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Thraxas #2
Thraxas and the Warrior Monks
It's summer in the magical city of Turai and it's hotter than Orcish hell. All that Thraxas, third-rate sorcerer, second-rate private investigator and world-class drinker, is looking for is his next beer. Until he learns about the murder of Drantaax, the famous sculptor, and the guards arrest his client. It's a simple enough case, except that the massive statue Drantaax was working on has disappeared and rival bands of warrior-monks keep turning up all over town. And then there's the odd dead sorcerer to account for...And what does all this have to do with the dolphins and their lost healing stone? Funny and fast-moving, THRAXAS AND THE WARRIOR MONKS confirms Martin Scott as one of the brightest new voices in fantasy fiction.
247 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
5 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Martin Scott
137 books81 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
A pen name of Martin Millar.
A pen name of Martin Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 19, 2013
Fantasy Review Barn
“The worst thing about being in jail is the heat. And the smell. And you can’t get a beer. The company’s always bad as well. There’s plenty wrong with being in jail.” – Thraxas and the Warrior Monks
Another light hearted entry in a series I am enjoying quite a lot. It is a hot, hot summer in Turai. Private investigator Thraxas still has a decent amount of cash saved up from his last case, and is therefore content to spend the summer sitting in his favorite bar, eating and drinking beer. But when a man comes running into his office claiming innocence of killing his mentor, and is just as quickly dragged out by the authorities, Thraxas is back on the case. Once again aided by Makri, barmaid and former gladiator pit champion, Thraxas is knee deep in the case; murder and stolen things. Along the way he has run-ins with assassins, politicians, dueling bands of warrior monks, and a girl who talks to dolphins.
For fans of the first Thraxas story, this one is more of the same. A convoluted story with dueling plot lines that don’t come together until the end is almost a trademark of the author. Subtle but persistent humor keeps the mood light. And everything moves forward at almost lightning speed. It is a bit formulaic, but if you like the formula, it really works well.
A couple of things really made the book work for me. Thraxas is a very engaging character. He is still overweight and down on his luck, but is a very competent man in both mind and body. Even his enemies may mock his position (an unexplained fall from grace is present), but they never underestimate his skills. The city of Turai has grown through two books into a character of its own. A fragile truce with orcs hangs over head, the city struggles with a new drug known as dwa, and the religious fundamentalist still hold power but people are starting to push back. There is some real possibilities for depth in future story lines with the set up Turai is being given, and I really hope future stories make the most of it. Oh, and Makri was fun as always, an aggressive warrior trying to better herself through education.
The most disappointing piece of this book are the warrior monks themselves. They really were just mindless caricatures, and were nothing more than adversaries with no depth at all. The formulaic story line worked for me because it was enjoyable, but this book didn’t really break new ground from the first book. As such, I don’t think this is a series I could read one right after another. And not a complaint here, but people looking for a long novel for their cash should check the page count, this book is very short.
Fans of the first book should like this one. People looking for something light should be happy. And fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld may find something worth reading here as well.
4 stars
“The worst thing about being in jail is the heat. And the smell. And you can’t get a beer. The company’s always bad as well. There’s plenty wrong with being in jail.” – Thraxas and the Warrior Monks
Another light hearted entry in a series I am enjoying quite a lot. It is a hot, hot summer in Turai. Private investigator Thraxas still has a decent amount of cash saved up from his last case, and is therefore content to spend the summer sitting in his favorite bar, eating and drinking beer. But when a man comes running into his office claiming innocence of killing his mentor, and is just as quickly dragged out by the authorities, Thraxas is back on the case. Once again aided by Makri, barmaid and former gladiator pit champion, Thraxas is knee deep in the case; murder and stolen things. Along the way he has run-ins with assassins, politicians, dueling bands of warrior monks, and a girl who talks to dolphins.
For fans of the first Thraxas story, this one is more of the same. A convoluted story with dueling plot lines that don’t come together until the end is almost a trademark of the author. Subtle but persistent humor keeps the mood light. And everything moves forward at almost lightning speed. It is a bit formulaic, but if you like the formula, it really works well.
A couple of things really made the book work for me. Thraxas is a very engaging character. He is still overweight and down on his luck, but is a very competent man in both mind and body. Even his enemies may mock his position (an unexplained fall from grace is present), but they never underestimate his skills. The city of Turai has grown through two books into a character of its own. A fragile truce with orcs hangs over head, the city struggles with a new drug known as dwa, and the religious fundamentalist still hold power but people are starting to push back. There is some real possibilities for depth in future story lines with the set up Turai is being given, and I really hope future stories make the most of it. Oh, and Makri was fun as always, an aggressive warrior trying to better herself through education.
The most disappointing piece of this book are the warrior monks themselves. They really were just mindless caricatures, and were nothing more than adversaries with no depth at all. The formulaic story line worked for me because it was enjoyable, but this book didn’t really break new ground from the first book. As such, I don’t think this is a series I could read one right after another. And not a complaint here, but people looking for a long novel for their cash should check the page count, this book is very short.
Fans of the first book should like this one. People looking for something light should be happy. And fans of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld may find something worth reading here as well.
4 stars
July 5, 2016
This is my second Thraxas novel, and I'm starting to see the pattern: throw in multiple mysteries that eventually overlap; introduce some clever new wrinkles on the magic and politics of the world; and show that Thraxas is a striking combination of tolerant, capable, and self-deprecating.
If that sounds like a tepid review, it isn't. This is still very fun material, and "Martin Scott" makes it look easier than it is. (I've tried to do things like it and failed, and I still think he runs rings around Jim Butcher.) Just because you know it's a puzzle doesn't mean you don't enjoy the work of solving it.
The highest praise I have to offer is that, even if I feel as though I've got it figured out in the big sense, I'm still curious to know how he moves on in future versions. This is pulpy, good fun, and I'm pretty sure I'll belly up for at least one more helping of it.
If that sounds like a tepid review, it isn't. This is still very fun material, and "Martin Scott" makes it look easier than it is. (I've tried to do things like it and failed, and I still think he runs rings around Jim Butcher.) Just because you know it's a puzzle doesn't mean you don't enjoy the work of solving it.
The highest praise I have to offer is that, even if I feel as though I've got it figured out in the big sense, I'm still curious to know how he moves on in future versions. This is pulpy, good fun, and I'm pretty sure I'll belly up for at least one more helping of it.
August 16, 2009
Another book in my continuous quest to avoid serious literature. Very similar to the other Thraxas books, but had a nice convoluted plot line. I would not say it was anything particularly special but it kept me entertained on a long flight.
July 16, 2008
Thraxas just rules!
October 24, 2011
I must be getting into the style of the books more, as I enjoyed this book more than the first one. I hope the books continue to improve, even if they are a little clichéd!
January 10, 2014
A funny collection of fantasy characters from Martin Scott
October 14, 2023
It's, err... been a while since I read the first Thraxas novel. I did enjoy it, but didn't get to the rest of the series till now. Still, the time is right for a quick and fun read.
What to Expect
Another case - actually several, interconnected - for our grumpy investigator. He just wants to escape the summer heat and have a beer, but clients keep dragging him away to look at anything from murder to talking dolphins. Things generally go downhill from there, to an explosive showdown before the dénoument exposing who did what to whom.
The world has a sprinkling of late Roman vibe (with senators and togas), but is deeply rooted in more traditional fantasy magic system (not to say D&D-ish). Pace is good, characters are OK, and one can almost hear 'Everyone was Kung-Fu Fighting' in the background.
What I liked
It's a fun quick read, not overly taxing, which fitted my mood. Tharxas is an ageing, over-weight curmudgeon, with just enough magic skills to deal with crimes and criminals but not enough to really pull an easy solution from his hat. He's handy with a sword, but not nearly as much as his over-the-top side-kick Makri. There's enough tongue-in-cheek action and world building that doesn't take itself too seriously or too darkly. It has a decidedly urban paranormal detective vibe, which I do enjoy.
What to be aware of
The writing style is somewhat clipped as in the first novel, but was less of an issue this time for me. It does lead to a more 'telling' style, which may annoy those who prefer brick-sized novels, but I found the author used it well for the premise of the cynical-detective genre. It does make for a quick read through, and let's Thraxas' natural crabbiness come through.
Despite the Roman themes mixed with funky names and the occasional historical allusions, I wouldn't say that the world stand out -- it's a bit of a 'generic fantasy city' one can find in adventure novels, without a strong sense of place.
Felix's Review
Despite the obvious similarities between Felix and Thraxas -- two not-quite-accomplished magicians-turned-detective to pay the bills -- I didn't think they'd hit it off, as their personalities seemed to different. Still, Felix surprised me, showing a greater understanding in what makes Tharaxs tick, commenting on his abilities for his age (I had to remind Felix that Thraxas is only a decade older) and about his tenacity in finding justice to those who need it, and don't enjoy high-society's grace and power.
Summary
If you like Piers Anthony or Tom Holt, or if you're tired of waiting for Jim Butcher's next OTT Dresden adventure, this might be up your alley. I think there was enough improvement of the first novel to continue reading the series -- there are certainly enough times when one wants a simple adventure/mystery, without dark themes or a plot spreading across the breadth of the ocean.
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
Another case - actually several, interconnected - for our grumpy investigator. He just wants to escape the summer heat and have a beer, but clients keep dragging him away to look at anything from murder to talking dolphins. Things generally go downhill from there, to an explosive showdown before the dénoument exposing who did what to whom.
The world has a sprinkling of late Roman vibe (with senators and togas), but is deeply rooted in more traditional fantasy magic system (not to say D&D-ish). Pace is good, characters are OK, and one can almost hear 'Everyone was Kung-Fu Fighting' in the background.
What I liked
It's a fun quick read, not overly taxing, which fitted my mood. Tharxas is an ageing, over-weight curmudgeon, with just enough magic skills to deal with crimes and criminals but not enough to really pull an easy solution from his hat. He's handy with a sword, but not nearly as much as his over-the-top side-kick Makri. There's enough tongue-in-cheek action and world building that doesn't take itself too seriously or too darkly. It has a decidedly urban paranormal detective vibe, which I do enjoy.
What to be aware of
The writing style is somewhat clipped as in the first novel, but was less of an issue this time for me. It does lead to a more 'telling' style, which may annoy those who prefer brick-sized novels, but I found the author used it well for the premise of the cynical-detective genre. It does make for a quick read through, and let's Thraxas' natural crabbiness come through.
Despite the Roman themes mixed with funky names and the occasional historical allusions, I wouldn't say that the world stand out -- it's a bit of a 'generic fantasy city' one can find in adventure novels, without a strong sense of place.
Felix's Review
Despite the obvious similarities between Felix and Thraxas -- two not-quite-accomplished magicians-turned-detective to pay the bills -- I didn't think they'd hit it off, as their personalities seemed to different. Still, Felix surprised me, showing a greater understanding in what makes Tharaxs tick, commenting on his abilities for his age (I had to remind Felix that Thraxas is only a decade older) and about his tenacity in finding justice to those who need it, and don't enjoy high-society's grace and power.
Summary
If you like Piers Anthony or Tom Holt, or if you're tired of waiting for Jim Butcher's next OTT Dresden adventure, this might be up your alley. I think there was enough improvement of the first novel to continue reading the series -- there are certainly enough times when one wants a simple adventure/mystery, without dark themes or a plot spreading across the breadth of the ocean.
--
Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He's the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
July 30, 2021
Девятый роман Мартина Миллара. Второй роман под псевдонимом Мартин Скотт и второй роман в серии о Фраксе. Вышел роман в мае 1999 года.
Будни частного детектива Фракс в городе-королевстве Турай. Убивают самого известного скульптора Турая и его ученик, обвиненный в этом убийстве, нанимает Фракса, чтобы тот доказал его невиновность. Бесследно пропадает последнее творение скульптора — огромная статуя, и орден монахов-воинов нанимает Фракса, чтобы найти пропажу. Дело осложняется тем, что в Турае орудует другой орден монахов-воинов и эти два ордена постоянно дерутся друг с другом.
Еще убивают известного мага Турая и его вечно пьяная дочь поселяется у Фракса. Еще городская сумасшедшая постоянно досаждает Фраксу, чтобы тот нашел священный камень, украденный у дельфинов. Еще приятельница Фракса, Макри, приютила девушку, которую разыскивает Братство (турайская организованная преступность).
Еще в Турае объявляются давний враг Фракса, Сарина, и член Гильдии наемных убийц Ханама.
Минутка истории. Первые три романа о Фраксе вышли с разницей в месяц — в апреле, мае и июне 1999 года. То есть все книги были написаны заранее, а издательство печатало их с минимальными промежутками времени — рекламировать сразу серию выходит дешевле, чем каждую книгу в отдельности. Был «заказ» на «городское фэнтези» — в духе набиравших тогда обороты де Линта, Грина и, в особенности, Глена Кука — писатель Миллар сразу накатал серию о детективе в фэнтезийном мире.
Поэтому мне очень сильно доставляют рецензии на этом роман в духе «со времен дебюта Скотт сильно прогрессировал». При том, что эти романы писались подряд, то «прогрессировать» Скотт никак не мог. Второй роман от первого отличается только сюжетной завязкой и некоторыми именами. Всё.
И особенно это понятно по тому, что Скотт кругами использует несколько выражений — «первая спица», «ниожская шлюха», «эльф на дереве» и так далее — которые появляются с частотой примерно раз в страницу. Все эти выражения бесили еще в первом романе и без изменений перекочевали в «Монахов-воинов».
Что касается детективного сюжета, то он слаб. Нелогичен, а местами откровенно глуп. Но чтобы читатель не успел понять, что его дурят, Скотт насытил роман действием по максимуму. Я в начале долго перечислял все дела Фракса. Именно потому и перечислял, что автор своего героя «нагрузил» по максимуму, не оставив места для передышки.
Схватка по одному делу. Сразу драка по другому делу. Разговор по третьему. И немедля новая схватка по четвертому дело. А дальше уже новая драка по первой истории. И так — до самого конца романа. Как в фильме «Адреналин» — главное не останавливаться. Поэтому, если есть цель просто почитать развлекательное чтиво — слегка детективное и слегка юмористическое фэнтези, то «Фракс и монахи-воины» даст вам несколько часов приятного времяпровождения. А если хочется здравого смысла или да хоть бы просто умения хорошо писать — это вам в другие книги. Не этой серии и не этого автора.
6/10
Оригинал отзыва - https://cahier.ru/thraxas2/
Будни частного детектива Фракс в городе-королевстве Турай. Убивают самого известного скульптора Турая и его ученик, обвиненный в этом убийстве, нанимает Фракса, чтобы тот доказал его невиновность. Бесследно пропадает последнее творение скульптора — огромная статуя, и орден монахов-воинов нанимает Фракса, чтобы найти пропажу. Дело осложняется тем, что в Турае орудует другой орден монахов-воинов и эти два ордена постоянно дерутся друг с другом.
Еще убивают известного мага Турая и его вечно пьяная дочь поселяется у Фракса. Еще городская сумасшедшая постоянно досаждает Фраксу, чтобы тот нашел священный камень, украденный у дельфинов. Еще приятельница Фракса, Макри, приютила девушку, которую разыскивает Братство (турайская организованная преступность).
Еще в Турае объявляются давний враг Фракса, Сарина, и член Гильдии наемных убийц Ханама.
Минутка истории. Первые три романа о Фраксе вышли с разницей в месяц — в апреле, мае и июне 1999 года. То есть все книги были написаны заранее, а издательство печатало их с минимальными промежутками времени — рекламировать сразу серию выходит дешевле, чем каждую книгу в отдельности. Был «заказ» на «городское фэнтези» — в духе набиравших тогда обороты де Линта, Грина и, в особенности, Глена Кука — писатель Миллар сразу накатал серию о детективе в фэнтезийном мире.
Поэтому мне очень сильно доставляют рецензии на этом роман в духе «со времен дебюта Скотт сильно прогрессировал». При том, что эти романы писались подряд, то «прогрессировать» Скотт никак не мог. Второй роман от первого отличается только сюжетной завязкой и некоторыми именами. Всё.
И особенно это понятно по тому, что Скотт кругами использует несколько выражений — «первая спица», «ниожская шлюха», «эльф на дереве» и так далее — которые появляются с частотой примерно раз в страницу. Все эти выражения бесили еще в первом романе и без изменений перекочевали в «Монахов-воинов».
Что касается детективного сюжета, то он слаб. Нелогичен, а местами откровенно глуп. Но чтобы читатель не успел понять, что его дурят, Скотт насытил роман действием по максимуму. Я в начале долго перечислял все дела Фракса. Именно потому и перечислял, что автор своего героя «нагрузил» по максимуму, не оставив места для передышки.
Схватка по одному делу. Сразу драка по другому делу. Разговор по третьему. И немедля новая схватка по четвертому дело. А дальше уже новая драка по первой истории. И так — до самого конца романа. Как в фильме «Адреналин» — главное не останавливаться. Поэтому, если есть цель просто почитать развлекательное чтиво — слегка детективное и слегка юмористическое фэнтези, то «Фракс и монахи-воины» даст вам несколько часов приятного времяпровождения. А если хочется здравого смысла или да хоть бы просто умения хорошо писать — это вам в другие книги. Не этой серии и не этого автора.
6/10
Оригинал отзыва - https://cahier.ru/thraxas2/
February 27, 2024
The drunk overweight battle mage Thraxas and the hot gladiator Makri will solve another case but some of them may die in the process.
Thraxas is an easy character to relate to as his primary superpower is persistence. We are allowed to have that ability. Makri is more complicated. Being an elf-ork-human, walking everywhere in a metal bikini, and killing criminals left and right, she's more complex, to say the least. Much harder to be Makri.
There is no sexual tension between them and probably won't be. The book has some mild element of exploitation around Makri's modest clothing choices and the overall bloodshed but let's not forget that she's a murderous warrior who's killed thousands in her lifetime. She's more of a female Conan than a supporting character.
Thraxas is an easy character to relate to as his primary superpower is persistence. We are allowed to have that ability. Makri is more complicated. Being an elf-ork-human, walking everywhere in a metal bikini, and killing criminals left and right, she's more complex, to say the least. Much harder to be Makri.
There is no sexual tension between them and probably won't be. The book has some mild element of exploitation around Makri's modest clothing choices and the overall bloodshed but let's not forget that she's a murderous warrior who's killed thousands in her lifetime. She's more of a female Conan than a supporting character.
September 29, 2024
More of the same as the first: if you liked that you'll like this; if you didn't like that, this won't win you over. It has a bit of a formula -- so you probably won't want to read a bunch of these back-to-back -- but if you like the formula they are fun.
January 9, 2020
The convoluted plots and murder mystery made this a fun light read.
February 18, 2023
So good!
The real mystery is why every single thing Millar has written isn't a hit movie or television series by now.
The real mystery is why every single thing Millar has written isn't a hit movie or television series by now.
October 31, 2023
As with the first one, an easy read, but odd prose.
August 4, 2024
He can fight his enemies with a sword, a battle axe and a hangover! Most often than not, with all three things altogether. And he has learned that you simply buy flowers for the women in your life :)
September 17, 2024
Better story than the first book. Good escapism, but still very flawed.
July 20, 2021
A belated selection for the r/Fantasy 2015 Bingo for the 'Free Space' square. It currently has 491 ratings on Goodreads. I've no idea why this rates so low. Maybe people just don't know about them. The covers on the eBook versions are not the best. The first one in the series won the World Fantasy award for best novel in 2000. It's yet another private investigator (Thraxas) who is overweight and drinks too much and who is struggling to get by. It's set in a magical fantasy world. Each case, Thraxas seems to get involved in several mysterious events that all seem to be related. If you like the Garrett P.I. books by Glen Cook, then you should love these. Martin Scott is a pseudonym for Martin Millar who has written numerous other humorous fantasy books. Highly recommended if you are just looking for a quick fun, smart mystery fantasy book.
January 30, 2018
This one was very enjoyable. Lots of twisty mysteries all linked together (somehow), and tons of action. I'm liking this series.
January 29, 2016
A much more enjoyable and compelling read than the first one, this one I had trouble putting down until I finished it. It's a good thing I read it while on vacation.
Now that the world, it's rules and characters have been established, it feels like the author is having a lot more fun with them this time around and it tells.
I found the mystery much more compelling this time, and loved all the twists and additional story lines and really enjoyed the way he tied them all together and up in the end.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this series.
Now that the world, it's rules and characters have been established, it feels like the author is having a lot more fun with them this time around and it tells.
I found the mystery much more compelling this time, and loved all the twists and additional story lines and really enjoyed the way he tied them all together and up in the end.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this series.
December 12, 2018
Martin Millar can be very good. His werewolf series is excellent, and some of his one-offs, such as The Good Fairies of New York, are fine comedies, born of an admirably twisted imagination feeding off punk pop culture, Celtic mythology and whatever comes to hand. His writing is canny, clever, no showing off.
But the Thraxas novels somehow fall flat for this reader. I was unable to raise an interest in either of the main characters or in the story lines, and didn't managed to finish the second in the series. They seemed like pot-boilers of the nail soup variety.
But the Thraxas novels somehow fall flat for this reader. I was unable to raise an interest in either of the main characters or in the story lines, and didn't managed to finish the second in the series. They seemed like pot-boilers of the nail soup variety.
December 29, 2010
not something I would buy new but a workmanly piece
February 3, 2013
Every bit as not bad as the first book.
February 3, 2013
They aren't testing but generally quite fun.
February 12, 2014
Wederom een leuke Fantasy Detective met humor erin.
February 7, 2025
Very similar to the first book. The story does progress a little, each book, without feeling repetitive
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews