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The Telepathy Office
The vast metropolis, a city inhabited by goblins, in the throes of an industrial revolution forged in magic. Manna, magical energy captured in physical form, fuels its factories to produce artefacts traded across the galaxy. Wizards are the new elite. They use their magical skill to amass great wealth, and in turn, political power. Resentment grows among the mundane goblin proletariat.
Magic purveys every aspect of goblin life, they use it to communicate by telepathy, control weather, and heal the sick. But alongside the benefits come risks: Mutation from manna pollution, and magical diseases such as vampirism and lycanthropy. But the biggest threat of all is demonic invasion.
Vampires steal a book to summon a demon. Infernal manna finds its way onto the market place, with awful consequences.
Grand Master Pharaoh Henry must recruit a team of demon hunters to stop a full-scale invasion from Hell. But Henry is a dangerous fanatic, and those who work for him end up dead, or worse. No right-minded wizard would risk death, or losing his soul, so he recruits who he can: A drug addicted augurist, a dishonoured ork, a cowardly policeman, an escaped vampire, and a vain fashionista who shares her mind with a demon.
Against the backdrop of armed revolution, they investigate a Satanic plot, in order to prevent the opening of a gate to Hell itself.
Magic purveys every aspect of goblin life, they use it to communicate by telepathy, control weather, and heal the sick. But alongside the benefits come risks: Mutation from manna pollution, and magical diseases such as vampirism and lycanthropy. But the biggest threat of all is demonic invasion.
Vampires steal a book to summon a demon. Infernal manna finds its way onto the market place, with awful consequences.
Grand Master Pharaoh Henry must recruit a team of demon hunters to stop a full-scale invasion from Hell. But Henry is a dangerous fanatic, and those who work for him end up dead, or worse. No right-minded wizard would risk death, or losing his soul, so he recruits who he can: A drug addicted augurist, a dishonoured ork, a cowardly policeman, an escaped vampire, and a vain fashionista who shares her mind with a demon.
Against the backdrop of armed revolution, they investigate a Satanic plot, in order to prevent the opening of a gate to Hell itself.
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First published March 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 31, 2020
From page one, this book entices you into a crafty world of magic and spell casting. A book shop so vast it cannot be contained in one building, sets the scene for a diabolical plot. As the first crime is committed, we embark on a mission to track the perpetrators and halt their eventual endgame.
The main character, commands fear and respect wherever he goes, but at his root, he is a benevolent wizard, not adverse to turning a blind eye in order to get to the deeper truth. What follows is a seamless tale which introduces characters from all the races in the author’s imaginatively crafted world. The only race missing is humans, (Not a bad thing for any world in this reader’s opinion).
Random occurrences, subtle suggestions and a couple of frauds all appear unrelated at first but as the writer continues to pull us along with each page, all the acts are woven together to reveal the final plot.
I particularly like the writer’s ability to feed the reader information which will become pertinent at a later stage. In many ways, as you read, your own knowledge of magic and the relationships which connect magic with people and their possessions increases page by page. Additionally all the principles of Magic usage, and certain laws concerning fraternisation are all explained neatly.
The characters are all well written and most endear themselves to the reader instantly. The villains are obvious … or are they. Some villains have a lighter side, and redemption is sometimes on the table.
The application of the magic as it is cast, is simplistic, but each spell is named and gives sense to the resultant effect. Without a lengthy explanation, the caster’s all appear well practiced and proficient. I found this approach to be very refreshing, as I found myself less concerned with the spell and more concerned with what the spell did.
All too quickly the ending came, and I find myself waiting for a sequel. ( I really need to stop reading book 1’s until more of a series is available). There are plenty of characters I hope to see again, and surely this is the mark of a good book. When you reach the end and wish there was more, but there isn’t and the wait … Sets in.
The main character, commands fear and respect wherever he goes, but at his root, he is a benevolent wizard, not adverse to turning a blind eye in order to get to the deeper truth. What follows is a seamless tale which introduces characters from all the races in the author’s imaginatively crafted world. The only race missing is humans, (Not a bad thing for any world in this reader’s opinion).
Random occurrences, subtle suggestions and a couple of frauds all appear unrelated at first but as the writer continues to pull us along with each page, all the acts are woven together to reveal the final plot.
I particularly like the writer’s ability to feed the reader information which will become pertinent at a later stage. In many ways, as you read, your own knowledge of magic and the relationships which connect magic with people and their possessions increases page by page. Additionally all the principles of Magic usage, and certain laws concerning fraternisation are all explained neatly.
The characters are all well written and most endear themselves to the reader instantly. The villains are obvious … or are they. Some villains have a lighter side, and redemption is sometimes on the table.
The application of the magic as it is cast, is simplistic, but each spell is named and gives sense to the resultant effect. Without a lengthy explanation, the caster’s all appear well practiced and proficient. I found this approach to be very refreshing, as I found myself less concerned with the spell and more concerned with what the spell did.
All too quickly the ending came, and I find myself waiting for a sequel. ( I really need to stop reading book 1’s until more of a series is available). There are plenty of characters I hope to see again, and surely this is the mark of a good book. When you reach the end and wish there was more, but there isn’t and the wait … Sets in.
August 7, 2021
This is one of those books I would call a true fantasy: imaginative, unique, with rich worldbuilding and ideas unlike anything you've seen.
The action takes place in a goblin Metropolis during magic-powered version of the industrial revolution. Magical energy has been condensed into manna and used to power multiple inventions that in our world used to be powered by steam. I admit, the worldbuilding was my favorite part. It was rich, and I mean RICH. There was Metropolis, but also interplanetary empires of dwarves and orcs, star dragons, a fallen civilization of elves, and literal Hell. It may sound chaotic, but trust me, it all made sense. Bonus points (in my eyes) for short excerpts from books, newspapers, and even Bible at the start of each chapter, that deepened the worldbuilding and gave hints to untangle the main plot.
For the first half of the book it was a bit hard to say what the plot actually is. There were too many threads! A stolen book. Demon-summoning vampires. Demon hunter. Orc pirates. A humble newsagent with high aspirations and her failed poet of an admirer. Opera singer. Telepathy Office. Weather Machine. Revolution.
In fact, my main complaint is that there were too many characters and their arcs didn't connect in a satisfying way. Yes, they came together in the end, but I felt it was more by chance than by some great common goal they all shared.
Nevertheless, I was enamored with the worldbuilding and the overarching plot was actually pretty clever when it all came together.
The action takes place in a goblin Metropolis during magic-powered version of the industrial revolution. Magical energy has been condensed into manna and used to power multiple inventions that in our world used to be powered by steam. I admit, the worldbuilding was my favorite part. It was rich, and I mean RICH. There was Metropolis, but also interplanetary empires of dwarves and orcs, star dragons, a fallen civilization of elves, and literal Hell. It may sound chaotic, but trust me, it all made sense. Bonus points (in my eyes) for short excerpts from books, newspapers, and even Bible at the start of each chapter, that deepened the worldbuilding and gave hints to untangle the main plot.
For the first half of the book it was a bit hard to say what the plot actually is. There were too many threads! A stolen book. Demon-summoning vampires. Demon hunter. Orc pirates. A humble newsagent with high aspirations and her failed poet of an admirer. Opera singer. Telepathy Office. Weather Machine. Revolution.
In fact, my main complaint is that there were too many characters and their arcs didn't connect in a satisfying way. Yes, they came together in the end, but I felt it was more by chance than by some great common goal they all shared.
Nevertheless, I was enamored with the worldbuilding and the overarching plot was actually pretty clever when it all came together.
December 6, 2020
Overall I enjoyed this novel. There was a universe filled with goblins, orks, elves and star dragons - not a human anywhere. This made it different to most SF/F books. There is also a well thought out magic system with magic pollution a consequence. There was an intriguing plot and a varied cast of characters.
However, I did find the narrative leaped about a bit at the beginning introducing a large number of characters but not spending enough time to get to know and sympathise with them. The somewhat distant 3rd person POV didn't help. But the novelty of the world building and the plot kept me interested. Towards the last third we spend more time with a smaller cast which helped.
My personal preference would have been for a slightly less pared back style of narrative and a little more description, but otherwise may prefer the author's style.
However, I did find the narrative leaped about a bit at the beginning introducing a large number of characters but not spending enough time to get to know and sympathise with them. The somewhat distant 3rd person POV didn't help. But the novelty of the world building and the plot kept me interested. Towards the last third we spend more time with a smaller cast which helped.
My personal preference would have been for a slightly less pared back style of narrative and a little more description, but otherwise may prefer the author's style.
June 7, 2020
I was given this book for free for an honest review.
I thought the story was well-written for a first-time author. The characters had decent conflict amongst each other and the world around them. The plot may have been a little confusing, but the characters figured it out.
I would recommend this novel to those new to the fantasy genre.
I thought the story was well-written for a first-time author. The characters had decent conflict amongst each other and the world around them. The plot may have been a little confusing, but the characters figured it out.
I would recommend this novel to those new to the fantasy genre.
November 8, 2020
Myriad characters with well-defined traits made this an enchanting read. I adored the clever use of chess pieces as weight measures. The plot moved forward at a nice pace, never bogging down. Keith Gell's humorous wit was refreshing, reminiscent of Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett. I recommend this book to lovers of fantasy fiction!
January 22, 2021
*I received a free copy of the ebook in exchange for an honest review.*
The Telepathy Office is set in a city inhabited by goblins and various other creatures, where magic plays a crucial role. It revolves around various characters and their different backgrounds, and describes how a demonic threat brings them all together under the leadership of Grand Wizard Pharoah Henry.
The first chapter grabbed my attention with the vampire attack and stealing of a dangerous book. I was curious to see what would happen next, but a few chapters in, I found my curiosity diminishing as I spent most of my time trying to assimilate the vast amount of information. There were many characters throughout the book, spread around different places, each doing their own thing. Some important, others minor and I found myself getting confused between them.
After a point though when the characters were narrowed down, it became easier to keep up with them. The names were unique and interesting.
The world building was detailed, the magical devices and relics were fascinating with descriptions about each of them. The spells used were intriguing and I found myself wishing that we had something of that sort in real life as well. Each chapter had excerpts, quotes or bible verses which were well written and it reflected the amount of planning and research the author has carried out while writing them. There were also mentions of the laws and principles of the world and all of these things were given to educate the reader and had a direct relationship with the happenings in the book.
Each character was written well, unfortunately, I couldn't relate to any of them. The plot was mostly confusing to me and it failed to capture my attention, though I have to say that there were certain scenes and interactions that I liked.
The writing style and language was good, but this book was just not for me.
The Telepathy Office is set in a city inhabited by goblins and various other creatures, where magic plays a crucial role. It revolves around various characters and their different backgrounds, and describes how a demonic threat brings them all together under the leadership of Grand Wizard Pharoah Henry.
The first chapter grabbed my attention with the vampire attack and stealing of a dangerous book. I was curious to see what would happen next, but a few chapters in, I found my curiosity diminishing as I spent most of my time trying to assimilate the vast amount of information. There were many characters throughout the book, spread around different places, each doing their own thing. Some important, others minor and I found myself getting confused between them.
After a point though when the characters were narrowed down, it became easier to keep up with them. The names were unique and interesting.
The world building was detailed, the magical devices and relics were fascinating with descriptions about each of them. The spells used were intriguing and I found myself wishing that we had something of that sort in real life as well. Each chapter had excerpts, quotes or bible verses which were well written and it reflected the amount of planning and research the author has carried out while writing them. There were also mentions of the laws and principles of the world and all of these things were given to educate the reader and had a direct relationship with the happenings in the book.
Each character was written well, unfortunately, I couldn't relate to any of them. The plot was mostly confusing to me and it failed to capture my attention, though I have to say that there were certain scenes and interactions that I liked.
The writing style and language was good, but this book was just not for me.
February 11, 2024
I have to say the fantasy genre is not my usual bag, but I was really surprised to discover that this was Keith Gells first published book. Really impressive writing and great imagination-the characters and storyline are both unique and I only wish I had some of his talent!
September 2, 2022
This is a book I really enjoyed reading. The whole world and the characters are all so interesting and cleverly written.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews