The Goblin's Apprentice

Noggle Stones #1

by Wil Radcliffe

While searching for the lost ruins of an ancient temple, the mad goblin scholar, Bugbear, and his gambler cousin, Tudmire, come into possession of a most peculiar scroll. It is through this scroll that the mystical world of Annwfn and the world of 19th Century humanity are suddenly and inadvertently thrust together. Allying themselves with the awkward human stage magician, Martin Manchester, and the fierce warrior woman, Maga, Bugbear and Tudmire must rally the frightened folk of the small town of Willow Prairie against the gathering evil... an evil that has been awakened by the scroll... an evil that hungers for revenge! It is only when Bugbear and Manchester come to realize the wisdom held in an ancient rhyme that they are able to summon the courage to face their hidden foe..."White, gray, and black stonesScattered `cross the boardNow you must unite themTo become the Noggle Lord!"

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

Wil Radcliffe first met the Whisper King when he was five-years-old. He heard the rasping voice late one night, pulling him from a fitful and bitter slumber. It was then this mysterious tyrant charged young Wil with a lifelong mission...to terrify his fellow mortals with tales of deep, primal horror.

And Wil has obeyed.

Because he hopes the Whisper King has beer.

And while he waits for alcoholic rewards he lives a fairly ordinary life in some cold, dark place in a realm ringed by skeletal trees and murky lakes. On some maps it is called "Michigan."

Reviews

[James Weil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Wil Radcliff while I was working part-time for my agent. Noggle Stones was originally self-published, but Wil wanted to reach a broader audience through a traditional publisher.

I read his query and was immediately interested in the story, so I requested his manuscript. Mind you, as an associate literary agent, 99% of what I read is garbage, so when I first started reading Noggle Stones I was blown out of my chair. His prose is brilliant; every sentence in the book is a work of art. And although I am not a big fan of the fantasy genre, I could not put this book down.

The characters were so masterfully created they jumped off the page and into my heart. Bugbear was an obnoxious little imp at first, but as the story played out he became more and more endearing.

The plot was original and very well paced. The premise of two worlds colliding through an accidental feat of magic, bringing together humans and goblins, ogres and dragons, and ancient forces of evil was so well done it bordered on genius.

This book is destined to become a classic.

[Bill Tillman]

While searching for the lost ruins of an ancient temple, the mad goblin scholar, Bugbear, and his gambler cousin, Tudmire, come into possession of a most peculiar scroll. It is through this scroll that the mystical world of Annwfn and the world of 19th Century humanity are suddenly and inadvertently thrust together. Allying themselves with the awkward human stage magician, Martin Manchester, and the fierce warrior woman, Maga, Bugbear and Tudmire must rally the frightened folk of the small town of Willow Prairie against the gathering evil... an evil that has been awakened by the scroll... an evil that hungers for revenge! It is only when Bugbear and Manchester come to realize the wisdom held in an ancient rhyme that they are able to summon the courage to face their hidden foe...

"White, gray, and black stones
Scattered `cross the board
Now you must unite them
To become the Noggle Lord!"

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very amusing funny read. Good book if your just looking for a light read to fill the time.