Ever wonder what it's like to be a goblin? "Butts, butts, butts, everywhere! Why do humans and elves have to be so tall!?
That’s when she caught my eye. Hidden around the corner of the last pier in the harbor was one final option. Her sails were riddled with so much patchwork that little of the original sail remained. The boards of the hull had numerous repairs and obviously second-hand replacements. They were probably scavenged. It appeared to be held together by barnacles and bird droppings.
There was one little gem that stood out. Her name sparkled in mother-of-pearl lettering on her side with clearly legible and tasteful calligraphy. “The Dolphin’s Tear”. It looked like a good way to die, but also like it had seen a great many adventures.
I had a great feeling about this!"
Top Notch Reviews! “Don’t buy it! That idiot author is trying to kill me!” -Glik “Why ask me? I can’t read.” -Ruk “Squeak!” -Tinky “The author is a ‘friend’ so I was forced to read it…multiple times.” -Rebecca
Just too much of everything. Too many characters, too many species, too much happening. I felt like I'd been run over by a herd of orcs by the time I got finished and really had no idea what had happened.
Let's be honest. Any book that starts out from the first word mentioning butts is going to receive a giggle from any person who's ever been a pre-teen. C'mon!
Scott has created in Glik the kind of author/narrator that is immensely enjoyable in a High Fantasy style setting. He's honest, witty, and sees things from a unique point of view. You really can hear his voice and see his mannerisms as you follow along with his tale. (Not to mention that Tinky is the absolute best animal companion and deserves a book all to themself.)
When you reach the end of the story you're left wanting to continue the journey. You want to know what else Glik and Tinky are going to get into. Especially since there aren't a lot of stories where you're rooting for the goblin.
I am greatly looking forward to seeing Glik's next fables and where this extraordinary personality takes us.
Absolutely love the book. Everytime I find myself not working or doing anything else, I find myself reading Glik's Fables. I met the Author at the Ren Faire and he was more than happy to show me the world through the eyes of a goblin in the book. He even signed it!
I saw this ad on Facebook and was like man that looks funny! Downloaded in on KU and dove in.
This falls under fantasy, and idk if it’s intended but it feels and reads as if it’s a DND game. Which don’t get me wrong- I’m not opposed to at all. They are full of adventure and side quests and jokes for days.
There’s so much going on all the time.
I’m 80 pages in now and it feels like a conversation with someone who can’t stay on topic to save their life.
Sometimes I’m in the mood for that- I wanted a little pallet cleanser and I got some great laughs and jokes from this but I can’t make myself finish it at this time.
Tinky is great. Love the banter Glik slings. However, this type of story just isn’t my cup of tea.
I first came across "Glik's Fables" at one of the signing events that H.D. Scott was attending. And I ultimately bought the book at another of those signing events a year or so later.
The cover artwork of the book itself is very eye-catching (it's Glik's journal) and there's a map of the Isle of the Charred Maiden inside the book as well, too. If you want to see the much clearer original image of the Isle, as well as a map of the town on the Isle that Glik finds himself stranded in (all artwork created by Cristina Tănase), you can find them on H.D.'s web site: https://www.hdscott.com/art
I really didn't know much about "Glik's Fables" before I picked it up, so I was surprised to discover the first-person protagonist was a goblin named Glik. Yes, a goblin - one of those bloodthirsty, scary, brutish monsters we all know well from Middle Earth. But Glik is atypical for his race (species?) and is actually intelligent and likable. He's not bloodthirsty, scary, brutish or even a little bit awful. He's an intellectual, working to compile a book of fables and sharing the stories he has come across to attentive crowds in inns, carefully disguised as a gnome, as he travels all throughout...well, I don't know what to call the country/world Glik resides in. But he's not a bad guy. [H.D.'s ability to transform a goblin into a sympathetic character reminds me a lot of Timothy Zahn's "Allegiance", which does the same thing for Imperial Stormtroopers in the Star Wars universe - another book from quite a few years ago that I highly recommend.]
