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Glorious Mishaps #1
Worth of Luck
Would you sell your grandma to have years worth of luck?
Edbert Pollock is willing to crawl into the sewers and worship a goat’s head every night. It alone can get him enough luck to save his bookshop from ruins. He needs the gods to hear his pleas, but the gods have other plans. And not only for him but for the entire kingdom.
Harriet Stowe, the Prime Minister, is doing everything in her power to stay ahead of all the secret societies working against her. She is even willing to kidnap a god. But the avalanche Edbert starts might be the death of her.
Sigourney Perri, a reluctant spy, is going to have a nervous breakdown and soon. She has not only lost her friend but started to hallucinate several feet tall rabbit who insists on her help.
They trust their lives on luck when others are willing to cheat and kill to get what they want.
Worth of Luck is a wry, action-packed, humorous fantasy novel set in Leporidae Lop. It is a satire of politics, friendship, and injustice. May contain carrots.
Edbert Pollock is willing to crawl into the sewers and worship a goat’s head every night. It alone can get him enough luck to save his bookshop from ruins. He needs the gods to hear his pleas, but the gods have other plans. And not only for him but for the entire kingdom.
Harriet Stowe, the Prime Minister, is doing everything in her power to stay ahead of all the secret societies working against her. She is even willing to kidnap a god. But the avalanche Edbert starts might be the death of her.
Sigourney Perri, a reluctant spy, is going to have a nervous breakdown and soon. She has not only lost her friend but started to hallucinate several feet tall rabbit who insists on her help.
They trust their lives on luck when others are willing to cheat and kill to get what they want.
Worth of Luck is a wry, action-packed, humorous fantasy novel set in Leporidae Lop. It is a satire of politics, friendship, and injustice. May contain carrots.
- GenresFantasy
330 pages, ebook
Published August 12, 2018
35 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Ashcomb
4 books52 followersK.A. Ashcomb is a writer. Worth Of Luck is her debut novel. With an MA in Comparative Religion, seasoned with Social Psychology and Sociology, she has set out to create a comical fantasy universe which mirrors our own world. K.A. Ashcomb began creating stories about gods, unfortunate heroes, and jerks when she was working behind a bookshop’s counter. When she isn’t writing books or crafting stories for video games, you can find her in the woods, roaming there while trying to find her way back home to her keyboard and beloved books—and, oh yes, her beloved husband and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 6, 2019
This book came to my hands (well to my computer screen specifically) when i was suffering from a lack of interest on reading fantasy books, or as i like to call it, a ‘’lector crucial crisis’’. I didn’t put too much hopes on recovering from this soon, even with the opportunity of reading this novel.
But let me say something: I WAS WRONG. At the beginning, it's true that i had the feeling like the thread of the novel as well as the characters were presented so simple or archetypal to me. Moreover, i didn't feel like i was attached to none of them and in this fantasy world I felt lost more than once, but farther from reality: nothing is what it seems, even I ended loving and understanding many of their reasons behind their actions.
The relations between them (Harriet, Edbert or Sigourney who was my favourite in so many ways) as well as the society of Leporidae Lop reminds me of a ''grey situation continuously''. The narration as the story go on accelerate in a good way that i enjoyed so much, specially at the end, when I was in constant tension, thinking about what would happen next.
After reading the novel, i would say that my favourite parts were the internal monologues or the concise descriptions, as well as the interactions between them, but this are only a few things from other ones I can' tell without saying more than i should.
From a non-native English speaker, many expressions or descriptions were also confused me, but at the same time helped me to achieve more vocabulary on my little knowledge of English, so I'll definitely recommend this novel to enjoy a deeper fantasy story as well to improve your language skills.
If what you are looking is the classic romance-tragic-fantasy novel, go back, because this isn't for you. But if you are open to discover new stories that go farther than the common topics, as well as gives you a lesson on how destiny, society, religion or luck's phylosophy works, this is for you.
Thanks for getting me out of this awfull lector block. I'm looking forward to see more things about Leporidae Lop and its inhabitants soon in the next book, because there are so many things i'd love to know (yep, i don't like open finals as you may have noticed).
Oh by the way, I won't see rabbits again in the same way.
But let me say something: I WAS WRONG. At the beginning, it's true that i had the feeling like the thread of the novel as well as the characters were presented so simple or archetypal to me. Moreover, i didn't feel like i was attached to none of them and in this fantasy world I felt lost more than once, but farther from reality: nothing is what it seems, even I ended loving and understanding many of their reasons behind their actions.
The relations between them (Harriet, Edbert or Sigourney who was my favourite in so many ways) as well as the society of Leporidae Lop reminds me of a ''grey situation continuously''. The narration as the story go on accelerate in a good way that i enjoyed so much, specially at the end, when I was in constant tension, thinking about what would happen next.
After reading the novel, i would say that my favourite parts were the internal monologues or the concise descriptions, as well as the interactions between them, but this are only a few things from other ones I can' tell without saying more than i should.
From a non-native English speaker, many expressions or descriptions were also confused me, but at the same time helped me to achieve more vocabulary on my little knowledge of English, so I'll definitely recommend this novel to enjoy a deeper fantasy story as well to improve your language skills.
If what you are looking is the classic romance-tragic-fantasy novel, go back, because this isn't for you. But if you are open to discover new stories that go farther than the common topics, as well as gives you a lesson on how destiny, society, religion or luck's phylosophy works, this is for you.
Thanks for getting me out of this awfull lector block. I'm looking forward to see more things about Leporidae Lop and its inhabitants soon in the next book, because there are so many things i'd love to know (yep, i don't like open finals as you may have noticed).
Oh by the way, I won't see rabbits again in the same way.
February 16, 2019
Worth of Luck by K.A Ashcomb
So I read this book probably overnight because of how much I enjoyed it. It’s a breath of fresh air and a sprinkle of the old all combine in one amazingly well told story. This book packs a series of events and life lessons in every little conversation and plot twist. It is not just a book to enjoy for leisure but also a book to learn from about humanity and how we react? Act or manage resources or things we deem valuable. It paints a picture of selfishness, humility, love, sacrifice and even courage in the unlikeliest of places.
The main characters were a delight and a pain at the same times especially Harriet Stowe who I desperately wanted to dislike but ended up having a silent respect for and then there is Edbert Polluck who finally learned how to be a better human very late in life (and the story) but better late than never right?
We wouldn’t want to live out Sigourney who I deem the true heroine of this story but as with life she would probably never get the credit she deserve! Oh well 😔.
My only issue was after about page 240 or so I cane across some typographical errors which weren’t a lot but still managed to distract me. I also make spelling and typing errors but it was something I wanted to point out as constructive and not malicious.
All in all, I encourage you to read this book with a mind to learn and a willingness to enjoy the silliness and downright childishness of some of the characters. It’s just over 300 pages and you will not even notice them.
So I read this book probably overnight because of how much I enjoyed it. It’s a breath of fresh air and a sprinkle of the old all combine in one amazingly well told story. This book packs a series of events and life lessons in every little conversation and plot twist. It is not just a book to enjoy for leisure but also a book to learn from about humanity and how we react? Act or manage resources or things we deem valuable. It paints a picture of selfishness, humility, love, sacrifice and even courage in the unlikeliest of places.
The main characters were a delight and a pain at the same times especially Harriet Stowe who I desperately wanted to dislike but ended up having a silent respect for and then there is Edbert Polluck who finally learned how to be a better human very late in life (and the story) but better late than never right?
We wouldn’t want to live out Sigourney who I deem the true heroine of this story but as with life she would probably never get the credit she deserve! Oh well 😔.
My only issue was after about page 240 or so I cane across some typographical errors which weren’t a lot but still managed to distract me. I also make spelling and typing errors but it was something I wanted to point out as constructive and not malicious.
All in all, I encourage you to read this book with a mind to learn and a willingness to enjoy the silliness and downright childishness of some of the characters. It’s just over 300 pages and you will not even notice them.
July 31, 2020
This book was awesome. I loved the realistic characters - in fantasy, we never follow elderly with hip problems or the shallow, mouse-face boy - and how detailed their personalities were, making you unsure if you should root for them or not. This is not a boring book, it's a clever book with a keen view on society. I can't count all the sarcastic comments that made me laugh. Worth of Luck is a unique fantasy story with a strong Pratchett vibe. I can't wait to read Penny for your soul!
September 20, 2020
Heartwarming, charming, fantastical, funny, absurd, amazing. Few of the many words that describe this book! I can try to describe the plot, but it is better off being devoured first hand.
What's even better is that this is the author's first book and she is just getting started. Looking forward to more in the future!
What's even better is that this is the author's first book and she is just getting started. Looking forward to more in the future!
June 3, 2020
Boring
Not enough here to catch me in the story. There might be something to this one but the pacing is so slow I just could not get through it.
Not enough here to catch me in the story. There might be something to this one but the pacing is so slow I just could not get through it.
January 12, 2019
I was captivated by the whole humorous fantasy description, and so that is why I decided to read this book. Unfortunately, I have a very picky humor, as in totally dry and dark, so I cannot hold the book accountable for me not finding it funny. The characters were sometimes very witty, and enjoyable though.
This book has a very interesting world, where the city of Leporidae Lop worships these different gods in order to bring itself luck. It explores the motivations, causes and consequences of acquiring said luck. I would have liked to have known how this all started, the history behind these gods and the city. Where these gods come from, what do they do and represent. Why there are some gods that only exists in Wednesdays, and some have physical forms like a rabbit and have mortal needs like eating. Though, this is just me being a folklore fanatic...
The characters were all very unique and amusing, but I never felt connected to any of them due to the lack of history behind each character and motivation. I am given glimpses here and there, but nothing that would make me emphatic towards them. What is the story between Sigourney and Harriet. How did they meet? Why does Harriet's friendship means so much to Sigourney, that would make her do things she doesn't like doing. Why does everybody hate Harriet when the city is so prosperous under her guidance? She might be authoritarian and scary, but if she is indeed helping people every day, why do they want her gone? What is the job of the Prime Minister when there are a King and Queen too? Things like that.
This new concept of luck and how it can be very good and very bad for us was really captivating though at times confusing. Luck sometimes was this transferable energy, and sometimes as a wish granted by the fickle gods among other things. Humans can be very superstitious creatures and always greedy for more despise the consequences.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
This book has a very interesting world, where the city of Leporidae Lop worships these different gods in order to bring itself luck. It explores the motivations, causes and consequences of acquiring said luck. I would have liked to have known how this all started, the history behind these gods and the city. Where these gods come from, what do they do and represent. Why there are some gods that only exists in Wednesdays, and some have physical forms like a rabbit and have mortal needs like eating. Though, this is just me being a folklore fanatic...
The characters were all very unique and amusing, but I never felt connected to any of them due to the lack of history behind each character and motivation. I am given glimpses here and there, but nothing that would make me emphatic towards them. What is the story between Sigourney and Harriet. How did they meet? Why does Harriet's friendship means so much to Sigourney, that would make her do things she doesn't like doing. Why does everybody hate Harriet when the city is so prosperous under her guidance? She might be authoritarian and scary, but if she is indeed helping people every day, why do they want her gone? What is the job of the Prime Minister when there are a King and Queen too? Things like that.
This new concept of luck and how it can be very good and very bad for us was really captivating though at times confusing. Luck sometimes was this transferable energy, and sometimes as a wish granted by the fickle gods among other things. Humans can be very superstitious creatures and always greedy for more despise the consequences.
Overall, an enjoyable read.
February 11, 2019
The beginning of the book, I must admit, had me confused, given the tendency to give emotion to inanimate objects and insert future events happening to non-protagonists (and objects) into the description of their interactions with the protagonists.
But it only took me a few chapters to get used to the different vocabulary and the way of writing adopted by the author.
After I'd adapted to this, I came to love the book !
The story itself can get confusing, but after a while the different segments mesh together quite well, leaving one with an interesting look at a society dependent entirely on Luck for it's well being, how that society treats it's gods (and how the gods treat them), as well as several plot twists that I found quite delightful !
I think my most beloved part was when the other country did their first ritual...
Everything began going downhill at that point for Leporidae Lops, and the different interactions between the people played very well with each other.
I was a bit sad Harriet didn't wind up all-powerful though... The thought of gods doing her bidding while she chose to be the Prime Minister again because she like the work seemed like it would have been very interesting.
I was also very happy with the way the author handled the whole Soul-Mates situation. I had a moment of panic thinking one of the characters was about to lose all depth and become an eternal love-sick puppy, but luckily (Yes, I have my own Rabbit locked in the cellar, why do you ask ?) that wasn't so :)
All in all, other than some strange phrases that took me some time to process, the book was excellent, and I'll be getting my hands on the Necropolis book when I've finished a couple of other books I need to read :)
But it only took me a few chapters to get used to the different vocabulary and the way of writing adopted by the author.
After I'd adapted to this, I came to love the book !
The story itself can get confusing, but after a while the different segments mesh together quite well, leaving one with an interesting look at a society dependent entirely on Luck for it's well being, how that society treats it's gods (and how the gods treat them), as well as several plot twists that I found quite delightful !
I think my most beloved part was when the other country did their first ritual...
Everything began going downhill at that point for Leporidae Lops, and the different interactions between the people played very well with each other.
I was a bit sad Harriet didn't wind up all-powerful though... The thought of gods doing her bidding while she chose to be the Prime Minister again because she like the work seemed like it would have been very interesting.
I was also very happy with the way the author handled the whole Soul-Mates situation. I had a moment of panic thinking one of the characters was about to lose all depth and become an eternal love-sick puppy, but luckily (Yes, I have my own Rabbit locked in the cellar, why do you ask ?) that wasn't so :)
All in all, other than some strange phrases that took me some time to process, the book was excellent, and I'll be getting my hands on the Necropolis book when I've finished a couple of other books I need to read :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2019
Wort of Luck has a unique theme, something that I never thought would create a conflict in a fantasy book. A Luck. Set mostly in Leporidae Lop, where the citizen has a regular meet in a group to perform a ritual for one purpose only, enough luck to run their daily life. This book is more like a
fantasy story for adult.
In the beginning several chapters were focus on Harriet Stowe and Edbert Pollock, as they tried to 'fight' each other for their own benefit. To be honest these part of the book are less interesting to me. But from the middle chapter to the end, the plot gets more and more interesting. More characters appeared, and this time not only focus on Edbert or Harriet. The main conflict of the book also gets more prominent.
I like it when the book describes how luck is not only bring a positive effect on people but also a bad effect. When one side enjoy a life full of luck and prosperity, there must be another side who suffer for the luck of it.
The characters are mostly interesting and unique. More gods appear towards the end, unfortunately their appearance is kinda confusing to me, to me they are lack of history. The reason behind their act
Still, overall, this is a good book to enjoy. Even if you find it is hard to immerse into the story at the beginning don't stop reading it, in the end this book will make you glad you decided to finish it :)
fantasy story for adult.
In the beginning several chapters were focus on Harriet Stowe and Edbert Pollock, as they tried to 'fight' each other for their own benefit. To be honest these part of the book are less interesting to me. But from the middle chapter to the end, the plot gets more and more interesting. More characters appeared, and this time not only focus on Edbert or Harriet. The main conflict of the book also gets more prominent.
I like it when the book describes how luck is not only bring a positive effect on people but also a bad effect. When one side enjoy a life full of luck and prosperity, there must be another side who suffer for the luck of it.
The characters are mostly interesting and unique. More gods appear towards the end, unfortunately their appearance is kinda confusing to me, to me they are lack of history. The reason behind their act
Still, overall, this is a good book to enjoy. Even if you find it is hard to immerse into the story at the beginning don't stop reading it, in the end this book will make you glad you decided to finish it :)
January 20, 2019
What if luck runs the world? If that idea ever crossed your mind, then this novel will absolutely tickle your fancy. I love how the author elaborated on that notion of luck as a metaphor for how money controls us in this capitalist society and created a fantasy world full of comic relief where luck becomes more than just a privilege.
The book hilariously tackles even the socio-political aspect of luck taking over the world and all the power struggle that comes with it. The story was well-paced and the characters each displayed a unique flair that was developed well throughout the book. I think the personification of the god of luck as a rabbit was stunningly clever. It was a good allusion to how some people worship money to such a godly extent when in reality it’s not all that great and important.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who feels like venturing into a fantasy world driven by luck and all the farcical entanglements that ensue.
The book hilariously tackles even the socio-political aspect of luck taking over the world and all the power struggle that comes with it. The story was well-paced and the characters each displayed a unique flair that was developed well throughout the book. I think the personification of the god of luck as a rabbit was stunningly clever. It was a good allusion to how some people worship money to such a godly extent when in reality it’s not all that great and important.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who feels like venturing into a fantasy world driven by luck and all the farcical entanglements that ensue.
January 21, 2019
In the Kingdom of Leporidae Lop, the god of luck is being held captive in the sewer tunnels. The Prime Minister visits everyday and uses him to gain luck for the kingdom. All the people of the kingdom rely on the Prime Minister to solve their problems. There is a faction that doesn’t like the tightly held control and wants to remove her.
There are many characters in this story and all are imaginatively created. In all, there are subtle and not-so-subtle touches of humor throughout the book.
Greed, malice and avarice are rampant in all kingdoms as each kingdom tries to be the one in the gods favor. It is interesting to see how far the characters are willing to go for the best and most luck. Are there detriments to luck? You will see.
No time is spent introducing the characters and how they’ve come to find themselves in their current situation. Perhaps the next book in the series clarifies the relationships and history of the kingdom questions. It is a fun and entertaining book to read. Give it a try!
There are many characters in this story and all are imaginatively created. In all, there are subtle and not-so-subtle touches of humor throughout the book.
Greed, malice and avarice are rampant in all kingdoms as each kingdom tries to be the one in the gods favor. It is interesting to see how far the characters are willing to go for the best and most luck. Are there detriments to luck? You will see.
No time is spent introducing the characters and how they’ve come to find themselves in their current situation. Perhaps the next book in the series clarifies the relationships and history of the kingdom questions. It is a fun and entertaining book to read. Give it a try!
January 25, 2019
This was a fun book that I enjoyed reading. I have always enjoyed fantasy novels but what separates this one from many others is the humorous nature of its characters. I am a slow reader but I kept picking this book back up as often as I could. What motivated Edbert to seek luck was quite unique. Ashcomb's kingdom, a kingdom dominated and dictated by its ambitious, zealous prime minister, is also one to remember. And Edbert's ongoing struggle with the prime minister added depth. Everything just comes to life in this adventure.
I would say the only downside of this novel is the lack of background provided about characters. Maybe it is unnecessary but when I started the book, I was a bit perplexed. The book picks up; however, and is great nonetheless. I recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a solid fantasy novel. You will not be disappointed.
I would say the only downside of this novel is the lack of background provided about characters. Maybe it is unnecessary but when I started the book, I was a bit perplexed. The book picks up; however, and is great nonetheless. I recommend this read to anyone who enjoys a solid fantasy novel. You will not be disappointed.
February 4, 2019
I really, really enjoyed this book.
It's quirky and lots of fun.
Whilst reading this, I was reminded of some of the later works of Diana Wynne Jones (the late great mistress of fantasy, she is so missed), which was a very pleasant surprise.
A tale where people get what they think they want, where we are but playthings of the Gods, unless of course you get a God on your side.
The characters are well developed, complex, and one of the characters was neuroatypical, and had a truly unique way of dealing with her issues with other people. I hope Sigourney makes an appearance in further books.
The jokes are in there, usually a wry observation on human behavior.
The authour has promised further books set in this World, and it's a world where literally anything can happen.
A very enjoyable debut novel.
It's quirky and lots of fun.
Whilst reading this, I was reminded of some of the later works of Diana Wynne Jones (the late great mistress of fantasy, she is so missed), which was a very pleasant surprise.
A tale where people get what they think they want, where we are but playthings of the Gods, unless of course you get a God on your side.
The characters are well developed, complex, and one of the characters was neuroatypical, and had a truly unique way of dealing with her issues with other people. I hope Sigourney makes an appearance in further books.
The jokes are in there, usually a wry observation on human behavior.
The authour has promised further books set in this World, and it's a world where literally anything can happen.
A very enjoyable debut novel.
February 2, 2019
This was a really clever twist on your typical fantasy story. The world of Leporidae Lop and its fascination with and reliance on luck was uniquely built. The story is a rather interesting take on the roll of luck in our lives, and what happens when that reliance goes too far. The characters were well developed, and I enjoyed the wry humor. The only drawback is that the book lacks development in some places - I would have enjoyed hearing more about the various gods; many of them felt as though they were just sort of jammed in at the end, and not given a chance to fully develop. I would have loved to earn more about what aspects of life they represented, what their rites looked like, and what their motivations were beyond power.
August 31, 2023
These Glorious Mishaps books are exactly my kind of humour. I love a good satire I do.
I preferred the story in Penny for Your Soul and I thought the world was a bit more developed but I tell you I much preferred the characters in Worth of Luck. In particular I really liked Sigourney. I don't know - I felt an affinity with her.
Can't wait for more mishaps.
I preferred the story in Penny for Your Soul and I thought the world was a bit more developed but I tell you I much preferred the characters in Worth of Luck. In particular I really liked Sigourney. I don't know - I felt an affinity with her.
Can't wait for more mishaps.
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September 5, 2018Beta reading this book was a blast!
August 5, 2023
To begin: acronym. For a book’s quality is not recognized till the title is distilled. We’ll call “Worth of Luck” WOL. What qualities does WOL possess?
Originality. This is not a sane book by commercial publishing standards. It has no interest in being part of the ‘if you loved this-of-that’ crowd standing behind the velvet rope while the famous books strut from their limos to the Barnes and Nobles shelves. WOL is... different. The kind of book you’d find in the kindle of a lost inter-dimensional traveler. Maybe pulled from a magician’s hat, in inexplicable substitution of a rabbit. Keep an eye on that rabbit.
Playfulness. In WOL, for every one thing said or done, the narrator wants to share ten observations about the thing. Philosophical observations, or religious or psychological, economic or historic; but always comic. Academic asides and tossed-out observations on love, greed and reality are an old Pratchett/Adams trick to deliver the best jokes. Granted, they also use humor as the subtle delivery-system for the serious.
Seriousness. WOL doesn’t scream and bleed its seriousity-creds with obligatorily war, gore and despair. But there is plenty of dark and grim is in the streets of Leporidea Lop. It’s a prosperous city on a continent whose background lifeblood is luck ritually mined from the gods.. And the gods are coming with their legers books demanding payment in blood and souls for all those prayers they’ve answered. What, did you humans think miracles were free?
The reaping gods can only be fronted by a scary old lady, an incompetent bookshop seller, a six-foot rabbit, a couple of pesky kids and a rogue deity pushing for reform of the economics of miracles and blood. Comrades! It’s past time for the revolution! Except the revolution doesn’t have a chance. Well, maybe a tiny chance. The god of luck is the aforementioned six-foot rabbit.
Identifiable characters: Sigourney, Edbert, Harriet, Lepus... they belong at the table for weird loners in the literary high school cafeteria. True, Harriet would be running the school; Sigourney would sit where she wants as she is so shy she becomes invisible. And Lepus, being a god, would make the loner-table the center of the cafeteria.
The dark of war and loss, confusion and failure are manifest in these characters. As it must be in a land where the economic machinery is based on the zero-sum game of luck. YOUR fortune is another’s bankruptcy. All the important characters are defined by past loss.
Signourney is a lonely girl with the power of being invisible to mortals and gods alike. Consider that she gained this in childhood by really, really needing to be invisible. Saddest, hardest way in the world to gain a super power ever. Edbert? He owns his family eyesore bookshop. That's a tragedy worthy of an Atreid. And Harriet Stowe is the nightmare distillation of every bossy aunt and Machiavellian boss, ever. Total confidence and competence; and absolutely almost everyone hates her.
To sum: Worth of Luck has the usual self-published flaw of errors in copy editing. The 1st cover was a mildly interesting carrot. (New cover impresses). But maybe the simple carrot was more fitting. For (dramatic voice here) Self-Published is not a lesser-quality brand of literature. It is its own genre. Wider in breadth of originality, whether serious or absurd. Truest to its genre, when it is most original.
Worth of Luck: a classic of the genre.
Originality. This is not a sane book by commercial publishing standards. It has no interest in being part of the ‘if you loved this-of-that’ crowd standing behind the velvet rope while the famous books strut from their limos to the Barnes and Nobles shelves. WOL is... different. The kind of book you’d find in the kindle of a lost inter-dimensional traveler. Maybe pulled from a magician’s hat, in inexplicable substitution of a rabbit. Keep an eye on that rabbit.
Playfulness. In WOL, for every one thing said or done, the narrator wants to share ten observations about the thing. Philosophical observations, or religious or psychological, economic or historic; but always comic. Academic asides and tossed-out observations on love, greed and reality are an old Pratchett/Adams trick to deliver the best jokes. Granted, they also use humor as the subtle delivery-system for the serious.
Seriousness. WOL doesn’t scream and bleed its seriousity-creds with obligatorily war, gore and despair. But there is plenty of dark and grim is in the streets of Leporidea Lop. It’s a prosperous city on a continent whose background lifeblood is luck ritually mined from the gods.. And the gods are coming with their legers books demanding payment in blood and souls for all those prayers they’ve answered. What, did you humans think miracles were free?
The reaping gods can only be fronted by a scary old lady, an incompetent bookshop seller, a six-foot rabbit, a couple of pesky kids and a rogue deity pushing for reform of the economics of miracles and blood. Comrades! It’s past time for the revolution! Except the revolution doesn’t have a chance. Well, maybe a tiny chance. The god of luck is the aforementioned six-foot rabbit.
Identifiable characters: Sigourney, Edbert, Harriet, Lepus... they belong at the table for weird loners in the literary high school cafeteria. True, Harriet would be running the school; Sigourney would sit where she wants as she is so shy she becomes invisible. And Lepus, being a god, would make the loner-table the center of the cafeteria.
The dark of war and loss, confusion and failure are manifest in these characters. As it must be in a land where the economic machinery is based on the zero-sum game of luck. YOUR fortune is another’s bankruptcy. All the important characters are defined by past loss.
Signourney is a lonely girl with the power of being invisible to mortals and gods alike. Consider that she gained this in childhood by really, really needing to be invisible. Saddest, hardest way in the world to gain a super power ever. Edbert? He owns his family eyesore bookshop. That's a tragedy worthy of an Atreid. And Harriet Stowe is the nightmare distillation of every bossy aunt and Machiavellian boss, ever. Total confidence and competence; and absolutely almost everyone hates her.
To sum: Worth of Luck has the usual self-published flaw of errors in copy editing. The 1st cover was a mildly interesting carrot. (New cover impresses). But maybe the simple carrot was more fitting. For (dramatic voice here) Self-Published is not a lesser-quality brand of literature. It is its own genre. Wider in breadth of originality, whether serious or absurd. Truest to its genre, when it is most original.
Worth of Luck: a classic of the genre.
June 13, 2022
DNF. Made it to chapter 8. Nothing happened and there was no humor. I'm not even sure if it was supposed to be funny, probably not. But it was boring for sure.
dnf
April 5, 2024DNF @ 21% on 2024.04.05.
Read
January 13, 2024No, grazie.
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