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The Illmoor Chronicles #1
The Ratastrophe Catastrophe
Diek Wustapha is a normal shepherd boy-until a dark, evil magic instills him with the power to charm man and beast with his magic flute. When the ancient town of Illmoor is plagued by an infestation of giant rats, Diek offers to lead the rodents to their doom. But when the dim-witted Duke of Illmoor refuses to reward him, Diek seeks revenge by kidnapping the town's children. Just when it seems the children are gone for good, a team of misfit mercenaries-Groan, a buck-toothed Giant, Gordo, a wise-cracking dwarf, and Tambor, a has-been sorcerer-set out on a bumbling journey to stop Diek, and save the children. But will they be too late?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 7, 2011
I was looking for a light read with an uplifting effect after I read The Troll Mill by Katherine Langrish. I debated if The Illmoor Chronicles will give me this effect but to my utter surprise, it was not uplifting but it was entertaining and funny. There were so many things going on, so many characters but I enjoyed every bit and felt I was in a National Lampoon or something. The story was so crazy! The characters were so hopelessly valiant or not, but it just made me laugh. It was crazy out there, living in this Illmoor realm, that is. From the forgotten sorcery of the sorcerer, the accidental villain, the hopeful thief-to-be, the mercenaries-turned-heroes, everything's just insanely comical!
The author's humor was original (I liked his style), there were bad things and good things and bad things again. The heroes didn't get their share of reward that makes it different from other stories. No, this was not a happy ending for the heroic characters, but It made you crave for more, wondering what happened to other characters who had his share of ludicrous lines. I felt, when I finished this book, that I need to read the second book.
I was surprised to see other readers gave this book low ratings. But then again, everyone has their own taste. And I have a good feeling about this Illmoor Chronicles. I like the writing style. So different from other books. Again,it does not give you the happy ending, but it will definitely give you all the entertaining you need in a book, at least for me. Kudos to the author! I will definitely read on all of the Illmoor Chronicles. It may be a corrupted place to live in the capital, Dullitch, ill-governed by a Duke with a council of different creatures and infested with thieves , but hey this place is where the extraordinary events take place. Read on!
The author's humor was original (I liked his style), there were bad things and good things and bad things again. The heroes didn't get their share of reward that makes it different from other stories. No, this was not a happy ending for the heroic characters, but It made you crave for more, wondering what happened to other characters who had his share of ludicrous lines. I felt, when I finished this book, that I need to read the second book.
I was surprised to see other readers gave this book low ratings. But then again, everyone has their own taste. And I have a good feeling about this Illmoor Chronicles. I like the writing style. So different from other books. Again,it does not give you the happy ending, but it will definitely give you all the entertaining you need in a book, at least for me. Kudos to the author! I will definitely read on all of the Illmoor Chronicles. It may be a corrupted place to live in the capital, Dullitch, ill-governed by a Duke with a council of different creatures and infested with thieves , but hey this place is where the extraordinary events take place. Read on!
December 17, 2009
This is high fantasy, and I'm extremely picky about high fantasy. The book is about a shepherd boy who is possessed my a dark magic. He uses the magic, or really it uses him. Rats take over Illmoor (hence the name Ratastrophe), and he uses his pied-piper-ish flute to have them follow him out of Illmoor, but when the Duke doesn't pay him, bad things occur.
There are many colorful characters, although there are really too many to keep track of. Diek is the shepherd boy, and he's relatively benign. The ineffectual and scheming Duke is one dimensional, but interesting nonetheless. Gordo the Dwarf and Groan the Barbarian are mercenaries who the author paints fairly well. Tambor, the old sorcerer (and erstwhile chicken) spends the latter part of the book with the mercenaries, which adds an interesting dynamic with the three very different folks wandering around.
The characters are not the good part of the book. As I said, they're interesting but not deep. The plot is somewhat weak. There's not really much to it, but it is effective. What is good is the very English sense of humor and the characterizations in the dialog. I chuckled throughout the book, and the witticisms kept me reading. I will, at some point read more books in the series.
There are many colorful characters, although there are really too many to keep track of. Diek is the shepherd boy, and he's relatively benign. The ineffectual and scheming Duke is one dimensional, but interesting nonetheless. Gordo the Dwarf and Groan the Barbarian are mercenaries who the author paints fairly well. Tambor, the old sorcerer (and erstwhile chicken) spends the latter part of the book with the mercenaries, which adds an interesting dynamic with the three very different folks wandering around.
The characters are not the good part of the book. As I said, they're interesting but not deep. The plot is somewhat weak. There's not really much to it, but it is effective. What is good is the very English sense of humor and the characterizations in the dialog. I chuckled throughout the book, and the witticisms kept me reading. I will, at some point read more books in the series.
May 22, 2010
I loved this story, I found the characters captivating and really got absorbed in the world of Illmoor, I also laughed out loud loads of times. Would recommend this to people who like fantasy mixed with a bit of humour.
April 25, 2014
I was both hesitant and excited to read this retelling of a favorite classic. But in the end, I was happy with how it turned out to be something distinctively different from the original, yet still doing justice to the much-loved fable on which it is based.
Dullitch is a fascinating city, richly imagined and elaborated upon. Filled with humans and all sorts of creatures such as trolls, sprites, pixies ogres, dwarves, elves, giants, and gnomes, it ensures an interesting plot that would keep the fantasy fanatic riveted. The story also has its fair share of humor, and whatever it lacks in other areas – specifically the disjointed writing - it makes up for with a few hilarious scenes. Here’s one that had me laughing right at the start.
“What is it, lad”?
The boy turned and looked up at his father, his smile was apprehensive. “I thought I heard something, Dad.”
“That’ll be the cattle cart,” said his father, quietly grateful that his son had stopped playing; Diek’s musical ability suggested possible employment in the torture trade.
Mr. Wustapha looked out over a broad expanse of west-country farmland, his brow creased. A few cows in the field opposite had wandered over to the gate and were mooching idly about.
“No, it was more like a feeling than a sound. I thought I felt something.”
“Well, that’ll be your dinner,” his father continued, reflecting on years of terror at the dinner table. Mrs. Wustapha was one of a long line of cooks on her mother’s side of the family. He hoped fervently she would be the last.
Even though I found the writing to be a little off-balance with sudden scene transitions, I was impressed by the amount of work the author put into fleshing out each character, as well as the in-depth world building that made me feel part of the realm of Illmoor. The characters are what drive this hilarious spin on the classic fable of the Pied Piper. Each character is uniquely flawed, and stands apart from the rest. The plot is filled with twists and surprises, and the ending is not what you’d expect.
Overall, this was a fun read which reads so effortlessly I finished it in no time. Apart from the very simplistic writing which was sometimes more a miss than a hit, I still had a great time reading The Ratastrophe Catastrophe (try saying it five times really fast, I dare you)! I might actually read the rest of the series sometime.
Dullitch is a fascinating city, richly imagined and elaborated upon. Filled with humans and all sorts of creatures such as trolls, sprites, pixies ogres, dwarves, elves, giants, and gnomes, it ensures an interesting plot that would keep the fantasy fanatic riveted. The story also has its fair share of humor, and whatever it lacks in other areas – specifically the disjointed writing - it makes up for with a few hilarious scenes. Here’s one that had me laughing right at the start.
“What is it, lad”?
The boy turned and looked up at his father, his smile was apprehensive. “I thought I heard something, Dad.”
“That’ll be the cattle cart,” said his father, quietly grateful that his son had stopped playing; Diek’s musical ability suggested possible employment in the torture trade.
Mr. Wustapha looked out over a broad expanse of west-country farmland, his brow creased. A few cows in the field opposite had wandered over to the gate and were mooching idly about.
“No, it was more like a feeling than a sound. I thought I felt something.”
“Well, that’ll be your dinner,” his father continued, reflecting on years of terror at the dinner table. Mrs. Wustapha was one of a long line of cooks on her mother’s side of the family. He hoped fervently she would be the last.
Even though I found the writing to be a little off-balance with sudden scene transitions, I was impressed by the amount of work the author put into fleshing out each character, as well as the in-depth world building that made me feel part of the realm of Illmoor. The characters are what drive this hilarious spin on the classic fable of the Pied Piper. Each character is uniquely flawed, and stands apart from the rest. The plot is filled with twists and surprises, and the ending is not what you’d expect.
Overall, this was a fun read which reads so effortlessly I finished it in no time. Apart from the very simplistic writing which was sometimes more a miss than a hit, I still had a great time reading The Ratastrophe Catastrophe (try saying it five times really fast, I dare you)! I might actually read the rest of the series sometime.
February 28, 2014
Full review at http://thebookshelfgargoyle.wordpress...
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Things go pear-shaped when rats infest the city of Dullitch. Things assume the shape of a butternut pumpkin when Diek Wustapha turns up with a flute and an onboard ancient being of dark magic to help sort out the problem.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new take on the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. On reading the blurb I thought that the story would be pretty dark with a lot of complicated and sinister goings on. What I didn't expect was a hilarious spin on an old story, with a bunch of amusingly flawed characters and plot twists aplenty.
The great strength of this book is the humour in the dialogue. The humour is very dry, and there is some highly amusing satire based around the internal workings of petty bureacracy, as well as a parade of washed-up, worn out and otherwise unsavoury characters trying to make the best (and a lot of money) out of a bad situation.
I can't imagine what kind of kid would be able to manage the language and some of the political satire in this book, but I really don't care because I enjoyed it so much. I'll be looking out for the others in this series to enjoy as an adult reader.
Highly recommended for a good laugh.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Things go pear-shaped when rats infest the city of Dullitch. Things assume the shape of a butternut pumpkin when Diek Wustapha turns up with a flute and an onboard ancient being of dark magic to help sort out the problem.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new take on the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. On reading the blurb I thought that the story would be pretty dark with a lot of complicated and sinister goings on. What I didn't expect was a hilarious spin on an old story, with a bunch of amusingly flawed characters and plot twists aplenty.
The great strength of this book is the humour in the dialogue. The humour is very dry, and there is some highly amusing satire based around the internal workings of petty bureacracy, as well as a parade of washed-up, worn out and otherwise unsavoury characters trying to make the best (and a lot of money) out of a bad situation.
I can't imagine what kind of kid would be able to manage the language and some of the political satire in this book, but I really don't care because I enjoyed it so much. I'll be looking out for the others in this series to enjoy as an adult reader.
Highly recommended for a good laugh.
August 19, 2013
A number of reviews here said it was good but they didn't like the number of characters introduced or it was poorly written but it's saving grace was its British sense of humour.
I'm glad I read the book regardless. I didn't find any issue with the introduction of characters though naming two colleagues Groan and Gordo was confusing. The language was simple, story flowed quite well and I found myself laughing aloud at points throughout the book.
I would recommend this book as a light and enjoyable take on the pied piper. And I myself will certainly consider reading the later books in this series.
I'm glad I read the book regardless. I didn't find any issue with the introduction of characters though naming two colleagues Groan and Gordo was confusing. The language was simple, story flowed quite well and I found myself laughing aloud at points throughout the book.
I would recommend this book as a light and enjoyable take on the pied piper. And I myself will certainly consider reading the later books in this series.
December 29, 2016
Поднасявам ви поредната порция блатно – димящо и ухаещо на съмнителни елементи от не-човешки произход плато от хумористично, поне за някои хора, фентъзийно приключение, което мъъничко напомня на реалните ми умения в кухненския блок, можещи да бъдат определени с една – единствена дума – смехотворни. Та, докато се хилите, любезно прикривайки трудно преодолими позиви за повръщане пред странната жълтеникаво – кафява маса, която аз настоявам, въпреки… ех, обективното положение, да наричам с гордото име мусака, аз ще ви разкажа за нещо малко по-ведро и добре изглеждащо в сравнение с поредния ми опит да съм наследничка на Борджиите поне в някое и друго отношение.
Не знаете кой е Дейвид Лий Стоун, и едва ли ще имате твърде смущаващото щастие да го направите, но нека ви подготвя за една топла среща с дългокосия Конан, плешивия Конан, джуджето, твърде засягащо се на онзи лаф за голямата риба под големия камък, един уж лош виконт в изгнание, някое и друго смутено божество, позагнил магьосник с амбиции за световно, или поне широко локално господство, и изключително мръсните, неблагодарни, гнусни, плачливи и уродливи жители на една реалмия, в която накъдето и да замахнете с дъска, окичена с много ръждив и крив пирон на нея, все ще ударите някой боклук, така или иначе виновен в дългичък списък от провинения. Въобще, много податливо място за низости, които може понякога да наречем и геройства, и то даже не много условно.
В този малък грозен свят има много несправедливости и твърде малко добронамерени хорица, които са склонни да позабършат големите планини от торови съчетания за нещо по-малко от не-символично огромна купчинка злато. Разиграват се разни стари сценарии като свирачът на плъховете, или изпитанията на злата принцеса, че дори и едно магическо отмъщение, включващи вкаменяване, кисели василиски и супер готина мацка – шпионка на безсрочен договор към организацията на Много Лошите Лоши ТМ. Да, няма логика, последователност, систематичност. Просто локва от нечистотии, много черен хумор и от време на време нещо като силно замаскиран трибют към стражата, асасините и въобще симпатичните гилдии на професионалните откаченяци от плоската реалмия на Пратчет. Но не се заблуждавайте от хремавото ми подсмърчане по отдавна загубеното време – забавно е, макар че качествата на поредицата мога да сравня само с преяждане тип откровено насвинване, включващо мега кофа пилешки трупове, десетина мазни пюрета от неясен произход с кафеникава гнус по тях, и някое и друго колсло и нискозахарна кола, щото нали сме на диета преди празниците, все пак. Всички имаме тези моменти, признайте си.
Дали бихте прочели цялата поредица зависи от това каква ви е границата откъм простотии и зрелищни катастрофи с ниска концентрация на литературни качества. Ако имате време за губене, и си падате по леко странни удоволствия, засега визирам само от книжен тип, налазвайте Стоун. Някое и друго кикотене откъм тъпащини, неочакван обрат тук и там, и поредната смяна на сцената, включваща повече от щедри количества заслужаващи си бавна смърт , включваща двойно захаросан мед, намиращи се в особено лошо настроение червени мравки и дълбочка яма от плаващи пясъци, пълнежни индивиди, доста творчески наричани под сурдинка герои – нищо лошо, нищо особено, само задоволително за малкото интелектуално простаче, кротко плетящо поредната гениалност, достойна да стане актуалния статус на Сиромаха, някъде дълбоко във всеки един уморен от сериозност и зрялост в сивкави багри от нас. И не приемайте нещата сериозно, че тук смъртта очевидно е на някакви много лъскави бонбонки, и не подбира особено по заслуги. Ех, къде е добрия Смърт, къде…
Не знаете кой е Дейвид Лий Стоун, и едва ли ще имате твърде смущаващото щастие да го направите, но нека ви подготвя за една топла среща с дългокосия Конан, плешивия Конан, джуджето, твърде засягащо се на онзи лаф за голямата риба под големия камък, един уж лош виконт в изгнание, някое и друго смутено божество, позагнил магьосник с амбиции за световно, или поне широко локално господство, и изключително мръсните, неблагодарни, гнусни, плачливи и уродливи жители на една реалмия, в която накъдето и да замахнете с дъска, окичена с много ръждив и крив пирон на нея, все ще ударите някой боклук, така или иначе виновен в дългичък списък от провинения. Въобще, много податливо място за низости, които може понякога да наречем и геройства, и то даже не много условно.
В този малък грозен свят има много несправедливости и твърде малко добронамерени хорица, които са склонни да позабършат големите планини от торови съчетания за нещо по-малко от не-символично огромна купчинка злато. Разиграват се разни стари сценарии като свирачът на плъховете, или изпитанията на злата принцеса, че дори и едно магическо отмъщение, включващи вкаменяване, кисели василиски и супер готина мацка – шпионка на безсрочен договор към организацията на Много Лошите Лоши ТМ. Да, няма логика, последователност, систематичност. Просто локва от нечистотии, много черен хумор и от време на време нещо като силно замаскиран трибют към стражата, асасините и въобще симпатичните гилдии на професионалните откаченяци от плоската реалмия на Пратчет. Но не се заблуждавайте от хремавото ми подсмърчане по отдавна загубеното време – забавно е, макар че качествата на поредицата мога да сравня само с преяждане тип откровено насвинване, включващо мега кофа пилешки трупове, десетина мазни пюрета от неясен произход с кафеникава гнус по тях, и някое и друго колсло и нискозахарна кола, щото нали сме на диета преди празниците, все пак. Всички имаме тези моменти, признайте си.
Дали бихте прочели цялата поредица зависи от това каква ви е границата откъм простотии и зрелищни катастрофи с ниска концентрация на литературни качества. Ако имате време за губене, и си падате по леко странни удоволствия, засега визирам само от книжен тип, налазвайте Стоун. Някое и друго кикотене откъм тъпащини, неочакван обрат тук и там, и поредната смяна на сцената, включваща повече от щедри количества заслужаващи си бавна смърт , включваща двойно захаросан мед, намиращи се в особено лошо настроение червени мравки и дълбочка яма от плаващи пясъци, пълнежни индивиди, доста творчески наричани под сурдинка герои – нищо лошо, нищо особено, само задоволително за малкото интелектуално простаче, кротко плетящо поредната гениалност, достойна да стане актуалния статус на Сиромаха, някъде дълбоко във всеки един уморен от сериозност и зрялост в сивкави багри от нас. И не приемайте нещата сериозно, че тук смъртта очевидно е на някакви много лъскави бонбонки, и не подбира особено по заслуги. Ех, къде е добрия Смърт, къде…
October 10, 2012
Thus far, this book has me giggling left and right. I don't know how I'll like the story-line yet, but I'm definitely enjoying the author's writing style.
This ended fairly well and copied the general story of the pied piper. I was disappointed to discover that it's part of a series and did not received all the closure I hoped I would. I guess it just means I need to find the rest of the series!
This ended fairly well and copied the general story of the pied piper. I was disappointed to discover that it's part of a series and did not received all the closure I hoped I would. I guess it just means I need to find the rest of the series!
July 15, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. I found it a cross between Monty Python and the Brothers Grimm. The setting of Illmoor was great, as were the cast of characters. The 7 year old found it a little challenging to follow, but the 10 year old liked the story. I also found it funny, but with too many 'damns' and 'hells'. We will certainly read the next book in the series. Eventually.
September 16, 2011
Brilliantly funny! I really like Stone's writing style, it's very British and darkly hilarious. You start to like even the most despicable creature in the book while reading it. This is fantasy at its best and definitely not only for children.[return]Now I can't wait to start the second part.
June 1, 2007
Funny, witty, and a good story.
March 19, 2008
Reviewed for CBPR
March 16, 2011
silly version of the pied piper. The names were funny and I think the 10-11 years would find it amusing.
December 20, 2021
A tragicomic reinterpretation of a classic, “Diek Wustapha der Rattenfänger von Dullitch”, and a local saying warned: ‘You haven’t lived until you’ve visited Dullitch and, after that, you won’t want to…’
The Pied Piper trouble run by a dubious handful of heroes.
P.S.
Avoid the The Rotting Ferret inn – “This bar does not encourage fighting, but actively supports it”.
The Pied Piper trouble run by a dubious handful of heroes.
P.S.
Avoid the The Rotting Ferret inn – “This bar does not encourage fighting, but actively supports it”.
October 20, 2009
The illustrations were the best part of this book. Otherwise, I didn't really enjoy it. I didn't like any of the characters and the story didn't hold my interest. I skipped ahead to the end. Maybe better for younger readers, but not really for me.
Read
August 6, 2011I really quite enjoyed this book. The similarities to the Pied Piper were dangerously close to having copied that particular story. This was a light and easy to read novel. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 5, 2019
Perhaps not a perfect novel, but incredibly nostalgic. I loved the Illmoor Chronicles as a teen, and wish they were easier to access as an adult. Flavours of Terry Pratchett, a series full of fun characters.
Read
May 20, 2008Based on The Pied Piper of Hamelin.
Read
December 17, 2008Childrens adventure fantasy along the lines of Terry Pratchets Discworld series.
March 9, 2023
This is the first book in the Illmoor Chronicles.
It is a high-fantasy reimagining of the classic fairytale The Pied Piper of Hamlin set in the weird and wonderful Kingdom of Illmoor. Illmoor is filled with dwarves, barbarians, thieves, orcs, and sorcerers (although sorcery has been banned.) The city of Dullitch is overrun with rats. A possessed piper leads them to a watery grave, but then when he isn't paid for his work, he leads away the city's children too...
The concept this book is based on is really quite clever. It gives a backstory to the Pied Piper along with plenty of embellishments.
The book is filled with plenty of humorous moments - some witty, some unexpected, some a tad childish (I know, I know, it was not written for grown adults!) It really had a familiar vibe to me; like the Edge Chronicles and other teenage fantasy from the 90s/00s. Comforting.
The story took a little bit to get going, and I was left feeling that some bits were left abruptly finished, unfinished, or unexplained; for example, Mick the little man, Stump the prisoner, and the demon(?) that possessed Diek.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. I just wasn't gripped by it. Perhaps I have been a tad harsh with my rating, since it is a teen book after all.
My favourite quote:
"Well, we could rub them out, dump the corpses up past gate field then [...] carve out a crop circle 'round 'em [...] We might have the conspiracy theorists up in arms, but at least they'll have something baseless to talk about."
It is a high-fantasy reimagining of the classic fairytale The Pied Piper of Hamlin set in the weird and wonderful Kingdom of Illmoor. Illmoor is filled with dwarves, barbarians, thieves, orcs, and sorcerers (although sorcery has been banned.) The city of Dullitch is overrun with rats. A possessed piper leads them to a watery grave, but then when he isn't paid for his work, he leads away the city's children too...
The concept this book is based on is really quite clever. It gives a backstory to the Pied Piper along with plenty of embellishments.
The book is filled with plenty of humorous moments - some witty, some unexpected, some a tad childish (I know, I know, it was not written for grown adults!) It really had a familiar vibe to me; like the Edge Chronicles and other teenage fantasy from the 90s/00s. Comforting.
The story took a little bit to get going, and I was left feeling that some bits were left abruptly finished, unfinished, or unexplained; for example, Mick the little man, Stump the prisoner, and the demon(?) that possessed Diek.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. I just wasn't gripped by it. Perhaps I have been a tad harsh with my rating, since it is a teen book after all.
My favourite quote:
"Well, we could rub them out, dump the corpses up past gate field then [...] carve out a crop circle 'round 'em [...] We might have the conspiracy theorists up in arms, but at least they'll have something baseless to talk about."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2019
Reminds me a bit of very early Terry Pratchett. However, when I first read Pratchett, it was his later work, and then I went back to read his early stuff, which meant I was looking for the signs of greatness that were to come. Lacking that perspective, I have no idea if this author is headed the same route.
It's very (deliberately) silly throughout, with the occasional awesomely funny moment, and the occasional * cringe * moment (animals urinating on people is not particularly funny to me, and less so if repeated). The biggest problem is that I didn't particularly like any of the characters. The most likeable one was Tambor, imo, and at the end, so he probably won't be making a repeat appearance in the next book.
Also, I can't think of a single female character with a speaking line (unless you count Vicious the dog, who barks, howls, and growls), and I'm not sure any actually show up "on screen" as it were. So, yeah. Mildly amusing read, but nothing to write home about.
It's very (deliberately) silly throughout, with the occasional awesomely funny moment, and the occasional * cringe * moment (animals urinating on people is not particularly funny to me, and less so if repeated). The biggest problem is that I didn't particularly like any of the characters. The most likeable one was Tambor, imo, and at the end, so he probably won't be making a repeat appearance in the next book.
Also, I can't think of a single female character with a speaking line (unless you count Vicious the dog, who barks, howls, and growls), and I'm not sure any actually show up "on screen" as it were. So, yeah. Mildly amusing read, but nothing to write home about.
January 6, 2017
Cheerfully Bland
This isn't high fantasy, or high adventure, or, really, high anything. It is a light, good-humored, occasionally funny, and always cheerful quasi-sendup of fairy tales and stories involving wizards, boy heroes, dark magic, and barbarian/dwarf double act comedian mercenaries.
If you're good with that, and if you aren't the sort who gets really angry every time something isn't quite as good as Terry Pratchett, then this will be an amusing and perfectly fine diversion. There are some funny lines and set pieces. The main characters are easy enough to enjoy. The plot is completely predictable but engaging enough.
So, if your approach to kindleunlimited freebies is "first, do no harm" this is a fine and amusing find.
This isn't high fantasy, or high adventure, or, really, high anything. It is a light, good-humored, occasionally funny, and always cheerful quasi-sendup of fairy tales and stories involving wizards, boy heroes, dark magic, and barbarian/dwarf double act comedian mercenaries.
If you're good with that, and if you aren't the sort who gets really angry every time something isn't quite as good as Terry Pratchett, then this will be an amusing and perfectly fine diversion. There are some funny lines and set pieces. The main characters are easy enough to enjoy. The plot is completely predictable but engaging enough.
So, if your approach to kindleunlimited freebies is "first, do no harm" this is a fine and amusing find.
August 13, 2021
it was a catastrophe indeed.
a retelling of Hamelin that went very wrong, or at least for me it was not that enjoyable, there is not a single chr. that you can actually like in this one, maybe jimmy but he was like the best of the worse, the novel as a tale is not bad, and it was fun sometimes, but it is I was simply struggling to finish it, and I was confused a lot with the narrating, till I found my bearings, not a tale I would like to cont. sadly.
a retelling of Hamelin that went very wrong, or at least for me it was not that enjoyable, there is not a single chr. that you can actually like in this one, maybe jimmy but he was like the best of the worse, the novel as a tale is not bad, and it was fun sometimes, but it is I was simply struggling to finish it, and I was confused a lot with the narrating, till I found my bearings, not a tale I would like to cont. sadly.
July 21, 2018
Eu gostava muito desse livro quando eu era criança. Continua sendo um livro bem engraçadinho, apesar de perceber agora mais velho que a tradução é provavelmente bem ruim (não achei o original pra comparar).
January 21, 2019
I did not know this book was loosely based on the old folk tale of the pied piper till 16 years later, its a fun read for children but if you are in your 30+ and enjoy fantasy, have at it if you want.
November 16, 2019
This was a really fun and lighthearted book. The story flowed quite well and I found the characters and the overall plot interesting and easy to follow. The book had a brilliant sense of British humour that was blended well with the fantasy setting.
January 21, 2020
2.5 - Its quirky and a bit tongue-in-cheek at times but clumsily written too. The spelling and grammar are fine but sentence structure is a bit awkward now and then and jokes are a bit dated. Overall though I liked the story and silliness of the characters.
September 3, 2019
This book was just not for me. Interesting take on the pied piper. I didn’t care for the language/dialect and the characters’ ineptitude drove me nuts.
November 13, 2019
Okey book, funny at times and some better parts with nice illustrations att every chapter.
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