Even though I don't know what to call Glik's world, I can tell you this much about it - it's populated by not only goblins, but all the other diverse races/species of beings and monsters we know so well from Tolkien: there are humans, elves, dwarves, halflings, gnomes, goblins, orcs, hobgoblins, dragons, kobolds, myrrh, a kraken, naga, and maybe even mermaids. I can't honestly say I can recall ever coming across a kobold, myrrh, kraken, mermaid, or naga in Tolkien's works, so maybe Glik's world is more of your basic D&D world than something out of Middle Earth. Another common fantasy trope in the book is the existence of magic, alchemy, and assistance from pagan gods (or just "gods," for those who aren't followers of a singular deity) - not all the characters have these advantages, but a handful do.
One thing we quickly learn about Glik is that he is unique among goblins. And not just from an intelligence perspective. He is trustworthy, inquisitive, ambitious - basically all the qualities an ordinary goblin lacks. He wasn't really very goblin-y at all. Right down to his furry friend who travels with him in his pack.
Another Tolkienesque comparison that I found was a companion Glik had for a brief part of his adventure on the isle: Eldi. She reminded me a lot of Tom Bombadil (if he was a whimsical teenager who looked more like Goldenberry, but with all the strange powers possessed by Tom). But Eldi turns out to be something quite unexpected and different from Tom, so I won't say anything more about her. I just wanted to mention another Tolkien connection I saw.
I was hopeful that there would be a pirate tie-in when Glik boarded a ship that seemed to be a little on the pirate-y side, but sadly, there was no pirate action to be had (despite the author's pirate proclivities).
Without giving too much away, I will tell you that there is plenty of action (not quite the carefully choreographed fight scenes of RA Salvatore, but still action aplenty), a fair bit of world-building, and a lot of character development and bonding between the major players. We're well setup for a sequel or twelve.
I'm very much looking forward to reading Glik Fables Vol 2, which is apparently coming sometime in 2026. And I won't wait a year or more to pick this one up.
I really enjoyed this story. Told in first person POV by Glik, a story-telling goblin that just didn’t fit in with his own kind. He’s looking for tales to add to his own book and hankering for an adventure, just maybe not one involving Hobs, Snake People (Naga), dragons, merfolk, oh and let’s not forget the KRAKEN! Did I mention he has a very intelligent rat for a companion? Oh you’re going to love Tinky!’
“We’re going to need more weapons and armor. Do you know how to make a bomb? How many times can you bite people in quick succession?”
I absolutely loved Glik and his companions! This is definitely a quick, light read with lots of witty banter. Perfect for a pallet cleanser after a long series!
It lost one star for the ending though, I am assuming that there are more books planned for this series and that may make things better but I personally thought the ending was quite anticlimactic! I feel like we have lots of things unresolved, but again, that may be because the author is planning to start the next book with a bang. I truly hope so because I loved Glik and Tinky (SQUEAK!) so much and want to know what becomes of them! Well done H.D. Scott!
Do you like goblins? Yes, those traditionally evil, treacherous, nasty creatures that like to cause problems to traveling dwarfs and halflings. But what if you met an intelligent goblin (generally an oxymoron, I admit)? Well, meet Glik, a goblin “cursed” with intelligence who has set out to become a great storyteller, so people stop trying to kill him on sight (because, goblin). In his first “fable,” he recounts his experience being shipwrecked on an island with two very interesting companions. Well, it started as a slightly larger party, but this is not the friendliest of islands, to say the least.
H.D. Scott has created an entertaining tale with a perfect blend of action and humor. Glik may be intelligent, but he is a goblin at heart, and reading his opinions of the characters he associates with will bring you more than a few chuckles. [Side note, this book has the best opening line I’ve read, but you’ll have to pick it up and read it for yourself.] Also, his best friend is a rat named Tinky who hangs out in Glik’s pack.
If you enjoy a story with a lot of danger and intrigue mixed with helpings of humor and sarcasm, this is the read for you. And yes, you will eventually find out where the full title comes from.
Glik's Fables Vol. 1: Isle of the Charred Maiden by H.D. Scott is an imaginative and richly detailed adventure that immerses readers in a world of intrigue, danger, and unexpected twists. The storytelling is both vibrant and fast-paced, making it easy to lose yourself in Glik’s journey and the fantastical landscapes he encounters.
Scott’s ability to weave lore and mythology into the narrative adds depth, and the world-building is nothing short of impressive. Each character feels distinct, with unique motivations that drive the plot forward. The titular Isle of the Charred Maiden is particularly memorable, with its eerie atmosphere and gripping mysteries.
While the story is highly engaging, some moments feel slightly rushed, leaving certain subplots underdeveloped. However, this doesn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the book. It’s clear that Scott has laid the groundwork for an expansive series, and I’m excited to see where Glik’s adventures lead next.
For fans of epic fables and fantasy, Glik's Fables is a must-read, offering both thrills and heart. A strong start to what promises to be an intriguing series!
Isle of the Charred Maiden is a great book! I have always loved goblins, and when I saw this book where the goblin was the main protagonist, I was intrigued. From the blurb on the back, I expected this to be a simple, humorous story about a goblin with the odds stacked against him. It was much more than that!
Toward the middle of the book, I was debating on the rating for Isle of the Charred Maiden. It is a self-published book, and I was thinking four stars given that fact. Then I considered I was stacking it against the likes of The Lord of the Rings and similar epics, so I couldn't afford it that grace. The last half of the book upped the ante, and earned that extra star.
Glik is a lovable character, and his little frickinfrackterkin swear words crack me up, making him a memorable character. While I expected a lot of humor in the book, there wasn't much, but I didn't miss it. Starting with a small story about a shipwrecked crew to an island-saving goblin in league with a goddess.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes unique heroes and/or fantasy in general. Can't wait for the rest of the series.
Glik's Fables Vol 1: Isle of the Charred Maiden by H.D. Scott is a page turner. There's action, humor, adventure, humor, a fantasy setting, storytelling, and oh—did I mention humor? At times I had to stop my husband from doing whatever mundane task he was working on just to read him my newest favorite passage.
Glik's Fables follows a type of antihero storyteller, a goblin. Unlike most goblins, Glik is fluent in multiple languages, has a quick mind and can learn quickly, knows how to communicate with different personality types, and has a pet rat named Tinky.
We follow along the adventures and misadventures of Glik and Tinky as they travel by sea and by land and meet humans, other goblins, orcs, a gnome, and a sundry of other folk who add to the fantasy setting. Honestly, I kept thinking, "What are they going to get into next?"
Scott's character and setting developments are wonderful and help bring the novel to life. I would like to see a little more scene development in a couple of instances toward the end. That being said, I hope there is a Vol 2 very soon.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.
I really enjoyed this book so many different reasons. From the lead character that is really unusual and no real powers for adventuring, to not really completing the task that was put before them to accomplish their own goal.
This was good story telling and, while the writing style is fairly normal, the total of the story is different. Their multiple escapes was a bit more of luck, than skill, and interesting, colorful characters met along the way; then you also have the unusual character of Tinky (you have to read the book to understand this more) who is interesting and gains some abilities with the help on another interesting and knowledgeable character that can be a bit flamboyant, too.
In short, I recommend this book and cannot wait for the next one…
Butts, butts, butts, everywhere! What a way to start off a story! A great fantasy story that had humor, magic, adventure and lots of different characters to please everyone’s tastes. Glik is such a crazy funny little goblin that you can’t help but fall in love with him. Wonderful world and character building. There are a few meaningful messages thrown in that apply in life. It’s always best to ask for what you need, not what you want! The only advice I can give before reading is just make sure that the book is your focus because there is a lot going on that you need to pay attention to. Looking forward to the next book!
Why isn’t this book talked about more? This book is a breath of fresh air in the fantasy world. It’s told from a goblin’s point of view; there’s no romance, it’s full of action and adventure, the worlds are gritty and cutthroat, and the banter is funny. It also has a ton of magical creatures you don’t usually see in fantasy books (like Naga and Gnomes). Glick is a goblin who has dreams of being a famous storyteller. In his attempt to expand his storytelling to other lands, he ends up on a ship stranded on an uncharted island; what happens next is a story that is so fantastical it’s only appropriately told by Glick.
I'm a sucker for things that are so ugly that they're cute! No, I'm not talking about chihuahuas; I'm talking about Gilk the goblin.
This book is a humorous fantasy that is full of adventure & action. There are many characters but my favorites are Serah & Raylin (not including Gilk, of course).
If you're looking for a fun adventure then Gilk's Fables Vol. 1 might fit the bill. I can't wait to read more of Gilk's Fables.
I bought this book because of the first lines. I thought it would be silly and funny. I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would. It is a rousing adventure story with some really great characters. I love Glik the goblin. He has an interesting take on the world and all the different creatures in it. I will definitely buy volume two when available. Read Glik's Fables. You won't be disappointed.
First person (goblin) pov with very unlikely friendships and an animal companion?! The word building and character development definitely sets this books apart in all the best ways. Between the clever plotting, the humor, and the high fantasy I could not put this book down.
I was lucky enough to meet the author at a book fair and I picked up a signed hardcover (it’s beautiful), and 2 maps (also beautiful).
I liked this story and Tinky Glik’s mouse companion is an adorable little creature. I like the story and the main characters. Two things bothered me to make me not give it 5stars. First the island is under a magical dome that immediately made me think of Stephen kings book under the dome. Then second I felt the ending was a rush to finish the book and not enough on the sea caves and the infection. It’s definitely worth the time to read as it is filled with adventure and lots of characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is so fun. It follows Glik, an aspiring storyteller. He is full of sass, oddly charming, and intelligent. And he’s on the adventure of his life. This book is so well written and easy to follow. It has lovable characters and a whirlwind of a plot. Highly recommend for a fun read full of fantastical adventure.
I truly enjoyed this adventurous fantasy novel about a goblin cursed with intelligence. It was filled with suspense, action and humor. The story will keep you reading long into the night as you want to find out what happens in the next chapter. Great story telling and I love this is just Volume 1 with many more to follow.
I never read anything from a goblins perspective before and I had no idea what I was in for. It’s was very interesting to read about so many different creatures and definitely had a DnD feel. I loved the characters and story telling. If you love a good light fantasy read, I’d give this one a go 😊
Glick is a great storyteller - and this adventure on the Isle of the Charred Maiden will be retold by him, over and over again. Parts get quite gory but I never thought I would come to love a goblin. Then there is Tinky, my favorite rat. The adventure would not have been the same (or, perhaps, not even happened) without her.
If you love fantasy and adventure this book is for you! Great character and world building. Very action packed with alot of different characters. Definitely keeps you on your toes. Looking forward to reading more of Glik's Fables.
More like a 2.5. The opening line and chapter titles are the funniest thing about the book. It's all downhill from there. It's an adventure story that really never goes anywhere. The characters are dull and forgettable.
I read extensively, nothing makes me happier than finding an author who can spin a good tale. Glick was an entertaining and different protagonist. The dry humor was reminiscent of Terry Prachett.
This book is such an exciting adventure. There are all sorts of dangers at sea and even more on land. This small group finds just about all of them. An excellent tale with great characters. I loved it.
The main plot was left unfinished. A lot of running around and side quest type stuff and then a rushed ending that left the main plot (mostly) unfinished. Otherwise a solid 3 stars.
I haven't had this much fun reading a fantasy book since I read The Name of the Wind. Glik's Fables reminded me of The Hobbit, and it's why I enjoyed this book very much. Like The Hobbit, we are given a hero who isn't a hero in the conventional sense. Glik isn't an alpha, fighting big battles and doing heroic things. In fact, he is mostly running away from trouble. What he does is make the best of what gets thrown at him while he enjoys the simplest pleasures of life—food, drinks, and stories. And Tinky, his sweet, cyborg rat! One thing I wish there was more of was Serah. Not on the pages; she has enough action in the story, maybe even more than Glik. But I wanted to know more about her, who she was as a person besides her actions throughout the plot. It's why I now have to wait for the second book to tell me more about her.