Duke Grandfather Saves the World*

by James Maxstadt

Duke and Lilly save the day!

But can they save Capital City?

The city is under attack. New and exotic dangers threaten public safety nearly every day. People are scared and dying, but no one knows who's responsible.

All Duke and Lilly can do is confront each threat as they occur. Luckily, they have friends: Brindar, the dwarven Nuisance Man, Father Magnus, Sarge, and even Raven join in the fight.

But no matter how many battles they win, more dangers keep arriving.

Is this the end of Capital City?

You'll love this fast-paced, fantasy adventure, because who doesn't like a good mystery with a healthy dose of peril, and a few laughs, added in.

Book Two of the Duke Grandfather Saga!

Get it now!

Genres: Fantasy

312 pages, Paperback

Published February 26, 2018

Reviews

[Stjepan Cobets · Rating 5 out of 5]

My rating 4.5

The book “Duke Grandfather Saves the World* (Duke Grandfather Saga Vol 2)” by James Maxstadt is a solid book fantasy with a story that leads you to read. The characters and the world in which action is happening can be easily imagined in your head. Writer James Maxstadt is a great fan of fairy tales and myths, so in his book, he can find some of the links he has beautifully incorporated into the story. The story is happening in Capital City where the main character Duke Grandfather lives. Duke's Nuisance Man (The bounty hunter) who loves to drink beer and loves his girlfriend Lilly. The King is allowed all races that are free to inhabit Capital City so that work is not missing because there are always those who do not respect the law. Duke, with its magical gun, has a lot of obligations that must be performed with all races that arrived in the city but will soon find Capital City under siege by dark forces. And Duke will have to catch up with the one who brings the forces of evil to Capital City, and his and Lilly's life will be in imminent danger. The writer takes us into a world where you can enjoy, and I recommend the book to all fans of fantasy genres.

[L.N. Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way this story started, from the perspective of the grandson, who wanted to write a book about his grandfather's exploits as a Nuisance Man. It's only when they sit down that Duke Grandfather starts to narrate one of his more quirkier adventures, involving Werewolves, dwarves and many other fantastical creatures, that the interest builds.

I found this story to be very well written, and so much fun. It had its comical aspects as well as its more in depth instances.

The dialogue was well thought out and witty in most places, and the way the nuisances were expunged was quick and simple. One bullet in some cases.

The author did well in writing most of this story in the first person, and from a narrator aspect. First person isn't the easiest to write, and some people have fallen down trying to accomplish it. But not in this case. What an amazing read! You all must pick up this book and take a look. I think anyone who is of a right mind will enjoy this book, regardless of its genre.

[E.M. Swift-Hook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and Funny Fantasy

‘We still had a lot of wedding plans to make, and someone was still out there, targeting Capital City.’

Duke Grandfather (yes that is his name) is going to marry his beloved Lilly. he is a Nuisance man - someone who removes ‘nuisances in Capital City in the simplest way, by killing them and receiving a bounty for doing so. Lilly is a necromancer of not inconsiderable power and the two of them find themselves saving the world (well their little corner of it).

This second book about Duke Grandfather follows on from ‘Tales of a Nuisance Man’ and is, IMO, an even better book than the first, which was spoilt a bit for me by the format. It is set in a fantasy city where the ruler has allowed all races to move in and make themselves at home: dwarves, orcs, goblins, ogres, minotaurs - but not elves as they live in their own kingdom. In this book, the cohesion of Capital City is tested by an evil force trying to bring about its downfall. But the evil force reckons without Duke and Lilly!

“Yeah, but you did it. Again. You saved the city again.”

I loved this book. It is fantasy at its finest and funniest. But what sets it apart from many that try to make the combination of fantasy and humour work is that it has fabulous characters, well-written storylines and strong, highly original fantasy issues and foes.

I do struggle a bit with the cold, compassionless way Duke kills his ‘nuisances’, but aside that the only issue I could take with the book is that that the main characters are beginning to become too overpowered and might clutch the skirts of Mary-Sue if they keep on doing so. So far they have kept just within bounds and the depth of each story has meant that the character’s abilities being so powerful is not too obvious.

This is a fabulous book which any fantasy reader will adore. Read it and enjoy!

[John G. Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing I didn't like about this book was the cover and the title. It had me expecting a slapstick comedy/farce. Aside from a few puny chapter titles, a joke or two about the MC's last name ("Grandfather") this book wasn't anything like that.

The story unfolds in a series of long chapters, each telling a complete story that interconnects with the whole. This book has everything. The setting is kind of a fantasy amalgam with mythology and fairy tales mixed in for flavor. It totally works and I bought in right away. There's foreshadowing, world-building, solid writing, distinct and likable characters, you name it. There's always something interesting going on in "Capital City."

One small negative, I noticed 5-6 typos, but they didn't slow me down because I was enjoying the ride.

This is my second favorite book I've read this year. It's like a fantasy story told by one of your best drinking buddies. It's exciting, not too serious, and always entertaining.

[Phillip Murrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm attacking the darkness!

I loved that D&D spoof. Well played, Duke. I enjoyed this book but not as much as the first one. I guess I imprinted on the monster of the week format. This book has a more coherent narrative. I'm glad we got to meet Jessup. It's a shame the ultimate weapon origin story is still a secret. Honestly, I don't care about it anymore. It's a weak lure. I suspect it will end up being anti-climactic, like Luke chucking his father's lightsaber over his shoulder. Eventually, I'll find out.

[Angel Leya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duke Grandfather is busy taking care of nuisances in Capital City (anything from orcs to trolls), but when a banshee shows up, Duke finds himself fighting an impossible force. To make matters worse, the otherworldly killing machine is only the hired help. Someone or something is attacking Capital City.

And to further complicate matters, he has a wedding to plan--or rather ale to drink while his lovely fiance does the planning.

This book does a fairly good job of keeping the story moving. Told in first person (aside from the beginning and ending, which don't add much to the story), we find that Duke is a bit on the rambly side, which I found both charming and annoying in equal parts. As such, the pacing went through lulls. They were brief, and full of personality, but overall I didn't feel they served the story.

The ending was a tad deflating, as the hero of the story had little to nothing to do with the victory. And I would never have picked up the book based on the cover.

But what I did enjoy was the world building. The city felt real, and the variety of creatures added a wonderful diversity. There was tension between races that felt natural, and no one culture was exclusively on the good side. The challenges were unique and varied, and brought us across the city.

While this is book 2 in the series, I didn't feel like I missed out having not read book 1. Sure, there were some gaps in knowledge, but nothing so gaping as to detract from the story at hand.

The author did an incredible job creating a world that felt new, yet very real and lived-in. I imagine we'll join Duke on many more adventures, and maybe we'll even learn the origin of Griefmaker.

Overall, I think readers will enjoy this quirky fantasy that doesn't plunge us into the dark ages, but shows us a thriving monarchy metropolis where the residents are as varied as the world we live in today.

[Scott McCloskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, let me say that I appreciate the way this book was written. To me, literature is just another form of art - you simply paint the picture with words. Yes, it's possible to overdo it, but I think more often the concept is underdone - back and forth conversation between characters without much added in to spice things up. This book has a good mix of action and attention to detail, and that appeals to me.

The rope between fantasy and comedy can be tight to walk, and that fact that it works here is a nod to the strong storytelling. You can go into this wondering what the heck you're getting into, but then find yourself having turned so many pages that you're not quite sure where the time has gone. What more could an avid reader ask for? Coming in at part II is something I never like to do in a story (even the original Star Wars trilogy bothered me in that sense), but if this book can make me go back and want to read part one, rather than feeling lost because I didn't? Again, good show.

I can't say too much against this book, except that I feel the main character's name perhaps wasn't the best choice (makes me think of that horrifying 'Uncle Grandpa' character from Cartoon Network's 'attempt to emulate Spongebob' days...not that I understand why anybody would want to do that). Combined with the cover art, it makes it somewhat challenging to take the book seriously at first glance. First impressions are seldom the best way to judge a story, but in a world where everybody has a novel for you to read and popular media is exploding in your face trying to get you to 'look at me', I feel this book could do with a stronger initial draw. That's not a dealbreaker for me though. I'm not a big fan of first person either, but that's a personal preference.

Well told, good world building, nice attention to detail, and good laughs mixed in. That's for the entertainment, because after all, that's what a good novel is for.

[Jennifer Arntson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was beyond excited to read another Grandfather story! Maxstadt's first novel I've probably recommended 100 times by this point (if you've read my review of Vol 1, you'll understand why). So when I found out this book was available, I added it to my Kindle and waited for the perfect moment to start reading it. You know what I mean...a time when you won't be too consumed by your daily life, minimizing the distractions in order to really sink your teeth into that European Chocolate that cost half a days wages.

Well...

Duke Grandfather Saves the World is a bit different than the debut. I adored the back and forth of Duke and his grandson of each chapter. I could pick it up for a chapter or two, be completely satisfied with a story that might be a short-story memory, added up to be a quilt of different accounts creating a fantastic tapestry of the overview of Grandfather's life.

I expected more of the same in this second book, but the style in which the continuation of Grandfather's experiences was written as a more traditional, A-Z story of a particular time period in the MC's life.

Duke Grandfather, now a Nuisance Man with a conscience who follows a code, is on the brink of marrying Lily (who we know from the first book was his wife of many years). Someone is out to destroy the city and Duke, Lily, and their closest friends fight the waves of attacks coming onto the city with almost no help from the city itself.

I did enjoy the story, the maturing of characters we grew to love from the first book, and the new characters we meet in this one, but I can't help keeping my fingers crossed that Maxstadt returns to his roots, making Duke's grandfather offer stories behind the trinkets in his trophy room in exchange for a spot of ale.

[Scott Spotson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This time, the second instalment in the Duke Grandfather series soars higher in fantasy, creating entirely new stories with dastardly villains. While ambitious, and clicked so effectively in the first seven of the ten main stories, by the last three stories (the killer birds, the horrible gastropods, the rat people) I felt the fantasy over-reached.

I loved the darkness wielding its magic knife, underground shadows, the Death Knight, and so on. That was pure, escapist, and clever fantasy at its best. Honestly, it's not often that a book just grabs me and makes me want to keep reading, and reluctantly put it aside. That's how I felt for the first seven stories. I was amazed and spellbound.

I worry about the next book, because I don't want the author's amazing imagination to flounder. However, in risking a sequel, as he has here, he has proven that he can do better than his earlier work. Now I'm gonna hope that the author retires Duke Grandfather in the third book and finds new stories to tell in different lands and with new characters, because I think the author has a very bright future!

And Duke is right... where is the King's elite guard when you need them? If not now in life and death situations for the Kingdom, when? I wouldn't be surprised in a later book if the King admits that the Nuisance Men were actually unknowingly the King's Guard!

[Paul Arvidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Duke Grandfather Saves the World” (Tales of a Nuisance Man Book 2) by James Maxstadt

Wow, what to say about this book? It’s a great rip-roaring adventure for starters. I suspect this series, with it’s slightly autobiographical feel, began life as bedtime stories for a very lucky grandson. And then someone in the family said: “those are brilliant, you should write a book!”. And I think that’s a tale that happens reasonably often, especially in #indie publishing. But here’s the kicker: this one? It is brilliant.

I don’t think we’re in epoch ending Lord of the Rings territory here, which is why I’ve given it 4* not 5, but damn it’s a good ride for your money. The fantasy setting (medieval-ish city in Tolkien-ish world) is nothing new but the vivacity of the characters and the pace and style Maxstadt tells a story with, makes these well worth your time. And the auto-biographical feel to this, true or not (was Maxstadt an ex-cop, I couldn’t help wondering?) gave the story extra nuance, especially the romance between Duke and Lilly, the main protagonists.

My favourite thing I guess was that this book reminds me of loads of fond times as a kid reading books exactly like this. It really reminds me of the ‘Swords Against…” series by Fritz Leiber and I think anyone who enjoyed those classic series or ‘Dragonlance’ would really like this. Great work 4*.

[Lucretia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fantastic to get to spend more time listening to Duke as he recounted another epic tale to his grandson. While this one was broken up into sections as the first part was, they were more linear and connected together to make a fantastic, dangerous adventure that was rich, and well-plotted.

It still had the brilliant comedic aspect that I enjoyed in the first part, but this one also had places that were a touch darker, which suits me just fine. I really enjoyed the Deep and that there were Dokkalfar in the book as I just researched them for my own work. Brindar was also a wonderful character. Though, Duke and Lilly really stole the show with the way they interact with one another.

There was indication in the afterthoughts that another part isn't out of the question. That makes me happy. I'm always up for listening to Duke recount his exciting days as a nuisance man. I highly recommend both parts. Though you don't need to read the first part to enjoy this one, it's awesome too and you won't regret picking it up.

[Tristen Kozinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duke Grandfather Saves the World is not a sweeping epic with arch villains, despair (though it does have its dark moments) and world-altering plots. It's smaller in scope, more a collection of short stories tied together by characters and a loose plot. It was also just a light, very enjoyable read. Some books take a lot out of a reader (even if they're loved,) this wasn't one of those, it had a more revitalizing effect, like when you meet someone who is just always low-key happy. for me, this was the book's strangest quality.
Something to note, is that the author uses a very telling heavy style and that might bother some readers (I personally thought it worked well with this particular book.)
The final thing to note is that the characters initially come across a little shallow (this is a symptom of the prose) but they soon shine fourth with a wonderful sense of vivacity and personalities, that often provide bits of humor.

[Christian Freed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly entertaining. While I normally would have moved on after seeing the cover- so much more can be done with that- the book was quick witted and filled with action. I enjoyed the realistic settings of Duke Grandfather's adventures. They reminded me of other series like the Shaman Bond books by Simon Green and the Monster Hunter series by Larry Correia. The style in which the book was written made it flow and it draws you in almost immediately. Maxstadt did a great job entertaining the reader. I look forward to his next book.

[C.A. Pack · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Duke Grandfather Saves the World” by James Maxstadt is a hoot. It’s a fantasy about a betrothed couple who help rid their world of unpleasant beings. The main characters are well-developed and the adventures they undertake are very entertaining. This book kept me turning the pages, not because it was a thriller but because I found it so engaging.

[Robert Yearsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book. Funny with action and magic. Worth the time spent