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Beyond the Edge of the Map
As the illegitimate nephew of a prince, Dug FitzHelen could have lived an easy life on his uncle’s estates. Indolence was unappealing, and Dug knew he needed to prove he could make it on his own, to himself if no one else.
With a squad of sellswords and a neurotic interpretor in tow, he sets out for the end of the known world. Living by his skill, his silver, and his steel, he finds adventures, new friends and foes among peoples he never knew existed. Catastrophe and battle await him in the lands and seas Beyond the Edge of the Map
With a squad of sellswords and a neurotic interpretor in tow, he sets out for the end of the known world. Living by his skill, his silver, and his steel, he finds adventures, new friends and foes among peoples he never knew existed. Catastrophe and battle await him in the lands and seas Beyond the Edge of the Map
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2019
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 15, 2019
Steeped in the tradition of episodic swashbuckling adventures like Flashman, Robin Hood and The Scarlet Pimpernel, Beyond the Edge of the Map introduces us to Dug FitzHelen, a man who wants to escape the shadow of his heritage and make a mark for himself in the world. He decides to do this by becoming a trader, venturing to the furthest reaches of the known world and beyond. In keeping with these stories, everywhere he travels, Dug is a magnet for trouble.
Dug is a familiar hero. His wits are as sharp as his blade and he uses both equally well to overcome the obstacles standing in his way. His support cast are a more colourful bunch: a blinded wizard, a penny-pinching dwarf trader, an agitated translator and fantasy’s equivalent of a destitute hitch-hiker to name a few.
The story sails along at a lively pace, trading a substantial overarching plot for a collection of connected mini adventures. There’s also plenty of Princess Bride like banter between clashing blades to give you a wry chuckle.
For me, the strength of the book lies in the world building. It’s coherent, lived-in and recognisable without being cliched. Without dedicating dozens of pages to lore, it’s a difficult task to bring a richness of detail to a completely new world, but McCarroll does this effectively by borrowing identifiable markers from various real world cultures.
Overall an entertaining read which will please fantasy fans who like lots of action, adventure and a protagonist who really resents having to pay taxes.
Dug is a familiar hero. His wits are as sharp as his blade and he uses both equally well to overcome the obstacles standing in his way. His support cast are a more colourful bunch: a blinded wizard, a penny-pinching dwarf trader, an agitated translator and fantasy’s equivalent of a destitute hitch-hiker to name a few.
The story sails along at a lively pace, trading a substantial overarching plot for a collection of connected mini adventures. There’s also plenty of Princess Bride like banter between clashing blades to give you a wry chuckle.
For me, the strength of the book lies in the world building. It’s coherent, lived-in and recognisable without being cliched. Without dedicating dozens of pages to lore, it’s a difficult task to bring a richness of detail to a completely new world, but McCarroll does this effectively by borrowing identifiable markers from various real world cultures.
Overall an entertaining read which will please fantasy fans who like lots of action, adventure and a protagonist who really resents having to pay taxes.
December 3, 2019
Beyond the Edge of the Map is one of those books that are hard to rate. It doesn't have that tied-together and cohesive feeling that many novels have. This isn't a book that should be measured by its cutting emotional narrative, but it isn't supposed to be. The book tells you what it is right off the bat.
An in-universe account of various adventures on a long trading run across the world.
If that sounds interesting AT ALL, buy this book and read through until you reach the part about Frost Giants. If you aren't hooked by the world, the characters, the accomplishments of Dug FitzHelen, and the blood-rising action, then you just don't have an eye for it. Beyond the Edge of the Map carries itself well, delivering awe-inspiring moments and locales alongside action, humor, and discovery with ease.
I've recently been reading Progression Fantasy stories, and this book has elements of that Genre. Seeing Dug grow in experience, as well as renown, skill, and knowledge, is alone worth the price of admission.
There were a few typos still present, which always irks me, and the story is a little slow getting started. There is also a lot of logistics involved in the movement of this trade run, but the book is never bogged down by 'who sold what' and 'what sort of profit is being made.'
The biggest downer to me is the book's ending. It clearly sets up a sequel, but since this adventure is a set of chronological stories, it fails to have any lasting resonance as an ending. There is a climactic arc just before the ending chapter, but it only lasts a short time, and ends up just being another little fantastic adventure along the way. That said, if there's a sequel to Beyond the Edge of the Map, I will read it just to follow further adventures with this trade caravan in this well-realized world.
An in-universe account of various adventures on a long trading run across the world.
If that sounds interesting AT ALL, buy this book and read through until you reach the part about Frost Giants. If you aren't hooked by the world, the characters, the accomplishments of Dug FitzHelen, and the blood-rising action, then you just don't have an eye for it. Beyond the Edge of the Map carries itself well, delivering awe-inspiring moments and locales alongside action, humor, and discovery with ease.
I've recently been reading Progression Fantasy stories, and this book has elements of that Genre. Seeing Dug grow in experience, as well as renown, skill, and knowledge, is alone worth the price of admission.
There were a few typos still present, which always irks me, and the story is a little slow getting started. There is also a lot of logistics involved in the movement of this trade run, but the book is never bogged down by 'who sold what' and 'what sort of profit is being made.'
The biggest downer to me is the book's ending. It clearly sets up a sequel, but since this adventure is a set of chronological stories, it fails to have any lasting resonance as an ending. There is a climactic arc just before the ending chapter, but it only lasts a short time, and ends up just being another little fantastic adventure along the way. That said, if there's a sequel to Beyond the Edge of the Map, I will read it just to follow further adventures with this trade caravan in this well-realized world.
November 20, 2019
Dug FitzHelen, the illegitimate nephew of a prince, wants to make his own way in the world. He has a hard time making decisions and getting started. Dug becomes a merchant. He is concerned about his success and communication when traveling the world and hires a quirky interpreter. In his long journey he will experience many adventures, friends, and enemies. There are battles and experiences beyond the edge of the map.
If you like fantasy adventure stories you will enjoy this book.
If you like fantasy adventure stories you will enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews