Pigiron

by Dustin Wayde Mills

An Ironclad Yarn of Mythic Fantasy

The Great Northern Forest has known peace for a spell, but far beyond the brambles, something stirs. In The Pale Citadel, the dread sorceress known only as The Gray is sharpening her claws.

Big Hat Bill was just a humble Raccoon magicker until he crossed paths with Pigiron, the towering, iron-armored Hog of Floretian legend, and his companion Opaline, Queen of Corvids. Now Bill, along with his best friend Willowstitch, a sharp-eyed Fox archer, is bound for the Sunflower Isle, fabled home of Faelumin, god of magic.

I reckon it won’t be easy.

Across the beautiful and perilous Great Northern Forest, our unlikely heroes will face monsters, marvels, and the slow unraveling of everything they thought was true.

Their mettle and their metal will be tested as they forge new bonds and reckon with the true cost of triumph, sorrow, and the reopening of old wounds.

Pigiron is a whimsical and dark fantasy epic, perfect for fans of Redwall, The Dark Crystal, and Conan the Barbarian.

229 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

Reviews

[Elysia Gipson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the imagery that was created from the words. I was able to easily create the world he described in my mind. I loved the characters and how well thought out they were. This story has so much heart and depth.

[Laydownpointup · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author and this book helped me rediscover the sense of wonder, immersion, and love for characters that I sincerely believed I would never again experience in a fantasy setting. The world is filled with evidence of a rich history that never bogs the pace down or forces the reader to plod through prose. It instead builds a rich scenery for the cast of misfits to exist within and show to the reader, and they do it well. Each character offers such unique and entertaining contributions that no chapter is just the thing you need to get through for the dessert course chapters of good characters. The story is fantasy, there is no doubt about it, but you would be foolish to sleep on its flair for action and even body horror. Just when you think you have it pinned down, it will surprise and delight. I am gushing at this point, but it is because of the sincere joy this book gave me. Pigiron, the character, rhymes in many ways with my personal favorite literary character known for gigantic melancholies and gigantic mirth, and I look forward to more books of his monstrous whimsy and monstrous whoop-ass.

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A debut novel that in no way feels like a debut. From page one, Mills develops a rich cast of characters who rise up out of a rich and lived-in world. The main crew is composed of unique characters who fit, and then quickly break, familiar archetypes, and we are given ample opportunities to share in the characters' victories and defeats. These characters care deeply for one other, and those connections underscore everything that happens to and between them.

What is so incredible about this book is how Mills is able to develop such a setting and cast so quickly and effectively. The book is not terribly long and not a word is wasted. Each character's voice is distinct and beautifully conveys their unique experience of the world. I found myself grinning like an idiot more times that I'd like to admit in response to a quick retort from Opaline or a well-worn idiom from Pigiron. Mills has incredible control of language, and what results is a digestible and endlessly entertaining tale.

Thinking of the book as Redwall meets Conan the Barbarian is pretty appropriate, but just know that this book is so much more. It is its own thing, and with so much media feeling smoothed over and formulaic, it is a pleasure to read something with so much life.

[Sheldon Matson · Rating 4 out of 5]

PIGIRON! This story gives you that nostalgic, warm, cozy feeling of reading Redwall as a kid, but twists it with horror, demons, and bloodshed to satisfy your adult brain. It’s the kind of book I always hoped someone would create, and I’m genuinely grateful to Dustin Wayde Mills for delivering something this good, this dark, and this wildly enjoyable. And that ending, a twist I never saw coming; left me wondering what will happen to the characters I grew to love and sets up the perfect opportunity for a sequel.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Oh, I’ve yet to find the limits of my pesky love.”

A story about grief, love, loyalty, devotion, legacies and, best of all, magic. The world of Pigiron feels like a place you might visit in a dream; somehow brand new and familiar at the same time. Written with thoughtful storytelling and attention to detail, the lore runs deep, and it’s clear this first book only scratches the surface of the rich story and characters. I’m hooked and eager to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to dive back into this whimsical, complex, emotional, dark, silly, adventurous world and spend time with these characters (especially Opaline!) in the next book.

[Austin Retherford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING! I was instantaneously transported to the Great Northern Forest and enjoyed every minute. The writing and rich story of this book kept me engaged in the whimsical nature of the created world. I tried to wait to read the last chapter so it wouldn't end.

[Isaac Marchand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in a fantastical land where you feel welcomed and are introduced to complex yet inviting characters. In Dustin Mill’s Pigiron, animals have awakened and formed societies and civilization. A fantasy tale filled with charm, humor, and characters to root for. If you’re a fan of fantasy(or just like animals a lot), please check out this book. Dustin is a talented writer, and I look forward to his future works.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

High fantasy isn't exactly my literary comfort zone as I tend to find it a difficult genre to lose myself in, but Mills' characters and world building are expert here. Immediately likeable heroes and villains that make a genuine impact go a long way. It's fun and thoughtful, bound to find a following among fantasy enthusiasts.