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The Wicked Instruments #1
The Singer and the Charlatan
Deep in the heart of Newland, the song of a bard will rise up and lead an unusual band of travelers on a ridiculous, incredible adventure.
Leanna Moonbody has big dreams and even bigger plans. Not content to merely play for coins on the streets of Kingsfield, Leanna has her eyes on the horizon. With plans to move to the music capital of Saul and spend her days singing at the amphitheater, Leanna packs her bags and takes off on the journey of a lifetime. Along the way she will be joined by a motley crew of adventurers who are as hilarious as they are haphazard.
With a precarious trickster in their midst, Leanna’s simple move turns upside-down as she and new pal Priestess Trixi make their way to Saul with a following in tow. Dodging lovesick stalkers, deranged halflings, and gathering adoring fans as they go, Trixi and Leanna take off into the sunset, ready to make their dreams come true in the most ridiculous ways possible.
If you're a fan of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Dungeons and Dragons, legends and lore of bizarre deities, or wizards, you'll love the fun, lighthearted fantasy world of The Singer and the Charlatan.
Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ASIN B01MG8PL36 here.
Leanna Moonbody has big dreams and even bigger plans. Not content to merely play for coins on the streets of Kingsfield, Leanna has her eyes on the horizon. With plans to move to the music capital of Saul and spend her days singing at the amphitheater, Leanna packs her bags and takes off on the journey of a lifetime. Along the way she will be joined by a motley crew of adventurers who are as hilarious as they are haphazard.
With a precarious trickster in their midst, Leanna’s simple move turns upside-down as she and new pal Priestess Trixi make their way to Saul with a following in tow. Dodging lovesick stalkers, deranged halflings, and gathering adoring fans as they go, Trixi and Leanna take off into the sunset, ready to make their dreams come true in the most ridiculous ways possible.
If you're a fan of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Dungeons and Dragons, legends and lore of bizarre deities, or wizards, you'll love the fun, lighthearted fantasy world of The Singer and the Charlatan.
Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ASIN B01MG8PL36 here.
- GenresFantasy
190 pages, ebook
Published November 18, 2016
32 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
D.C. Fergerson
24 books88 followersThe Master of Kung Fu and Friendship was born in the smog-wastes of New Jersey, then journeyed to a mountain in Asia. There, he learned of the power of friendship, and knowing is half the battle. The other half is Kung Fu.
He now resides in a dojo in North Carolina, where he has sired a future champion with his Mistress of Friendship. He writes of fantasy and humor, strong women and dragons.
He is the author of The Wicked Instruments series and The Dragon's Dream Saga. His biggest influences are the greats in humor - Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, and Chuck Palahniuk.
For the latest updates:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/dcfergerson
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dcfergerson
Blog: http://artofthearcane.com
He now resides in a dojo in North Carolina, where he has sired a future champion with his Mistress of Friendship. He writes of fantasy and humor, strong women and dragons.
He is the author of The Wicked Instruments series and The Dragon's Dream Saga. His biggest influences are the greats in humor - Douglas Adams, Kurt Vonnegut, and Chuck Palahniuk.
For the latest updates:
Facebook: http://facebook.com/dcfergerson
Twitter: http://twitter.com/dcfergerson
Blog: http://artofthearcane.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 28, 2017
This book was surely not what i expected and not at all my usual kind of read however i must admit i really enjoyed reading it. It's a very humorous book and the characters are all very quirky and oftentimes silly, i don't think they had a complete brain between the lot of them. The book also became quiet smutty at times so maybe it would not be recommended for young adult readers but otherwise its a fun read and quiet good for a first book!
July 4, 2023
It was an ok read, some editing is needed. Story takes you on a journey but ends abruptly without giving a clear finale. Fergerson has a decent group of characters, but, I was hoping for more. Read it, and support the author. I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2021
An amnesiac singer, a priestess, and a paladin walk into a bar …
The unlikeliest group of individuals come together in this journey of magic and mayhem. Leanna Moonbody’s voice and her guitar can captivate the most unruly crowd. Priestess Trixi has a mission to bring followers to her Lord. Add in a crazy Halfling, an ax-happy dwarf, a handsome mercenary, a devout though naïve paladin, and a soupcon of greed and you have a recipe for either a band of heroes or misfits with a death wish. They barely survive their first adventure and manage to flee before Leanna can be appropriated by a love-struck fan. On their travels, they add a questionable fairy and his pixie familiar to the group and begin a quest filled with hilarious antics and sometimes questionable sanity.
This series starter could be mistaken for the love-child of Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett, but it is definitely straight from the literary genius of D.C. Fergerson. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings!
The unlikeliest group of individuals come together in this journey of magic and mayhem. Leanna Moonbody’s voice and her guitar can captivate the most unruly crowd. Priestess Trixi has a mission to bring followers to her Lord. Add in a crazy Halfling, an ax-happy dwarf, a handsome mercenary, a devout though naïve paladin, and a soupcon of greed and you have a recipe for either a band of heroes or misfits with a death wish. They barely survive their first adventure and manage to flee before Leanna can be appropriated by a love-struck fan. On their travels, they add a questionable fairy and his pixie familiar to the group and begin a quest filled with hilarious antics and sometimes questionable sanity.
This series starter could be mistaken for the love-child of Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett, but it is definitely straight from the literary genius of D.C. Fergerson. I can’t wait to see what the next book brings!
September 22, 2017
A lovely piece of nonsense. This follows the adventures of an unlikely crew of characters. They all meet when they receive an offer they can't refuse, basically a lot of dosh for nicking an urn from a tomb. Lots of wild magic and not so honest intentions. A sexy singer who suffers from amnesia, a bloodthirsty dwarf, a handsome mercenary, an evil halfling, a shifty priestess, a naive paladin and a not so nice elf, with his sidekick. Add them altogether and you get mayhem and chaos on an epic scale. I would recommend this to any fantasy fan who likes a good laugh along with their magic and sword play.
November 2, 2017
Enjoyable, funny, and not too heavy.
This story feels like an epic fantasy with a twist.
The twist is that it doesn't take itself too seriously.
It's light and fun to read.
Sort of like Tolkien meets Douglas Adams.
This story feels like an epic fantasy with a twist.
The twist is that it doesn't take itself too seriously.
It's light and fun to read.
Sort of like Tolkien meets Douglas Adams.
January 14, 2018
Set aside the day to read this. Reminds me a lot of the works of Terry Pratchett. Many families might consider it for a family read aloud.
I received an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
I received an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
April 22, 2021
Humor and adventure
A most entertaining and rip roaring fantasy filled with equal amounts of adventure and humor. This was an epic story with will written characters and plot. Can't wait to read the rest of the books!
A most entertaining and rip roaring fantasy filled with equal amounts of adventure and humor. This was an epic story with will written characters and plot. Can't wait to read the rest of the books!
August 11, 2017
This review is from my blog: www.loveserially.wordpress.com
The Wicked Instruments Series by D.C. Fergerson
Fantasy
The Singer and the Charlatan (book 1)
Overall Rating: 3.5
Quick summary: Leanne Moonbeam doesn’t know much, but what she does know is that she is determined to be a famous singer, the most famous singer known in Newland. When she gets entangled with a rag tag group on a flawed quest, hilarity ensues.
This is a light-hearted, funny quest. The primary conflict of the novel is finished in book one, but there is a larger story arch that isn’t revolving around Leanne’s identity prompting me to search out and read book two. Since book one delivered in sketching out interesting secondary characters and a possible love-interest, I’m looking forward to beginning book two.
Leanne is talented, neurotic, and easy-going. The secondary characters are alternately bloodthirsty, naive, insane, and ridiculous. All of the characters together form an odd rendition of Dorothy and gang in the Wizard of Oz. I’m not terribly clear if there is a deeper meaning to this book or series, but regardless, I think it’s great to take the book as it is. An entertaining book well outside of what I normally read. It’s a blessing, but above all, it is (really, really) funny.
Is it worth buying? (Kindle FREE)
Yes, right now the book is free. I’m not clear on whether this price is temporary or not, but it’s worth getting at that low, low price.
Something else you might enjoy:
I got nothing. Do you have a suggestion?
The Wicked Instruments Series by D.C. Fergerson
Fantasy
The Singer and the Charlatan (book 1)
Overall Rating: 3.5
Quick summary: Leanne Moonbeam doesn’t know much, but what she does know is that she is determined to be a famous singer, the most famous singer known in Newland. When she gets entangled with a rag tag group on a flawed quest, hilarity ensues.
This is a light-hearted, funny quest. The primary conflict of the novel is finished in book one, but there is a larger story arch that isn’t revolving around Leanne’s identity prompting me to search out and read book two. Since book one delivered in sketching out interesting secondary characters and a possible love-interest, I’m looking forward to beginning book two.
Leanne is talented, neurotic, and easy-going. The secondary characters are alternately bloodthirsty, naive, insane, and ridiculous. All of the characters together form an odd rendition of Dorothy and gang in the Wizard of Oz. I’m not terribly clear if there is a deeper meaning to this book or series, but regardless, I think it’s great to take the book as it is. An entertaining book well outside of what I normally read. It’s a blessing, but above all, it is (really, really) funny.
Is it worth buying? (Kindle FREE)
Yes, right now the book is free. I’m not clear on whether this price is temporary or not, but it’s worth getting at that low, low price.
Something else you might enjoy:
I got nothing. Do you have a suggestion?
May 31, 2018
I love Leanna Moonbody!
January 26, 2024
I really like the unexpected turns in the story and the new people they meet. Can't wait to find out more about Tixi and whether Leanna will remember her past one day.
April 26, 2017
Not Kindle Unlimited but the next one is, this one seems to be permafree or free for x amount of time. Didn't actually want to give it a 5 but not as low as a 4 more like a 4 1/2 but that isn't available. Had a few issues, could have been a little tighter writing overall, but again there isn't an in between. It's, sort of, like a D&D type story, a LitRPG in a way, not sure of the genre really. This one was the start of something really weird, to say the least. Charms and curses seem to be the rule not the exception.
The Singer and the Charlatan (The Wicked Instruments Book 1)
The Princess and the Holy Juggernaut (The Wicked Instruments Book 2)
Goblins, Parents, and Other Monsters (The Wicked Instruments Book 3) {due out soonish}
The Singer and the Charlatan (The Wicked Instruments Book 1)
The Princess and the Holy Juggernaut (The Wicked Instruments Book 2)
Goblins, Parents, and Other Monsters (The Wicked Instruments Book 3) {due out soonish}
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews