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Medieval Muddles #1
Juvament!: A Mythical Mess
Beorcholt, land of mything links, is not only a home for menfolk. It is a land of talking boars, marsh-hobs, and elves. It is a country of trolls and the occasional dragon. It is an abode for monsters previously thought to stomp exclusively through the pages of mythology. And it is the home of the most mysterious and ravenous, enchanting and frequently terrifying, beast of them all…the toddler.
Crack open these pages if you dare, to find within the antics of a baby with the astonishing superpower to send a man spinning out of his settled orbit around a reasonably comfortable life, and into an epic trek across ancient lands. Read the forgotten wars of a country torn apart by mountain brutes and civil war, health insurance monopolies and secret society passwords that were too long. Peruse with astonishment the deeds of heroes long lost in the pages of Father Time—who was too embarrassed to let anyone read about them until now.
But you just might find between this cover enough adventure, humor, witticism, and heart throbs to prove Father Time wrong, and make the hours you spent reading it worthwhile hours indeed.
Crack open these pages if you dare, to find within the antics of a baby with the astonishing superpower to send a man spinning out of his settled orbit around a reasonably comfortable life, and into an epic trek across ancient lands. Read the forgotten wars of a country torn apart by mountain brutes and civil war, health insurance monopolies and secret society passwords that were too long. Peruse with astonishment the deeds of heroes long lost in the pages of Father Time—who was too embarrassed to let anyone read about them until now.
But you just might find between this cover enough adventure, humor, witticism, and heart throbs to prove Father Time wrong, and make the hours you spent reading it worthwhile hours indeed.
456 pages, Paperback
Published December 12, 2017
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
J. Aaron Gruben
23 books57 followersI grew up in the Southwest and currently live in Texas with my wife and six children where I work full time as a veterinarian. I've been writing for over 20 years and am the author of works of varied genres. An article about the Crusades inspired me to start writing historically accurate stories – especially on topics that have become either distorted by political or social bias or have been forgotten by today’s general public. The major goals of my writing are to bring honor to Christ and to edify, entertain, and educate readers.
When not writing or repairing sick animals, I enjoy reading, hiking, dancing with toddlers, yodeling, playing board games, and playing a variety of musical instruments. I travel to conventions with my publishing company, Post Tenebras Lux Books, which strives to improve lives and revitalize old truths through quality Christian stories and studies.
When not writing or repairing sick animals, I enjoy reading, hiking, dancing with toddlers, yodeling, playing board games, and playing a variety of musical instruments. I travel to conventions with my publishing company, Post Tenebras Lux Books, which strives to improve lives and revitalize old truths through quality Christian stories and studies.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 19, 2025
Started reading this to my kids (age 10 and 7). They weren’t really interested in it. So I finished it on my own. Going to cover a few points
Good: The premise was enjoyable. The storyline was good (the main one with Edmond and Annette).
Parts I think need work: The book was too long with too many extras. It was very difficult to read out loud. Personal opinion—-I don’t like it when the author breaks the fourth wall. This happened a lot.
Content warnings: mention of abortion (the character was regretful, however) and drunkenness (main character got really drunk at one point). Not suitable for my kids ages.
Overall, the premise was good. I just think it needs some work. Shorten the story and eliminate a lot of the extra repetitiveness. Stick to Esmond’s story. (Although the nods to Lord of the Rings was nice).
Good: The premise was enjoyable. The storyline was good (the main one with Edmond and Annette).
Parts I think need work: The book was too long with too many extras. It was very difficult to read out loud. Personal opinion—-I don’t like it when the author breaks the fourth wall. This happened a lot.
Content warnings: mention of abortion (the character was regretful, however) and drunkenness (main character got really drunk at one point). Not suitable for my kids ages.
Overall, the premise was good. I just think it needs some work. Shorten the story and eliminate a lot of the extra repetitiveness. Stick to Esmond’s story. (Although the nods to Lord of the Rings was nice).
December 28, 2018
A Very Humorous Fantasy
This book is so funny, even the footnotes are worth reading. I would recommend not missing a one of them. Fantasy novels at supposed to be long, but not slow. This one took me ages to read. Still, this book is a keeper. I didn't get a chance to read the Appendices, and am keeping the book because I plan to do so later. I do like the set up of the book, with Esmond Scrunge being saddled with a baby which he comes to love. It is a really sweet story (as well as amusing). The adventures in the book are quite interesting, but could have been more exciting. The fantasy background is very well researched. The author even has written knowledge of quite a few different languages.
This book is so funny, even the footnotes are worth reading. I would recommend not missing a one of them. Fantasy novels at supposed to be long, but not slow. This one took me ages to read. Still, this book is a keeper. I didn't get a chance to read the Appendices, and am keeping the book because I plan to do so later. I do like the set up of the book, with Esmond Scrunge being saddled with a baby which he comes to love. It is a really sweet story (as well as amusing). The adventures in the book are quite interesting, but could have been more exciting. The fantasy background is very well researched. The author even has written knowledge of quite a few different languages.
December 24, 2017
Another fun story from the author, and the start of a great series! Silly yet sometimes serious, this is a fun fiction dipping into fantasy, history, and comedy. The antics of baby Annette and the adventures she and her reluctant caretaker Esmond find themselves on will keep you riveted. Explore the fantastical country of Beorcholt and the strange creatures it releases upon the world. But most of all enjoy reading of Esmond's struggles with the strangest creature in any country: a small child!
June 13, 2021
I laughed more at this book than about any other book I've read. And yet, it leaves you with a deeper desire to make the world a better place. If you like babies, talking hogs, short hairy people, and a delightful story, you will love this book.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews