The Dragon Ruby

by T. Michael Murdock, J. Herschel Jeffrey

Trouble is brewing in the Western Reaches . As a dark wizard attempts to cheat death, five less than likely heroes begin a search for an artifact as legendary and powerful as the Gods the enigmatic Dragon Ruby. In their quest to ferry the gem to the distant shores of a haunted city, they must contend with the wizard's ruthless lapdog, survive the nightlife of the most dangerous port in the land, and square off against an infamous pirate captain and his swashbuckling crew. Can they learn to work together before the forces of evil overwhelm them? Can they escape the machinations of the deadly White Lotus Club? Will the aspiring thief ever reach second level? Only Salliwanda can tell, and she's not talking. Join Bob, Neil, Devan, Grunt, and Lobo on their pulp-fantasy romp through a land filled with peril, intrigue, and romance! Marvel as they explore the City of Gnomes! Cringe as they cross blades with an agent of the infernal Sick! Grin as they encounter a rogues' gallery of colorful characters from the diminutive Madame Yugolo to the grizzled Constable Kreegal! Cheer with Pfeltland abandon as they best the obstacles before them, and know that before the end, the fingers of the Gods are as crossed as your own. Freshman authors T. Michael Murdock and J. Herschel Jeffrey invite you to explore their new a world of steam and sorcery, of blades and banter. Steeped in the traditions of popular fantasy and lovingly garnished with wit and frivolity, the Western Reaches and their memorable populace are sure to bring a smile to your face for months-nay, decades after you turn the final page. FROM THE BOOK "Neil!" Nancy shouted as the tide of Colonists carried him away. "I'll remember you fondly!" Neil winced at those words and wondered if he would ever see his mother again. Then, he wondered why his mother would say such a callous thing as her only son was about to be sacrificed to a volcano god by crazy Islanders. Then, he thought about Talya. Then, he thought about Bob. Then, he thought about why he was thinking about anything other than trying to get away. Then, he had a plan. However, the plan involved two swords and a lot of heavy firepower. So, he shrugged his shoulders and relaxed as they carried him past a wooden gate and along a torch-lit path toward the black mountain. Life was not good, but at least he had a Scarab that said "GHOTI" and had gotten his nipples pinched within the last two hours. Things could be worse. And they were seriously about to be. Herschel Jeffrey lives in Point Pleasant, West Virginia with his wife Kimberly, daughters Taylor and Arden, and the Mothman. He is thirty years old. T. Michael Murdock is a professional actor and writer currently living in Chesapeake, Ohio. He has never met J. Herschel Jeffrey

468 pages, Paperback

First published August 21, 2008

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a story that doesn't take itself too seriously, but has every right to. This was a fantastic read that made me literally laugh out loud over and over. The story was gripping, and it was hard not to get attached to the characters and their plights. It's very rare to find a book that can blend all of these things together. I thought the presentation was innovative and offered styles not seen in other novels. As a read that typically skims over finer details I found myself painting the entire picture in my head. I highly recommend this novel.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever romp. I probably over-estimate it really, but who doesn't like clever? I like to laugh.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the concept of introducing a whole bunch of characters and then really flushing them out. Most authors do not bother with the background on lessor players. The nice thing about this is that if the series continues the authors will have much of the background already done. The humor is great and the action is first rate. I was sad when it ended