The Woad to Wuin

Sir Apropos of Nothing #2

by Peter David

Apropos's peaceful career as a tavern owner is turned upside down by the arrival of the sorceress Sharee, with the forces of the war-mongering Lord Bellicose at her heels, who drags him into the middle of another dangerous adventure, this time under the identity of Wuin, the powerful scourge of the land, in the sequel to Sir Apropos of Nothing. Reprint.

Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Satire, Comedy, Speculative Fiction

512 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

aka David Peters

Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.

Reviews

[Tani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Woad to Wuin is the second book in the Sir Apropos of Nothing series, and although I didn't like it as much as the first book, I still enjoyed it a lot. It's a very fun read that actually takes on some of Apropos' issues in terms of the way that he looks at the world and handles his anger. Given the kind of character that Apropos is, I was very happy with that aspect of the book. As this book shows, with just a little push, Apropos is capable of going off in the complete wrong direction, and I really hope that the next book deals more with the fallout of what happened here because it's pretty big.

It is, however, more disjointed than the first book, and maybe goes a little over the top on the satire angle, especially in the beginning of the story. The first section of the book is a straight satire of Lord of the Rings, but with more sex, because it's Apropos. (Yup, sexual violence is still a big thing in this series.) It does actually fit into the story, but not as well as it could. I found it amusing, but also a bit too much, simply because, when taken with the rest of the story, it feels disjointed and out-of-place.

In addition, though I liked that the book dealt with something that is a serious emotional issue for Apropos, I didn't love the way that it was done. Between Apropos' lack of understanding of what has happened to him and then the hectic finishing pace of the story, the impact of Apropos' actions throughout the book on him is pretty lost, which is a shame because it makes so much sense for his emotional development. As I said above, I really hope that it doesn't just get shoved aside in the next book because it's a big deal.

Still, the book doesn't lack in many of the elements that made me like the first book so much. Apropos is still his mercenary and cowardly self, with those moments of utter brilliance that make him so fun to read about. There are many more subtle twistings of fantasy tropes throughout that work much better than the Lord of the Rings parody. The secondary characters are great, and when the action gets going, it's non-stop.

I listened to the GraphicAudio version of this, and I think that it's a great way to experience the fun of Apropos. Scott McCormick is fantastic as Apropos, and the rest of the cast also does an amazing job. If you're into audiobooks, I highly recommend this series.

[Malum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, but not as good as the first. Some of the humor felt a bit lazy and forced and the plot didn't feel as tight or as satisfying.

[Adam Juedemann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found that I didn't like this one as much as the first in the series. It was funny and made me laugh a few times but overall the story just didn't hold up as well as the first.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Same character, continued story....but, very able to stand alone. I'm delighted with the names and cultural references. I appreciate the humor. There are surprises. There is pathos, and enough philosophizing and introspection to keep the story from degenerating into a fantasy romp....not that there is anything wrong with that...but, Peter David makes me think...much as Douglas Adams makes me think....while being significantly entertained!! Started the last in the Trilogy, "Tong Lashing" immediately upon finishing "The Woad to Wuin".....

[Tory Thai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic Audio took a solid 3 star book into a 4 star.

So glad I kept with the series, I found myself craving it after the first book realizing that I actually really liked the characters and world. This was much much better then the first when it comes to humor.... Until around the halfway point, then it gets quite dark again.

It is very dark with some dark humor mixed in to slightly lighten it up. I enjoyed it honestly and found it just somehow worked with the character and plot.

The MC does have some growth and still somehow stays the same, which I guess is the running joke with him, he's always somehow ending up with nothing and back where he started. Some external forces get him riled up and you can see him slowly building off his past frustrations into a breaking point of him being quite a villain.

I really enjoyed the plot, I found it well paced up until the last hour with this book.

The finale just is a massive explosion of things going way too fast that I barely could keep up and found it kinda lame. It needed way more time to ease into that finale. It felt like a Deus Ex Machina was used to quickly wrap things up to get the character into another story for the next book.
It didn't ruin my enjoyment but wasn't very satisfying.

This random character and scenerio just plops in your lap during the last hour that feels mostly disconnected from everything else. And those new things lead to a quick end to the book. It was terrible but not the worst, I guess i dont really know how else the author could wrap things up. It did feel like he wrote himself into a hole he wasn't fully prepared for as it could likely consume way more time then intended. So I don't fault the way it ended, it just was weird.

I'll be getting the next book though, i feel like these are consistently getting better.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

So close to giving this a four star, but there were moments I almost put the book down as he seemed to be a whole new character I did not like. It is explained latter and he does grow by the end though so I am glad I did not give up.
Love the bit of foreshadowing I caught in the beginning with a certain woman’s(?) same being dropped.
Lus I loved the LOTR rip. :)

[Juan Sanmiguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The continuing adventures of Aprapo. After Aprapo inadvertently pisses of his only friend, his bar burns down when said freind returns, and he becomes a powerful ruler overnight. It turns out having power is not as great as it seems. As always there are laughs and Aprapo leans a little more about himself. If Aprapo is not careful he may become a hero.

[Michael Nalbone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of Irony. I laughed often while reading. Do read the 1st Book, Sir Apropos of Nothing, before chowing down on this one.

[Vijay · Rating 4 out of 5]

very unexpected directions for the book. liked it, especially the evil bits though I feel it didn't have enough consequences for it later.

[Yossi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like the Apropos character and this book seems to be more about finding a way to deliver tongue-in-cheek jokes and making light of fantasy books than actually telling a story. The whole plot and the way it is told seems forced. Shame, since PAD is one of my favorite writers, this series is just not a good vehicle for him.

[Josiej · Rating 1 out of 5]

Once was enough, this book made me nauseous.

[BCMUnlimited · Rating 4 out of 5]

See official review: http://www.bookscompletemeunlimited.c...



I really did love the second book in the Apropos series, and enjoyed reading about the new journeys that the non-hero takes, including the hilarious tale of Isteria's "one ring to rule them all" which just set the tone for the rest of the book. Apropos becoming the owner of a tavern returns him full circle since he was born in a tavern, but of course life is never that simple for him as everything goes up in flames, quite literally, when Sharee shows up again, demanding his assistance. I think Sharee's starring role in most of the book was one of my favorite parts, because I've always loved her character, even if she only showed up in a couple of scenes in the first book.

The new characters introduced fit in perfectly with the storyline that David tells, Lord Beliquose may be a loudmouth who never stops yelling, but he's a great force to be reckoned with for Apropos, while the Lady Kate brings a side out of him that he didn't know truly existed. All of the hatred and resentment Apropos has been building up for years brings him into the type of person that you desperately want to despise, but then hearing the explanation of how he was driven that far makes perfect sense. Meander makes an appearance near the end which makes a perfect connection to the first book, as Apropos once again learns that he's taking someone else's place in a story.

Although still taking so many of the classic fantasy plot twists and working them into a new framework, many parts of "The Woad To Wuin" bring out a more serious nature of Apropos' character that we didn't get to see in his earlier adventures. Overall, the negative aspects of this book are that it is wonderful, but it doesn't quite measure up the amazing first book. There are parts that drag on a little more than usual where you almost just want to skim to more important parts, but that can happen in the best of books. These parts were always saved by some hilarious scene, such as Apropos pitching a fit because once again, he's stuck in someone else's story...AGAIN, or listening to Sharee's story and then ruining her day by telling her that she'd gone through all of the trouble for absolutely nothing.


On a sidenote, after finishing this story, and hearing bits and pieces of the adventures that Sharee went through, I'd very much like to read a story about her that tells of her own journeys when she's away from Apropos.

[Pascal Zielke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel to one of my favourite anti-hero novels "Sir Apropos of Nothing" is much more grittier and not so light-hearted as the previous book. It is still a very well-written story with great characters and an interesting premise.

Starting off with a not very successful "Lord of the Rings" parody in its first chapter, the main character, along with the "weaver" (basically a witch) Sharee try to escape an evil warrior and flee into an unknown land, where Apropos is once again the toy of destiny and gods. But this time something happens...and he awakes to be a feared and powerful warlord, ruler of a country and with a beloved wife by his side. Everything has turned upside down and for some mystical reason he is at exactly the place the coward Apropos never wanted to be - in a place of power. It all turns even darker when Sharee appears and he has to kill her.

This book lacks a bit of the fun of the first book. Instead it develops the character of Apropos. Putting him into a dark and bleak situation, to confront him with his weaknesses and fears, so that in the course of the book he is able to change (if not redeem himself yet). For me as the reader it can be a bit depressing at times, reading about a different Apropos, being cruel and mighty towards others. I longed for him to return to his old self as the story progressed. Nevertheless it is a very good book and an important chapter in the story of Apropos that sets him on a path of redemption for his third book.

[Ben · Rating 2 out of 5]

Suffers in comparison to the first book by shifting focus towards more specific fantasy parodies and by really straining for puns after most of the good ones were used already. If you think a Lord of the Rings parody where the ring is a cock ring sounds hilarious then firstly, you're either 12 or a moron and secondly this might be the book for you.

If that sounds horrible, fortunately the joke is wrapped up pretty quickly (how long could you really draw something like that out though?) and again, the actual story and characters are still strong enough to carry the show. Compared to book one there was less of what I liked and more of what I didn't like, but I'd give two and a half if I could. If you liked the first book for the characters and storytelling, there's enough here to make it worthwhile. If you liked the first book but wanted more jokes and worse puns then you've hit the jackpot.

Spoilers:
The whole amnesia twist was a kind of daring way to shake things up, but it dragged on too long before any sort of explanation, then the explanation was incomplete and dragged out, then suddenly Apropos figured it out by himself out of nowhere, which really sapped the idea of it's momentum and really pushed Apropos past being morally ambiguous but sympathetic towards evil and unsympathetic.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

""This sequel to the wildly successful Sir Apropos of Nothing starts off with a bawdy send-up of Lord of the Rings, but quickly segues into its own territory with the appearance of a mysterious Visionary at Apropos's bar, Bugger Hall. The man tells our antihero, 'You will become a shadow of your former self while escaping to the Tragic Waste on the Road to Ruin, ' (or is that 'Woad to Wuin'?), just as Sharee, Apropos's weaver companion from the first volume, bursts in and begs for his help in escaping Lord Beliquose. The very loud lord wants a powerful gem, the Eye of the Beholder, which the virtually powerless Sharee possesses and which Apropos promptly steals....The wisecracking wordplay that fans have come to expect skips smoothly off the page, lifting this satirical fantasy into a class all its own...goofy entertainment with gritty philosophical musing."

Didn't start out too badly, but evolved into serious raping and pillaging before the middle of the book, and I just couldn't find the strength to continue reading. With over 700 books in my TBR pile calling my name, it just wasn't worth the effort.

[Jimyanni · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with its predecessor, "Sir Apropos of Nothing", this book starts well, with an amusing and lighthearted tale of a "hero" who defies all stereotypes of heroes. (In this case, the opening involves a hilarious and very bawdy spoof of the "Lord of the Rings".) But also as with its predecessor, the book drags in the middle, as the character is just too annoying to be interesting for an entire novel; yet again similar to its predecessor, the book ends well, with the character actually evolving beyond his limitations and growing into a tolerable human being. I've rated this book one star lower than I rated its predecessor because it seems to me that the growth experienced by the main character should not have been necessary, as he'd already experienced it in the previous book, invalidating one of the saving graces of that book. All in all, I don't think I'll bother with subsequent entries in the series (there is at least a third). I think that for me at least, this series has been pretty thoroughly played out.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Peter David's sequel to Sir Apropos of Nothing is very much more of the same, which is pretty much what you expect from a satire. It can't wander too far away from generic fantasy because it has to have something to play off of.

David's long suffering protagonist, Apropos, is again on the path of someone else's destiny and finds himself placed at the pinnacle before being brought low for good reason. For most of the book this is pretty entertaining, but Apropos is only really fun when he has someone truly heroic to remind the reader that he is not. When Apropos is unchecked, the plot noticeably sags and one has to force oneself to push onward until the foil returns.

The ending is clever, though the final tag is a bit heavy handed. This isn't one of the better books I've read this year, but it's a decent way to pass the time.

[JD Waggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once again, I'm not really sure how to take this Apropos character of David's creation. The story line (after the ridiculous send-up of Lord of the Rings at the beginning) was engaging (if drawn out). And there were some really solid lines; David's patience for puns reminds me somewhat of Jasper Fforde in the willingness for the long game.
But the quote from Locus on the cover gets it right: David is in the grand tradition of Jonathan Swift, and Jonathan Swift was dark. The macabre makes itself very much at home in this volume, as does a terribly in-depth pondering of who we are when we truly have the power to be all that we can be. I appreciate Apropos's struggle with the darkness and lightness within him, I do, but sometimes belated heroism just can't save the cynicism you've unleashed. There must be at least some hope in stories for me, and I don't find much here.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second adventure actually started off with a good deal more levity and parody than I expected after the first novel. If you are of a mind that begins to doubt your reading choice at this point, stick with it. The first quarter doesn't really prepare you for what is going to happen. There is a very different, if dark, ride coming up.

Foreshadowing of a third novel comes early in case you don't already know it exists. This robbed the story of some potential "edge of your seat" moments, as you know he's going to pull through it all in the end. All told, I didn't actually enjoy this as much as the first novel. Maybe the comedic rise and dark plummeting was all part of the author's plan, but it strained my ability to like Apropos as much this time around. Don't get me wrong, I'll be reading Tong Lashing soon enough.

[Sean Randall · Rating 3 out of 5]

the opening of this book made me think a lot of the whit, humour and snazzy repartee was missing; for that reason I didn't seem to get on with it as well as the first title. Perhaps because of this lack of laughs the puns seemed to worsen and the omnipresent caricatures grated a little. nevertheless it was interesting to read the further adventures of Apropos. I'm slightly saddened that Isteria and its folks didn't make more of an appearance - I thought that King Runcible, Queen Bea and Princess Entipy were characters that could have gone further. of all the characters present in Sir Apropos of Nothing, Sharee and Meander were the ones I liked least, and of course they predominate in this volume.

I'm therefore not overly impressed, and am hoping that when I read the third and final volume, that my confidence (or at least the fun factor) is put back into the parlance.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first book, Sir Apropos of Nothing, and enjoyed it a lot. I think I must be going through a non-snarky humor phase, because while I enjoyed this one, it wasn't the same enjoyment that I had with the first. Don't get me wrong. This one is still funny, but the anti-hero is the same as he is in the first: out to save his own skin first and foremost. For whatever reason, it annoyed me halfway through the book this time.

In any case, if you like the first book, you'll most likely like this one. Me? I'll go back and read it again at a later date.

[Pandora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it is the second part and so it is dark. Very dark. It is difficult to keep liking Apropos as he goes deeper and deeper into the dark side. I kept having the nagging feeling things were going to change but, it took a long time for them to right themselves.

Yet, there is something I do like about the character. Perhaps, it is because he does seem to have all the best bits of my favorite Dumas characters. I also understand the dark place he comes from. I am on to the third book now. Hopefully it will end well.

[Slither · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel to "Sir Apropos of Nothing" starts with a very silly parody of the Lord of the Rings. However, this silliness turns out to have serious consequences later on in the book. And this book becomes quite strange and gripping halfway through. Very cool, if unsettling at times.

[Valissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

as a huge fan of Brit comedy, Terry Pratchett, and silliness I thought this pun-filled adventure would suit me. plus I hugely enjoyed Darkness of the Light. but alas, this one did not fill my heart with glee. falling somewhere between comedy, groans, and adventure, with either too much or not enough of any.

hasn't stopped me from enjoying any other his other books however.

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was even funnier than the first book. It was also more serious, with all the conquering going on, but it was handled beautifully. I'm usually too sensitive to read gory battle scenes, but in Woad to Wuin it's done in a way that doesn't bother me at all. I was mentally aware of the horrors of war, but was not sickened by it, and could even laugh at the jokes. Woad to Wuin is one of the most well-written books I've read.

[Rebecca Gomez Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 of David's fascinating account of the life of Apropos of Nothing, a fantasy farce. It starts off with a quite risque version of a quest for a special ring...and ends up being a reflection on what hatred and invincibility can bring forth in an average man. It didn't resolve as well as I wanted it to but you can't have everything.

[Paxton Holley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three quarters of this book are amazing. The last quarter, however, completely falls apart. David, for some reason, is steering the main character away from the "only out for himself" behavior of the original novel and making him more of a hero. That loses some of the fun of the story.

However, that first three quarters are good, if not better, than the original novel.

[***Dave Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Woad Goes On - A more enjoyable (and less unbearably cynical) tome than the original. The puns come fast and furious in the first half, but recede into the background in the second, as the action becomes more dramatic, and Atropos wry commentary strains against the evil he faces, and carries within himself. Good stuff.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pretty unimpressed with The Woad to Wuin until about 300 pages in. At that point Peter David turned everything up to 11, many of the things that had seemed off about the story suddenly made sense and the book went from decent to great. Still not as good as the first one, but definitely worth the read if you liked the first.

[Alexander Theofanidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Apropos's peaceful career as a tavern owner is turned upside down by the arrival of the sorceress Sharee, with the forces of the war-mongering Lord Bellicose at her heels, who drags him into the middle of another dangerous adventure, this time under the identity of Wuin." -> Nope. Prepareth to chuckle until thee piss thy gaskins once m're, l'rds and ladies