What do you think?
Rate this book
PICKLED MAGIC: WITCHES and QUESTS
PICKLED Witches and Quests continues the tale of Walter Farmfound, theSenior Wizard’s only apprentice not currently doing the doggy paddle and attempting to hold their breath in large Kilner jars hidden somewhere on the shelves of Marlyn’s penthouse laboratory.
The story follows Walter – if he can finally discover the way back to Ay-Mezz from wherever he’s disappeared himself to – as, for only the second time in four years, he is to leave behind the sprawling city of Vikksaporubb and embark upon his Master’s quest in search of a powerful and reclusive witch who lives in Touch Wood and who may, or may not be all that she appears to be at first glance. But not before we learn far too much about Prince Rupert and his sister, Princess (Randy, but never to her face) Mandy. About Wild Magic, the Zone of Shadows, sword fighting and Royalty's idea of medieval glamping.
The whirlwind pace of the anarchic journey begins as Walter, the Twins, Gart and the privy-mouthed Seeker, Wizard Mufti, set out on their seemingly impossible mission to bring home the prophesised and all-powerful (allegedly) magical talisman; and perhaps discover the whereabouts of long-lost Queen Bellabrust if they’re lucky.
Witches and Quests introduces us to the irresistible Sea Trolls, riotous Hellves and the possibility of an inter-species war; or at the very least some loud shouting and several items of deliberately-thrown, edged cutlery. There’s Wild Magic that still knows no bounds, the decadent Twins who definitely have no respectable boundaries and possibly far too many Eeeks! to make camping a fun and exciting outdoor adventure.
There are surprises and laughter at every turn of the page, so what more does a comic fantasy novel require? Perhaps an unhinged duck, a loosely-hinged sorcerer, a handful of wraiths, a very boney boat, chrysanthemums, a professional King’s Paladin who can’t sit on a horse without falling off and wagons filled with soft cushions and covered in sparkly tassels. But probably still no wands?
But before Walter’s seemingly impossible quest begins the story first takes us back to his old life and formally introduces us to his dreadful step-parents, which perhaps illustrates why the apprentice so dearly wishes for magic . . . any magic, and possibly why he, and particularly his older step-brother, may live to regret he made that wish in the first place; because what book doesn’t have a little iron(y) and steel woven into its fluffy pages?
At first glance it may appear these books are simply about unlocking, and then utilising, magic to take revenge; but they are concerned with so, so much more than something as mundane as payback. They are dedicated to, and written for, all the bullied in our world; but are really about the healing power of laughter, of hope, love and of surprising friendships.
The story concludes in the final Pickled Sorcerers and Demons.
What people have said about the Pickled Magic
“ I loved this book. Hopefully there will be more. You have achieved the creation of a world that I didn't want to leave.” 5 *****
“Funny and captivating Very witty, funny and really glad I decided to give it a go!” 5 *****
“Fantastic read with lots of A great book, lots of laugh out loud moments within a creative story which I thoroughly enjoyed. With the length of the book it’s a fantastic price, well worth a read and it’ll keep you entertained throughout.
The story follows Walter – if he can finally discover the way back to Ay-Mezz from wherever he’s disappeared himself to – as, for only the second time in four years, he is to leave behind the sprawling city of Vikksaporubb and embark upon his Master’s quest in search of a powerful and reclusive witch who lives in Touch Wood and who may, or may not be all that she appears to be at first glance. But not before we learn far too much about Prince Rupert and his sister, Princess (Randy, but never to her face) Mandy. About Wild Magic, the Zone of Shadows, sword fighting and Royalty's idea of medieval glamping.
The whirlwind pace of the anarchic journey begins as Walter, the Twins, Gart and the privy-mouthed Seeker, Wizard Mufti, set out on their seemingly impossible mission to bring home the prophesised and all-powerful (allegedly) magical talisman; and perhaps discover the whereabouts of long-lost Queen Bellabrust if they’re lucky.
Witches and Quests introduces us to the irresistible Sea Trolls, riotous Hellves and the possibility of an inter-species war; or at the very least some loud shouting and several items of deliberately-thrown, edged cutlery. There’s Wild Magic that still knows no bounds, the decadent Twins who definitely have no respectable boundaries and possibly far too many Eeeks! to make camping a fun and exciting outdoor adventure.
There are surprises and laughter at every turn of the page, so what more does a comic fantasy novel require? Perhaps an unhinged duck, a loosely-hinged sorcerer, a handful of wraiths, a very boney boat, chrysanthemums, a professional King’s Paladin who can’t sit on a horse without falling off and wagons filled with soft cushions and covered in sparkly tassels. But probably still no wands?
But before Walter’s seemingly impossible quest begins the story first takes us back to his old life and formally introduces us to his dreadful step-parents, which perhaps illustrates why the apprentice so dearly wishes for magic . . . any magic, and possibly why he, and particularly his older step-brother, may live to regret he made that wish in the first place; because what book doesn’t have a little iron(y) and steel woven into its fluffy pages?
At first glance it may appear these books are simply about unlocking, and then utilising, magic to take revenge; but they are concerned with so, so much more than something as mundane as payback. They are dedicated to, and written for, all the bullied in our world; but are really about the healing power of laughter, of hope, love and of surprising friendships.
The story concludes in the final Pickled Sorcerers and Demons.
What people have said about the Pickled Magic
“ I loved this book. Hopefully there will be more. You have achieved the creation of a world that I didn't want to leave.” 5 *****
“Funny and captivating Very witty, funny and really glad I decided to give it a go!” 5 *****
“Fantastic read with lots of A great book, lots of laugh out loud moments within a creative story which I thoroughly enjoyed. With the length of the book it’s a fantastic price, well worth a read and it’ll keep you entertained throughout.
596 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2024
1 person want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 17, 2024
Witches and Quests is the second book in the Pickled Magic series. The hilarity continues with some of the original cast and a whole bunch of new characters. The jokes, puns and entendres abound on this Pratchett-esqe, double mooned planet called Allyssion. Walter foundfarm, The Royal Champion Gart, The Royal Twins (Randy) Mandy and Rupert ('Pert), The Seeker Mufti and a lot of Guards are sent on a Quest to find a magical talisman..............Oh, and to see if they can find Queen Consort Bellabrust who disappeared while on a peacekeeping voyage four years ago. I absolutely love this series! I'm sure there will be inevitable comparisons to STP's Discworld but this series stands on it's own. It's a completely different excellent world with imaginative, magic, characters, creatures, landscapes, storylines and politics. I actually laughed out loud at something and other times I was close to tears. Five stars!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
June 11, 2024
The second in the series and just as enjoyable as the first. The quest really gets under way and Hazel is just the most marvellous character. There are no end of twists and turns, in amongst the laughter, to keep you wondering and wanting more. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews