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Tipsy Pelican Tavern #2
Everyone Knows You Shouldn't Rescue Maidens In Alleyways
If there's one thing I know, it is that you should never help a distressed maiden surrounded by bad guys in an alleyway.
We all know of the stories. Some beautiful girl calls for help as she's cornered by several big ugly men with evil smirks and displeasing dispositions, ready to do Celeru knows what to her. Then the hero with the annoying boyishly good looks shows up at the very last moment, beats up the bad guys, and saves the day.
Next thing you know, the girl is in love with him, and the rest of the tale is her trying to drag him up the steps of an inn to a bedroom with a soft mattress and decorative pillows.
Well, let me break it to you. It never ends up like that in the real world.
Volume 2 of the Tipsy Pelican Tavern Light Novel Series continues the story of Visseria's greatest (vacationing) hero, Archibold Stormblood, and spans a single epic arc, packing in new characters and villains and heart-pumping action.
We all know of the stories. Some beautiful girl calls for help as she's cornered by several big ugly men with evil smirks and displeasing dispositions, ready to do Celeru knows what to her. Then the hero with the annoying boyishly good looks shows up at the very last moment, beats up the bad guys, and saves the day.
Next thing you know, the girl is in love with him, and the rest of the tale is her trying to drag him up the steps of an inn to a bedroom with a soft mattress and decorative pillows.
Well, let me break it to you. It never ends up like that in the real world.
Volume 2 of the Tipsy Pelican Tavern Light Novel Series continues the story of Visseria's greatest (vacationing) hero, Archibold Stormblood, and spans a single epic arc, packing in new characters and villains and heart-pumping action.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2021
229 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 25, 2022
This is a series that those who enjoy traditional RPG would find familiar. Set in a world roughly corresponding to Europe’s Middle Ages, it has an undercurrent of magic and a sense of D&D adventuring.
In a “city state” of Meritas, our “hero” runs a tavern. Arch Gustkin is not entirely what he seems, but that is true of other characters, as well.
Leise is a newly promoted captain in the town guard and, while on patrol, stumbles across what appears to be a human trafficking operation. The town guard is understaffed and the threat is more than it first appears. ""If I’m being honest," Leise said. "I’m hoping to get the opportunity to save your life so that I am no longer in your debt. That is one duty I would prefer not to have to carry.""
This is a rollicking tale made better by the continual repartee between characters and the frustrations that “Master” Gustkin must endure as proprietor of an ale house in a somewhat “iffy” part of town.
Though the plot has many aspects of an adolescent boy’s fantasies, it is all done openly and none of it is taken too seriously. The world-building is evident but the author doesn’t make the mistake of burdening us with too much at a time. Not quite a spoiler: This book has one of the best magic/swords battles scenes I have read. The author’s imaginative and nuanced grimoire of magic is a big plus.
Altogether a fast and spirited read without any bitter after-taste.
PS: Don’t be fooled by the “manga-style” illustrations. This isn’t a graphic novel.
In a “city state” of Meritas, our “hero” runs a tavern. Arch Gustkin is not entirely what he seems, but that is true of other characters, as well.
Leise is a newly promoted captain in the town guard and, while on patrol, stumbles across what appears to be a human trafficking operation. The town guard is understaffed and the threat is more than it first appears. ""If I’m being honest," Leise said. "I’m hoping to get the opportunity to save your life so that I am no longer in your debt. That is one duty I would prefer not to have to carry.""
This is a rollicking tale made better by the continual repartee between characters and the frustrations that “Master” Gustkin must endure as proprietor of an ale house in a somewhat “iffy” part of town.
Though the plot has many aspects of an adolescent boy’s fantasies, it is all done openly and none of it is taken too seriously. The world-building is evident but the author doesn’t make the mistake of burdening us with too much at a time. Not quite a spoiler: This book has one of the best magic/swords battles scenes I have read. The author’s imaginative and nuanced grimoire of magic is a big plus.
Altogether a fast and spirited read without any bitter after-taste.
PS: Don’t be fooled by the “manga-style” illustrations. This isn’t a graphic novel.
September 22, 2022
There are many aspects of this book I really liked, but there was also some really cringe worthy stuff. Near the end the story gets away from the author and he takes some real liberties to keep it going.
About three quarters of the way through I would have happily given four stars, but the big fight at the end caused me a little irritation, with actions and timings that just didn’t add up.
Having said that, the book was still worth three stars, I just hope the author isn’t catching the ‘Epic Fantasy Writers Disease’ and just throws in everything he can think of, rather than trying to keep a reasonably ‘tight’ storyline.
About three quarters of the way through I would have happily given four stars, but the big fight at the end caused me a little irritation, with actions and timings that just didn’t add up.
Having said that, the book was still worth three stars, I just hope the author isn’t catching the ‘Epic Fantasy Writers Disease’ and just throws in everything he can think of, rather than trying to keep a reasonably ‘tight’ storyline.
October 9, 2022
Meh
This book series straddles the line between really interesting and really boring, and it's in a very odd way
The descriptive elements of the story read out to you in a list sound really interesting and intriguing in a general secret power fantasy harem kind of way
But the way it's written is just really boring and really predictable. Predictable isn't always bad. Boring is terrible.
A couple of examples, and take into consideration this is just my opinion, and if the books are doing successfully, then the author should keep doing them the way he is
The main characters motivations. Not his power level, his motivations, literally don't exist. His motivation is to do nothing. Which was great if you were watching an anime made in 2003. Back whenever the main characters literally didn't have personalities and never did anything, but things happened around them and they reacted. That is literally what this story is. And that is incredibly dull and uninteresting.
And that the fact that, when the people around him that have put his interest above theirs, are endangered, he wouldn't given the choice to act, chooses not only not to act, but to callously be apathetic and uncaring about them. I'm sure eventually he gets convinced to do it. But that's just some anime Deus ex the character makes the choice to not act. And then is manipulated into doing so anyway. Which makes him read like either an incredible coward or a nothing. A person with nothing. And that is super boring, and it's also frustrating. And that's even worse than just being boring
The women aren't terribly written I guess, but none of them are anything. The Cook girl is literally just the secret from his life that you never really get any details about. Else is just the hot chick. Cassie is just the hot fighter chick. And the new lieutenant girl is also just the hot fighter chick. None of them have a backstory really no one of them have much character growth development or description. They just exist in the story for fan service, and as a way to force the main character to act whenever the simple fact of the matter is, he seems like he would be perfectly content to just sit on a beach and watch a hundred children get murdered, and not act at all, because to him the only thing that matters is doing nothing. He's done enough, and he no longer cares that anybody else could use his help. He just cares about himself and everybody else can get effed
the villains in the book are just very standard anime one dimensional no backstory no character at all they're just bad guys that are bad, the next one and the next book will be a little bit stronger than the one in this book, the one in the book of that'll be a little bit stronger than the one in that book after this. And eventually it'll get to where the big villain is there, he probably is going to end up being the main characters apprentice or something, he'll go through crisis of faith, he'll unlock a couple of gates, he'll beat him, and then he'll close the gates again break the heart of all the people that wanted him to be who he used to be again, and then the entire series will start over again at book one with no real progress made and nothing really advancing the story
So I'm not going to read this anymore. I might check out another book series the other is written. Because like I said they're premises are fine, but the execution is just really boring. Not bad. I don't think it's badly written. It's just incredibly uninspired and boring. And I think almost all of that is coming from the fact that the main character in this is it basically just every anime protagonist from 2005. They do nothing, they are nothing, they're just a blank slate that the world happens to act around, and they react. Except this one's even less motivated than most of them, because at least they would stand up for the people around them, rather than letting them get hurt, unless they were convinced to help after several chapters of persuasion and manipulation
This book series straddles the line between really interesting and really boring, and it's in a very odd way
The descriptive elements of the story read out to you in a list sound really interesting and intriguing in a general secret power fantasy harem kind of way
But the way it's written is just really boring and really predictable. Predictable isn't always bad. Boring is terrible.
A couple of examples, and take into consideration this is just my opinion, and if the books are doing successfully, then the author should keep doing them the way he is
The main characters motivations. Not his power level, his motivations, literally don't exist. His motivation is to do nothing. Which was great if you were watching an anime made in 2003. Back whenever the main characters literally didn't have personalities and never did anything, but things happened around them and they reacted. That is literally what this story is. And that is incredibly dull and uninteresting.
And that the fact that, when the people around him that have put his interest above theirs, are endangered, he wouldn't given the choice to act, chooses not only not to act, but to callously be apathetic and uncaring about them. I'm sure eventually he gets convinced to do it. But that's just some anime Deus ex the character makes the choice to not act. And then is manipulated into doing so anyway. Which makes him read like either an incredible coward or a nothing. A person with nothing. And that is super boring, and it's also frustrating. And that's even worse than just being boring
The women aren't terribly written I guess, but none of them are anything. The Cook girl is literally just the secret from his life that you never really get any details about. Else is just the hot chick. Cassie is just the hot fighter chick. And the new lieutenant girl is also just the hot fighter chick. None of them have a backstory really no one of them have much character growth development or description. They just exist in the story for fan service, and as a way to force the main character to act whenever the simple fact of the matter is, he seems like he would be perfectly content to just sit on a beach and watch a hundred children get murdered, and not act at all, because to him the only thing that matters is doing nothing. He's done enough, and he no longer cares that anybody else could use his help. He just cares about himself and everybody else can get effed
the villains in the book are just very standard anime one dimensional no backstory no character at all they're just bad guys that are bad, the next one and the next book will be a little bit stronger than the one in this book, the one in the book of that'll be a little bit stronger than the one in that book after this. And eventually it'll get to where the big villain is there, he probably is going to end up being the main characters apprentice or something, he'll go through crisis of faith, he'll unlock a couple of gates, he'll beat him, and then he'll close the gates again break the heart of all the people that wanted him to be who he used to be again, and then the entire series will start over again at book one with no real progress made and nothing really advancing the story
So I'm not going to read this anymore. I might check out another book series the other is written. Because like I said they're premises are fine, but the execution is just really boring. Not bad. I don't think it's badly written. It's just incredibly uninspired and boring. And I think almost all of that is coming from the fact that the main character in this is it basically just every anime protagonist from 2005. They do nothing, they are nothing, they're just a blank slate that the world happens to act around, and they react. Except this one's even less motivated than most of them, because at least they would stand up for the people around them, rather than letting them get hurt, unless they were convinced to help after several chapters of persuasion and manipulation
July 19, 2022
Book 2 in the series starts slow, and I wondered at times where it was going. Clues begin to accrue, and a picture begins to form.
I wasn't sure it was possible to be a bigger whiner than he was in book 1, but he manages it in book 2. Despite this, and with some strong nudging from Charm, he does what he is supposed to do. Leise, the guard captain that he saves early on becomes a key part of the team as they work to foil a plan made long ago.
Book 2 has more action packed in at the end, and for the first time we see some serious spell slinging. Arch tries something he didn't think he would ever do again, but fails. And Cassia plays a key role at the end.
Overall, this is just as good as book 1 was. Recommended. 5/5*
I wasn't sure it was possible to be a bigger whiner than he was in book 1, but he manages it in book 2. Despite this, and with some strong nudging from Charm, he does what he is supposed to do. Leise, the guard captain that he saves early on becomes a key part of the team as they work to foil a plan made long ago.
Book 2 has more action packed in at the end, and for the first time we see some serious spell slinging. Arch tries something he didn't think he would ever do again, but fails. And Cassia plays a key role at the end.
Overall, this is just as good as book 1 was. Recommended. 5/5*
November 2, 2022
Interesting and fun
I wasn't sure how to rate the first book of this series so I didn't write a review for it. But now, after reading the second book, I have a better grasp on the writing style. This is light comedic action fantasy. I think the author gets a little too d & d in her magic system. It feels boring (not the magic itself, just the method by which its activated.) A lot of the magic clashes seem hugely exaggerated and that's part of the fun of the story. Our on vacation hero is also exaggeratedly gifted and he's a paltry reflection of his former power. So everything in this story is graphic novel big. And it works. I love it. Except for that spell casting method.
I wasn't sure how to rate the first book of this series so I didn't write a review for it. But now, after reading the second book, I have a better grasp on the writing style. This is light comedic action fantasy. I think the author gets a little too d & d in her magic system. It feels boring (not the magic itself, just the method by which its activated.) A lot of the magic clashes seem hugely exaggerated and that's part of the fun of the story. Our on vacation hero is also exaggeratedly gifted and he's a paltry reflection of his former power. So everything in this story is graphic novel big. And it works. I love it. Except for that spell casting method.
July 1, 2021
Damn good book
Don't know what else to say about it. It has an interesting take on magic/super heroes. It's almost like the heroes, or villains, can train to become greater heroes/villains to the point of becoming gods. The characters are great, each book also had history/side notes that stew am extra added... feature? Don't know. Only bad thing is I caught up to the author. Now I have to walt got the next book.
Don't know what else to say about it. It has an interesting take on magic/super heroes. It's almost like the heroes, or villains, can train to become greater heroes/villains to the point of becoming gods. The characters are great, each book also had history/side notes that stew am extra added... feature? Don't know. Only bad thing is I caught up to the author. Now I have to walt got the next book.
July 24, 2021
Hidden gem
The series is so much better then I was expecting. August does a very job in building this world and it's characters. He does so without overwhelming exposition or endless dialog between characters that start with "as you know." It is very enjoyable learning the world's rules and history through rumors and stories told at the tavern and with small hints dropped throughout the series. The whole things makes this series very enjoyable to read.
The series is so much better then I was expecting. August does a very job in building this world and it's characters. He does so without overwhelming exposition or endless dialog between characters that start with "as you know." It is very enjoyable learning the world's rules and history through rumors and stories told at the tavern and with small hints dropped throughout the series. The whole things makes this series very enjoyable to read.
July 9, 2022
RPG type books can only go a few ways. This one tends towards the soap opera path. The main character has a glorious past and now wants to dial it down a bit. Okay, now what? The idea behind the story is nice but will take some serious talent to pull it off. This author is okay. Okay won't make a plot like this one work.
Whenever the story needs a new twist, add a character that is a problem. Slap on a little mysterious past stuff and there you go...
Whenever the story needs a new twist, add a character that is a problem. Slap on a little mysterious past stuff and there you go...
August 17, 2021
It’s been a long time…
…since I’ve enjoyed a series as much as this one. The reason is simple: it takes on life through the supernatural imaginary worlds and does so with brisk fun and absurdity coupled with dire consequences and drama.
Some plot moves surprised me, others didn’t, yet it didn’t matter because the ride remained enjoyable.
…since I’ve enjoyed a series as much as this one. The reason is simple: it takes on life through the supernatural imaginary worlds and does so with brisk fun and absurdity coupled with dire consequences and drama.
Some plot moves surprised me, others didn’t, yet it didn’t matter because the ride remained enjoyable.
May 14, 2021
A bit heavy, but . . .
Still good. The epilogue got a bit complex and the twist was no surprise but the series still has the humor that is expected. The next one, hopefully, will be more in the vein of the first than the second.
Still good. The epilogue got a bit complex and the twist was no surprise but the series still has the humor that is expected. The next one, hopefully, will be more in the vein of the first than the second.
June 15, 2021
Well Done
Wonderfully crafted story, action, characters, drama, mayhem, magic, and humor. This book might have more action than book one. It definitely feels more like a light novel too, which is fun. Definitely recommended (15+)
Wonderfully crafted story, action, characters, drama, mayhem, magic, and humor. This book might have more action than book one. It definitely feels more like a light novel too, which is fun. Definitely recommended (15+)
June 21, 2021
Good read
Book 2 was a good continuation of the story. Loved how the plots are connected together and how a small action butterflies out of control. Also really liked the fact he was not able to Deus ex machina his way out at the end of the fight.
Book 2 was a good continuation of the story. Loved how the plots are connected together and how a small action butterflies out of control. Also really liked the fact he was not able to Deus ex machina his way out at the end of the fight.
July 7, 2021
Nice story
This was a good book although I did find it a little frustrating. The MC really hasn’t developed much and there is little connection between the support characters. Otherwise a good read.
This was a good book although I did find it a little frustrating. The MC really hasn’t developed much and there is little connection between the support characters. Otherwise a good read.
July 19, 2021
I want more.
The first book started like a familiar friend and then in this book it becomes your new crush you can't wait to see again tomorrow. Man I wish it was tomorrow already!!!!!!!
The first book started like a familiar friend and then in this book it becomes your new crush you can't wait to see again tomorrow. Man I wish it was tomorrow already!!!!!!!
August 8, 2021
Enjoyable read
Interesting characters and an interesting plot. Well put together story that flows well. Overall a great way to pass the time. I’m looking forward to the next installment already.
Interesting characters and an interesting plot. Well put together story that flows well. Overall a great way to pass the time. I’m looking forward to the next installment already.
June 4, 2022
Absolutely Awesome
This story of a retired hero who gives up his powers to open a tavern is the funniest thing I read since Sir TP. I haven’t been able to put the series down since I began.
This story of a retired hero who gives up his powers to open a tavern is the funniest thing I read since Sir TP. I haven’t been able to put the series down since I began.
August 9, 2022
Awesome!
I enjoyed reading this book. I read it over a single night. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This series is a hilarious joy. Absolutely worth reading.
I enjoyed reading this book. I read it over a single night. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This series is a hilarious joy. Absolutely worth reading.
August 9, 2022
book two
Don’t let the cover fool you, no sex and no herems.
Life can get complicated when you own a tavern. When you are a hero on vacation and you learn of slave traders operating in your city it’s time to put down the beer mug and kick some butt.
7/10
Don’t let the cover fool you, no sex and no herems.
Life can get complicated when you own a tavern. When you are a hero on vacation and you learn of slave traders operating in your city it’s time to put down the beer mug and kick some butt.
7/10
October 26, 2022
Very good read
Recommended to fantasy readers. Good characterizations, engaging storyline and thrilling action scenes. Nice bit of humor and lots of background holes to fill. This one should be going strong for multiple more additions.
Recommended to fantasy readers. Good characterizations, engaging storyline and thrilling action scenes. Nice bit of humor and lots of background holes to fill. This one should be going strong for multiple more additions.
January 25, 2023
Something about this book wasn't quite as good as the first... maybe the main character was too competent for having only knowledge? Maybe he wasn't annoyed at being the hero enough?
Still liked reading it a lot, and still wanted to read the next one!
Still liked reading it a lot, and still wanted to read the next one!
August 29, 2023
The series is at its best when it's focused in and around the Tavern itself. The latter half of this book spent a lot of time on a couple of action scenes, one after the other, away from the Tavern which while still enjoyable weren't quite as good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2021
Love Arch’s journey
I love how we get to see more and more of the storm blood this book and can’t wait till he decides to become a badass again.
I love how we get to see more and more of the storm blood this book and can’t wait till he decides to become a badass again.
July 5, 2021
Just couldn't do it. The MC is an idiot and tiresome.
July 25, 2021
Not your average hero book that’s for sure
A Well written book with great characterization. I think this series could go places. Fleshing out the world should be very interesting
A Well written book with great characterization. I think this series could go places. Fleshing out the world should be very interesting
August 22, 2021
Reas this right after the first
I read the first book and enjoyed it quite a bit. The story is growin and our poor MC just wants to continue his vacation.
I read the first book and enjoyed it quite a bit. The story is growin and our poor MC just wants to continue his vacation.
October 20, 2021
Great story!
I can’t wait for the third book to come out. I like the characters and want to know more about them, especially Charm!
I can’t wait for the third book to come out. I like the characters and want to know more about them, especially Charm!
November 4, 2021
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
January 12, 2022
great continuation
Arch and the crew are back at it with this one. Some genuinely hilarious moments and I’m getting the next one now.
Arch and the crew are back at it with this one. Some genuinely hilarious moments and I’m getting the next one now.
May 15, 2022
I really want the main character
August 10, 2022
Fantastic Powers
What a stellar adventure in this Fantasy world. I was enchanted by beauty, awed by power, and blessed by kindness. And nice pictures too!
What a stellar adventure in this Fantasy world. I was enchanted by beauty, awed by power, and blessed by kindness. And nice pictures too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews