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The Gullwing Odyssey
Winner of the 2014 Royal Palm Literary Award, First Place, in the category of Humor and Satire.
Marco’s life as a messenger isn’t great, but the work is easy and he gets retirement pay in thirty years. Little does he know his life teeters on the cusp of change.
When an unusual assignment sends him overseas, he finds himself stranded in foreign lands. Even that wouldn’t be so bad if he weren’t constantly outrunning pirates, embroiled in international intrigue, and attacked by a hummingbird with an appetite for human brains – that’s just the start of his misadventures.
But lurking in the wings is a much greater threat than getting sacked from his job. The fate of an entire civilization may well rest upon his scrawny shoulders. In spite of himself and quite by accident, Marco may yet become the hero he strives not to be.
Marco’s life as a messenger isn’t great, but the work is easy and he gets retirement pay in thirty years. Little does he know his life teeters on the cusp of change.
When an unusual assignment sends him overseas, he finds himself stranded in foreign lands. Even that wouldn’t be so bad if he weren’t constantly outrunning pirates, embroiled in international intrigue, and attacked by a hummingbird with an appetite for human brains – that’s just the start of his misadventures.
But lurking in the wings is a much greater threat than getting sacked from his job. The fate of an entire civilization may well rest upon his scrawny shoulders. In spite of himself and quite by accident, Marco may yet become the hero he strives not to be.
- GenresFantasy
ebook
First published August 8, 2013
1 person is currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Antonio Simon Jr.
43 books26 followersAntonio Simon, Jr. is a lawyer and author of several short stories and essays. He holds Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Miami (Florida) in the subjects of political science and history, as well as a Juris Doctorate from Saint Thomas University’s School of Law. It is from this unique combination of disciplines which he draws inspiration, always making sure to add healthy doses of tongue-in-cheek humor. As you read this, he’s probably in court, or working on his next novel, or driving really fast in moments in between. He lives in Miami, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 28, 2020
An entertaining fantasy adventure.
As Marco embarks on an errand to deliver an important package, his life takes a most unexpected turn.
What ensues is a riotous escapade full of diverse and interesting characters, situations full of danger and challenge, and enduring friendships that change not only Marco’s outlook on life but also his entire future.
The storytelling is lively and colorful, carrying the reader along at a good pace and immersing them in Marco’s experiences. The narrative is infused with good humor and witty banter between characters, making this a most entertaining young adult fantasy adventure.
As Marco embarks on an errand to deliver an important package, his life takes a most unexpected turn.
What ensues is a riotous escapade full of diverse and interesting characters, situations full of danger and challenge, and enduring friendships that change not only Marco’s outlook on life but also his entire future.
The storytelling is lively and colorful, carrying the reader along at a good pace and immersing them in Marco’s experiences. The narrative is infused with good humor and witty banter between characters, making this a most entertaining young adult fantasy adventure.
September 21, 2013
(I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of giving an honest review.)
All Marco Gullwing wants to do is deliver an important package for his prince. Then he's mistaken for someone he isn't, and finds himself whisked off on an adventure involving an island full of dragons, flying ships, and an evil conspiracy.
The Gullwing Odyssey is a very silly book. Homicidal hummingbirds, dragons both bureaucratic and amorous, a surprisingly bloodless way of doing battle, Red Underwear Tuesday... It's very funny and I laughed out loud a lot.
But there's also substance to the silliness. An interesting setting that isn't the usual pseudo-medieval-Europe (more Renaissance influences, with island and jungle settings), an engrossing plot full of twists and turns, engaging and vividly-drawn characters, some really cool magic, and a surprising moment of truth for Marco which added real depth to the book.
Some of the slapstick action maybe doesn't play out as well in text as it would visually, and there are a few minor proofreading mistakes, but overall the book is extremely well-written and nicely-presented, with nothing else to interfere with the reader's enjoyment.
The Gullwing Odyssey is an excellently entertaining read, and I look forward to more of Marco Gullwing's adventures.
All Marco Gullwing wants to do is deliver an important package for his prince. Then he's mistaken for someone he isn't, and finds himself whisked off on an adventure involving an island full of dragons, flying ships, and an evil conspiracy.
The Gullwing Odyssey is a very silly book. Homicidal hummingbirds, dragons both bureaucratic and amorous, a surprisingly bloodless way of doing battle, Red Underwear Tuesday... It's very funny and I laughed out loud a lot.
But there's also substance to the silliness. An interesting setting that isn't the usual pseudo-medieval-Europe (more Renaissance influences, with island and jungle settings), an engrossing plot full of twists and turns, engaging and vividly-drawn characters, some really cool magic, and a surprising moment of truth for Marco which added real depth to the book.
Some of the slapstick action maybe doesn't play out as well in text as it would visually, and there are a few minor proofreading mistakes, but overall the book is extremely well-written and nicely-presented, with nothing else to interfere with the reader's enjoyment.
The Gullwing Odyssey is an excellently entertaining read, and I look forward to more of Marco Gullwing's adventures.
January 8, 2014
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May 25, 2017
Still chuckling and shaking my head, I just finished listening to the Audible version of The Gullwind Odyssey. This was an outragously witty and humorous fantasy adventure that I absolutely loved... BECAUSE.
The story starts out as Marco Gullwing, a messenger, is on his way to deliver a parcel to Queen Catherine Saint-Saenz Lucinda of Avignary. He is mistaken as an emissary and through a series of laugh-out-loud misadventures that include being shot out of a cannon, nearly having his brains sucked out through his nose by a monstrous hummingbird, a romp through the woods with a strange blue lady, being saved by a knight known as Barclay of the New Resurrection Church of the Good Master who makes Marco read from the most holy Book of the Glorious Verb... and so much more. There were absolutely no lulls in this story. Marco went from one misadventure to the next, taking along the most fascinating and outrageous characters you can imagine. There were dragons and wizards and magic and mayhem! I loved it!
There were a lot of characters in this book, but all of them were masterfully created and unique. I could visualize each and every one of them. And the witty conversations between them had my cheeks hurting from smiling so hard.
"Attorney by day, writer by night", that's Antonio Simon, Jr. If you listen to the Audible version of The Gullwing Odyssey, you'll get a bonus interview between the outstanding and utterly amazing narrator, Elliot Walsh, and the remarkably witty author, Antonio Simon, Jr. You will also be able to listen to a hint of what lies ahead in Book Two of The Gullwing Odyssey.
The story starts out as Marco Gullwing, a messenger, is on his way to deliver a parcel to Queen Catherine Saint-Saenz Lucinda of Avignary. He is mistaken as an emissary and through a series of laugh-out-loud misadventures that include being shot out of a cannon, nearly having his brains sucked out through his nose by a monstrous hummingbird, a romp through the woods with a strange blue lady, being saved by a knight known as Barclay of the New Resurrection Church of the Good Master who makes Marco read from the most holy Book of the Glorious Verb... and so much more. There were absolutely no lulls in this story. Marco went from one misadventure to the next, taking along the most fascinating and outrageous characters you can imagine. There were dragons and wizards and magic and mayhem! I loved it!
There were a lot of characters in this book, but all of them were masterfully created and unique. I could visualize each and every one of them. And the witty conversations between them had my cheeks hurting from smiling so hard.
