I found reading What’s in a Name? to be a surprising, dark, and not-too-short fantasy short-story that packs a punch.

An intrepid company of elves led by Commander Vondrall must venture towards the volcanic Thunderer peak, where a dragon lies, to make good the King’s wedding commitment to his blushing bride. There are riches, treasure, and secrets there, but what exactly are they after? Armed with a dragon scale and a spell, they fancy their chances, but a rival company of men is similarly equipped and is covetously intent on securing the treasure. For Vondrall and his elves, the quest will not be as easy or simple as he foolishly assumes.

Good descriptive imagery that brought the action to life, especially in the dragon’s lair, but equally with the dark monstrous elements that surface later. It was juicy and chilling darkness that really shows the author’s strength in this area, and had me transfixed. I liked the way a set of old ideas was reshaped into something that read new as well: a dragon cursed by his own name by an ancient elven warrior. I would compare it to Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and Beowulf.

Criticism: the pacing in the first half was a touch too fast for me and it was difficult to decipher which group was doing what and for what reason, and even who the main elven character was. Upon reaching the dragon’s lair, it redeemed itself and showed some exceptionable writing.