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The Hipposync Archives #1
Fiends In High Places
This book was previously published as The 400Lb Gorilla.
Seriously funny contemporary urban fantasy fiction.
Luck. If only you could bottle it...
Matt Danmor’s brush with death uncovers a fantastical truth, plunging him into a world of intrigue and chaos.
With his ex, Silvy, back at his side and Kylah from The Dept. of Fimmigration ever watchful, he stumbles into a plot to undermine civilisation across several worlds. Matt is faced with a simple choice. Believe that everything he sees is a figment of his traumatised imagination, or accept that it is all terrifyingly real.
In which case, he’s got a hell of a lot of catching up to do. Plus a whole hive of demonic zealots to fight.
The multiverse is holding on for a hero.
Trouble is, Matt never got the memo…
Fiends In High Places is the debut Fantasy Crime Thriller in the Hipposync Archives series.
Perfect for fans of Tom Holt, Jin Butcher, and Ben Aaronovitch.
‘Master of occult intrigue and wit, DC Farmer delivers supreme urban fantasy crime stories. Expect addictive, hilarious adventures…and not much sleep.' 5* AMZ.
'looking for something different to fill the gaps between Tom Holt, Jim Butcher, and the late lamented Sir Terry? DC Farmer hits the ground running… ' 5* AMZ
'What a gem of a book. Interesting, engaging, daftly funny and captivating. A very welcome addition to the ranks of humorous fantasy. Well written with a lovely plot and I think Rimsplitter the vulture is one of the best comedic inventions...' AMZ review
Seriously funny contemporary urban fantasy fiction.
Luck. If only you could bottle it...
Matt Danmor’s brush with death uncovers a fantastical truth, plunging him into a world of intrigue and chaos.
With his ex, Silvy, back at his side and Kylah from The Dept. of Fimmigration ever watchful, he stumbles into a plot to undermine civilisation across several worlds. Matt is faced with a simple choice. Believe that everything he sees is a figment of his traumatised imagination, or accept that it is all terrifyingly real.
In which case, he’s got a hell of a lot of catching up to do. Plus a whole hive of demonic zealots to fight.
The multiverse is holding on for a hero.
Trouble is, Matt never got the memo…
Fiends In High Places is the debut Fantasy Crime Thriller in the Hipposync Archives series.
Perfect for fans of Tom Holt, Jin Butcher, and Ben Aaronovitch.
‘Master of occult intrigue and wit, DC Farmer delivers supreme urban fantasy crime stories. Expect addictive, hilarious adventures…and not much sleep.' 5* AMZ.
'looking for something different to fill the gaps between Tom Holt, Jim Butcher, and the late lamented Sir Terry? DC Farmer hits the ground running… ' 5* AMZ
'What a gem of a book. Interesting, engaging, daftly funny and captivating. A very welcome addition to the ranks of humorous fantasy. Well written with a lovely plot and I think Rimsplitter the vulture is one of the best comedic inventions...' AMZ review
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2014
1218 people are currently reading
1469 people want to read
About the author
D.C. Farmer
7 books58 followersDC Farmer (as someone else--names changed to protect the innocent) began writing thrillers while the kids were in the bath. They grew up and so did he. Now he writes speculative fiction under the umbrella of the Hipposync Archives.
He lives in Wales and uses quite a lot of that umbrella.
He lives in Wales and uses quite a lot of that umbrella.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
February 16, 2022
This is a 4.5 star read.
I love, love, luuuurrve the Hipposync Archives series! This is the first novel length book (but 2nd in the series) and it held me entranced from the first page until the last. The characters are so interesting and I love the snarky humour. This is one series that I will definitely read all of.
I love, love, luuuurrve the Hipposync Archives series! This is the first novel length book (but 2nd in the series) and it held me entranced from the first page until the last. The characters are so interesting and I love the snarky humour. This is one series that I will definitely read all of.
January 3, 2025
I enjoyed this a whole lot more than I initially thought I would. The start is quite disjointed, the metaphors supremely irritating and childish but it quickly grows up and is a thoroughly entertaining.
That’s rather comforting as there are quite a few in the series!
Onward!
That’s rather comforting as there are quite a few in the series!
Onward!
April 5, 2025
Unpleasant.
October 2, 2025
As a big fan of UK-based urban fantasy, I'm always on the lookout for something new: Fiends in High Places promised to deliver that difficult combination of urban fantasy and humour. It has some engaging points - but on the whole doesn't quite make it.
In D. C. Farmer's world there is a small establishment that tries to operate as an immigration control for fae - creatures from other intersecting realities, often with magical abilities. The central character Matt Danmor is thrust into this unseen world when he witnesses an attempt to sacrifice one of those in control of immigration and gradually discovers that he is, himself, not just an ordinary person on the street (after falling in love with the would-be sacrifice's niece).
Unfortunately, the humour is heavy handed. At one point, for example, our hero (accompanied by a sweary talking vulture) travels to an alternate world where shops include Bloops (the apothecary), Harpy Nix, Herods, Starstrucks, Mage & Septres and Dependablehams. A certain amount of groan-inducing humour is tolerable, but it's ladled on way too heavily. This wouldn't be so bad, but there's also far too much description and inner monologue with very little happening - and the first few chapters are leaden in the slowness with which our hero gradually comes to accept what's happening.
This was by no means the worst book of its kind I have read, but it could have been so much better with sharper humour and a less introspection.
In D. C. Farmer's world there is a small establishment that tries to operate as an immigration control for fae - creatures from other intersecting realities, often with magical abilities. The central character Matt Danmor is thrust into this unseen world when he witnesses an attempt to sacrifice one of those in control of immigration and gradually discovers that he is, himself, not just an ordinary person on the street (after falling in love with the would-be sacrifice's niece).
Unfortunately, the humour is heavy handed. At one point, for example, our hero (accompanied by a sweary talking vulture) travels to an alternate world where shops include Bloops (the apothecary), Harpy Nix, Herods, Starstrucks, Mage & Septres and Dependablehams. A certain amount of groan-inducing humour is tolerable, but it's ladled on way too heavily. This wouldn't be so bad, but there's also far too much description and inner monologue with very little happening - and the first few chapters are leaden in the slowness with which our hero gradually comes to accept what's happening.
This was by no means the worst book of its kind I have read, but it could have been so much better with sharper humour and a less introspection.
November 27, 2024
Really enjoyed this book as a stand-alone but sets the characters up nicely for a really fun series that I found myself wanting to read immediately. Looking forward to book 5s release in the next year.
Yes it has a few wild unbelievable moments. But it’s fantasy. We are here to suspend our disbelief and enjoy the road the story takes us down.
As a few commenters have mentioned here. Is it as good as the great sir Terry pratchett. Let’s be honest. Is there any books as good as discworld. But that does not take away that these can be good on their own merit. But you are able to see that the author is a massive Terry pratchett fan but it is his own style of humour. Especially as the series continues it is definitely the authors own voice and humour.
These are a great fun read and look forward to the rest of the hipposync world being filled with more of the same.
Yes it has a few wild unbelievable moments. But it’s fantasy. We are here to suspend our disbelief and enjoy the road the story takes us down.
As a few commenters have mentioned here. Is it as good as the great sir Terry pratchett. Let’s be honest. Is there any books as good as discworld. But that does not take away that these can be good on their own merit. But you are able to see that the author is a massive Terry pratchett fan but it is his own style of humour. Especially as the series continues it is definitely the authors own voice and humour.
These are a great fun read and look forward to the rest of the hipposync world being filled with more of the same.
December 5, 2014
Originally published at Risingshadow.
DC Farmer's The 400lb Gorilla is a well written, entertaining and humorous urban fantasy novel. It's a refreshingly different kind of a fantasy novel for readers who enjoy reading urban fantasy with clever, quirky and sarcastic humour.
I have to admit that I'm difficult to please when it comes to modern urban fantasy, because I've often been more or less disappointed by the low quality of many urban fantasy novels. In my opinion there are many mediocre urban fantasy novels out there on the market, because way too many authors tend to write bad urban fantasy. That's why it was nice to find out that The 400lb Gorilla differed from other urban fantasy novels and was good entertainment. This novel managed to grab my attention almost immediately when I began to read it and I had to read it as fast as possible to find out what happens at the end. I can mention that this seldom happens when I read modern urban fantasy novels, because only a few of them have managed to impress me.
There's a lot going on in this novel, because the author has written a novel that contains many happenings, so it's difficult for me to describe the story with a few sentences, but I'll try do so.
Here's a bit of information about the story:
Matt Danmor has survived a bad car crash and thinks of himself as lucky. He doesn't remember much about the happenings leading to the accident. Matt has been a med student, but at the moment he works as a porter in the hospital in Oxford while he recovers from the accident. He has a few problems with his superiors, because Dr. Giles Roberro and Linda Marsh cause him quite a lot of grief and problems. Matt's recovery is slow, but he's getting better all the time. Matt remembers that he was in the car with Silvy who disappeared during the car crash. The psychologists think that she wasn't a real person, because Matt doesn't have any kind of proof of her existence. One day Silvy returns to Matt's life and he has a lot to wonder about, because he wants to know why and how Silvy disappeared. Matt notices that strange things happen around him. For example, he sees a sacrificial ceremony performed by children and manages to save the man, Mr. Porter, who was about to be sacrificed. Mr. Porter takes Matt to the Hipposync Enterprises (Hipposync Enterprises is a front for the Department of Fimmigration aka Fae immigration). Matt learns that Mr. Porter is a Doorkeeper and the persons at Hipposync Enterprises keep an eye out on beings who visit Earth. Soon Matt has to deal with a kidnap case, evil fundamental elves and a sexy and uninhibited priestess who's trying to kill him, and on top everything else he has to come to terms with the fact that he can see weird things and beings...
This is the beginning of an exhilarating and entertaining story with plenty of surprises and humour.
The 400lb Gorilla is not your normal kind of an urban fantasy novel, because the author manages to avoid writing about the most typical clichés that are associated with urban fantasy. Although the author has used well-known fantasy elements, he has used them to his advantage and has created a fascinating story that's something a bit different. He has also managed to add a few romantic elements to the story in a good way. He has done all this in such a good and addictive way that you can't help but enjoy the story.
One of the best things about The 400lb Gorilla is that it tastes of real life, because the protagonist is a realistic person and his own problems. Another thing worth mentioning is that DC Farmer doesn't rush into action, but takes his time to introduce Matt and the happenings to the readers. I really appreciated this, because it was nice to read about the protagonist's life.
DC Farmer writes convincingly about what the doctors and nurses do and how they treat patients. He writes fluently about Matt's everyday work at the hospital, what happens during his daily tasks and what kind of problems he has with his chores. Everything that happens in the hospital feels surprisingly authentic.
It was fascinating to read about how Matt tried to figure things out and slowly realized that he knew very little about the world, not to mention other dimensions, until he met Mr. Porter and Kylah. Because certain things were unclear to Matt, he had a bit of problems with them. I think that all readers will enjoy reading about his adventures and what happens to him, because the author reveals interesting things about him as the story unfolds. For example, readers get to know the reason for Matt's miraculous survival of the car crash, and readers will also find out what kind of a person Matt truly is (interesting things are revealed about his family).
Reading about Silvy was intriguing for me, because she was a mystery to Matt. Matt didn't know much about her, but he had spent time with her. Her disappearance bothered him a lot and when she came back to his life, he couldn't help but wonder about who - or what - she actually is and why she came back.
The author's descriptions of different persons and beings are funny and accurate, and his descriptions of the happenings are also amusing (they will most likely put a smile on the reader's face). For example, it was fun to read about what kind of cases were brought to the casualty and what kind of pranks the members of the staff did to each other. I think it's quite impossible for all readers not to laugh out loud when reading about the cucumber incident and other similar things.
The cast of characters is delightfully odd and memorable. Here's a bit of information about some of the characters:
- Mr. Porter is an intriguing man, because he turns out be something totally else than what Matt thought he would be when he was taken to the Hipposync Enterprises.
- Kylah, Mr. Porter's niece, is an interesting person. She's careful and strict about security issues, because she's a security agent at the Hipposync Enterprises.
- Dr. Giles Roberro is one of the most nasty doctors ever imagined on the pages of fantasy novels. He has bad attitude problems. He is a total jerk and acts badly towards Matt.
- The vulture, Rimsplitter, is a memorable and especially interesting character. He has quite a penchant for profanity and his use of words offers entertainment to the readers. He helps Matt.
I enjoyed reading about the conversations between Matt and Roberro, because there was something charmingly British and sharp about them that made me enjoy them. The author's wicked sense of humour sparkles in these scenes, because Matt hates Roberro and his attitude, and Roberro likewise hates Matt.
The author has an interesting way of writing about supernatural beings. It was great to read about the Ghoulshee (the fundamelist Fae), because were very nasty and evil Fae. They wanted religious freedom to perform their rites and sacrifices, and they also wanted an end to political suppression. There are also other supernatural and mythical beings (brownies, Merrowmen, Glaistig etc) in this novel.
I enjoyed reading about how Kylah explained things to Matt. It was great that author pointed out that what is normal to people may feel strange to other beings and vice versa. This is seldom mentioned in modern urban fantasy novels.
I think it's good to mention that DC Farmer has a fresh and surprisingly original vision of life after death. He writes humorously about what happens when a person dies and avoids using boring clichés.
The author uses many popular culture references (TV series, novels, music etc) in this novel and it works well, because these references are used in an inventive and funny way. For example, there are a few amusing references to J.R.R. Tolkien's novels and Star Trek.
I have to mention that after reading several American urban fantasy novels, it was great to read a British urban fantasy novel, because the author used English phrases etc in a wonderful way (I've always liked reading British English, so I enjoyed reading the author's prose). This novel is excellent counterbalance for American urban fantasy novels (it's much better entertainment than many of them).
By the way, if there happen to be readers out there who wonder about the title of this novel, I can tell them that the title will be explained to readers when they read the whole story. I won't reveal what it means, but I'll mention that the scene in which its meaning is revealed is an interesting scene.
DC Farmer's The 400lb Gorilla is one of funniest urban fantasy novels I've ever read. It's possible that readers may find themselves reading this novel with a big grin on their face and laughing out loud at certain points. The author has been able combine certain elements of the humorous stories written by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams and Ira Nayman with the thrilling urban fantasy atmosphere of Jim Butcher's novels. If you've ever read anything by Pratchett, Adams, Nayman and Butcher, you'll most likely enjoy reading this novel.
I think that DC Farmer has struck gold with The 400lb Gorilla, because it's something different and will please readers of humorous modern urban fantasy. Hopefully the author will write more Hipposync Archive novels in the near future, because it would be fun to read more about the characters and their adventures.
My final words are:
The 400lb Gorilla is excellent and amusing entertainment. I recommend it to all readers who are interested in urban fantasy and humorous novels. Please, take a look at it, because it's something different.
DC Farmer's The 400lb Gorilla is a well written, entertaining and humorous urban fantasy novel. It's a refreshingly different kind of a fantasy novel for readers who enjoy reading urban fantasy with clever, quirky and sarcastic humour.
I have to admit that I'm difficult to please when it comes to modern urban fantasy, because I've often been more or less disappointed by the low quality of many urban fantasy novels. In my opinion there are many mediocre urban fantasy novels out there on the market, because way too many authors tend to write bad urban fantasy. That's why it was nice to find out that The 400lb Gorilla differed from other urban fantasy novels and was good entertainment. This novel managed to grab my attention almost immediately when I began to read it and I had to read it as fast as possible to find out what happens at the end. I can mention that this seldom happens when I read modern urban fantasy novels, because only a few of them have managed to impress me.
There's a lot going on in this novel, because the author has written a novel that contains many happenings, so it's difficult for me to describe the story with a few sentences, but I'll try do so.
Here's a bit of information about the story:
Matt Danmor has survived a bad car crash and thinks of himself as lucky. He doesn't remember much about the happenings leading to the accident. Matt has been a med student, but at the moment he works as a porter in the hospital in Oxford while he recovers from the accident. He has a few problems with his superiors, because Dr. Giles Roberro and Linda Marsh cause him quite a lot of grief and problems. Matt's recovery is slow, but he's getting better all the time. Matt remembers that he was in the car with Silvy who disappeared during the car crash. The psychologists think that she wasn't a real person, because Matt doesn't have any kind of proof of her existence. One day Silvy returns to Matt's life and he has a lot to wonder about, because he wants to know why and how Silvy disappeared. Matt notices that strange things happen around him. For example, he sees a sacrificial ceremony performed by children and manages to save the man, Mr. Porter, who was about to be sacrificed. Mr. Porter takes Matt to the Hipposync Enterprises (Hipposync Enterprises is a front for the Department of Fimmigration aka Fae immigration). Matt learns that Mr. Porter is a Doorkeeper and the persons at Hipposync Enterprises keep an eye out on beings who visit Earth. Soon Matt has to deal with a kidnap case, evil fundamental elves and a sexy and uninhibited priestess who's trying to kill him, and on top everything else he has to come to terms with the fact that he can see weird things and beings...
This is the beginning of an exhilarating and entertaining story with plenty of surprises and humour.
The 400lb Gorilla is not your normal kind of an urban fantasy novel, because the author manages to avoid writing about the most typical clichés that are associated with urban fantasy. Although the author has used well-known fantasy elements, he has used them to his advantage and has created a fascinating story that's something a bit different. He has also managed to add a few romantic elements to the story in a good way. He has done all this in such a good and addictive way that you can't help but enjoy the story.
One of the best things about The 400lb Gorilla is that it tastes of real life, because the protagonist is a realistic person and his own problems. Another thing worth mentioning is that DC Farmer doesn't rush into action, but takes his time to introduce Matt and the happenings to the readers. I really appreciated this, because it was nice to read about the protagonist's life.
DC Farmer writes convincingly about what the doctors and nurses do and how they treat patients. He writes fluently about Matt's everyday work at the hospital, what happens during his daily tasks and what kind of problems he has with his chores. Everything that happens in the hospital feels surprisingly authentic.
It was fascinating to read about how Matt tried to figure things out and slowly realized that he knew very little about the world, not to mention other dimensions, until he met Mr. Porter and Kylah. Because certain things were unclear to Matt, he had a bit of problems with them. I think that all readers will enjoy reading about his adventures and what happens to him, because the author reveals interesting things about him as the story unfolds. For example, readers get to know the reason for Matt's miraculous survival of the car crash, and readers will also find out what kind of a person Matt truly is (interesting things are revealed about his family).
Reading about Silvy was intriguing for me, because she was a mystery to Matt. Matt didn't know much about her, but he had spent time with her. Her disappearance bothered him a lot and when she came back to his life, he couldn't help but wonder about who - or what - she actually is and why she came back.
The author's descriptions of different persons and beings are funny and accurate, and his descriptions of the happenings are also amusing (they will most likely put a smile on the reader's face). For example, it was fun to read about what kind of cases were brought to the casualty and what kind of pranks the members of the staff did to each other. I think it's quite impossible for all readers not to laugh out loud when reading about the cucumber incident and other similar things.
The cast of characters is delightfully odd and memorable. Here's a bit of information about some of the characters:
- Mr. Porter is an intriguing man, because he turns out be something totally else than what Matt thought he would be when he was taken to the Hipposync Enterprises.
- Kylah, Mr. Porter's niece, is an interesting person. She's careful and strict about security issues, because she's a security agent at the Hipposync Enterprises.
- Dr. Giles Roberro is one of the most nasty doctors ever imagined on the pages of fantasy novels. He has bad attitude problems. He is a total jerk and acts badly towards Matt.
- The vulture, Rimsplitter, is a memorable and especially interesting character. He has quite a penchant for profanity and his use of words offers entertainment to the readers. He helps Matt.
I enjoyed reading about the conversations between Matt and Roberro, because there was something charmingly British and sharp about them that made me enjoy them. The author's wicked sense of humour sparkles in these scenes, because Matt hates Roberro and his attitude, and Roberro likewise hates Matt.
The author has an interesting way of writing about supernatural beings. It was great to read about the Ghoulshee (the fundamelist Fae), because were very nasty and evil Fae. They wanted religious freedom to perform their rites and sacrifices, and they also wanted an end to political suppression. There are also other supernatural and mythical beings (brownies, Merrowmen, Glaistig etc) in this novel.
I enjoyed reading about how Kylah explained things to Matt. It was great that author pointed out that what is normal to people may feel strange to other beings and vice versa. This is seldom mentioned in modern urban fantasy novels.
I think it's good to mention that DC Farmer has a fresh and surprisingly original vision of life after death. He writes humorously about what happens when a person dies and avoids using boring clichés.
The author uses many popular culture references (TV series, novels, music etc) in this novel and it works well, because these references are used in an inventive and funny way. For example, there are a few amusing references to J.R.R. Tolkien's novels and Star Trek.
I have to mention that after reading several American urban fantasy novels, it was great to read a British urban fantasy novel, because the author used English phrases etc in a wonderful way (I've always liked reading British English, so I enjoyed reading the author's prose). This novel is excellent counterbalance for American urban fantasy novels (it's much better entertainment than many of them).
By the way, if there happen to be readers out there who wonder about the title of this novel, I can tell them that the title will be explained to readers when they read the whole story. I won't reveal what it means, but I'll mention that the scene in which its meaning is revealed is an interesting scene.
DC Farmer's The 400lb Gorilla is one of funniest urban fantasy novels I've ever read. It's possible that readers may find themselves reading this novel with a big grin on their face and laughing out loud at certain points. The author has been able combine certain elements of the humorous stories written by Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams and Ira Nayman with the thrilling urban fantasy atmosphere of Jim Butcher's novels. If you've ever read anything by Pratchett, Adams, Nayman and Butcher, you'll most likely enjoy reading this novel.
I think that DC Farmer has struck gold with The 400lb Gorilla, because it's something different and will please readers of humorous modern urban fantasy. Hopefully the author will write more Hipposync Archive novels in the near future, because it would be fun to read more about the characters and their adventures.
My final words are:
The 400lb Gorilla is excellent and amusing entertainment. I recommend it to all readers who are interested in urban fantasy and humorous novels. Please, take a look at it, because it's something different.
March 14, 2025
Dnf at 60%. A shame because there were some good ideas in here buried under all the puerility. Not original ideas, but not much is in genre fiction.
The best idea here IMHO is to cross pollinate Red Dwarf with Urban Fantasy. While the blurb suggests the author is trying to cross Jim Butcher and Tom Holt and Terry Pratchett, all of those comparisons are laughable. It's just not farcical or funny enough for Holt or early Pratchett, nor clever and powerful enough for late Pratchett. I was never that into Red Dwarf (the classic low budget British Scifi comedy) but it was funny on its own terms, and the various dysfunctional and even obnoxious characters were endearing and well drawn no matter how barmy the plot of the week was. It also fizzed with a kind of boyish bachelor humour that is real and a lot of men and women like but is too raw for most of the female coded UF written by women that I've read lately. When you meet the alpha werewolf he's never saying "aaagh, there's a hot woman at the door, where's my most smeg - free T-shirt!" - though we might get the reverse (Cinderella) form.
So the author doesn't mention Red Dwarf but I think that's the closest match I have for the sensibility here.
Putting that into urban fantasy actually does humorously subvert the earnestness of the UF genre. It's sort of as if Buffy season 1 had set out with Xander as the main character, and our POV hapless British bachelor has signs of good heart and quick wit that have storytelling potential.
The problems for me are that the puerile schoolboy tone just gets worse and worse until it's grindingly irritating. (The sweary vulture sidekick was the last straw) The narrative bumbles about without achieving either farce or dramatic tension. And it really suffers from our sole POV being a quiet loner - we are too much inside his head and that limits the character development a lot. The vulture is possibly trying to imitate Harry Dresden's skull sidekick who does mitigate a similar issue. It just doesn't work for me.
The best idea here IMHO is to cross pollinate Red Dwarf with Urban Fantasy. While the blurb suggests the author is trying to cross Jim Butcher and Tom Holt and Terry Pratchett, all of those comparisons are laughable. It's just not farcical or funny enough for Holt or early Pratchett, nor clever and powerful enough for late Pratchett. I was never that into Red Dwarf (the classic low budget British Scifi comedy) but it was funny on its own terms, and the various dysfunctional and even obnoxious characters were endearing and well drawn no matter how barmy the plot of the week was. It also fizzed with a kind of boyish bachelor humour that is real and a lot of men and women like but is too raw for most of the female coded UF written by women that I've read lately. When you meet the alpha werewolf he's never saying "aaagh, there's a hot woman at the door, where's my most smeg - free T-shirt!" - though we might get the reverse (Cinderella) form.
So the author doesn't mention Red Dwarf but I think that's the closest match I have for the sensibility here.
Putting that into urban fantasy actually does humorously subvert the earnestness of the UF genre. It's sort of as if Buffy season 1 had set out with Xander as the main character, and our POV hapless British bachelor has signs of good heart and quick wit that have storytelling potential.
The problems for me are that the puerile schoolboy tone just gets worse and worse until it's grindingly irritating. (The sweary vulture sidekick was the last straw) The narrative bumbles about without achieving either farce or dramatic tension. And it really suffers from our sole POV being a quiet loner - we are too much inside his head and that limits the character development a lot. The vulture is possibly trying to imitate Harry Dresden's skull sidekick who does mitigate a similar issue. It just doesn't work for me.
May 18, 2025
It started off alright. I found the writing style a bit different to what I was used to, so that took a little while to sink in and I feel any slight issues I might have ordinarily had were put down to me trying to gel with a new to me author's style.
I found myself being ok with the style and vaguely interested in Matt and the absolute storm of bad luck that was his life. At this point I felt like my only criticism was that the 'humour' in the book consisted of the author trying far too hard to make his metaphor's and similes sound funny. Sadly, the trying too hard aspect shone through far more than the comedy and, in some cases, they were just a bit more offensive than funny. The worst part about these forcibly unfunny similes and metaphors was that they make up the bulk of the writing style and, sometimes, can be several lines long.
Still, the story itself had me intrigued. Up until it just decided to get silly on a scale that burns off all level of interest. And, when I thought it would struggle to get harder to read, it physically gets harder to read. That was pretty much around the time I decided to DNF. I hate not finishing a book, but I was genuinely not looking forward to picking a book up for pleasure, and that is the point where it had to be done.
The book is covered in four and five star reviews, so I'm sure this level of humour is exactly what large numbers of readers are looking for. But it just wasn't for me. It felt like there were attempts at Rivers of London, Terry Pratchett and a couple of morgue characters that had me thinking of American Gods way too much, but none of the attempts fell too close to the mark.
Overall, not for me. But it seems to be just the ticket for quite a lot of readers. So, who knows, it might be for you too?
I found myself being ok with the style and vaguely interested in Matt and the absolute storm of bad luck that was his life. At this point I felt like my only criticism was that the 'humour' in the book consisted of the author trying far too hard to make his metaphor's and similes sound funny. Sadly, the trying too hard aspect shone through far more than the comedy and, in some cases, they were just a bit more offensive than funny. The worst part about these forcibly unfunny similes and metaphors was that they make up the bulk of the writing style and, sometimes, can be several lines long.
Still, the story itself had me intrigued. Up until it just decided to get silly on a scale that burns off all level of interest. And, when I thought it would struggle to get harder to read, it physically gets harder to read. That was pretty much around the time I decided to DNF. I hate not finishing a book, but I was genuinely not looking forward to picking a book up for pleasure, and that is the point where it had to be done.
The book is covered in four and five star reviews, so I'm sure this level of humour is exactly what large numbers of readers are looking for. But it just wasn't for me. It felt like there were attempts at Rivers of London, Terry Pratchett and a couple of morgue characters that had me thinking of American Gods way too much, but none of the attempts fell too close to the mark.
Overall, not for me. But it seems to be just the ticket for quite a lot of readers. So, who knows, it might be for you too?
August 29, 2014
The 400lb Gorilla was a great read. The first few chapters had me 100%! I had many laugh out loud moments with this one...so many I kept getting strange looks from the family!
Matt Danmor is such a great character. I just wanted to give him a hug...he is just too cute! So lovable and someone all readers will be rooting for. Talk about character growth...zero to hero anyone?
There are SO many great characters...they all have their purpose and all come shining through. However, for me? One of my favorite characters has to be Mr Porter! He has got to be one of the most animated characters ever! Love him! I wanted more! And of course how could I forget Rimsplitter! You just have to read for yourself...thats all I am saying.
I will admit there were many times the dialogue had me lost. There are a lot of "British-isms" that were over my head. But inspite of those moments? I would highly recommend this to lovers of snarky narration, lovable, epic characters, urban fantasy adventure. I am so on board for more of Matt Danmor and the world of Hipposync.
Matt Danmor is such a great character. I just wanted to give him a hug...he is just too cute! So lovable and someone all readers will be rooting for. Talk about character growth...zero to hero anyone?
There are SO many great characters...they all have their purpose and all come shining through. However, for me? One of my favorite characters has to be Mr Porter! He has got to be one of the most animated characters ever! Love him! I wanted more! And of course how could I forget Rimsplitter! You just have to read for yourself...thats all I am saying.
I will admit there were many times the dialogue had me lost. There are a lot of "British-isms" that were over my head. But inspite of those moments? I would highly recommend this to lovers of snarky narration, lovable, epic characters, urban fantasy adventure. I am so on board for more of Matt Danmor and the world of Hipposync.
September 17, 2025
TLDR: Almost a DNF for me but enough to persevere with.
This genre is right up my street so I was excited to find a new series that promised all the right things. After a slightly slow start the pace started to ramp up with the introduction of the usual mysterious organization, other worlds and fantastical species. Unfortunately, just as the plot really gets up to speed it slams on the handbrakes, resetting back to square one. While this can be an interesting narrative device, the story then takes an age to get going again. Unfortunately, once in full flow it feels like the armor then realizes there is a limited amount of pages left and the reader barely keeps up on a whistle stop tour of fantastic locations, none of which are fleshed out or as detailed as the streets of Oxford painstakingly described in the opening chapters.
With the acceleration in place comes an increase in the (attempted) humor and what starts out as a light hearted, funny novel becomes like an episode of Red Dwarf, with awkward jokes crowbarred in at the slightest opportunity. Also if the use of a simile there annoys you, I would avoid this book as every page is littered with them.
And then there is the vulture....
I'm in two minds whether to give the second in the series a go, at it's heart this book establishes an interesting premise. I like the concepts, the world and most of the characters (vultures aside) but just wish it was paced more like a fantasy novel rather than crammed into a 30 minute sitcom episode. Maybe if the next one jumps straight into the established world, although the preview chapter seems to introduce a new protagonist so I don't hold it much hope
This genre is right up my street so I was excited to find a new series that promised all the right things. After a slightly slow start the pace started to ramp up with the introduction of the usual mysterious organization, other worlds and fantastical species. Unfortunately, just as the plot really gets up to speed it slams on the handbrakes, resetting back to square one. While this can be an interesting narrative device, the story then takes an age to get going again. Unfortunately, once in full flow it feels like the armor then realizes there is a limited amount of pages left and the reader barely keeps up on a whistle stop tour of fantastic locations, none of which are fleshed out or as detailed as the streets of Oxford painstakingly described in the opening chapters.
With the acceleration in place comes an increase in the (attempted) humor and what starts out as a light hearted, funny novel becomes like an episode of Red Dwarf, with awkward jokes crowbarred in at the slightest opportunity. Also if the use of a simile there annoys you, I would avoid this book as every page is littered with them.
And then there is the vulture....
I'm in two minds whether to give the second in the series a go, at it's heart this book establishes an interesting premise. I like the concepts, the world and most of the characters (vultures aside) but just wish it was paced more like a fantasy novel rather than crammed into a 30 minute sitcom episode. Maybe if the next one jumps straight into the established world, although the preview chapter seems to introduce a new protagonist so I don't hold it much hope
January 11, 2025
Ultimately disappointing. (No spoilers)
I like reading books that take a slightly "off the wall" look at life, sometimes they can really make you think. Of course, Sir Terry Pratchett is the undisputed Master of the genre and has left massive shoes to fill.
Whilst this book has a creditable try, in my personal opinion it falls rather flat. The first half of the book, setting up the hero" is very pedestrian and I found myself getting annoyed with the authors' obsession with unnecessary geographical detail. We really don't need to know that from this place, you turn left into that drive which leads over the other bridge when it has absolutely no bearing on the story! All it does is showcase the author knows Oxford! Getting bogged in that kind of detail smacks of padding.
When the story finally does get going, there's a flurry of activity and then.... Oh dear. Back to the treacle of exhaustive detail again! Fortunately, a smaller portion this time. The denouement when it comes feels a bit rushed to me.
I feel some of the ideas here are interesting, some of the characters are too and, hopefully, over subsequent books will develop. Had this been edited better, it would have been more pleasing.
I like reading books that take a slightly "off the wall" look at life, sometimes they can really make you think. Of course, Sir Terry Pratchett is the undisputed Master of the genre and has left massive shoes to fill.
Whilst this book has a creditable try, in my personal opinion it falls rather flat. The first half of the book, setting up the hero" is very pedestrian and I found myself getting annoyed with the authors' obsession with unnecessary geographical detail. We really don't need to know that from this place, you turn left into that drive which leads over the other bridge when it has absolutely no bearing on the story! All it does is showcase the author knows Oxford! Getting bogged in that kind of detail smacks of padding.
When the story finally does get going, there's a flurry of activity and then.... Oh dear. Back to the treacle of exhaustive detail again! Fortunately, a smaller portion this time. The denouement when it comes feels a bit rushed to me.
I feel some of the ideas here are interesting, some of the characters are too and, hopefully, over subsequent books will develop. Had this been edited better, it would have been more pleasing.
November 17, 2024
This starts off reasonably enough. The MC is confronted with the non-mundane world and is understandably resistant. Key pieces of evidence are obtained, key contacts made, and slowly the scales fall from his eyes. While he needs to dial down the floridity of some of his metaphors and similes, the author is firmly in Aaronovitch territory.
Then, about a third of the way into the book, events take a distinctly strange turn.
I can’t work out what the author's intention was. Was he trying for Pratchett territory? If so, he missed by a country mile as it is not remotely funny. Mr Farmer is not nearly good enough to have his quirk and quote it.
Then, about a third of the way into the book, events take a distinctly strange turn.
I can’t work out what the author's intention was. Was he trying for Pratchett territory? If so, he missed by a country mile as it is not remotely funny. Mr Farmer is not nearly good enough to have his quirk and quote it.
May 9, 2025
Lighthearted, funny - even with all the blood and guts - and entertaining. DC Farmer has created an interesting and partly formed (I'm guessing we'll get more with each book in the series) world with different realms and creatures and in-between it all an eccentric gatekeeper trying to keep them all in their place. Matt, our protagonist in this story is suffering from a really long run of bad luck and things are only going downhill from there. I liked Matt, I felt for him, but his constant refusal to see what was right before him became a bit wearing after a while. The plot was solid - a bunch of seriously nasty creatures trying to take over the world and the 'normal' life going on in the background. There are some truly heinous characters and some delightful confusion and misunderstandings with others. Parts of this story were laugh out loud funny, but I also felt the author was trying a little too hard to be funny in places. All in all I enjoyed this book and will definitely continue with the series. 3.75*
May 15, 2025
Fiends in high places, by D C Farmer is the first in a series of books discovering the contents of the Hipposync Archives.
Here we meet Mat who goes on an adventure discovering the world of the Fae whilst holding down a hospital porters job.
I was thinking as I was reading, it feels like the author had tipped Tom Holts Little People, Terry Pratchetts Nac Mac Feegles and Tolkien’s monsters into a pot stirred it up, blitzed it and added a glacé cherry in a cocktail glass to produce the start of a series that I want to continue with. The authors note at the end made me smile as he tipped his hat to Messers Tolkien, Pratchett and Holt, so I was pleased I’d spotted his inspirations.
I enjoyed the read, albeit at times it felt the ride between worlds was a bit bumpy losing steam. Once I realised where the world building was going I settled into it. The very sweary vulture was my favourite character.
A worth while read for comical fantasy fans.
Here we meet Mat who goes on an adventure discovering the world of the Fae whilst holding down a hospital porters job.
I was thinking as I was reading, it feels like the author had tipped Tom Holts Little People, Terry Pratchetts Nac Mac Feegles and Tolkien’s monsters into a pot stirred it up, blitzed it and added a glacé cherry in a cocktail glass to produce the start of a series that I want to continue with. The authors note at the end made me smile as he tipped his hat to Messers Tolkien, Pratchett and Holt, so I was pleased I’d spotted his inspirations.
I enjoyed the read, albeit at times it felt the ride between worlds was a bit bumpy losing steam. Once I realised where the world building was going I settled into it. The very sweary vulture was my favourite character.
A worth while read for comical fantasy fans.
September 25, 2025
I was looking for something light and quirky, and this certainly fitted the bill. The start seemed a little disjointed, but the main character was endearing enough to make me persevere, and I appreciate how world-building can lead to information being laid out to speed up the story later on. I was far more drawn to the Oxford version of the worlds initially, and enjoyed the depth of medical knowledge the author clearly has. The humour didn't always hit the mark, but I smiled more often than not and enjoyed the misanthropic vulture in particular. Mr. Porter was a sweetheart and felt underused, but hopefully we'll see more of him as the series continues. I also liked the mortuary assistants and their obvious connections to other worlds. I wasn't a huge fan of the revenge spell on Matt's enemies at the end, but all the loose ends were certainly tied up as the protagonist's luck changed. I wanted more of the world at the end of this and will be continuing with the rest of the series.
January 29, 2025
Gotta love that built-in dictionary feature.
Time to toss the olde English books and the Homer and Grendel story hour and dig into middle English and current fashionable themes no one really reads those bookshelf ornaments anyways.
I read a lot, so much so I read very fast so when I have to pause and look up a word it's a treat, granted I generally knew what it meant but I just don't see it often enough to assume I know, it's refreshing and not overly taxing and Interesting enough to still finish it way to early but there are lot's more books to go. The first third is kinda slippery as he's defining his main character and it's about sixty percent once the main story kicks in but that's to be expected with a first in series book.
Looking forward to more unpredictable stories.
Time to toss the olde English books and the Homer and Grendel story hour and dig into middle English and current fashionable themes no one really reads those bookshelf ornaments anyways.
I read a lot, so much so I read very fast so when I have to pause and look up a word it's a treat, granted I generally knew what it meant but I just don't see it often enough to assume I know, it's refreshing and not overly taxing and Interesting enough to still finish it way to early but there are lot's more books to go. The first third is kinda slippery as he's defining his main character and it's about sixty percent once the main story kicks in but that's to be expected with a first in series book.
Looking forward to more unpredictable stories.
November 23, 2025
New perspectives
We are not alone. I always wished for fairies. DC Farmer let's us have them, along with many different species of aliens who come & go as they please, hiding in plain sight in our world. This introduction to Farmer's world shares the story of an ordinary man who's life is at his lowest after almost dying in an accident. He is hurt physically, mentally and professionally. Plus his girlfriend was lost in the accident. Then he happens to save a man from a gang of children, none of whom are actually human. He finds his world is in danger from cannibalistic aliens, looking to appease their gods. Other alien species are at risk too, here and in their own dimensions. He is drawn in to help beings he now cares for and grows into his own special abilities. New & interesting ideas, well written & enjoyable.
We are not alone. I always wished for fairies. DC Farmer let's us have them, along with many different species of aliens who come & go as they please, hiding in plain sight in our world. This introduction to Farmer's world shares the story of an ordinary man who's life is at his lowest after almost dying in an accident. He is hurt physically, mentally and professionally. Plus his girlfriend was lost in the accident. Then he happens to save a man from a gang of children, none of whom are actually human. He finds his world is in danger from cannibalistic aliens, looking to appease their gods. Other alien species are at risk too, here and in their own dimensions. He is drawn in to help beings he now cares for and grows into his own special abilities. New & interesting ideas, well written & enjoyable.
October 29, 2024
First of all, kudos to the author for the witty title of "Fiends in High Places" - love it!
Matt's life is a bit of a mess. He's still recovering from a terrible accident and the loss of his girlfriend that no one else seems to believe was real. He's become a lowly hospital porter rather than continuing on with his medical studies, and his colleagues endlessly tease and belittle him. But he opts to step in and try to assist an elderly gentleman, and things in his life start to change from there.
Turns out Matt isn't as lowly or obscure as he imagines. His life was blessed with luck until someone intervened to offset his lucky streak, but soon, he is back on track . Turns out his new friends are special, and he just might be as well.
Matt's life is a bit of a mess. He's still recovering from a terrible accident and the loss of his girlfriend that no one else seems to believe was real. He's become a lowly hospital porter rather than continuing on with his medical studies, and his colleagues endlessly tease and belittle him. But he opts to step in and try to assist an elderly gentleman, and things in his life start to change from there.
Turns out Matt isn't as lowly or obscure as he imagines. His life was blessed with luck until someone intervened to offset his lucky streak, but soon, he is back on track . Turns out his new friends are special, and he just might be as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
This is a reissue of the first book in a series originally published in 2013. I must admit, my initial thought was, "Goodness, I am certainly not the intended audience here." First, it was published in the UK, and much of the dialogue reflects British speech patterns, with no pandering to other English speakers. Secondly, the portrayal of the female characters felt stereotypical: we had a sexy 'succubus', a hard-edged 'bitch', and finally, a drool-worthy romantic lead.
I'm glad I gave the book my 50-page test, because the plot did hook me. Our protagonist, a former promising med student, now works as an orderly in a hospital setting. This is due to a traumatic brain injury sustained in a near-fatal car accident. Tormented by a first-rate antagonist, an arrogant doctor, Matt fumbles his way through his duties. This grim setting feels all too real, especially given that D.C. Farmer is a doctor when he's not writing.
The hook happened when Matt experienced an improbable event: he witnessed an elderly man pinned down on a roundabout, about to be stabbed by one of the children. After saving the gentleman, Matt is led to an office and then down a 'rabbit hole'. At this point, I realized I was reading a well-written urban satire.
Suffice it to say, there are enough twists to qualify it as a literary pretzel. The dialogue is snarky enough to be amusing, and the violence is appropriate for the adult reader. No spoilers, although I might imply that cannibalism could play a role in the storyline. Give Hipposync a chance; it turned out to be a very good summer read.
I'm glad I gave the book my 50-page test, because the plot did hook me. Our protagonist, a former promising med student, now works as an orderly in a hospital setting. This is due to a traumatic brain injury sustained in a near-fatal car accident. Tormented by a first-rate antagonist, an arrogant doctor, Matt fumbles his way through his duties. This grim setting feels all too real, especially given that D.C. Farmer is a doctor when he's not writing.
The hook happened when Matt experienced an improbable event: he witnessed an elderly man pinned down on a roundabout, about to be stabbed by one of the children. After saving the gentleman, Matt is led to an office and then down a 'rabbit hole'. At this point, I realized I was reading a well-written urban satire.
Suffice it to say, there are enough twists to qualify it as a literary pretzel. The dialogue is snarky enough to be amusing, and the violence is appropriate for the adult reader. No spoilers, although I might imply that cannibalism could play a role in the storyline. Give Hipposync a chance; it turned out to be a very good summer read.
May 21, 2025
When I started this book, I thought how the main character is written was helping the reader understand the main character and all he was going through in his world. About midway I as the reader started to see his world was not what he thought it was. Then something that completely throws the reader happens out of the blue, and you are PLUNGED into a VERY descriptive place, too descriptive in my opinion, detouring you from the point for a bit too long. But if you keep reading it gives some good thinking ideas, and resolves back to the world of the beginning of the book with resolve.
I liked the concept of thinking and attitude can affect the characters world, and can apply to the readers real world. It definitely was the most different book I have read so far this year.
I liked the concept of thinking and attitude can affect the characters world, and can apply to the readers real world. It definitely was the most different book I have read so far this year.
July 2, 2025
I struggled to 17% because I’m a fan of magical realism, but finally I could take no more. No more at all. The is beyond purple. Every single thing has to have a metaphor or simile attached. Every. Single. Thing. And the tortured lengths the writer goes to to be ‘clever’ become irritating and obnoxious after the first 10 pages.
Add to that, the writer doesn’t know the difference between an adjective and a verb. "With an eerie synchronicity, the children all turned towards him and hissed like cornered cats. At least, hiss was what his brain came up with, even if as adjectives went it was a tad understated."
Thank goodness this was Kindle Unlimited. Would have been a shame to spend even two cents on this amateur drivel.
Add to that, the writer doesn’t know the difference between an adjective and a verb. "With an eerie synchronicity, the children all turned towards him and hissed like cornered cats. At least, hiss was what his brain came up with, even if as adjectives went it was a tad understated."
Thank goodness this was Kindle Unlimited. Would have been a shame to spend even two cents on this amateur drivel.
August 27, 2025
This was a bit reminiscent of Dirk Gently - though initially the narrator's style was a bit too forced, a bit too comedy - it settled down later. I did struggle through all the smart-arsery in the first few chapters but was told to keep going.
And it was worth continuing. The main character is not that hapless, and adapts to the wacky situations he finds himself in - I could wish to be as easy going about that as he is. The character development is reasonable (for something that is so very very Douglas Adams in style) and I'm kind of invested in them for that reason.
Would recommend if you like Garth Nix (Bookseller series), Douglas Adams (Dirk Gently), KJ Parker (Saevus Corax series).
And it was worth continuing. The main character is not that hapless, and adapts to the wacky situations he finds himself in - I could wish to be as easy going about that as he is. The character development is reasonable (for something that is so very very Douglas Adams in style) and I'm kind of invested in them for that reason.
Would recommend if you like Garth Nix (Bookseller series), Douglas Adams (Dirk Gently), KJ Parker (Saevus Corax series).
September 7, 2024
Brilliant
I came across this book whilst browsing for a new read. I liked the cover and when I read the synopsis, I thought I would give it a go. And I'm so very glad I did. It's one of those books I found very difficult to put down. The writing flowed so well, I just wanted to read more. I loved the various characters but my favourite was Rimsplitter - just pure genius!
I've already downloaded book 2 'The Ghoul on the Hill' and I'm delighted to see books 3 & 4 are out in September then book 5 in January. I'm hoping the series continues in the brilliant form as 'Fiends in High Places '. Bravo Mr. Farmer a job well done.
I came across this book whilst browsing for a new read. I liked the cover and when I read the synopsis, I thought I would give it a go. And I'm so very glad I did. It's one of those books I found very difficult to put down. The writing flowed so well, I just wanted to read more. I loved the various characters but my favourite was Rimsplitter - just pure genius!
I've already downloaded book 2 'The Ghoul on the Hill' and I'm delighted to see books 3 & 4 are out in September then book 5 in January. I'm hoping the series continues in the brilliant form as 'Fiends in High Places '. Bravo Mr. Farmer a job well done.
May 24, 2025
Fine fiendish fun
In the world of comic fantasy the two towering figures of Douglas Adams and Terry Pritchett cast a very long shadow from which it is hard for other authors to emerge with originality. If DC Farmer doesn’t quite manage the task , Fiends In High Places has enough laughs to make it a worthwhile read though the relentless of the style gets a bit wearing and he could do with taking his foot off the gas now and then.
I was originally going to award it with three stars but I thought this was a bit mean and upped it to four , partly because I liked the character of Rimsplitter the talking vulture so much 😊
In the world of comic fantasy the two towering figures of Douglas Adams and Terry Pritchett cast a very long shadow from which it is hard for other authors to emerge with originality. If DC Farmer doesn’t quite manage the task , Fiends In High Places has enough laughs to make it a worthwhile read though the relentless of the style gets a bit wearing and he could do with taking his foot off the gas now and then.
I was originally going to award it with three stars but I thought this was a bit mean and upped it to four , partly because I liked the character of Rimsplitter the talking vulture so much 😊
September 28, 2025
Brilliant book, get reading this. Great fantasy comedic writing - a rarity these days.
A really enjoyable book. Just really good fun.
I'm now straight onto book two.
The reviews I read were talking about comparisons to Pratchett. It's been a while since I read a Pratchett, but this is really good. Love the sarcasm between the two main characters.
There wasn't a point where I thought "I know what's going to happen next."
Quote - Comin’ ’ere trying to find yourself. ’S all bollocks. You know what my old ’Ungarian granddad used to say? If you talk to God, it’s praying. If God talks to you, it’s bleedin’ schizophrenia.’
A really enjoyable book. Just really good fun.
I'm now straight onto book two.
The reviews I read were talking about comparisons to Pratchett. It's been a while since I read a Pratchett, but this is really good. Love the sarcasm between the two main characters.
There wasn't a point where I thought "I know what's going to happen next."
Quote - Comin’ ’ere trying to find yourself. ’S all bollocks. You know what my old ’Ungarian granddad used to say? If you talk to God, it’s praying. If God talks to you, it’s bleedin’ schizophrenia.’
September 11, 2025
Fiends In High Places
A boisterous romp for Matthew Danmor who following a near fatal accident and a prolonged hospital stay including a two month sojourn in a Psychiatric facility finds himself embroiled in some really weird shit. Perfect for fans of urban fantasy. Witty, cleverly crafted and full of surprising twists and turns that seemingly start when he aids an elderly gentleman, Mr Ernest Porter, and stumbles or is maybe dragged into the mysterious world of Hipposync.
DC Farmer even manages to shoehorn himself into the story.
A boisterous romp for Matthew Danmor who following a near fatal accident and a prolonged hospital stay including a two month sojourn in a Psychiatric facility finds himself embroiled in some really weird shit. Perfect for fans of urban fantasy. Witty, cleverly crafted and full of surprising twists and turns that seemingly start when he aids an elderly gentleman, Mr Ernest Porter, and stumbles or is maybe dragged into the mysterious world of Hipposync.
DC Farmer even manages to shoehorn himself into the story.
December 3, 2024
A hapless and clumsy hospital porter, a survivor of an horrific accident. An elderly man being tortured in a children's playground and two very beautiful women .
Our hero's life changed in a short time. From dull and cold to..well, fantastic.
A very easy book to read and one that drew me in to the story. I found that I wanted to get back to reading as quickly as possible.
Most recommended.
Our hero's life changed in a short time. From dull and cold to..well, fantastic.
A very easy book to read and one that drew me in to the story. I found that I wanted to get back to reading as quickly as possible.
Most recommended.
January 1, 2025
Funny with some extraordinary parallels to the universal truth about religion... It was a blend between real world and a fantasy, perfectly executed, and with a little bit of romance. The ending was maybe a tad too sweet... I would love to read more about Matt but from the excerpt of the next book I gathered that it will be different... still, really good read and I am glad that I stumbled on this book.
January 11, 2025
A very enjoyable read
Fiends in High Places is an un-put-downable book, with some quirky characters and a very confused hero. Matt is still in recovery mode after almost dying in a car accident, he's working as a porter in a hospital in Oxford. Suffering with confusion about what's real and putting up with being bullied by a doctor in A&E when things start getting a whole lot more strange and exciting.
Fiends in High Places is an un-put-downable book, with some quirky characters and a very confused hero. Matt is still in recovery mode after almost dying in a car accident, he's working as a porter in a hospital in Oxford. Suffering with confusion about what's real and putting up with being bullied by a doctor in A&E when things start getting a whole lot more strange and exciting.
February 26, 2025
Despite being superficially the exact kind of urban fantasy I like, this has left a truly bad taste in my mouth.
It crystallised near the end of the novel, where there is an attempted SA as a punchline, which the protagonist sets up deliberately to punish a horrible disableist woman and a privileged bullying man who creeps on women, and the reader is clearly meant to think this is their reasonable just deserts as opposed to absolutely horrific. Definitely one to miss.
It crystallised near the end of the novel, where there is an attempted SA as a punchline, which the protagonist sets up deliberately to punish a horrible disableist woman and a privileged bullying man who creeps on women, and the reader is clearly meant to think this is their reasonable just deserts as opposed to absolutely horrific. Definitely one to miss.
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