Havock

by Dan Forrester

Low Havock is under attack from the barbarian tyrant Lord Gorab, and there’s only one thing that can save it. Trouble is, no-one knows what it is. So, when young warrior Dill, his wizard friend Wuzzbright and the dwarf Colossus set out to find it, the odds are stacked against them. To make matters worse, Dill is obsessed with maidens, Wuzzbright only knows one spell, and Colossus would start a fight with his own reflection if it stared back.

Naturist cannibals, a tone-deaf Siren and a pompous parrot are the least of their problems; Gorab is looking for a new wife and has taken a fancy to Wuzzbright.

Genres: Fantasy

253 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2024

About the author

Dan Forrester graduated from college back when he was still young and happy. Several years later, with life having addressed that, he took up writing and has since won awards for his short stories from both the National Association of Writers’ Groups and the Lancashire Authors’ Association. He has also had short stories published by Reader’s Digest and Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook amongst others, and his first novel Havock won Judges’ Pick in Grindstone Literary’s International Novel Prize.

Dan lives in West Yorkshire with his wife Angela and likes to spend time reading or watching a good sit com. The rest of the time he mostly does as he’s told.

You can find more at www.danforrester.co.uk if you find yourself at a loose end.

Reviews

[Kalleigh Royn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious and refreshingly original!

I haven’t read a comedic fantasy in ages, and Havock hit the spot perfectly. I laughed the entire way through. From start to finish, it’s packed with ridiculous situations, clever dialogue, and memorable characters. Each one has their own voice and antics that add so much charm and depth to the story. I especially loved She’Tara’s character arc!

Dan Forrester does a brilliant job balancing humor with heart, and the world of Havock is as absurd as it is entertaining. If you’re looking for a fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers a great adventure, this one’s a gem.

[Sassy Mystic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what Shenanigans and hijinx in this adventure story. A quest to prove oneself ends with a lot more than the MC could imagine. I was pleasantly surprised at how well this story flowed and made me laugh. An enjoyable fun read. If you like adventure and brash humour this book is for you. Happy Reading!

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant debut novel, fantasy adventure, up there with the best

I suspected I'd be in for a treat, and I certainly wasn’t wrong. Dan Forrester’s writing is up there with the very best. It will appeal to fans of the great Terry Pratchett.

Havock is an adventure with well-rounded, engaging characters. It is thrilling, filled with a good dose of humour, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the final page.

Havock is a standalone novel, but I wouldn’t mind hearing more about young warrior Dill, his friends wizard Wuzzbright and dwarf Colossus.
The moment Dan announces a new novel, it will be added to my pre-order list.

[Mackenzie Gaventa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not usually read this Genre but the summary sounded interesting so I thought I would give it a try and it did not disappoint! This book is so quirky and funny. You just fall in love with all the characters, even Gorab. It can be read by adults and teens and although there is some crude humor I think it would be enjoyed majorly by YA readers. I will say there was a surprise at the end that was shocking to me but hey this is a different world Dan Forrester is writing in.

I would recommend checking this book out for a short, eccentric, laugh-inducing story full of amazing characters.

[Gill James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spoof on the fantasy genre? Perhaps.
This is quite a romp. At times it makes you chuckle quietly to yourself . At other times you just have to laugh out loud.
There are also moments of pathos.
The pace is fast and full of action.
It is certainly quirky.
And all the way through it is tightly written.
Highly recommended.

[Judith Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so funny amd very different. I laughed put aloud. Very witty amd wonderful character names. I have had the pleasure of meeting Dan at a book club event. He is very unassuming and humble. We all loved his book. I am hoping for me.

[Jeanette Greaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slapstick sword and sorcery. A fun light read with an absolutely massive body count and the funniest elf slaughter scene I've read in a long time.