"Attorney by day, writer by night", that's Antonio Simon, Jr. If you listen to the Audible version of The Gullwing Odyssey, you'll get a bonus interview between the outstanding and utterly amazing narrator, Elliot Walsh, and the remarkably witty author, Antonio Simon, Jr. You will also be able to listen to a hint of what lies ahead in Book Two of The Gullwing Odyssey.
February 23, 2017
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (02/17)
“The Gullwing Odyssey” is the first book in the Gullwing Series by Antonio Simon, Jr. It is a delightful fantasy story involving kings and princesses, dragons, knights, and even a few human beings! The story revolves around Marco, a messenger for Lord Amadis Eric, and his primary mission– to deliver an important parcel to Queen Catherine Saint-Saenz Lucinda of Avignary. With Queen Catherine located on the other side of the world, Marco realizes he may be in over his head as he encounters setback after setback, inhibiting his ability to complete his mission, which could ultimately cost him his job and his retirement pay!
I absolutely loved this story! It’s a fantasy, comedy, coming of age, adventure all wrapped up into one hilarious, witty, laugh aloud tale! The writing is superb–Simon has mastery over the English language and knows how to draw readers in with his elaborate storytelling charm. The humor sets the tone throughout.
One of my favorite moments is when Marco meets Barclay, a Knight on a religious mission. Marco is subjected to Barclay's beliefs with no chance for escape as Barclay holds him hostage, so-to-speak, forcing him to read the most holy book, the ‘Book of the Glorious Verb,’ which begins:
“In the beginning, there was the Good Master. And He spoke the word that brought the universe into being, the glorious verb: BECAUSE.” (36)
This exasperates Marco as ‘because’ is neither a verb, nor an explanation of the message. At this point I just had to stop reading as images of my mother saying, “Because, I said so!” sprang to mind, causing a most enjoyable laugh at the memory. The whole book is like this, the canny wit amusingly pushing the story forward.
The characters are full of depth and definition, and the settings explicitly detailed, filling the readers heads with wondrous pictures and fantastical imagery.
While seemingly geared toward the YA crowd, I find the story will appeal to all ages, mostly due to the humorous elements. I give “The Gullwing Odyssey” by Antonio Simon, Jr. a highly recommended five-star rating.
“The Gullwing Odyssey” is the first book in the Gullwing Series by Antonio Simon, Jr. It is a delightful fantasy story involving kings and princesses, dragons, knights, and even a few human beings! The story revolves around Marco, a messenger for Lord Amadis Eric, and his primary mission– to deliver an important parcel to Queen Catherine Saint-Saenz Lucinda of Avignary. With Queen Catherine located on the other side of the world, Marco realizes he may be in over his head as he encounters setback after setback, inhibiting his ability to complete his mission, which could ultimately cost him his job and his retirement pay!
I absolutely loved this story! It’s a fantasy, comedy, coming of age, adventure all wrapped up into one hilarious, witty, laugh aloud tale! The writing is superb–Simon has mastery over the English language and knows how to draw readers in with his elaborate storytelling charm. The humor sets the tone throughout.
One of my favorite moments is when Marco meets Barclay, a Knight on a religious mission. Marco is subjected to Barclay's beliefs with no chance for escape as Barclay holds him hostage, so-to-speak, forcing him to read the most holy book, the ‘Book of the Glorious Verb,’ which begins:
“In the beginning, there was the Good Master. And He spoke the word that brought the universe into being, the glorious verb: BECAUSE.” (36)
This exasperates Marco as ‘because’ is neither a verb, nor an explanation of the message. At this point I just had to stop reading as images of my mother saying, “Because, I said so!” sprang to mind, causing a most enjoyable laugh at the memory. The whole book is like this, the canny wit amusingly pushing the story forward.
The characters are full of depth and definition, and the settings explicitly detailed, filling the readers heads with wondrous pictures and fantastical imagery.
While seemingly geared toward the YA crowd, I find the story will appeal to all ages, mostly due to the humorous elements. I give “The Gullwing Odyssey” by Antonio Simon, Jr. a highly recommended five-star rating.
January 2, 2016
This book was a riot. I actually listened to it on audio book, which I think really made the characters for me. Nominally it is a (young adult?) humor fantasy novel following the adventures of Marco Gullwing. He is a messenger boy, who in the course of a mission accidentally boards the wrong boat and ends up in places doing things he never expected. Its a classic coming of age tale as Marco really starts out as a bit of an ass, but starts coming into his own through various trials and tribulations.
I would call humor the main genre this book fits into. There's also magic, and dragon people, hence the fantasy. And I assume it is mostly aimed at a young adult audience, as most books with an adolescent main character are, but I waver on that, as the sense of humor is definitely adult. The word-play is fantastic, the satire is delicious, and farce of it all is definitely fun for adults too.
All in all, this book really reminds me of the style of James Branch Cabell, an author in the 1920s who is best known for Jurgen, one of a series of comedy-parody-fantasy-romance novels. Except that Jurgen is chock full of awkward sexism and racism which we try to excuse by saying it is "a product of its time," but still certainly makes it harder to appreciate in today's world.
I would equally call The Gullwing Odyssey a product of its time in that it tackles many of the same problems we face today, sexism, racism and fanatic religion, but is able to do it all with a laugh and a spin because of the overwhelmingly silly and farcical setting. The Gullwing Odyssey has a pretty fantastic female character in Dria, the young dragon princess who is forthright, intelligent, well spoken, and occasionally awkward, young, and normal. Not to mention the pirate queen Maria Giraldinha de Inez, Captain of Far-Reach, Owner-Operator of the Three Skull Privateer Group, Limited Liability Professional Corporation. The two species of humans and dragons definitely have some communication issues and species assumptions to work out. And the character of Barclay, the fanatical Knight, bearer of the word, bigoted and overbearingly righteous, speaks for himself.
As you can imagine, all the characters in the Gullwing Odyssey are parodies of themselves. And yet, the exaggerated characteristics don't make them any less enjoyable to read about, or imagine in your head. Quite the reverse really. As I said, I listened to this book in audio form, and the narration was just perfect. He does all the voices. And if there's one thing that makes an exaggerated character even better, its an exaggerated silly accent voice. Oh yes. You can even hear a sample on the audible page, check this out.
See what I mean? The characters come alive in your head, you can practically see the over-the-top costumes they're wearing as they stride across the back of your eyelids in a vivid colorful world full of snarky dragon princesses, furious pirate queens, and slacker messenger boys.
I would call humor the main genre this book fits into. There's also magic, and dragon people, hence the fantasy. And I assume it is mostly aimed at a young adult audience, as most books with an adolescent main character are, but I waver on that, as the sense of humor is definitely adult. The word-play is fantastic, the satire is delicious, and farce of it all is definitely fun for adults too.
All in all, this book really reminds me of the style of James Branch Cabell, an author in the 1920s who is best known for Jurgen, one of a series of comedy-parody-fantasy-romance novels. Except that Jurgen is chock full of awkward sexism and racism which we try to excuse by saying it is "a product of its time," but still certainly makes it harder to appreciate in today's world.
I would equally call The Gullwing Odyssey a product of its time in that it tackles many of the same problems we face today, sexism, racism and fanatic religion, but is able to do it all with a laugh and a spin because of the overwhelmingly silly and farcical setting. The Gullwing Odyssey has a pretty fantastic female character in Dria, the young dragon princess who is forthright, intelligent, well spoken, and occasionally awkward, young, and normal. Not to mention the pirate queen Maria Giraldinha de Inez, Captain of Far-Reach, Owner-Operator of the Three Skull Privateer Group, Limited Liability Professional Corporation. The two species of humans and dragons definitely have some communication issues and species assumptions to work out. And the character of Barclay, the fanatical Knight, bearer of the word, bigoted and overbearingly righteous, speaks for himself.
As you can imagine, all the characters in the Gullwing Odyssey are parodies of themselves. And yet, the exaggerated characteristics don't make them any less enjoyable to read about, or imagine in your head. Quite the reverse really. As I said, I listened to this book in audio form, and the narration was just perfect. He does all the voices. And if there's one thing that makes an exaggerated character even better, its an exaggerated silly accent voice. Oh yes. You can even hear a sample on the audible page, check this out.
See what I mean? The characters come alive in your head, you can practically see the over-the-top costumes they're wearing as they stride across the back of your eyelids in a vivid colorful world full of snarky dragon princesses, furious pirate queens, and slacker messenger boys.
December 28, 2013
So I sort of stalled out on this one around the holidays. It's hard for me to get into swords-and-sorcery kind of books, although I enjoy them. I just find myself wanting... more... and getting distracted. I'm still stuck about 2/3 of the way through, since I've got a goldfish memory and after a day away from it, couldn't remember what was happening in it to continue. My wife has already finished it, having teased me mercilessly for being unable to pick it up where I left off and I told her she should write a review, since she's a huge fantasy fan, and has more of a basis to compare it to. We both agreed that it's very strongly written and well presented, but for more in-depth notes, she sent me the below part to share.
"Very humorous classical fantasy featuring an endearingly befuddled main character and a somewhat surreal world with plenty of modern in-jokes. There were a few plot points that didn't make sense to me, and the last third of it seemed somewhat more derivative than the middle section- you'll see when you get there. There were some rough spots to the worldbuilding, that probably has more to do with the book not coming with a map to be able to get a thorough grasp of the local terrain to the reader. At times, the combination of fantasy/steampunk stylings was a bit jarring, since the fantasy worldbuilding was so immersive, that it startled me when mentions of a dirigible came through. My biggest pet peeve was that the maturity level of the plotting wasn't even- some of the character development was more maturely themed, genocide and romance, but it was paired with bottles that let out skull-shaped steam when you open them, and fights that are won by dropping your enemy's pants. A cross between Lord of the Rings and Alice in Wonderland. Some aspects of the story seemed jarringly immature compared to others.
The tone is less British than Douglas Adams, less sexual than classic Robert Asprin, and less dark or intense than L.E. Modessit or Terry Pratchett, or Hickman and Weis. So it's perfect for a teenage audience, though later teens may want something with a bit more bite. It's a strong introduction to fantasy, though it's not as engaging if you've been around the block a few times with other high fantasy settings. Its strength is in the subtle and not so subtle humor in it, and the use of vocabulary to emphasize that humor. At one point, I found myself muttering 'your father smelt of elderberries' at it during a heated bit of dialogue. It has a few rough areas, but you'll barely notice them, with the engaging tone and brisk pace. And it manages to both explore and lampoon high-fantasy tropes, without tossing in elves, orcs, or dwarves. (Yet... Unless there's something I don't know about book 2....)"
"Very humorous classical fantasy featuring an endearingly befuddled main character and a somewhat surreal world with plenty of modern in-jokes. There were a few plot points that didn't make sense to me, and the last third of it seemed somewhat more derivative than the middle section- you'll see when you get there. There were some rough spots to the worldbuilding, that probably has more to do with the book not coming with a map to be able to get a thorough grasp of the local terrain to the reader. At times, the combination of fantasy/steampunk stylings was a bit jarring, since the fantasy worldbuilding was so immersive, that it startled me when mentions of a dirigible came through. My biggest pet peeve was that the maturity level of the plotting wasn't even- some of the character development was more maturely themed, genocide and romance, but it was paired with bottles that let out skull-shaped steam when you open them, and fights that are won by dropping your enemy's pants. A cross between Lord of the Rings and Alice in Wonderland. Some aspects of the story seemed jarringly immature compared to others.
The tone is less British than Douglas Adams, less sexual than classic Robert Asprin, and less dark or intense than L.E. Modessit or Terry Pratchett, or Hickman and Weis. So it's perfect for a teenage audience, though later teens may want something with a bit more bite. It's a strong introduction to fantasy, though it's not as engaging if you've been around the block a few times with other high fantasy settings. Its strength is in the subtle and not so subtle humor in it, and the use of vocabulary to emphasize that humor. At one point, I found myself muttering 'your father smelt of elderberries' at it during a heated bit of dialogue. It has a few rough areas, but you'll barely notice them, with the engaging tone and brisk pace. And it manages to both explore and lampoon high-fantasy tropes, without tossing in elves, orcs, or dwarves. (Yet... Unless there's something I don't know about book 2....)"
September 17, 2013
The story in this book is hilarious. There is this courtroom scene that . . . and then the receptionist that needs a pencil holder because . . . Oh, yeah and BECAUSE. . .
I know it makes no sense, what I just wrote, but neither did the magical, spiritual, extraordinary events of the book and that is why it is so good. The author couldn't have said it better when he wrote, in the book, no less, that the book was about religious zealots, neurotic dragon bureaucrats and bullying female sea captains. But there's more. A grandiloquent wizard, a cross dressing hero, a being that should be charged with gross sexual imposition, and the Ghost of Marco Yet to Come.
Initially, I dove in the book with trepidation. I am not one for fantasy and didn't know if I'd be able to make it through, but it wasn't long before it got my attention. This is not just a "chuckle" funny, but laugh out loud (and laugh some more) funny. This book takes you through jungles, down by sea ports, across the sea and through the air. It is filled with colorful, outrageous characters and wraps everything up nicely at the end. It is a sesquipedalian romp, with several anachronisms thrown in. But, if you are a macroverbumsciolist the read may be a little tedious. In other words, Simon uses a lot of big words to tell his story. Too many I think. Some are fun, especially for the Chancellor, some make you run for the dictionary, but to make it more enjoyable for everyone (and this is certainly a story that everyone would enjoy), it would have been nice to have more fifty cent words in the narrative. When odd words are used they seem to pop out at you when used often. For instance, I grew tired of "splayed," "pall" and "backpedaled." But I did not grow tired of this book. It was amusing and entertaining. Some books make the assertion that they are funny, this one hits it right out of the "seven hells." The only other time I remember laughing this hard at scenes out of book was in Huckleberry Finn.
Simon does an excellent job on the Gullwing Odyssey and you won't want to miss this one. I'm glad I had the opportunity to review it.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars.
I know it makes no sense, what I just wrote, but neither did the magical, spiritual, extraordinary events of the book and that is why it is so good. The author couldn't have said it better when he wrote, in the book, no less, that the book was about religious zealots, neurotic dragon bureaucrats and bullying female sea captains. But there's more. A grandiloquent wizard, a cross dressing hero, a being that should be charged with gross sexual imposition, and the Ghost of Marco Yet to Come.
Initially, I dove in the book with trepidation. I am not one for fantasy and didn't know if I'd be able to make it through, but it wasn't long before it got my attention. This is not just a "chuckle" funny, but laugh out loud (and laugh some more) funny. This book takes you through jungles, down by sea ports, across the sea and through the air. It is filled with colorful, outrageous characters and wraps everything up nicely at the end. It is a sesquipedalian romp, with several anachronisms thrown in. But, if you are a macroverbumsciolist the read may be a little tedious. In other words, Simon uses a lot of big words to tell his story. Too many I think. Some are fun, especially for the Chancellor, some make you run for the dictionary, but to make it more enjoyable for everyone (and this is certainly a story that everyone would enjoy), it would have been nice to have more fifty cent words in the narrative. When odd words are used they seem to pop out at you when used often. For instance, I grew tired of "splayed," "pall" and "backpedaled." But I did not grow tired of this book. It was amusing and entertaining. Some books make the assertion that they are funny, this one hits it right out of the "seven hells." The only other time I remember laughing this hard at scenes out of book was in Huckleberry Finn.
Simon does an excellent job on the Gullwing Odyssey and you won't want to miss this one. I'm glad I had the opportunity to review it.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars.
November 10, 2013
Odd I Say? Heck, Yes!!!
Gullwing Odyssey, by Antonio Simon, Jr., is a wonderful fantasy adventure. Marco, a plodding messenger, must traverse the world to deliver a package to Queen Catherine Saint-Saenz Lucinda of Avignary. His adventures begin when he is mistaken for an ambassador and bundled onto a ship.
Emperor Rao Ordan of the Itudaeian empire is facing imminent war. Chancellor Maldronigan, Rao's slimy magician and interested in the emperor's lovely (in the beholder ;) daughter Dria, commissioned the vessel to bring the enemy Hazaranthis emissary to the emperor's estate. The emissary will either be pampered or killed, depending upon his agenda. At the same time, the chancellor is promoting his own hidden agendas.
Faced with not only the loss of his retirement but also his life, Marco reluctantly agrees to masquerade as Ambassador Serio Alam. When Marco thinks things can't get much worse than a forced reading and application of an etiquette book, the ship is boarded by the pirate Captain Maria Giraldinha de Inez, who has a green iguana on her shoulder. She turns Marco into a screamer...which may not be what you're thinking right now.
With the shadow of banishment to his Aunt Delia's farm and her litter of pigs hanging over his head, Marco decides to continue the masquerade. Marco gets a twisted form of help, which could kill him, from a knight with a streak of religious fanaticism as wide as his mustache and who thinks drinking and singing songs is sinful debauchery. With the bureaucratic dragon Kuril to assist with deportment issues, Barclay to either save his soul or send it on its ethereal journey, and the sailor Turbo popping up at inopportune times, Marco continues his quest. He finds more than he ever expected, including romance in a surprising place.
The wonderful humor of the book reminded me of Robert Lynn Aspirin's Myth Adventures series. Beyond the humor, Mr. Simon captures broad social concepts, such as ethnocentrism and judging people by appearances, rather than looking below the surface for commonalities. The writing style is imaginative and professional, and the mark of a true storyteller.
Gullwing Odyssey, by Antonio Simon, Jr., is a wonderful fantasy adventure. Marco, a plodding messenger, must traverse the world to deliver a package to Queen Catherine Saint-Saenz Lucinda of Avignary. His adventures begin when he is mistaken for an ambassador and bundled onto a ship.
Emperor Rao Ordan of the Itudaeian empire is facing imminent war. Chancellor Maldronigan, Rao's slimy magician and interested in the emperor's lovely (in the beholder ;) daughter Dria, commissioned the vessel to bring the enemy Hazaranthis emissary to the emperor's estate. The emissary will either be pampered or killed, depending upon his agenda. At the same time, the chancellor is promoting his own hidden agendas.
Faced with not only the loss of his retirement but also his life, Marco reluctantly agrees to masquerade as Ambassador Serio Alam. When Marco thinks things can't get much worse than a forced reading and application of an etiquette book, the ship is boarded by the pirate Captain Maria Giraldinha de Inez, who has a green iguana on her shoulder. She turns Marco into a screamer...which may not be what you're thinking right now.
With the shadow of banishment to his Aunt Delia's farm and her litter of pigs hanging over his head, Marco decides to continue the masquerade. Marco gets a twisted form of help, which could kill him, from a knight with a streak of religious fanaticism as wide as his mustache and who thinks drinking and singing songs is sinful debauchery. With the bureaucratic dragon Kuril to assist with deportment issues, Barclay to either save his soul or send it on its ethereal journey, and the sailor Turbo popping up at inopportune times, Marco continues his quest. He finds more than he ever expected, including romance in a surprising place.
The wonderful humor of the book reminded me of Robert Lynn Aspirin's Myth Adventures series. Beyond the humor, Mr. Simon captures broad social concepts, such as ethnocentrism and judging people by appearances, rather than looking below the surface for commonalities. The writing style is imaginative and professional, and the mark of a true storyteller.
March 23, 2014
The Gullwing Odyssey by Antonio Simon Jr is very different to anything else that I have read in a very long time.
It is quirky, gripping, twists and turns back on itself cleverly and is hilariously funny in a very dry witted kind of way. I absolutely loved it. I read it in hospital, waiting for my daughter to have emergency surgery and it should definitely have been harder for the author to engross me in anything - yet he managed it.
I loved the character of Marco Gullwing. He is adorable in a very clutzy, accidental kind of way; the very unlikeliest of heroes and yet he entertained me from start to finish. A lot of what he thinks or says is so tongue-in-cheek, that it is hilarious and it caused me to keep laughing out loud in a room full of acutely sick people. I’ve read lots of novels where people are ‘marked’ in some way and given some kind of magical gift, but this was wholly original and the gift is plain bizarre. I think I cried with laughter throughout the scene where Marco and Alexis compare their ‘marks’. Ward 17 at the Waikato Hospital now hate me!
There is such a strange eclectic mix of personalities that the whole thing moves on elegantly, carrying the reader with it. The character of Barclay has a very strange and warped view of life, which is almost Christian but not quite and his peculiar rules and regulations reminded me of some people I’ve met on occasion, which is possibly what made it even funnier. I loved that there were dragons, but that they were portrayed completely differently to the usual and I admire the dynamic of the whole thing. I could never have guessed the ending, but really appreciate how it was wrapped up. When I picked this novel up, I mistakenly thought I was getting some kind of Sinbad the Sailor story retold, but it was much, much more than that. I certainly didn’t expect ingenious and I wouldn’t have banked on hilarious or deeply thought provoking, but that was exactly what I got. This novel is like a parody of all the annoying, deeply irritating, strange, ineffectual and incredibly likeable people you have ever met.
March 10, 2014
The Gullwing Odyssey begins with a case of mistaken identity that leads to a funny, tongue-in-cheek fantasy tale of epic proportions. Lead protagonist, Marco Gullwing possesses a unique blend of talent, luck and the blessings of the gods to get out of intensely dangerous situations that would have discombobulated, maimed or killed lesser men during his mission to deliver a simple letter.
A fantastically diverse blend of characters, on both sides of the protagonist/antagonist fence, make for rousing entertainment and laughs galore. Mr. Simon’s imaginative and humorously endowed mind is surpassed only by his superb talent in writing the English language. Parody, colloquialisms and puns are only some of the weapons in his arsenal of wordsmith talents. His ability to create a convincing world that includes an entire kingdom of dragons with human emotions and morals, a notorious but somehow likeable pirate whose ship can fly, and a righteous giant of a knight whose religious fanaticism goes far beyond the pale are only the tip of the iceberg in the array of characters that appear in this delightful reading experience.
The Gullwing Odyssey is not, however, simply a rollicking good fantasy tale with unforgettable characters. It is also a story that illustrates examples of several human moral and immoral conditions. Within this tale, you’ll find illustrations of zealotry, subjective exploitation, religious extremism, as well as sacrifice, honor, loyalty and love. The adventures of Marco Gullwing are sure to continue and I, for one, can hardly wait to get my hands on it. I highly recommend this book to young and young-at-heart readers of all ages; from nine to ninety-nine you’re in for a great reading experience.
A fantastically diverse blend of characters, on both sides of the protagonist/antagonist fence, make for rousing entertainment and laughs galore. Mr. Simon’s imaginative and humorously endowed mind is surpassed only by his superb talent in writing the English language. Parody, colloquialisms and puns are only some of the weapons in his arsenal of wordsmith talents. His ability to create a convincing world that includes an entire kingdom of dragons with human emotions and morals, a notorious but somehow likeable pirate whose ship can fly, and a righteous giant of a knight whose religious fanaticism goes far beyond the pale are only the tip of the iceberg in the array of characters that appear in this delightful reading experience.
The Gullwing Odyssey is not, however, simply a rollicking good fantasy tale with unforgettable characters. It is also a story that illustrates examples of several human moral and immoral conditions. Within this tale, you’ll find illustrations of zealotry, subjective exploitation, religious extremism, as well as sacrifice, honor, loyalty and love. The adventures of Marco Gullwing are sure to continue and I, for one, can hardly wait to get my hands on it. I highly recommend this book to young and young-at-heart readers of all ages; from nine to ninety-nine you’re in for a great reading experience.
October 29, 2014
"The Gullwing Odyssey" is, in a word, charming.
It's an adventure story (complete with pirates - including one female ship captain who is not only pretty but also pretty ruthless); it's a fantasy (well, there are dragons and wizards); it's a love story; an espionage story (there is treachery afoot that could lead to the fall of an empire), and a coming-of-age novel all rolled into one.
And, as if that weren't quite enough, it's written with a light touch by an author who is not afraid of poking a little harmless fun at the genre(s) and some of the sillier conventions of modern society. That makes this novel all the better, at least in my opinion, because there is a great deal of truth in what Antonio Simon Jr. has to say about some of the things we take for granted and some of those things that we, often unconsciously, accept as truth despite the lack of any evidence that they are, in fact, true.
The story starts when Marco Gullwing, a humble messenger, is mistaken for someone else and gets sent on a journey that takes him from the court of an emperor to a dungeon to the arms of a princess (a very special princess) to a pirate ship to a jungle to an airship to... well, let's just say that Marco - who had once hoped for a quiet life and an easy retirement - winds up in the middle of an adventure that he could never have dreamed of even in his worst nightmares.
The characters in this novel are fascinating and many of them suffer from very human failings (even the ones that aren't human.) It may be that you will find, as I did, that some of them are more real, and far more believable, than many of those you will find in the pages of so-called "serious" novels.
I highly recommend this book, which I enjoyed immensely.
It's an adventure story (complete with pirates - including one female ship captain who is not only pretty but also pretty ruthless); it's a fantasy (well, there are dragons and wizards); it's a love story; an espionage story (there is treachery afoot that could lead to the fall of an empire), and a coming-of-age novel all rolled into one.
And, as if that weren't quite enough, it's written with a light touch by an author who is not afraid of poking a little harmless fun at the genre(s) and some of the sillier conventions of modern society. That makes this novel all the better, at least in my opinion, because there is a great deal of truth in what Antonio Simon Jr. has to say about some of the things we take for granted and some of those things that we, often unconsciously, accept as truth despite the lack of any evidence that they are, in fact, true.
The story starts when Marco Gullwing, a humble messenger, is mistaken for someone else and gets sent on a journey that takes him from the court of an emperor to a dungeon to the arms of a princess (a very special princess) to a pirate ship to a jungle to an airship to... well, let's just say that Marco - who had once hoped for a quiet life and an easy retirement - winds up in the middle of an adventure that he could never have dreamed of even in his worst nightmares.
The characters in this novel are fascinating and many of them suffer from very human failings (even the ones that aren't human.) It may be that you will find, as I did, that some of them are more real, and far more believable, than many of those you will find in the pages of so-called "serious" novels.
I highly recommend this book, which I enjoyed immensely.
April 20, 2014
Mistaken for an emissary he is not, Marco Gullwing embarks on an adventure that changes his life. But all he wants to do is deliver his message/parcel. He runs across various characters in his travels that want to change him into something he is not, even hisself. This is a fanciful tale of self-discovery.
The story is full of wonderful, colorful, crazy characters and locations. Antonio did a great job bringing each character to life and letting them follow their own paths. Other than Marco, my other favorite characters were Barclay, Dria and Alexis. I loved the repartee between Marco and Barclay and the growing romantic relationship between Dria and Marco.
This story is full of tongue-in-cheek and play-on words. Some of it so subtle I would stop and think, Did the author just do that? And yup, he did. I laughed out loud in quite a few places. Two scenes that really stick with me are the innocent, little hummingbird that suddenly dive-bombs Marco and starts drilling into his nose to get to his brain. Makes me shudder and wipe my nose. Yuck! And the non-violent battle at the palace. Very ingenious. I chuckled a lot over that.
But for all the fun I had with this story, there were parts I didn’t like. He has a problem with redundancy. The same actions and words repeated over and over. Palms up, face furrowed flattening the brow. And as wacky as this story is, the cover could have been more dramatic. Also, for being a published vs indie title, there were too many proofreading errors.
I highly recommend this book for a light fanciful read and I give it my 4 feathers.
The story is full of wonderful, colorful, crazy characters and locations. Antonio did a great job bringing each character to life and letting them follow their own paths. Other than Marco, my other favorite characters were Barclay, Dria and Alexis. I loved the repartee between Marco and Barclay and the growing romantic relationship between Dria and Marco.
This story is full of tongue-in-cheek and play-on words. Some of it so subtle I would stop and think, Did the author just do that? And yup, he did. I laughed out loud in quite a few places. Two scenes that really stick with me are the innocent, little hummingbird that suddenly dive-bombs Marco and starts drilling into his nose to get to his brain. Makes me shudder and wipe my nose. Yuck! And the non-violent battle at the palace. Very ingenious. I chuckled a lot over that.
But for all the fun I had with this story, there were parts I didn’t like. He has a problem with redundancy. The same actions and words repeated over and over. Palms up, face furrowed flattening the brow. And as wacky as this story is, the cover could have been more dramatic. Also, for being a published vs indie title, there were too many proofreading errors.
I highly recommend this book for a light fanciful read and I give it my 4 feathers.
April 21, 2016
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
Marco the messenger boy really tries to stay out of trouble. When he is instead swept up into impersonating an ambassador, things in his life get far, far more troublesome than he could have ever imagined.
This novel had some fantastic laugh out loud parts that I couldn’t help sharing with my partner. And then she laughed as well. I really enjoyed it for those moments, and the language twists and the sheer absurdity of the fights that take place.
Light fiction that I just couldn’t put down. I’m not going to profess that it has no ‘deeper issues’, but sometimes you just want to read something to chill and enjoy. This novel is it.
Did I mention that it has dragons? And that they are personified just like humans? And that I love dragons? I felt like I could have done with more from their perspective, but you know what? I was too busy laughing to pay too much attention.
Some of the text just seemed a bit clunky (I feel like this is my favourite way of describing a novel at the moment). The main thing was that some of the storyline elements weren’t wrapped up nicely throughout the novel. For example the contents of the package. I can’t say more without giving anything away… Perhaps this is something that will be explored in the other novels of the Gullwing Series.
I’m giving this 3 stars. Or 4 stars. I can’t decide. It’s not ‘average’, but it’s not ‘outstanding’ either. Undecided.
Marco the messenger boy really tries to stay out of trouble. When he is instead swept up into impersonating an ambassador, things in his life get far, far more troublesome than he could have ever imagined.
This novel had some fantastic laugh out loud parts that I couldn’t help sharing with my partner. And then she laughed as well. I really enjoyed it for those moments, and the language twists and the sheer absurdity of the fights that take place.
Light fiction that I just couldn’t put down. I’m not going to profess that it has no ‘deeper issues’, but sometimes you just want to read something to chill and enjoy. This novel is it.
Did I mention that it has dragons? And that they are personified just like humans? And that I love dragons? I felt like I could have done with more from their perspective, but you know what? I was too busy laughing to pay too much attention.
Some of the text just seemed a bit clunky (I feel like this is my favourite way of describing a novel at the moment). The main thing was that some of the storyline elements weren’t wrapped up nicely throughout the novel. For example the contents of the package. I can’t say more without giving anything away… Perhaps this is something that will be explored in the other novels of the Gullwing Series.
I’m giving this 3 stars. Or 4 stars. I can’t decide. It’s not ‘average’, but it’s not ‘outstanding’ either. Undecided.
December 30, 2013
Achieving farce is a very delicate endeavour, one that is very hard to pull off. First, I'll indicate some things I loved about the book. I loved the wordy and witty dialogue, especially when the chancellor, Maldronigan, is speaking. There are several laugh-out loud incidents of humour. The elements of fantasy - which I love as a genre - are certainly there, and definitely came alive at various points in the book.
Ultimately, the essence of the book has to be greater than the sum of its parts, and I wasn't sure what the overall plot was, or if it was meant to be a children's tale, a farce, or a rollicking fun epic fantasy story. Yes, I acknowledge that an outstanding book can combine and weave several genres and employ great imagination in doing so.
Maybe, for me, it was hard to square the seriousness of the mission (to protect the nation of the dragon race and to negotiate against war) versus the spontaneous bursts of silliness and inexplicable actions or decisions. The beginning of the book was a bit hard to navigate as I wasn't sure what the hook of the book was. When the trial against Marco proceeded in the middle of the book, I was able to settle in, and anticipate what the plot of the book would be. By the way, that trial was the best part of the book to me, witty and full of repartees. It certainly helps that the author is a lawyer!
Loved the line, "Captain of Far-Reach, Owner-Operator of the Three Skull Privateer Group, Limited Liability Professional Corporation." (Which the author, a lawyer, would definitely be familiar with). What a hoot!
Ultimately, the essence of the book has to be greater than the sum of its parts, and I wasn't sure what the overall plot was, or if it was meant to be a children's tale, a farce, or a rollicking fun epic fantasy story. Yes, I acknowledge that an outstanding book can combine and weave several genres and employ great imagination in doing so.
Maybe, for me, it was hard to square the seriousness of the mission (to protect the nation of the dragon race and to negotiate against war) versus the spontaneous bursts of silliness and inexplicable actions or decisions. The beginning of the book was a bit hard to navigate as I wasn't sure what the hook of the book was. When the trial against Marco proceeded in the middle of the book, I was able to settle in, and anticipate what the plot of the book would be. By the way, that trial was the best part of the book to me, witty and full of repartees. It certainly helps that the author is a lawyer!
Loved the line, "Captain of Far-Reach, Owner-Operator of the Three Skull Privateer Group, Limited Liability Professional Corporation." (Which the author, a lawyer, would definitely be familiar with). What a hoot!
December 16, 2013
The Gullwing Odyssey by Antonio Simon, Jr. is a fantasy about an unpresuming young man’s case of mistaken identity that sends him on an adventure of a lifetime.
Messenger Marco Gullwing, bewildered with finding the correct ship that will convey him to where he must deliver an important package, boards the wrong boat bound for a country ruled by talking dragons. Things get complicated when the ship’s captain insists that Marco is an ambassador sent to the dragon kingdom to negotiate a treaty between two nations soon to be at war.
With no one else available, Marco agrees to pose as the ambassador for a day only because the ship captain promises he will sail Marco to his correct destination after dinner. Without knowing what he is doing, a bumbling Marco somehow negotiates peace between the two kingdoms and manages to charm the emperor’s strong-willed dragon daughter.
The story is a clever blend of absurd plot twists that work, witty dialogue, and likable characters. A flying ship with levitation problems, a tenacious knight on a quest, and an inconvenient truth-telling spell make for a fun time. My favorite character was Chancellor Maldronigan, the fussy royal magician for the dragons who had an absurd need for a drawer full of silverware at every meal.
The Gullwing Odyssey was delightful. I recommend the story for readers who enjoy characters that make them smile, mixed up in a romp of a plot.
Messenger Marco Gullwing, bewildered with finding the correct ship that will convey him to where he must deliver an important package, boards the wrong boat bound for a country ruled by talking dragons. Things get complicated when the ship’s captain insists that Marco is an ambassador sent to the dragon kingdom to negotiate a treaty between two nations soon to be at war.
With no one else available, Marco agrees to pose as the ambassador for a day only because the ship captain promises he will sail Marco to his correct destination after dinner. Without knowing what he is doing, a bumbling Marco somehow negotiates peace between the two kingdoms and manages to charm the emperor’s strong-willed dragon daughter.
The story is a clever blend of absurd plot twists that work, witty dialogue, and likable characters. A flying ship with levitation problems, a tenacious knight on a quest, and an inconvenient truth-telling spell make for a fun time. My favorite character was Chancellor Maldronigan, the fussy royal magician for the dragons who had an absurd need for a drawer full of silverware at every meal.
The Gullwing Odyssey was delightful. I recommend the story for readers who enjoy characters that make them smile, mixed up in a romp of a plot.
May 17, 2014
The Gullwing Odyssey (Gullwing, #1) by Antonio Simon Jr. is a monumental masterpiece of mirth and mayhem. I absolutely loved this book. Take the classic true tale of Marco Polo and reinvent it with devious dragon humanoids and you have an adventure fantasy like no other. The author has filled virtually every page with humour and wisecracks that all the family can enjoy without embarrassment. Coupled with action scenes so imaginative that this reader was positively awestruck and you have one heck of a book.
Young Marco accidently misrepresents himself due to no fault of his own. He is messenger to his sovereign with an important message but is side-tracked by a devious dragon who tells all Marco is the Emissary and this sends Marco on a journey of high seas, pirates, monsters, an insane knight, a great battle but most of all he learns to see life differently. Even when facing death, Marco's courtroom drama scene is a joy to behold and is quite possibly the funniest thing I've read in ages. Positively side-splitting.
The author indulges with witty dialogue, and flowery speech that perfectly matches the characters' makeup. Most of all it's the strange and wonderful characters Marco bumps into that makes this book so special and that's what grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and wouldn't let go till the last page.
This FIVE STAR fantasy adventure is a must read for all the family and is highly recommended.
Young Marco accidently misrepresents himself due to no fault of his own. He is messenger to his sovereign with an important message but is side-tracked by a devious dragon who tells all Marco is the Emissary and this sends Marco on a journey of high seas, pirates, monsters, an insane knight, a great battle but most of all he learns to see life differently. Even when facing death, Marco's courtroom drama scene is a joy to behold and is quite possibly the funniest thing I've read in ages. Positively side-splitting.
The author indulges with witty dialogue, and flowery speech that perfectly matches the characters' makeup. Most of all it's the strange and wonderful characters Marco bumps into that makes this book so special and that's what grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and wouldn't let go till the last page.
This FIVE STAR fantasy adventure is a must read for all the family and is highly recommended.
August 28, 2014
Luckless Marco Gullwing has one job, deliver a package to the Queen of Avignary. Instead he’s caught in the middle of diplomatic mission to avoid war between dragons and humans, terrorized by pirates, shot from a cannon, beat up by a humming a hummingbird with a rather questionable appetite for brains, seduced by a naked blue lady.... and that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
At first I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters, but rest assured each character is as vibrant as they are memorable. My only complaint is that there was very little in the way of description for Marco and Maldronigan. I was completely caught by surprise by the fact that the latter was a human character and not a dragon, which added to my confusion about his attraction to the dragon princess.
There are also a few inconsistencies in the story, though it may be a case that I simply misread. Didn’t Maldronigan head out with Alexis on his ship? I don’t remember Alexis being as flamboyant as he is later portrayed; this could be the case that the Alexis became real much later in the author’s writing process.
The first 21 chapters cover the first half of the book made of a total of 36 chapters. For me, it was very off putting to read chapters that were a couple of pages long and basically consisted of a single scene.
Bottom line, the world is vivid and imaginative and well worth the read.
September 3, 2014
A farcical fantasy
Well, it took me a long time to get through this book, as the farcical feel of it isn’t my type of thing. There were people being fired out of cannons and surviving without an explanation, people having crazy sex with ”something” in a jungle, and brain-eating birds appearing and disappearing. Well, it all just made me tired. However, with that said, I can see the qualities. The book is very well written, has great vocabulary, is well edited, and all in all, is very well done.
Much of the humor is centered around the cultural differences between the humans and the little dragons. Since they become more prominent as the story advances, the story improves; there is no saggy middle, here. In fact, Princess Dria is a great female lead character. Hurrah for Antonio for completely avoiding female stereotyping, which is so often seen in fantasy novels.
Even I found some of the jokes surrounding Dria pretty funny. She really grows on you, and is full of surprises. That one joke about the wet white shirt even had me laughing out loud.
So, although this was not really my kind of a story, it’s still an amazing, strange, and very well written fantasy. I’m sure it will have many readers howling with laughter.
Well, it took me a long time to get through this book, as the farcical feel of it isn’t my type of thing. There were people being fired out of cannons and surviving without an explanation, people having crazy sex with ”something” in a jungle, and brain-eating birds appearing and disappearing. Well, it all just made me tired. However, with that said, I can see the qualities. The book is very well written, has great vocabulary, is well edited, and all in all, is very well done.
Much of the humor is centered around the cultural differences between the humans and the little dragons. Since they become more prominent as the story advances, the story improves; there is no saggy middle, here. In fact, Princess Dria is a great female lead character. Hurrah for Antonio for completely avoiding female stereotyping, which is so often seen in fantasy novels.
Even I found some of the jokes surrounding Dria pretty funny. She really grows on you, and is full of surprises. That one joke about the wet white shirt even had me laughing out loud.
So, although this was not really my kind of a story, it’s still an amazing, strange, and very well written fantasy. I’m sure it will have many readers howling with laughter.
October 29, 2014
Marco is in a pickle but finds a way to press forward on an adventure with dragons. When we see Marco accused of impersonating an international dignitary, the Hazaranthi emissary, the case moves into a bizarre courtroom. As the trial unfolds, I began to notice a mystery surfacing in the background: What happened to the real missing emissary? Dria the inexperienced princess is one of many scaly-skinned taloned creatures in the land of dragons who accompanies Marco on his journey. Who is Marco? Is he just a letter carrier or he is a compass, or a fool, or a disciple of the Good Master? Danger waits for him on the Captain's ship, including furious Maria and the Glorious Verb. Marco can't marry a dragon, can he? This story has a little more romance than Elizabeth and Will from Pirates of the Caribbean; it's an excellent fantasy adventure with comedy.
Antonio Simon Jr. splashes eloquent comedy, mixed with a touch of Renaissance dialogue, lots of fantasy, and witty exchanges. I'd love to see this story in the movie theater.
Antonio Simon Jr. splashes eloquent comedy, mixed with a touch of Renaissance dialogue, lots of fantasy, and witty exchanges. I'd love to see this story in the movie theater.
October 31, 2013
Style wise, this is a very interesting piece. For me, the comic style felt like a mixture between a Mel Brooks/Monty Python. There is a large amount of satire in this novel, and here’s the kicker, good satire/comedy is always hard to write. But, The Gullwing Odyssey does satire/comedy well. There were many scenes and situations there were hilarious, well timed and original. The pacing was good throughout, but in my opinion some of the action scenes involving many characters were a little fragmented and didn't read well off the page.
The Gullwing Odyssey is very entertaining, original and funny. There is constantly something original on each page that makes this story feel fresh, and at the heart of the book, you will find loads of adventure.
I would give this book 4.5 stars if I could, but I have no problem giving a full 5 on this site because I don’t have the option. Plus, it had a Lord of the Flies reference in it, which I loved.
The Gullwing Odyssey is very entertaining, original and funny. There is constantly something original on each page that makes this story feel fresh, and at the heart of the book, you will find loads of adventure.
I would give this book 4.5 stars if I could, but I have no problem giving a full 5 on this site because I don’t have the option. Plus, it had a Lord of the Flies reference in it, which I loved.
September 26, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Gullwing Odyssey is completely unlike any fantasy book I've ever read, and that is a good thing. The premise starts out ordinarily enough; Marco is a messenger just trying to deliver a package overseas. However, a case of mistaken identity leads him to a wild, rollicking adventure which completely changes him.
The main thing that stands out in this book is the light, humorous tone the author uses. From the various characters Marco meets along his journey, to the bizarre things that continue to spring up in his path, to the completely original way in which a battle is conducted, I found myself smiling often as I was reading this as poor Marco only wanted to deliver his package. Lastly, I thought the twist at the end was unexpected but brought a lot to the story.
Overall, if you enjoy fantasy stories and like humor, I highly recommend you check this out. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars.
The Gullwing Odyssey is completely unlike any fantasy book I've ever read, and that is a good thing. The premise starts out ordinarily enough; Marco is a messenger just trying to deliver a package overseas. However, a case of mistaken identity leads him to a wild, rollicking adventure which completely changes him.
The main thing that stands out in this book is the light, humorous tone the author uses. From the various characters Marco meets along his journey, to the bizarre things that continue to spring up in his path, to the completely original way in which a battle is conducted, I found myself smiling often as I was reading this as poor Marco only wanted to deliver his package. Lastly, I thought the twist at the end was unexpected but brought a lot to the story.
Overall, if you enjoy fantasy stories and like humor, I highly recommend you check this out. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars.
October 14, 2013
This was actually a pretty cool book. The story is full of action and adventure, and is pretty funny on the parts with no fights. It’s a fantasy about a young messenger named Marco Gullwing. When first tasked with an important job by the king of his own land, Marco is then mistaken for the messenger of a completely different nation, which sends him on an amazing journey that changes his life.
The author does a great job bringing the reader into this world of talking dragons, superhuman knights, and pirates as Marco meets these characters in equally funny or fantastic fashion. There are also twists in the story that have the pages turning quickly. The best thing about The Gullwing Odyssey is that it’s a book that can be shared and enjoyed with the entire family. I’d definitely recommend this for those into epic adventure/fantasy, or just fun and exciting reads.
The author does a great job bringing the reader into this world of talking dragons, superhuman knights, and pirates as Marco meets these characters in equally funny or fantastic fashion. There are also twists in the story that have the pages turning quickly. The best thing about The Gullwing Odyssey is that it’s a book that can be shared and enjoyed with the entire family. I’d definitely recommend this for those into epic adventure/fantasy, or just fun and exciting reads.
November 30, 2013
A really funny fantasy that pokes fun at religion, teenage girls...and, well pretty much everything that falls within its purlieu.
It's a brilliant, light fantasy adventure that I'd recommend for anyone who's not after something too dark and deep. Marco reminded me little of Terry Pratchett's character Rincewind, in terms of his ability to fall into danger and do the stupidest, most unlikely things - with a good dose of humour. Marco is younger and more whiny, though, with very little thought behind his actions. The world he finds himself in is very different to that in Pratchett's books, too.
I loved the supporting cast more than Marco the main character - the strong-willed Dria, the suave Alexis and I think I even preferred Maldronigan - if only because of his very peculiar tastes.
A solid four stars.
It's a brilliant, light fantasy adventure that I'd recommend for anyone who's not after something too dark and deep. Marco reminded me little of Terry Pratchett's character Rincewind, in terms of his ability to fall into danger and do the stupidest, most unlikely things - with a good dose of humour. Marco is younger and more whiny, though, with very little thought behind his actions. The world he finds himself in is very different to that in Pratchett's books, too.
I loved the supporting cast more than Marco the main character - the strong-willed Dria, the suave Alexis and I think I even preferred Maldronigan - if only because of his very peculiar tastes.
A solid four stars.
January 8, 2014
Antonio Simon, Jr. has created one of the most hysterical, lighthearted fantasies that I've ever read and enjoyed. Easily enjoyed by young adults as well as adults, this work is sure to please. Talking bipedal dragons, a comedic irreverence toward religion, and improbable red undergarments ensure that the read is light and doesn't take itself too seriously. Tonally, the sarcastic and goofy humor is sure to resonate with Douglas Adams fans. Though certain fantasy elements are standard, there are new twists which keep Gullwing fresh. Gullwing begins the story as the most unlikely hero possible, but comes into his own through a series of crazy, unrelenting events reminiscent of Job: a Comedy of Justice. Solid PG entertainments, various forms of magic, species, religion, and a bizarre cast of characters will delight most fantasy fans.
November 16, 2014
What an enjoyable read. Honestly, I was lost in the story. The main character was Marco Gullwing, and for me, he was immediately a likable guy. As a reader, I couldn't believe that one thing after another kept happening to this poor fellow.
As far as I'm concerned, the author is a fantastic writer. It's a smooth style of writing (but witty at the same time), and he is gifted to instantly draw his readers into the plot.
The Gullwing Odyssey is a fantasy, full of adventure, humor, and action. There were times when I found myself laughing out loud. All of the characters are developed beautifully. I enjoyed this story so much, I'm going to have my son read it. This truly is a must read for the entire family in my opinion. Bravo to the author for a great imagination and being able to put it in writing.
As far as I'm concerned, the author is a fantastic writer. It's a smooth style of writing (but witty at the same time), and he is gifted to instantly draw his readers into the plot.
The Gullwing Odyssey is a fantasy, full of adventure, humor, and action. There were times when I found myself laughing out loud. All of the characters are developed beautifully. I enjoyed this story so much, I'm going to have my son read it. This truly is a must read for the entire family in my opinion. Bravo to the author for a great imagination and being able to put it in writing.
December 19, 2014
I loved this book!
Adventure with a great touch of humor. The main character, Marco Gullwing, accidentally gets drawn inside of a fantastic adventure. He can kiss goodbye to his old life and start embracing his new life full of pirates and dragons if he ever wishes to survive. And with his skills of messing things up…that is not an easy task.
The story is clearly meant for teen/YA readers. All though, the age doesn’t matter, as I’m sure readers of all age will love this book. I found it very entertaining and extremely fun. Made me roll on my laughter! With this story you’ll never know where the journey might take you! Excellent!
A little tip… this is a book that both boys and girls will love! I’m so gonna give this as a gift to my kids, my nieces, my godchildren and anyone I can think of. Yes, it was that good!
Adventure with a great touch of humor. The main character, Marco Gullwing, accidentally gets drawn inside of a fantastic adventure. He can kiss goodbye to his old life and start embracing his new life full of pirates and dragons if he ever wishes to survive. And with his skills of messing things up…that is not an easy task.
The story is clearly meant for teen/YA readers. All though, the age doesn’t matter, as I’m sure readers of all age will love this book. I found it very entertaining and extremely fun. Made me roll on my laughter! With this story you’ll never know where the journey might take you! Excellent!
A little tip… this is a book that both boys and girls will love! I’m so gonna give this as a gift to my kids, my nieces, my godchildren and anyone I can think of. Yes, it was that good!
December 9, 2013
Wow! Fun-filled, fast-paced, riotously action-oriented, this is a remarkable piece of work from first-time author Antonio Simon Jr. His descriptions are beautiful and his ideas vast. Though at times I could have used a little more information, I wouldn't want it if it would spoil the jokes...and there are a lot of jokes. His notion of a fully-operational Dragon Empire, as in an empire run by and for dragons, not as a metaphor for China, is about as good as fantasy gets.
I seriously wish we could have the option of 4.5 stars, as that would be my vote for The Gullwing Odyssey. Like a Russian judge in the old days, I want to leave a little room to give Mr. Simon the full five stars for his finale as there are more books promised in this series.
I seriously wish we could have the option of 4.5 stars, as that would be my vote for The Gullwing Odyssey. Like a Russian judge in the old days, I want to leave a little room to give Mr. Simon the full five stars for his finale as there are more books promised in this series.
October 20, 2014
This is a delightful fantasy that parodies its genre, its characters, and whatever the author wants to make fun of. The main character, Marco Gullwing, goes on a simple journey to deliver a package to a queen. He fails to deliver the package and ends up on the wrong boat and encounters dragons, pirates, killer humming birds, and other strange creatures. Maybe he falls asleep and has a weird dream. Whatever the reason, he becomes the ambassador to broker peace between two countries. An unlikely hero, who is good at messing things up. And that is just part of the fun.
December 20, 2014
Truly enjoyed this book! The author has a wonderful sense of humor, and you wind up happy you got to know his characters. Secondary characters are handled very well; each has just enough (but not too much!) of his or her own separate narrative arc. Some moments (especially involving milk and a very brazen undergarment--don't want to spoil it) had me laughing pretty hard.
This book still has a pretty big heart, however. Marco's personal journey is wonderfully staged.
Five stars. If you're a fan of epic fantasy with a sense of humor and a tiny smidgen of satire, you'll love it.
This book still has a pretty big heart, however. Marco's personal journey is wonderfully staged.
Five stars. If you're a fan of epic fantasy with a sense of humor and a tiny smidgen of satire, you'll love it.
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