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Cider & Ale Chronicles #1
The Alehouse Wars
Seals and walruses have never gotten along.
Now they're going to war over the most precious commodity...
Beer.
In a far flung future, harbor seals have formed their own society. They work. They play. They love. And they drink beer. Now The walruses want the secret of their foamy brew for themselves.
Led by Bruce Vitelli, they have a dastardly plan that will see the harbor seals broken.
JM, a young harbor seal, is not about to let that happen. But he knows they'll need help. He goes on a quest to find the one thing that will give his people a fighting chance.
Little does he know the magic he's about to inspire.
You are going to want to read this fun, satirical fantasy novella for the humorous characters and epic action!
You must read this story now!
Now they're going to war over the most precious commodity...
Beer.
In a far flung future, harbor seals have formed their own society. They work. They play. They love. And they drink beer. Now The walruses want the secret of their foamy brew for themselves.
Led by Bruce Vitelli, they have a dastardly plan that will see the harbor seals broken.
JM, a young harbor seal, is not about to let that happen. But he knows they'll need help. He goes on a quest to find the one thing that will give his people a fighting chance.
Little does he know the magic he's about to inspire.
You are going to want to read this fun, satirical fantasy novella for the humorous characters and epic action!
You must read this story now!
- GenresFantasy
93 pages, ebook
Published September 20, 2020
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 13, 2020
This was Michael Evan's debut novel, and he collaborated with fantastic fantasy author JMD Reid on this book.
The Alehouse Wars is a really fun and interesting book. It was extremely creatively written and is kind of a story within a story within a story. It espouses a very bleak and surprising view of the future of our planet, and mankind.
In this context, the author sought to create a funny, witty, sarcastic, and cynical approach to storytelling a la Douglas Adams in part. While there is a LOT of cursing and cussing in the book, it is completely irreverent and actually really well done and very funny. I don't think he left out many sci-fi or fantasy stories or characters by reference or satire. I mean, have you ever met a harbor seal that will remind you clearly of a certain retired Klingon general?
Now, stay with me here, folks, because the main characters in this book are harbor seals and walruses. No, that is not a mistype. Yes, they are seals and walruses. However, in the context of the story, they are the "people of the sea" and pretty much all that's left on the planet.
In the story, the seals are trying to protect their food supply and of course their warehouses, and specifically, their beer created based on a secret recipe that Al the Great White Shark keeps hidden. Add to that the budding love between JM and Adella, and the gangster walruses Bruce and Vinnie, and you've got a recipe for disaster. Which is when the war breaks out.
The best parts of this novella are undoubtedly the characters, the dialogue, and the action scenes. They are extremely well done, very engrossing, downright captivating. I read this book in just a few hours, and I enjoyed it immensely. You will too.
Finally, this is a story within a story within a story, and it has a STUNNING ending that absolutely makes this story complete. The ending is one of the best I have seen, and it ties everything together in just a few pages and amazingly well.
Those of you who read my reviews regularly know that I do a lot of writing and editing, that I am a very hard man to impress, and that I take my reading time and reading enjoyment very seriously. So when I say this is definitely worth your time to read and enjoy, I mean it.
In summary, it is funny, sarcastic, rude, naughty (in language), and fun. It likely will not win a Pulitzer, but it will be well worth your time to enjoy. And who knows, there may be a sequel...
The Alehouse Wars is a really fun and interesting book. It was extremely creatively written and is kind of a story within a story within a story. It espouses a very bleak and surprising view of the future of our planet, and mankind.
In this context, the author sought to create a funny, witty, sarcastic, and cynical approach to storytelling a la Douglas Adams in part. While there is a LOT of cursing and cussing in the book, it is completely irreverent and actually really well done and very funny. I don't think he left out many sci-fi or fantasy stories or characters by reference or satire. I mean, have you ever met a harbor seal that will remind you clearly of a certain retired Klingon general?
Now, stay with me here, folks, because the main characters in this book are harbor seals and walruses. No, that is not a mistype. Yes, they are seals and walruses. However, in the context of the story, they are the "people of the sea" and pretty much all that's left on the planet.
In the story, the seals are trying to protect their food supply and of course their warehouses, and specifically, their beer created based on a secret recipe that Al the Great White Shark keeps hidden. Add to that the budding love between JM and Adella, and the gangster walruses Bruce and Vinnie, and you've got a recipe for disaster. Which is when the war breaks out.
The best parts of this novella are undoubtedly the characters, the dialogue, and the action scenes. They are extremely well done, very engrossing, downright captivating. I read this book in just a few hours, and I enjoyed it immensely. You will too.
Finally, this is a story within a story within a story, and it has a STUNNING ending that absolutely makes this story complete. The ending is one of the best I have seen, and it ties everything together in just a few pages and amazingly well.
Those of you who read my reviews regularly know that I do a lot of writing and editing, that I am a very hard man to impress, and that I take my reading time and reading enjoyment very seriously. So when I say this is definitely worth your time to read and enjoy, I mean it.
In summary, it is funny, sarcastic, rude, naughty (in language), and fun. It likely will not win a Pulitzer, but it will be well worth your time to enjoy. And who knows, there may be a sequel...
June 14, 2020
First novel or first masterpiece ?? I must say that this collaboration is extraordinary. The Alehouse War is a fantastic, futuristic and fun vision of a future on our planet. Each author does a little magic in their book and this is amazing (I will use this word a lot, do you want to know why? because it is amazing) it is a sort of short story, it took me maybe two hours to finish it between laughing and dreaming. It looks so realistic that you can imagine it while you're still reading. It's amazing, well written, fantastic characters, fantastic scenes. I don't mean much, you have to read it. believe me, it's worth it!
June 16, 2020
I received a copy of this book from Michael Evan, and I couldn't put it down.
A look at our future with a huge twist. Very imaginative and thought provoking, this book will make you laugh and cry.
I enjoyed it, and it deserves more stars.
I'm looking forward too more books from these two authors in the future.
#Michael Evan
#JMDReid
A look at our future with a huge twist. Very imaginative and thought provoking, this book will make you laugh and cry.
I enjoyed it, and it deserves more stars.
I'm looking forward too more books from these two authors in the future.
#Michael Evan
#JMDReid
June 16, 2020
Satirical fantasy is a subset of comedic fantasy, in which all the tropes of fantasy that we know and love are used and then laughed at. Basically, logic is suspended—or used to such a high degree that all the familiar tropes make no sense, which achieves essentially the same result—and the ridiculous is expected. It’s a commentary on what we find interesting, and it takes itself perfectly seriously. It just doesn’t expect the readers to do so. So when I say that The Alehouse Wars by Michael Evan and JMD Reid is a highly entertaining satirical fantasy, you should know precisely what to expect. Only…add seals and walruses.
1. Thoughts on the plot
As with the typical epic-style fantasy, there is an outside threat that, well, threatens the way of life of our entire cast of characters. In this case, the harbour seal community and their beloved ale. The threat is epic—everyone is going to die or become slaves and their ale is going to be taken—and the response must be similarly epic. This sort of plot is fairly familiar, given that it is used in many large-scale fantasies. If you ignore the fact that the characters are seals, the threat is from walruses, and the stakes are beer, then everything is familiar. The fact that this plot contains all of those things allows us to smile at the ridiculousness of taking something as familiar as a way of life, and trivial as beer (says the non-drinker), is entertaining. It has a battle scene, a daring rescue, and all the associated character development.
2. Thoughts on the main character
We have two main POV characters in this book, Matthias—the patriarch of his family and general leader of the seals—and his son JM, who is, well, your typical angsty not-quite-adult with a crush. These two take on the world, er, walruses, in order to save the beer and the crush respectively. They are, in essence, the ordinary person who is raised to hero status. And, frankly, they are both a bit absurd. Highly entertaining and a bit absurd. I enjoy them both. JM is perhaps the more interesting to me, simply because I find snark highly amusing.
3. Favourite part
There are two bits I enjoy for this: one, the narrator basically saying we should ignore all the illogic and just go with it; two, the whole deus ex machina being, well…openly discussed.
4. Critique
The ending. While highly interesting and terrifically tragic, it has nothing to do with anything. I get that it’s satirical fantasy, and there are certain expectations to maintain, but…I have no idea what was going on. I still enjoyed it thoroughly, but that particular out-of-nowhere trope is one of my least favourites. Apparently, even when it’s being openly satirised. Of course, this is just my own opinion, so the critique is more or less invalid. Oops!
If you’re looking for a bit of fun in the style of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, then this is the sort of thing you would enjoy. Irreverent, snarky, entertaining, slightly illogical, so on and so forth. Oh, and it’s about seals. A very good book.
1. Thoughts on the plot
As with the typical epic-style fantasy, there is an outside threat that, well, threatens the way of life of our entire cast of characters. In this case, the harbour seal community and their beloved ale. The threat is epic—everyone is going to die or become slaves and their ale is going to be taken—and the response must be similarly epic. This sort of plot is fairly familiar, given that it is used in many large-scale fantasies. If you ignore the fact that the characters are seals, the threat is from walruses, and the stakes are beer, then everything is familiar. The fact that this plot contains all of those things allows us to smile at the ridiculousness of taking something as familiar as a way of life, and trivial as beer (says the non-drinker), is entertaining. It has a battle scene, a daring rescue, and all the associated character development.
2. Thoughts on the main character
We have two main POV characters in this book, Matthias—the patriarch of his family and general leader of the seals—and his son JM, who is, well, your typical angsty not-quite-adult with a crush. These two take on the world, er, walruses, in order to save the beer and the crush respectively. They are, in essence, the ordinary person who is raised to hero status. And, frankly, they are both a bit absurd. Highly entertaining and a bit absurd. I enjoy them both. JM is perhaps the more interesting to me, simply because I find snark highly amusing.
3. Favourite part
There are two bits I enjoy for this: one, the narrator basically saying we should ignore all the illogic and just go with it; two, the whole deus ex machina being, well…openly discussed.
4. Critique
The ending. While highly interesting and terrifically tragic, it has nothing to do with anything. I get that it’s satirical fantasy, and there are certain expectations to maintain, but…I have no idea what was going on. I still enjoyed it thoroughly, but that particular out-of-nowhere trope is one of my least favourites. Apparently, even when it’s being openly satirised. Of course, this is just my own opinion, so the critique is more or less invalid. Oops!
If you’re looking for a bit of fun in the style of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, then this is the sort of thing you would enjoy. Irreverent, snarky, entertaining, slightly illogical, so on and so forth. Oh, and it’s about seals. A very good book.
June 17, 2020
I won’t review my own work because that’s lame, but I’ll put in a 5 star for my collaborator JMD Reid, who as always left me awestruck with his imagination and brilliant prose. Check out his Storm Below and Secret of the Jewels series now! Must reads!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2020
How much time have you spent contemplating seals and walruses? Not much? None at all? If your response matches either answer, I'm right there with you. Graceful, sleek, and pretty swell swimmers, I had never given the aquatic mammals much heed until Ed Feinberg—and the inventive minds behind him—did all the thinking for me.
You see, when Ed isn't sousing himself at his favorite space bar, he's busy envisioning the lives of all the oceanic life left behind when humans beat a hasty retreat from the third rock to the sun. Without bothering with the details, these industrious critters have moved into the niche we left behind. They hunt, love, engage in social discourse, listen to the greatest musical hits of the last half century . . .
. . . and, of course, drink beer. For if an animal is going to impersonate a man, they should go crazy about the same things we do.
Matthias, Al, JM, and all the other denizens of their harbor seal pod have something that sets them apart from everyone else below water: their ale. Al—the most business savvy great white you'll ever meet—brews it, and the seals have a monopoly on its consumption. Yet glittering gold attracts envious gazes. Determined to take the sudsy secrets of Al's ale for themselves, a pack of walruses drawn straight from the annals of Chicago mob history hatch a plot that will lead to open war between flippered neighbors.
Hilarity—ranging from coarse but witty dialogue to fourth wall breaking shenanigans—ensues. To tell you anything else would ruin an experience you need to have for yourself.
The Alehouse Wars is a shining example of satirical fantasy. Its highs are right up there with many of the genre greats. Battle sequences that are as tense and engaging as any clash of Orcs and Elves; touching moments that are reminiscent of Tolkien's great feasts and celebrations. Yet while it could wear a straight face, an unskewed mask, the novel would be poorer for it. Foul-mouthed seals, irreverent pop culture references, and a staunch refusal to force reader suspension of belief paradoxically combine into a riotous adventure that achieves success where a serious piece would flounder (which is a pun, given the subject matter). I saw in The Alehouse Wars callbacks to Monty Python and the Holy Grail or The Princess Bride, two seminal films that told a coherent narrative while leaving viewers in stitches.
And with a twist ending that not a single reviewer has been able to see coming, Reid and Evan achieve an ambition beyond mere entertainment, calling upon readers to ponder what stories really are and what they do for our souls. No story is without a purpose, and sometimes we have to search a little deeper to find out what it is.
Laughs, gasps, sighs, cheers, and even tears, The Alehouse Wars evokes every possible emotional response, all packaged in a novella that hits doorstopper peaks in a fraction of the time. This debut by Michael Evan, supported by JMD Reid, is sure to become one of the hottest reads of the summer. The seal-quel can't come soon enough.
You see, when Ed isn't sousing himself at his favorite space bar, he's busy envisioning the lives of all the oceanic life left behind when humans beat a hasty retreat from the third rock to the sun. Without bothering with the details, these industrious critters have moved into the niche we left behind. They hunt, love, engage in social discourse, listen to the greatest musical hits of the last half century . . .
. . . and, of course, drink beer. For if an animal is going to impersonate a man, they should go crazy about the same things we do.
Matthias, Al, JM, and all the other denizens of their harbor seal pod have something that sets them apart from everyone else below water: their ale. Al—the most business savvy great white you'll ever meet—brews it, and the seals have a monopoly on its consumption. Yet glittering gold attracts envious gazes. Determined to take the sudsy secrets of Al's ale for themselves, a pack of walruses drawn straight from the annals of Chicago mob history hatch a plot that will lead to open war between flippered neighbors.
Hilarity—ranging from coarse but witty dialogue to fourth wall breaking shenanigans—ensues. To tell you anything else would ruin an experience you need to have for yourself.
The Alehouse Wars is a shining example of satirical fantasy. Its highs are right up there with many of the genre greats. Battle sequences that are as tense and engaging as any clash of Orcs and Elves; touching moments that are reminiscent of Tolkien's great feasts and celebrations. Yet while it could wear a straight face, an unskewed mask, the novel would be poorer for it. Foul-mouthed seals, irreverent pop culture references, and a staunch refusal to force reader suspension of belief paradoxically combine into a riotous adventure that achieves success where a serious piece would flounder (which is a pun, given the subject matter). I saw in The Alehouse Wars callbacks to Monty Python and the Holy Grail or The Princess Bride, two seminal films that told a coherent narrative while leaving viewers in stitches.
And with a twist ending that not a single reviewer has been able to see coming, Reid and Evan achieve an ambition beyond mere entertainment, calling upon readers to ponder what stories really are and what they do for our souls. No story is without a purpose, and sometimes we have to search a little deeper to find out what it is.
Laughs, gasps, sighs, cheers, and even tears, The Alehouse Wars evokes every possible emotional response, all packaged in a novella that hits doorstopper peaks in a fraction of the time. This debut by Michael Evan, supported by JMD Reid, is sure to become one of the hottest reads of the summer. The seal-quel can't come soon enough.
June 17, 2020
Bwahahaha!
Goodness, this book had me in stitches. The comedy started slow for me, but once it got rolling it just never stopped. The pop culture references were great and the way it poked fun at itself through literary devices and terminology was clever and fun (suspension of disbelief, Dues Ex Machina, etc.).
The fact that there was actually a real story underneath all the absurdity was just icing on the cake. Oh, and the action was surprisingly good for a novel focus on satire and humor.
My entire review could have been just LOL and I could have spared you the read... but then this would be a mini-review, and you know... credibility right?
Warning: These are some foul-mouthed seals and walruses, right here.
Goodness, this book had me in stitches. The comedy started slow for me, but once it got rolling it just never stopped. The pop culture references were great and the way it poked fun at itself through literary devices and terminology was clever and fun (suspension of disbelief, Dues Ex Machina, etc.).
The fact that there was actually a real story underneath all the absurdity was just icing on the cake. Oh, and the action was surprisingly good for a novel focus on satire and humor.
My entire review could have been just LOL and I could have spared you the read... but then this would be a mini-review, and you know... credibility right?
Warning: These are some foul-mouthed seals and walruses, right here.
July 16, 2020
If you like your fantasy with a bit of irreverent humor, the occasional break in the 4th wall, and a good drink, then The Alehouse Wars is the book for you.
Like in Discworld, the characters are well defined and thought out, but would not exist in the world as we know it. And they take up a clear mirror to the real world. With references from the Godfather to suburban life.
This is a coming of age in a time of aggression love story filled with allusions to all sorts of real types of people.
Well worth the read.
Like in Discworld, the characters are well defined and thought out, but would not exist in the world as we know it. And they take up a clear mirror to the real world. With references from the Godfather to suburban life.
This is a coming of age in a time of aggression love story filled with allusions to all sorts of real types of people.
Well worth the read.
September 30, 2020
Sometimes you just want to have a ridiculous premise played straight. The walruses and the seals are battling it out in what is destined to be a hilarious animated comedy on Adult Swim (I hope). This twisted animal fable reminds us of what is important in life: beer, beer, beer. It is difficult to put into words how weird and yet played utterly straight this novel is. I had a ton of laughs with it and if you're interested in watching some deeply humanized harbor animals go after one another then this is definitely the book for you.
June 22, 2020
A fantastic debut.
Satirical/comedy fantasy is not usually my first choice of genre - if my sense of humour is not tickled I become quickly irritated and tend to abandon. Luckily this little gem had me smiling and chuckling within a few pages.
It's a super fun novella involving harbour seals and beer. There are a couple of sobering moments which, in comparison to the light-hearted tone of the majority of the tale, definitely hit home.
I look forward to more Alehouse stories!
Satirical/comedy fantasy is not usually my first choice of genre - if my sense of humour is not tickled I become quickly irritated and tend to abandon. Luckily this little gem had me smiling and chuckling within a few pages.
It's a super fun novella involving harbour seals and beer. There are a couple of sobering moments which, in comparison to the light-hearted tone of the majority of the tale, definitely hit home.
I look forward to more Alehouse stories!
June 20, 2020
For the love of alcohol! Namely Ale!
Michael Evan's debut novel alongside JMD Reid is a great little read that combines comedy with heightened emotion in this futuristic little nugget of gold.
The characters are wonderfully well written, well adapted and one or two are just plain cute.
Look forward to reading the sequel when it's available.
Michael Evan's debut novel alongside JMD Reid is a great little read that combines comedy with heightened emotion in this futuristic little nugget of gold.
The characters are wonderfully well written, well adapted and one or two are just plain cute.
Look forward to reading the sequel when it's available.
December 4, 2020
This is a really fun and truly entertaining little book that was quite enjoyable to read. I love the satire and the father/son relationship. Action sequences were excellently written and the overall story was definitely worth a read. It's good to get into a book that is just for pure entertainment and this book hit the nail on the head.
Nothing better than a war over beer.
Nothing better than a war over beer.
June 16, 2020
A creatively serious futuristic tale of the love of ale and a female that leads our young hero into a whale of a tale. This humorous story has a dark side of sorts with a twist of an ending that you won't see coming. It has a bit of strong language but it is so worth the read !
June 15, 2020
It took only a little while to get through the Alehouse Wars, a co-author collaboration between Michael Evan and JMD Reid. This was enjoyable, the characters likable and will most likely be reading more from the authors.
July 23, 2022
Seals versus walruses with their respective shark allies in a battle over ... beer. Wars have been fought over less. Led by a ruthless crime boss, the walruses intend to steal the beer recipe and take over the alehouse trade. They also plan to gut a few seals along the way using their lethal tusks. The seals are not about to give up their beer or their fish, not without a fight. But how can the quick-swimming but tusk-less seals defeat the walruses? They will need a miracle or some magic or both, more likely.
The Alehouse Wars is comical fantasy with a hard edge. There's a love story. There's a cruel master villain. There's a young hero coming of age. There's magic. And of course, there's a tavern and a lot of beer. Dive in and let your imagination swim.
The Alehouse Wars is comical fantasy with a hard edge. There's a love story. There's a cruel master villain. There's a young hero coming of age. There's magic. And of course, there's a tavern and a lot of beer. Dive in and let your imagination swim.
July 3, 2022
I heard about this novel several years ago, that it was a humorous novel about seals and walruses fighting over beer. Well, that's sort of true. The walruses are the gangsters of the story, the ones who have all the money. And since they have the money, they think they should have everything else. And when seals are going missing, along with JM's sweetheart, what's a seal to do? Well, fight back of course.
So there are several underlying love stories (between legit animals, not just animals and their beer!), good old-fashioned sibling ribbing, and some random magic that occurs randomly (seriously, the seals are as surprised as the readers that they have magic). And we are told to suspend belief, which honestly suits the story. (There is also a lot of foul language, so if that bothers you, you may want to avoid this book.)
Every summer, I do a great deal of reading and often try books that aren't my cup of tea. This one was one of those. I liked a lot of the elements, and the pop culture references, but I didn't understand the humor - it seemed like a brief anecdotal account of an inciting incident between seals and walruses. I'm sorry, book; it's not you, it's me. That said, now that I've read it, I'm really curious what other people think of this book. I've seen some rave reviews, so it is clearly a hit in the right circles.
So there are several underlying love stories (between legit animals, not just animals and their beer!), good old-fashioned sibling ribbing, and some random magic that occurs randomly (seriously, the seals are as surprised as the readers that they have magic). And we are told to suspend belief, which honestly suits the story. (There is also a lot of foul language, so if that bothers you, you may want to avoid this book.)
Every summer, I do a great deal of reading and often try books that aren't my cup of tea. This one was one of those. I liked a lot of the elements, and the pop culture references, but I didn't understand the humor - it seemed like a brief anecdotal account of an inciting incident between seals and walruses. I'm sorry, book; it's not you, it's me. That said, now that I've read it, I'm really curious what other people think of this book. I've seen some rave reviews, so it is clearly a hit in the right circles.
November 24, 2020
I've just re-read this, the first book in Evan's and Reid's satirical (fantasy?) series and I enjoyed it more the second time through. It's one of those books you need to be in the right mood for - it's just having fun, and we all need that these days.
In my head it's best described as what might happen if someone spiked the drinks of the writers for the next Disney movie. A foul-mouthed Shark's Tale, where despite the outward silliness and goofiness there's real heart underneath - with family relationships and friendship at the core.
As a reader you 'get' and like the main characters amazingly quickly. The plot is smoothly told, with loveable heroic seals and bad guy mafia walruses fighting over beer and there's a great, climactic fight scene at the end. Before you know it, it's over, and you think to yourself, what have I just read? A perfectly paced story that defies categorisation and achieves something unique when you think everything's already been done before.
On the downside, not everything worked for me, and the simplicity of the story is a double-edged sword-quick, fun and easy, but less to get your teeth in to.
Overall, this is a heck of a debut and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
In my head it's best described as what might happen if someone spiked the drinks of the writers for the next Disney movie. A foul-mouthed Shark's Tale, where despite the outward silliness and goofiness there's real heart underneath - with family relationships and friendship at the core.
As a reader you 'get' and like the main characters amazingly quickly. The plot is smoothly told, with loveable heroic seals and bad guy mafia walruses fighting over beer and there's a great, climactic fight scene at the end. Before you know it, it's over, and you think to yourself, what have I just read? A perfectly paced story that defies categorisation and achieves something unique when you think everything's already been done before.
On the downside, not everything worked for me, and the simplicity of the story is a double-edged sword-quick, fun and easy, but less to get your teeth in to.
Overall, this is a heck of a debut and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
June 15, 2020
All for the love of beer -
It’s amazing what people, even when they’re walruses and seals, will do for it. The foul-mouthed funny characters in The Alehouse Wars are willing to kill, steal, curse (wait, they’re doing that already), and more to get the fish and beer.
It’s a lighthearted, fast-paced romp peopled with beer swilling seals, mafiosa-like walruses, and a great white shark bartender. References to Science Fiction, Fantasy, and other fun motifs are scattered throughout (it’s only missing a Sea Catch or Kotick).
Don’t get sea cooties, read the book. HOWEVER – avoid drinking beverages while reading- breathing is someone one wishes to keep doing.
The conclusion is a fascinating one and ignites my hope for many more explorations in this wacky, watery world the authors created.
In brief, if you’re looking for an enjoyable undersea adventure and don’t quail at blood, blubber, or harsh language, this is a story for you! Excuse me, I think I need to do a reread to find some of the references I might not have seen due to laughter the first time around.
It’s amazing what people, even when they’re walruses and seals, will do for it. The foul-mouthed funny characters in The Alehouse Wars are willing to kill, steal, curse (wait, they’re doing that already), and more to get the fish and beer.
It’s a lighthearted, fast-paced romp peopled with beer swilling seals, mafiosa-like walruses, and a great white shark bartender. References to Science Fiction, Fantasy, and other fun motifs are scattered throughout (it’s only missing a Sea Catch or Kotick).
Don’t get sea cooties, read the book. HOWEVER – avoid drinking beverages while reading- breathing is someone one wishes to keep doing.
The conclusion is a fascinating one and ignites my hope for many more explorations in this wacky, watery world the authors created.
In brief, if you’re looking for an enjoyable undersea adventure and don’t quail at blood, blubber, or harsh language, this is a story for you! Excuse me, I think I need to do a reread to find some of the references I might not have seen due to laughter the first time around.
June 18, 2020
What a rollicking good time! The Alehouse Wars had me laughing out loud many times with its satirical sense of humour! The walrus crime lord Bruce Vitelli is determined to take over the harbour seals’ way of life... and steal the secret to their beer! It’s up to Matthias and his son JM to save the seals (and the beer). I loved the ridiculousness of this story and I loved its irreverent humour! I loved the awkward teenage angst, the crazy sword fights between seals and walruses, the razzing from the little brothers, the happy ending... (then the actual ending)! I never thought I’d read about such an epic battle between seals and walruses (and don’t forget the sharks!). And all over the secret recipe to amazing beer.:.
And yes, I did read this book while drinking beer. You should too!
I received a complimentary copy from the authors and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
And yes, I did read this book while drinking beer. You should too!
I received a complimentary copy from the authors and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 5, 2024
In a world where humans are no more, seals reign supreme! ... or perhaps walruses, or maybe even sharks, but that's besides the point.
Or is it?
This debut by Michael Evan is quirky, fast-paced, imaginative, and hilarious! His collaboration with JMD Reid was obviously a successful one! Packed with tropes to poke fun at, and plenty of pop culture references to go with them, the story offers the reader laughs, giggles, sea creatures and beer for anyone who dives (pun intended) into the world of The Alehouse Wars!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes satirical and comedic fantasy. You will not be disappointed! Unless you don't like swearing, because this has plenty of that. Oh, and beer. And mafia inspired walruses. Then again, what could ever go wrong with that combination? So don't just stand- sit? Lie? Swim? there! Read it already!
Or is it?
This debut by Michael Evan is quirky, fast-paced, imaginative, and hilarious! His collaboration with JMD Reid was obviously a successful one! Packed with tropes to poke fun at, and plenty of pop culture references to go with them, the story offers the reader laughs, giggles, sea creatures and beer for anyone who dives (pun intended) into the world of The Alehouse Wars!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes satirical and comedic fantasy. You will not be disappointed! Unless you don't like swearing, because this has plenty of that. Oh, and beer. And mafia inspired walruses. Then again, what could ever go wrong with that combination? So don't just stand- sit? Lie? Swim? there! Read it already!
June 29, 2020
This is an entertaining and light-hearted satirical fantasy read with lots of tongue in cheek references to various other literary works, both old and new. If you’ve ever wondered what The Godfather would look like as a foul mouthed walrus, or indeed why a war hasn’t already been fought over God’s most heavenly substance, ale, then this might well be the novel for you.
I admit, I found the profanity excessive and tiresome after a while and that is the main reason this hasn't got a full five stars from me. Whilst profanity is fine in context, there is so much of it residing amongst these pages that it loses any impact it might have had. It wasn't a rare occurrence to find three or four f-bombs on a single page, and there were moments where it seemed completely out of keeping with the character portrayed.
Overall though, this is a clever and entertaining read that has the right balance of absurdity, shenanigans and quirky charm. The characters are memorable and the use of well-used tropes in fantasy is done with wit and verve. The satire is well handled, so you get a full plot with an undeniable edge of snark that works very well.
I admit, I found the profanity excessive and tiresome after a while and that is the main reason this hasn't got a full five stars from me. Whilst profanity is fine in context, there is so much of it residing amongst these pages that it loses any impact it might have had. It wasn't a rare occurrence to find three or four f-bombs on a single page, and there were moments where it seemed completely out of keeping with the character portrayed.
Overall though, this is a clever and entertaining read that has the right balance of absurdity, shenanigans and quirky charm. The characters are memorable and the use of well-used tropes in fantasy is done with wit and verve. The satire is well handled, so you get a full plot with an undeniable edge of snark that works very well.
August 3, 2020
This is a satirical comedy fantasy. It is ridiculously funny.. There are no humans left on the planet. Just animals. The primary characters are seals and walruses. Oh and a great white shark. War is in the air.. Why you say? Over a secret recipe for Ale! Yup, you heard right. Ale! This story is imaginative and entertaining. Well written and captivating! So, if you want some humorous entertainment, this is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2020
This was not what I was expecting.
I have never laughed, and then cried in such a short amount of time. I love the intertwining of the stories and look forward to learning more.
Loved it.
I have never laughed, and then cried in such a short amount of time. I love the intertwining of the stories and look forward to learning more.
Loved it.
July 4, 2020
This book was an absolute riot! Hilarious from start to finish and I loved it! Such a fun book to read.
October 1, 2020
A community of beer-loving seals. Jealous walruses moving in for the kill. A young seal who wants to get to the bottom of it... and if he impresses the girl he likes while he’s at it, it can’t hurt.
The Alehouse Wars is a fun story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, often breaking the fourth wall and addressing the reader with jokes and goofy references. I liked the story a lot: seals who love ale, mafia-like walruses who want to steal the recipe, and the oldest of eight siblings who wants to court the girl of his dreams.
Some parts didn’t make that much sense, but somehow, the whole mood of the story meant that I didn’t really care. So what if the seals have magic? That was super cool, by the way; seals wielding icepick-like swords to level the playing field in the battle, freezing the water before them. There was a grizzled veteran, a cute love interest, and a bossy but loving father, the gripes of a light fantasy I thoroughly enjoyed.
The ending was unexpected, and it made the story a lot less carefree than it had been throughout. However, it was definitely unique and I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.
If you love fantasy stories about animals, giggle worthy moments, and fast-paced storytelling with good prose, you’ll enjoy The Alehouse Rebellion!
The Alehouse Wars is a fun story that doesn’t take itself too seriously, often breaking the fourth wall and addressing the reader with jokes and goofy references. I liked the story a lot: seals who love ale, mafia-like walruses who want to steal the recipe, and the oldest of eight siblings who wants to court the girl of his dreams.
Some parts didn’t make that much sense, but somehow, the whole mood of the story meant that I didn’t really care. So what if the seals have magic? That was super cool, by the way; seals wielding icepick-like swords to level the playing field in the battle, freezing the water before them. There was a grizzled veteran, a cute love interest, and a bossy but loving father, the gripes of a light fantasy I thoroughly enjoyed.
The ending was unexpected, and it made the story a lot less carefree than it had been throughout. However, it was definitely unique and I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.
If you love fantasy stories about animals, giggle worthy moments, and fast-paced storytelling with good prose, you’ll enjoy The Alehouse Rebellion!
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