists and uncanny relationship with luck, he makes it through to the middle portion of the book where he finds himself going on the ultimate quest to find the lost Pudding of Power. Thoral and his friends (a legitimate fellowship no less) will have to face overwhelming danger in this quest, including coming face to face with the dreaded Heartless One. Even Thoral might not survive this time.

The overall tenor of the book is what I would describe as adventurous tongue-in-cheek. There is a lot of action and a variety of battles, but there is quite a bit of farce running throughout the whole of the story as well. Mr. Hardison does a really nice job of making that odd balance work throughout the majority of the book. It really surprised me in this as farce can often become tiresome and somewhat unfunny in my experience. Still, in this instance, my attention and enjoyment lasted all the way through the end of the story. It was certainly a job well done by the author.

I really liked the fact that though the author was going for the silly a lot of the time, he did not skimp on the quality of his writing to do so. He still made the book into a very entertaining fantasy tale when all was said and done. Combining the action and comedy was done just about as good as Mr. Hardison could have with the plot and characters that he created. Besides, how can you go wrong with the Fellowship of the Pudding?

I rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars. I think that it is a book that lovers of farce or fantasy will likely enjoy. Even if you take your fantasy super seriously, I believe that this tale is one that you will find will not disappoint you at all. I heartily recommend you give it a try.

******
Fish Wielder
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes

Like rssllue's review? Post a comment saying so!
~ occupare fati suffocavit

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ~ Psalms 4:8
Jr Artemis
Posts: 10
Joined: 17 Oct 2017, 08:16
Currently Reading: Bad Choices Make Good Stories
Bookshelf Size: 9

Post by Jr Artemis »

Really great review for all time...I must try this one
User avatar
rssllue
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 50731
Joined: 02 Oct 2014, 01:52
Favorite Author: Ted Dekker
Favorite Book: The Bible
Currently Reading: A Year with C. S. Lewis
Bookshelf Size: 602
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rssllue.html
Latest Review: My Personal Desert Storm by Marcus Johnson
fav_author_id: 2881

Post by rssllue »

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. :) Thanks for the feedback!
~ occupare fati suffocavit

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ~ Psalms 4:8
User avatar
kandscreeley
Special Discussion Leader
Posts: 11682
Joined: 31 Dec 2016, 20:31
Currently Reading: Believarexic
Bookshelf Size: 486
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kandscreeley.html
Latest Review: The Elf Revelation by Jordan David

Post by kandscreeley »

My favorite books are when authors don't exactly fit squarely in one category. Sounds like this book is that exactly. I love that he mixes the tongue-in-cheek humor with the fantasy. It sounds really interesting. I enjoyed reading your review! Thanks!
A book is a dream you hold in your hands.
—Neil Gaiman
User avatar
juliusotinyo
Posts: 762
Joined: 15 Jun 2017, 10:19
Bookshelf Size: 49
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-juliusotinyo.html
Latest Review: Marrying a Playboy Billionaire by H M Irwing

Post by juliusotinyo »

I just happened to be watching Adventure time on Cartoon network. Striking resemblance... Great review, I'll certainly look it up.

-- 17 Oct 2017, 21:36 --

**network...While reading your review**
User avatar
Ashley Simon
Posts: 268
Joined: 08 Sep 2017, 18:44
Currently Reading: Zero K
Bookshelf Size: 141
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ashley-simon.html
Latest Review: "Bible Answers" by Roseline Gaston Rabouin

Post by Ashley Simon »

Not sure that this is my style, though I do appreciate a good dose of humor! Thanks for the great review.
Latest Review: "Bible Answers" by Roseline Gaston Rabouin
User avatar
rssllue
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 50731
Joined: 02 Oct 2014, 01:52
Favorite Author: Ted Dekker
Favorite Book: The Bible
Currently Reading: A Year with C. S. Lewis
Bookshelf Size: 602
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rssllue.html
Latest Review: My Personal Desert Storm by Marcus Johnson
fav_author_id: 2881

Post by rssllue »

Thank you all for your feedback. It is greatly appreciated!
~ occupare fati suffocavit

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ~ Psalms 4:8
User avatar
kislany
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 1118
Joined: 16 Aug 2014, 06:17
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 527
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kislany.html
Latest Review: Golden Skies by Juan Zapata

Post by kislany »

Fantasy and farce mixed in the same book. Now that should be an interesting read. Great review, rssllue.
User avatar
Kat Berg
Posts: 776
Joined: 05 Oct 2017, 22:29
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 5">Raven's Peak</a>
Currently Reading: James Baldwin
Bookshelf Size: 223
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kat-berg.html
Latest Review: Why Am I Here by Melvin Bell
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Post by Kat Berg »

Fellowship of the Pudding? I'm in! I love silly, fun books that ignite the imagination and that is exactly what this sounds like. And a great review also! You have a light way with words that draws the reader in. Not always easy to do with a review. Thanks!
User avatar
rssllue
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 50731
Joined: 02 Oct 2014, 01:52
Favorite Author: Ted Dekker
Favorite Book: The Bible
Currently Reading: A Year with C. S. Lewis
Bookshelf Size: 602
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rssllue.html
Latest Review: My Personal Desert Storm by Marcus Johnson
fav_author_id: 2881

Post by rssllue »

Thank you both very much! I am honored by your generous words. :tiphat:
~ occupare fati suffocavit

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ~ Psalms 4:8
User avatar
Gravy
Gravymaster of Bookshelves
Posts: 39044
Joined: 27 Aug 2014, 02:02
Favorite Author: Seanan McGuire
Favorite Book: As many as there are stars in the sky
Currently Reading: The Ghost Tree
Bookshelf Size: 1027
fav_author_id: 3249

Post by Gravy »

This sounds deliciously strange.
Pronouns: She/Her

What is grief, if not love persevering?

Grief is just love with no place to go.
User avatar
ReyvrexQuestor Reyes
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 2049
Joined: 28 Sep 2017, 07:38
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... 5">Raven's Peak</a>
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 299
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-reyvrexquestor-reyes.html
Latest Review: Journey by Lindsay Schuster
Reading Device: 1400697484

Post by ReyvrexQuestor Reyes »

Fish Wielder by J.R.R.R. (Jim) Hardison will definitely form part of my To Read shelf. Rssllue has made it sound so delectable. I am forceless to resist.
"In the beginning was the word.........John 1:1"
...To delineate the times that lovers miss,
...A thousand dreams can't beat a single kiss.

-reyvrex (Love Sonnet 107)
User avatar
rssllue
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 50731
Joined: 02 Oct 2014, 01:52
Favorite Author: Ted Dekker
Favorite Book: The Bible
Currently Reading: A Year with C. S. Lewis
Bookshelf Size: 602
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rssllue.html
Latest Review: My Personal Desert Storm by Marcus Johnson
fav_author_id: 2881

Post by rssllue »

Deliciously strange and delectable are very apt descriptions for this book. Well said by you both! 8)
~ occupare fati suffocavit

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ~ Psalms 4:8
User avatar
Steph K
Posts: 180
Joined: 23 Apr 2017, 16:01
Currently Reading: The Hobbit
Bookshelf Size: 137
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-steph-k.html
Latest Review: Ever After by H M Irwing

Post by Steph K »

It almost sounds like a parody of the fantasy genre. I enjoy parodies and silliness in general, so I think I will definitely have to read this one.
User avatar
rssllue
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 50731
Joined: 02 Oct 2014, 01:52
Favorite Author: Ted Dekker
Favorite Book: The Bible
Currently Reading: A Year with C. S. Lewis
Bookshelf Size: 602
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-rssllue.html
Latest Review: My Personal Desert Storm by Marcus Johnson
fav_author_id: 2881

Post by rssllue »

Based on your comment I think that it will most definitely be one that you will enjoy reading. :)
~ occupare fati suffocavit

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. ~ Psalms 4:8
Post Reply

Return to “Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books”