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Wanderers #1
Barnaby the Wanderer
Recall the cinder-girls and ash-lads of old tales; enduring the mockery and abuse of their hollow families. What makes them rise one day, and set forth to seek their fortune? Maybe just the curiosity to see what lies beyond the road's turn. Else it's the dream of proving themselves, winning a kingdom. .Or just maybe, they hope to find a real family?
Barnaby the Miller's son; Barnaby the village fool. He's spent his days staring into the hearth flames, the butt of jokes and insults. Till one day he sets forth to wander the roads of the sweet, wicked world.. Barnaby is searching for adventure, beauty, friends; maybe even a princess. And he'll find all these things, on his way to a magic tower cursed by the saints. While all through the steps of his long journey, the cursed tower waits patiently for him.
Barnaby the Miller's son; Barnaby the village fool. He's spent his days staring into the hearth flames, the butt of jokes and insults. Till one day he sets forth to wander the roads of the sweet, wicked world.. Barnaby is searching for adventure, beauty, friends; maybe even a princess. And he'll find all these things, on his way to a magic tower cursed by the saints. While all through the steps of his long journey, the cursed tower waits patiently for him.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 29, 2023
I’m a huge fan of Raymond St. Elmo’s writing. I love his unique stories that blend fantasy and magical realism with witty prose and sharp observations. His newest book is quite different; it offers a unique take on Epic Fantasy and Sword & Sorcery tropes. The page count is daunting (800+), but the story is entertaining. Occasionally, it may lack focus and feel somewhat meandering, but overall, it proves to be a fun journey.
The story revolves around Barnaby, a miller’s son and the somewhat village fool, who embarks on a journey. Soon, he is joined by intriguing companions—a cat tutor and a brooding ghost—who follow him on his adventures. Together, they face challenges like fighting a giant rat that writes bad poetry. As the tale progresses, it becomes more complex and introduces additional characters. In the second part of the story, the focus shifts from Barnaby to the entire team as they undertake their epic quest that includes the cursed tower.
As expected, I loved the writing and the author’s vivid imagination. St. Elmo’s voice is instantly recognizable and distinct. However, there is a flip side to the way he plays with language—sometimes, it feels like the storytelling takes a backseat to the manner of telling the story and numerous asides. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this approach, except in a book that counts 800 pages it makes readers feel it’s 800 pages.
Other than that, though, Barnaby The Wanderer tells an engaging story and its characters are instantly likable. Take Barnaby, whose (naïve) curiosity, empathy, and innocence are quite endearing. Or his cat tutor challenging Dark Michael:
“Few things walk the earth as dangerous, as terrifying, as lethal in power as the instructional knowledge held in my little kitty head, you wispy pointless remainder of a thuggish noble.”
All characters are distinct and memorable, and all develop nicely throughout the story.
Overall, Barnaby The Wanderer captivated me with its imaginative storytelling, witty writing, and emotional depth. It’s a long book, and it could be tighter and more focused. Despite this, it offers an old-school vibe that some readers yearn for in their tales. Well worth a shot, folks! :)
The story revolves around Barnaby, a miller’s son and the somewhat village fool, who embarks on a journey. Soon, he is joined by intriguing companions—a cat tutor and a brooding ghost—who follow him on his adventures. Together, they face challenges like fighting a giant rat that writes bad poetry. As the tale progresses, it becomes more complex and introduces additional characters. In the second part of the story, the focus shifts from Barnaby to the entire team as they undertake their epic quest that includes the cursed tower.
As expected, I loved the writing and the author’s vivid imagination. St. Elmo’s voice is instantly recognizable and distinct. However, there is a flip side to the way he plays with language—sometimes, it feels like the storytelling takes a backseat to the manner of telling the story and numerous asides. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this approach, except in a book that counts 800 pages it makes readers feel it’s 800 pages.
Other than that, though, Barnaby The Wanderer tells an engaging story and its characters are instantly likable. Take Barnaby, whose (naïve) curiosity, empathy, and innocence are quite endearing. Or his cat tutor challenging Dark Michael:
“Few things walk the earth as dangerous, as terrifying, as lethal in power as the instructional knowledge held in my little kitty head, you wispy pointless remainder of a thuggish noble.”
All characters are distinct and memorable, and all develop nicely throughout the story.
Overall, Barnaby The Wanderer captivated me with its imaginative storytelling, witty writing, and emotional depth. It’s a long book, and it could be tighter and more focused. Despite this, it offers an old-school vibe that some readers yearn for in their tales. Well worth a shot, folks! :)
September 8, 2025
This excellent read defies categorisation. Through his excellent imagination, the author has crafted a story that is somehow a mix between fantasy, adventure and philosophy. He has fashioned a band of lovable, eccentric characters, including a talking cat, who form their own family and set off on an adventure together. Barnaby himself is portrayed as a misfit who holds strange ideas.
It starts as a fantasy and then veers off into something akin to "philosophy," where the author displays his talent for dry wit.
I am glad I read this book. I enjoyed every word. Read it. It is a true masterpiece,
It starts as a fantasy and then veers off into something akin to "philosophy," where the author displays his talent for dry wit.
I am glad I read this book. I enjoyed every word. Read it. It is a true masterpiece,
September 23, 2023
I’m desperate for everyone to read this book. While cognitively I know that there will be someone out there who isn’t charmed by Barnaby and his wandering, I have a hard time conceiving of who this imaginary person could possibly be.
Barnaby the Miller is irresistibly charming and I dare you to come away from this book without feeling endeared to the way he wanders through the world with a spirit of wonder and kindness. So too will you fall in love with the crew he meets along the way: Jewel the witch, Night-Creep the cat, Dark Michael the ghost, Val the bard to name a bare few.
Old school fantasy, epic adventures, grand themes, poignant musings on life’s many joys and sorrows….character growth, romance, and I’ll be damned, there’s even a cameo from Hades (Pluto) & Persephone.
My best comparison to explain the vibe of this book is The Hobbit if it were written by Neil Gaiman. If that doesn’t entice you then I don’t know what will!
Please! I’m begging you! Read this!
Barnaby the Miller is irresistibly charming and I dare you to come away from this book without feeling endeared to the way he wanders through the world with a spirit of wonder and kindness. So too will you fall in love with the crew he meets along the way: Jewel the witch, Night-Creep the cat, Dark Michael the ghost, Val the bard to name a bare few.
Old school fantasy, epic adventures, grand themes, poignant musings on life’s many joys and sorrows….character growth, romance, and I’ll be damned, there’s even a cameo from Hades (Pluto) & Persephone.
My best comparison to explain the vibe of this book is The Hobbit if it were written by Neil Gaiman. If that doesn’t entice you then I don’t know what will!
Please! I’m begging you! Read this!
July 29, 2023
Quite a surprise from a favourite self published author who I’ve learnt to appreciate over the last couple of years.
A grand Fantasy Epic (800 pages!) in an almost traditional style for the genre; a likeable hero on a quest to find treasure and love, in the company of a band of fellow travellers, supernatural and natural. The long title of the book says it all. As I’ll explain later this seems rather a change from his previous novels.
Barnaby, the hero, seems a bit of an airhead, or naive at the least. And there is an element of that to his character but he has a reason for leaving on his quest and of course he grows as the story develops. The plot is cleverly constructed with Barnaby, and the band of companions he gathers, noting that sometimes it seems ‘forces’ must be directing them, maybe manipulating them in this possibly artificial quest for riches. They travel through various countries in this old style fantasy world each with different characteristics (E.g militaristic, steampunk, close affinity with the dead, etc.) giving the author a chance to show the breadth of his imagination.
The tone of the story is light. There are bad, even nasty, characters, some violent conflict, but there’s no obvious visceral evil. This is not Grimdark. Barnaby has a generally positive view of life despite his sad backstory. There’s some humour. Mostly the story of the group’s adventures is told in the third person but every now and then individuals are given the chance to address the reader directly in the first person. I was quite taken by a brief chapter where ‘St Lucif’, one of the supernatural forces (gods or ‘saints’) behind this world, who supervises the underworld (probably Lucifer in ours) tells the reader in deadpan style something of his life, such as how he dislikes being the source of dark oaths in this world (“by Lucif’s seven asses”, etc).
Given the author’s literary background it has more depth than the standard fantasy adventure seeking treasure and love. If you’re familiar with the author (and I strongly recommend that you should become so) you’ll note that it’s quite different to his previous, mostly magical realism, books (some stand-alones plus an excellent contemporary quintet set in the quiet towns of the Texas hill country). Maybe some distant link to another fantasy quintet of books, Quest of the Five Clans, with a weird and complex supernatural backdrop. Despite the differences it maintains the mouthwatering prose characteristic of the author, and the regular quote worthy passages (unfortunately my Kindle to GR link for highlights isn’t working for this book).
I suggest this could be a good entry level start to becoming familiar with the author if you’re a traditional fantasy reader (maybe his Texas hill country books if you prefer contemporary fantasy). It’s fun, clever, enjoyable. 800 pages to savour. An author who really should be far better known. As for most of his books I’ve read, 5* for reading pleasure.
A grand Fantasy Epic (800 pages!) in an almost traditional style for the genre; a likeable hero on a quest to find treasure and love, in the company of a band of fellow travellers, supernatural and natural. The long title of the book says it all. As I’ll explain later this seems rather a change from his previous novels.
Barnaby, the hero, seems a bit of an airhead, or naive at the least. And there is an element of that to his character but he has a reason for leaving on his quest and of course he grows as the story develops. The plot is cleverly constructed with Barnaby, and the band of companions he gathers, noting that sometimes it seems ‘forces’ must be directing them, maybe manipulating them in this possibly artificial quest for riches. They travel through various countries in this old style fantasy world each with different characteristics (E.g militaristic, steampunk, close affinity with the dead, etc.) giving the author a chance to show the breadth of his imagination.
The tone of the story is light. There are bad, even nasty, characters, some violent conflict, but there’s no obvious visceral evil. This is not Grimdark. Barnaby has a generally positive view of life despite his sad backstory. There’s some humour. Mostly the story of the group’s adventures is told in the third person but every now and then individuals are given the chance to address the reader directly in the first person. I was quite taken by a brief chapter where ‘St Lucif’, one of the supernatural forces (gods or ‘saints’) behind this world, who supervises the underworld (probably Lucifer in ours) tells the reader in deadpan style something of his life, such as how he dislikes being the source of dark oaths in this world (“by Lucif’s seven asses”, etc).
Given the author’s literary background it has more depth than the standard fantasy adventure seeking treasure and love. If you’re familiar with the author (and I strongly recommend that you should become so) you’ll note that it’s quite different to his previous, mostly magical realism, books (some stand-alones plus an excellent contemporary quintet set in the quiet towns of the Texas hill country). Maybe some distant link to another fantasy quintet of books, Quest of the Five Clans, with a weird and complex supernatural backdrop. Despite the differences it maintains the mouthwatering prose characteristic of the author, and the regular quote worthy passages (unfortunately my Kindle to GR link for highlights isn’t working for this book).
I suggest this could be a good entry level start to becoming familiar with the author if you’re a traditional fantasy reader (maybe his Texas hill country books if you prefer contemporary fantasy). It’s fun, clever, enjoyable. 800 pages to savour. An author who really should be far better known. As for most of his books I’ve read, 5* for reading pleasure.
July 27, 2023
This book has it all. The gormless and generally considered a fool son of a miller, setting out on a quest. Some chosen one vibes, perhaps. Forms a company almost accidentally and together they decide to become their own found family. They face adventure and monsters and gods and goddesses (called saints in this). They face truths about themselves, about those around them, and about the world they live in. There are surprising twists and turns and maybe the promise of a sequel? Pretty please?
November 26, 2024
Barnaby the Wanderer certainly had a different "feel" to it than most fantasy that I've read recently. At times, it felt like reading an old school fantasy epic, but would veer into more modern humor and characterization at times, and that blend of old and new made for a fun, yet heartfelt, read.
For me, it felt like it took a while for this story to get going. Barnaby, on his quest to find and loot a mythical tower, must first assemble his party of companions. This is done over many pages and chapters, but it has the payoff of feeling like you really know each companion by the time the party does fully come together. St. Elmo puts together a stereotypical adventuring party, with a warrior, cleric, bard, rogue, and so on, but each character does have their unique quirks that keeps the story feeling fresh and new. The same could be said about the world itself - Terra Sanctorum's various kingdoms almost feel like levels in a video game - you have Demetia and it's idyllic, Shire-like countryside, St. Plutarch and its spooky swamps and forests - the kingdoms are fully defined by their patron saints, but again, there is always a sort of twist or wrinkle that keeps them from feeling too overdone.
With that being said, I loved the setting - the mix of various religions and cultures to create something familiar, but entirely new at the same time. I enjoyed reading about a world where the "ruling" deities play an active role, rather than just being passive observers or constructs of a ruling class or some other fantasy trope. I felt that it gave a depth and soul to the world that many other fantasy worlds lack.
If I did have one complain about Barnaby the Wanderer, it's that at times it felt like there was too much of this story! As mentioned above, the opening felt like it went on for longer than needed. Besides that, there were a number of chapters told in the first person by side characters in the story. I enjoyed these, but sometimes they did feel a bit superfluous, and the frequent switching between first and third person was a bit jarring at times.
But overall, I did really enjoy my time with this book! It was a fun read, but full of depth and emotion, definitely not what I was expecting going into it!
For me, it felt like it took a while for this story to get going. Barnaby, on his quest to find and loot a mythical tower, must first assemble his party of companions. This is done over many pages and chapters, but it has the payoff of feeling like you really know each companion by the time the party does fully come together. St. Elmo puts together a stereotypical adventuring party, with a warrior, cleric, bard, rogue, and so on, but each character does have their unique quirks that keeps the story feeling fresh and new. The same could be said about the world itself - Terra Sanctorum's various kingdoms almost feel like levels in a video game - you have Demetia and it's idyllic, Shire-like countryside, St. Plutarch and its spooky swamps and forests - the kingdoms are fully defined by their patron saints, but again, there is always a sort of twist or wrinkle that keeps them from feeling too overdone.
With that being said, I loved the setting - the mix of various religions and cultures to create something familiar, but entirely new at the same time. I enjoyed reading about a world where the "ruling" deities play an active role, rather than just being passive observers or constructs of a ruling class or some other fantasy trope. I felt that it gave a depth and soul to the world that many other fantasy worlds lack.
If I did have one complain about Barnaby the Wanderer, it's that at times it felt like there was too much of this story! As mentioned above, the opening felt like it went on for longer than needed. Besides that, there were a number of chapters told in the first person by side characters in the story. I enjoyed these, but sometimes they did feel a bit superfluous, and the frequent switching between first and third person was a bit jarring at times.
But overall, I did really enjoy my time with this book! It was a fun read, but full of depth and emotion, definitely not what I was expecting going into it!
August 10, 2023
Five well-earned stars. I was really in the mood to read a story like this, and here it was. Now, to tell the truth I don't usually do well with long books. It took me forever to get through War and Peace, and that was a page-turner. Oh, who am I kidding? It took a long time to get through The Death of Ivan Ilyich, and that's only 76 pages. But there's a reason Raymond St. Elmo's an automatic buy for me. He's still got the magic! Why none of his books have hit the big screen yet I'll never know, but this is a world that loves artificial intelligence and has little appreciation for true genius. (ノ_<、)ヾ(´▽｀)
This is a found family story, and every character's well-drawn, interesting, and believable, even the weird ones, like the goat girl. ☜(ˆ▿ˆc)
I think it was Tom Cochrane who first said that life is a highway, and AC/DC who said it was a highway to hell, but in this book it's a dirt road. Life happens to Barnaby on this road in the form of all the people he encounters ─ thieves, witches, ghosts, soldiers, traveling bards, dead bodies, giant rats, talking cats, magic spiders, skeptical clergy, bored barmaids, etc. Some of them help him, some of them mean him serious harm. And some of the ones who initially do him harm actually did it to help him. (I love the antagonist to ally trope!) But it's the same for all of us as we pursue our own treasure.
There's something of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist about this in the treasure hunting, and it's highly recommended if you like fantasy like Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence, Perdido Street Station, or any Neil Gaiman or Italo Calvino. Note to parents: this is not meant for kiddies. There's a wee bit o'sex, although nothing graphic, and a great deal of swearing, which is rather graphic. And definitely inventive. (>‿◠)✌
This is a found family story, and every character's well-drawn, interesting, and believable, even the weird ones, like the goat girl. ☜(ˆ▿ˆc)
I think it was Tom Cochrane who first said that life is a highway, and AC/DC who said it was a highway to hell, but in this book it's a dirt road. Life happens to Barnaby on this road in the form of all the people he encounters ─ thieves, witches, ghosts, soldiers, traveling bards, dead bodies, giant rats, talking cats, magic spiders, skeptical clergy, bored barmaids, etc. Some of them help him, some of them mean him serious harm. And some of the ones who initially do him harm actually did it to help him. (I love the antagonist to ally trope!) But it's the same for all of us as we pursue our own treasure.
There's something of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist about this in the treasure hunting, and it's highly recommended if you like fantasy like Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence, Perdido Street Station, or any Neil Gaiman or Italo Calvino. Note to parents: this is not meant for kiddies. There's a wee bit o'sex, although nothing graphic, and a great deal of swearing, which is rather graphic. And definitely inventive. (>‿◠)✌
August 12, 2024
You know how you feel when you find that one special book that just checks all the boxes of all the things you love in a story? Well, I feel beyond that way.
This was an epic adventure story full of characters I fell in love with. Barnaby himself , was one of a kind. I loved everything about his character. The storyline was unique and intriguing. The author is amazing. I've read his other books and they were great as well, but this will go down as my favorite just because I love adventure tales and creatures and swords and all that.
I don't know how more people do not know this book. It seriously is better than most things being written today.
Do yourself a favor, a fall into this story of quests, eccentric characters, and a talking cat that has sass.
This was an epic adventure story full of characters I fell in love with. Barnaby himself , was one of a kind. I loved everything about his character. The storyline was unique and intriguing. The author is amazing. I've read his other books and they were great as well, but this will go down as my favorite just because I love adventure tales and creatures and swords and all that.
I don't know how more people do not know this book. It seriously is better than most things being written today.
Do yourself a favor, a fall into this story of quests, eccentric characters, and a talking cat that has sass.
August 23, 2023
Professor Shadow Night-Creep just got added to my Mt. Rushmore of animal companions next to Oreb, Mani, and Nighteyes
July 9, 2025
God did not want me to finish this book.
When it comes to books, I'm a stickler for appearances. There's something about a straight spine, white edges, and crease free pages that gives me a special sense of satisfaction. As such, I go out of my way to ensure the book I'm reading doesn't look like it's been read. I like to keep them as pristine as possible, looking all the better on my endless shelves.
Like the main character presented in its pages, Barnaby the Wanderer took a path guided by fortune. During my time reading, the book fell onto freshly wet grass, leaving green splatters along the edges; was creased and wrinkled from countless coincidences and other items getting in the way; somehow killed two bugs within its pages without my knowing; managed to survive a coffee spill with only the faintest splatter on a corner; and has a bloody thumbprint on one page because I didn't realize my finger had a small cut on it. For someone who takes great care in their books, it is startlingly clear that celestial forces were trying to get me to stop reading.
As for the story itself, I refuse to say much, for doing so will spoil the experience. The less you know going in, the better. All I will say is that it starts with a simple miller leaving his little life, and by the end you will have understood more about his world and ours than most people ever will.
When it comes to books, I'm a stickler for appearances. There's something about a straight spine, white edges, and crease free pages that gives me a special sense of satisfaction. As such, I go out of my way to ensure the book I'm reading doesn't look like it's been read. I like to keep them as pristine as possible, looking all the better on my endless shelves.
Like the main character presented in its pages, Barnaby the Wanderer took a path guided by fortune. During my time reading, the book fell onto freshly wet grass, leaving green splatters along the edges; was creased and wrinkled from countless coincidences and other items getting in the way; somehow killed two bugs within its pages without my knowing; managed to survive a coffee spill with only the faintest splatter on a corner; and has a bloody thumbprint on one page because I didn't realize my finger had a small cut on it. For someone who takes great care in their books, it is startlingly clear that celestial forces were trying to get me to stop reading.
As for the story itself, I refuse to say much, for doing so will spoil the experience. The less you know going in, the better. All I will say is that it starts with a simple miller leaving his little life, and by the end you will have understood more about his world and ours than most people ever will.
June 5, 2024
This was a very enjoyable read. It reminded me of Josiah Bancroft's Tower of Babel series. I love the found-family plot and all the characters are a delight to get to know.
August 27, 2024
A highly kind fantasy tale. Unsurprisingly given the author, but there is a dreamlike quality to it. Recommended for anyone who likes friends working together, and the world's motives mysterious.
April 18, 2024
This is your typical DnD like story, and at the same time it's anything but. Barnaby the miller's son leaves home with a map in his pocket and travels the magical land, going from zone to zone, from people to people, taking some weird and lonely souls into his party, and they evolve into a little family. The way they all developed and learned to function as a group is just wonderful! The DnD classes of the characters are pretty obvious, too, but they never feel unnatural, as the world and their backgrounds make them natural and sensible.
It is also 800 pages long. Like, yes, spiritually it's a TV show in book format, with clear episode-sized arcs perfect for reading in one sitting, but to enjoy what this book really has to offer one must enjoy reading things like:
The discourse on faith and theology is light but constant and crucial, and while I really enjoyed it for like 90% of the book, the way it all came together didn't work for me AT ALL. Like, the only saint I would have enjoyed following was not represented (unlike everyone else), neither in the main cast nor though the side characters, making the final decision look very underdeveloped and biased. Of course it was an easy one for them to make, nobody really understood the appeal of the opposing view and the reader had no exposure to it in all 800 pages. I don't mind the decision itself but the way there wasn't even a strawman argument in sight? The way the only character who could provide it didn't talk? How convenient :D
The other thing that really bothered me is the romance. Yeah, yeah, it's me ur local romance hater again, BUT I found absolutely no reason to obsessively pair everyone up. It gave the vibes of desperate university students who have no choice but to form pairs to save money. The romantic developments didn't add anything to the relationships that wasn't already there when they were friends. Everyone should have stayed friends and saved me from reading about sex under terrifyingly unhygienic circumstances.
Thirdly, was it really necessary to say that the two women who used to fuck back in the day have a sisterly bond? YIKES.
And finally, it wasn't whimsical enough for me at the end of the day. I really expected everything to fall into places one way or another, and it just didn't. There should have been more about the, ah, lore behind some of the characters' presence in the story. The book could also use some editing, but my enjoyment wasn't hindered by the lack of it.
It is also 800 pages long. Like, yes, spiritually it's a TV show in book format, with clear episode-sized arcs perfect for reading in one sitting, but to enjoy what this book really has to offer one must enjoy reading things like:
Walk a real road, and every dead dog in a ditch, any quiet cemetery where flowers bloom, and every last flag waving in the wind are all reminders: this world is a devouring thing.
Those old gods are the brute forces of existence our child-minds give faces.
Feeding your soul on rage? Same as feeding a dog on bread. Oh, it thinks it is full; but it is starved, ready to fall dead
The wind blows, the grass grows, the sun shines. And so a child’s mind ascribes these acts to Saint Boreas, Holy Mother Demetia, and Blessed Helios. But the adult mind deduces deeper causes. All the more powerful, even the more holy, for that those causes are not mere persons but grand laws. They act; but know themselves not.
“A word to the wise: do not make habit of gazing upon the truth of others. It will not always be a vision of wonder. And whether the sight be good or ill, sweet or foul, overmuch gazing shall overthrow your mind.”
The discourse on faith and theology is light but constant and crucial, and while I really enjoyed it for like 90% of the book, the way it all came together didn't work for me AT ALL. Like, the only saint I would have enjoyed following was not represented (unlike everyone else), neither in the main cast nor though the side characters, making the final decision look very underdeveloped and biased. Of course it was an easy one for them to make, nobody really understood the appeal of the opposing view and the reader had no exposure to it in all 800 pages. I don't mind the decision itself but the way there wasn't even a strawman argument in sight? The way the only character who could provide it didn't talk? How convenient :D
The other thing that really bothered me is the romance. Yeah, yeah, it's me ur local romance hater again, BUT I found absolutely no reason to obsessively pair everyone up. It gave the vibes of desperate university students who have no choice but to form pairs to save money. The romantic developments didn't add anything to the relationships that wasn't already there when they were friends. Everyone should have stayed friends and saved me from reading about sex under terrifyingly unhygienic circumstances.
Thirdly, was it really necessary to say that the two women who used to fuck back in the day have a sisterly bond? YIKES.
And finally, it wasn't whimsical enough for me at the end of the day. I really expected everything to fall into places one way or another, and it just didn't. There should have been more about the, ah, lore behind some of the characters' presence in the story. The book could also use some editing, but my enjoyment wasn't hindered by the lack of it.
August 11, 2025
Okay, he’s walking down a country road instead of off a cliff, and there’s a cat perched on his shoulder rather than a dog at his heels, but don’t be fooled. This Barnaby is life model and spirit double for the Fool of the Tarot deck, and his is the Fool’s Journey. Through events seemingly random, he follows all along the will of the Gods (or ‘Saints’, as St. Elmo styles them herein).
Barnaby collects a company about him, in a fashion more (seemingly) arbitrary even than the famously hobbit-crashed Fellowship of the Ring. It includes a woman, born and trained as a warrior, who makes a more interesting career choice as bard and horse thief; a witch and her spider familiar; a didactic demon in the shape of a cat; an atheistic priest; a whimsical satyress who wields a mean bow; the ghost of a soldier executed for treason; and a young thief who carries his older self in his head like an out-of-control past life memory. Together, they adopt Barnaby’s mad quest to find a saint-cursed Tower, cousin to Childe Roland’s, that lurks at the ends of the earth in the best fantasy tradition.
What ensues is something like you might expect if Gene Wolfe and Peter S. Beagle collaborated on an entry to a picaresque novel contest judged by the ghost of David Lindsay. The characters traverse a landscape where the kingdoms epitomize different philosophies of life (something like Stations of the Angels, but less elemental); face demons internal, external and eternal; kill, die, come back to life, fall in love, fall behind, search for treasure, finding friendship and the odd magical talisman.
Here be just about everything--except dragons.
Not all things go smoothly, for protagonists or the reader. At its best, this fool’s journey gives us glimpses into the Gods’ man- and woman-caves, skirts the stars, and illuminates the depths of Hell. But sometimes, especially in the Tower itself, the journey starts to seem a bit like a role playing game where the Dungeon Master had way too much time on his hands.
But of course the Fool’s Journey doesn’t end at the Tower. The Greater Trumps of the Tarot teach that it takes us, ultimately, to the World. In the case of Barnaby and his friends, it might actually be two worlds.
And yes, you’ll have to read the book to read that riddle.
Barnaby collects a company about him, in a fashion more (seemingly) arbitrary even than the famously hobbit-crashed Fellowship of the Ring. It includes a woman, born and trained as a warrior, who makes a more interesting career choice as bard and horse thief; a witch and her spider familiar; a didactic demon in the shape of a cat; an atheistic priest; a whimsical satyress who wields a mean bow; the ghost of a soldier executed for treason; and a young thief who carries his older self in his head like an out-of-control past life memory. Together, they adopt Barnaby’s mad quest to find a saint-cursed Tower, cousin to Childe Roland’s, that lurks at the ends of the earth in the best fantasy tradition.
What ensues is something like you might expect if Gene Wolfe and Peter S. Beagle collaborated on an entry to a picaresque novel contest judged by the ghost of David Lindsay. The characters traverse a landscape where the kingdoms epitomize different philosophies of life (something like Stations of the Angels, but less elemental); face demons internal, external and eternal; kill, die, come back to life, fall in love, fall behind, search for treasure, finding friendship and the odd magical talisman.
Here be just about everything--except dragons.
Not all things go smoothly, for protagonists or the reader. At its best, this fool’s journey gives us glimpses into the Gods’ man- and woman-caves, skirts the stars, and illuminates the depths of Hell. But sometimes, especially in the Tower itself, the journey starts to seem a bit like a role playing game where the Dungeon Master had way too much time on his hands.
But of course the Fool’s Journey doesn’t end at the Tower. The Greater Trumps of the Tarot teach that it takes us, ultimately, to the World. In the case of Barnaby and his friends, it might actually be two worlds.
And yes, you’ll have to read the book to read that riddle.
February 18, 2025
I am convinced this is a DND campaign he either planned or played through and then novelized afterwards. The chapter titles were fantastic. The characters all have interesting aspects and flaws. The atmosphere was a weird place between cozy, not serious, but still with highish stakes so it never feels warm and cozy but also doesn’t feel like the characters can really fail. Really like the premise and tropes and a lot of the ideas, they just fell flat for me and the clear DND aspects kept pulling me out of the immersion of reading a book.
January 31, 2025
Barnaby the Wanderer is a charming adult fantasy. When we first meet him, Barnaby seems to be the typical foolish young man who gets swept up into a fairytale adventure, but over the course of his journey, he becomes so much more. I loved the traditional fairytale feel, and all the seemingly random coincidences that turned out to be just what our hero needed. The friends he collects along the way are diverse and I loved learning more about them through their occasional POVs. This book has a long (wandering 😉) plot, but I enjoyed every page of Barnaby's journey. Pick this up if you are in the mood for classic, thoughtful fantasy.
July 31, 2023
An excellent and surprising standalone adventure novel from Raymond St. Elmo. Features a seemingly foolish everyman miller's sone tricked into a literal fool's errand that ends up more substantive than anyone imagined, and accumulating a wonderful cast of companions along the way in the mode of a familiarly structured adventuring party.
An intelligent, compassionate, and funny take on the classic adventure novel, this is set in a world that seems structured around imitations a hodgepodge of world religions and their deities (mostly Greco-Roman plus Judeo-Christian) in a way that yet again grows surprisingly deep (or unsurprising for those who have read some of his previous novels that tackle similar themes).
Also noteworthy were the interspersed chapters visiting the head of those perspectives swirling in Barnaby's (and later his party's) wake. Mostly comedic, but quite effective.
Leans a bit more into the weird and experimental side of the author near the end, so those looking for that side of him shouldn't fear too much.
An intelligent, compassionate, and funny take on the classic adventure novel, this is set in a world that seems structured around imitations a hodgepodge of world religions and their deities (mostly Greco-Roman plus Judeo-Christian) in a way that yet again grows surprisingly deep (or unsurprising for those who have read some of his previous novels that tackle similar themes).
Also noteworthy were the interspersed chapters visiting the head of those perspectives swirling in Barnaby's (and later his party's) wake. Mostly comedic, but quite effective.
Leans a bit more into the weird and experimental side of the author near the end, so those looking for that side of him shouldn't fear too much.
December 27, 2025
I’m hard at work proselytizing Raymond St Elmo to my friend group. Probably best to write some praise here as well!
Barnaby is indeed wandering. It is a great joy to wander with him. He’s trekking through fairytale locales and mundane places, and he beholds all with equal wonder. His comings and goings bring him in cahoots with impish creatures, devilish schemers, and a delightful little band of the-family-we-choose. Maybe the real treasure was the friends we made along the way.
It is a profound book but it’s never going to condescend to you. It makes a great deal of fun and never camps too long on a high point, always boldly venturing to the next. Tastefully frivolous. Tickles the mind. Does not require readers to regress to their teenage selves in order to enjoy its contents.
Read it!
Barnaby is indeed wandering. It is a great joy to wander with him. He’s trekking through fairytale locales and mundane places, and he beholds all with equal wonder. His comings and goings bring him in cahoots with impish creatures, devilish schemers, and a delightful little band of the-family-we-choose. Maybe the real treasure was the friends we made along the way.
It is a profound book but it’s never going to condescend to you. It makes a great deal of fun and never camps too long on a high point, always boldly venturing to the next. Tastefully frivolous. Tickles the mind. Does not require readers to regress to their teenage selves in order to enjoy its contents.
Read it!
September 20, 2023
Reviewed on Amazon.
September 20, 2025
This feels like an accidental (probably at least) counterargument to the rise of epic fantasy and grimdark in the last few years. Rather than be a huge, complex sprawling tale of intricate magic system and betrayal, Barnaby instead just focuses on a group of nice people going on adventure together in a magic land, while keeping the same doorstopper length. Intentionally or not, this feels like a piece of counterculture art in the same way the horror scene had splatterpunk resisting the expectation that horror lit should be quiet and subtle. Very punk indeed
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