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Fables of Failure
The kingdom of Provisia has only become more divided since the days of the Schism. The realm is plagued by polarization, corruption, poverty, violence, and tacky genetic engineering. Outlaw journalist Forrest Cromwell doesn't care about any of that. He's more interested in liquor, drugs, and a cure for his sexually transmitted enchantment. But when he burns one bridge too many, he is forced to confront his past and unravel the conspiracy that rules his world.
325 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2022
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3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 3, 2021
The Hunter S. Thompson styling of this book sold me immediately.
Gregory R. Marshall knows his Hunter S. and imports a similar drug-addled, verbose tone into this book. This isn't an ethered-out Hunter S. type of journalist either. Forrest the tree doesn't do ether. He would rather grab a winged pixie, jam its head in his nostril and snort till it's skull pops, releasing its controlled brain substance.
The fantasy-based story follows Forrest into multiple dark landscapes featuring violence, murder, betrayal and a steady flow of Elven vodka.
In all of the chaos of FABLES OF FAILURE, Forrest never stops reminding the reader that he is in fact a tree with bark issues. A key sub-plot is the emotional baggage that comes with how he contracted such a venereal disease.
Drunk on rumble rum and blasting down the mysterious TJSH highway, Forrest relentlessly works his way up the ranks of the Dry Men who are a metaphor for the Masons.
At points, each written paragraph has been crafted to a level of standing on its own. This method, combined with the frenetic gonzo journalism angle can make for slow reading at points. The incredible barrage of intoxicated details is relentless. In fact, the prose is so dense and zany at times that it can throw the reader out of the general plot.
The highest praise that I can give is that this book is a literary experience.
Gregory R. Marshall knows his Hunter S. and imports a similar drug-addled, verbose tone into this book. This isn't an ethered-out Hunter S. type of journalist either. Forrest the tree doesn't do ether. He would rather grab a winged pixie, jam its head in his nostril and snort till it's skull pops, releasing its controlled brain substance.
The fantasy-based story follows Forrest into multiple dark landscapes featuring violence, murder, betrayal and a steady flow of Elven vodka.
In all of the chaos of FABLES OF FAILURE, Forrest never stops reminding the reader that he is in fact a tree with bark issues. A key sub-plot is the emotional baggage that comes with how he contracted such a venereal disease.
Drunk on rumble rum and blasting down the mysterious TJSH highway, Forrest relentlessly works his way up the ranks of the Dry Men who are a metaphor for the Masons.
At points, each written paragraph has been crafted to a level of standing on its own. This method, combined with the frenetic gonzo journalism angle can make for slow reading at points. The incredible barrage of intoxicated details is relentless. In fact, the prose is so dense and zany at times that it can throw the reader out of the general plot.
The highest praise that I can give is that this book is a literary experience.
October 30, 2021
YGood read!
Outlaw journalist Forrest Cromwell worked for Roaming Time, and is a lover of pranks, rum, women and thinkink in modern Provisia. He goes on assignments and will go to any length to get an article published. He was looking for an adventurer hero to write about, using false names, writing made up, fake letters, to reach his goal but this led him into all sorts of trouble.
The author takes us on the journey of a journalist, who is a wyg tree, who encounters many different, hideous creatures, puppet men, dry men, zombies along the way. Strange? yes. Unique? definitely. A creative storyline of a hard hitting no nonsense journalist who says exactly what he thinks without fear of consequence or remorse. The author incorporates a lot of humour into the story too, which is portrayed in the main characters personality. An unusual story which I did find a little hard to understand in parts but re-read for clarity. Overall an enjoyable read!
Outlaw journalist Forrest Cromwell worked for Roaming Time, and is a lover of pranks, rum, women and thinkink in modern Provisia. He goes on assignments and will go to any length to get an article published. He was looking for an adventurer hero to write about, using false names, writing made up, fake letters, to reach his goal but this led him into all sorts of trouble.
The author takes us on the journey of a journalist, who is a wyg tree, who encounters many different, hideous creatures, puppet men, dry men, zombies along the way. Strange? yes. Unique? definitely. A creative storyline of a hard hitting no nonsense journalist who says exactly what he thinks without fear of consequence or remorse. The author incorporates a lot of humour into the story too, which is portrayed in the main characters personality. An unusual story which I did find a little hard to understand in parts but re-read for clarity. Overall an enjoyable read!
August 7, 2021
This book does it all! Definitely worth it!
Written in a style reminiscent of Hunter S Thompson and other gonzo journalists, this exhilarating narrative takes the reader through the gauntlet of the dystopian world Provisia. Forrest Cromwell, an outlaw journalist with a penchant for rumble rum and revolvers, works to dismantle layers of conspiracy and misinformation. This well crafted story takes the reader on a journey that gets them wondering about how the nature of our reality and who the real puppet masters are. You will not regret reading this thrilling and insightful novel by an already established master in the genre.
Written in a style reminiscent of Hunter S Thompson and other gonzo journalists, this exhilarating narrative takes the reader through the gauntlet of the dystopian world Provisia. Forrest Cromwell, an outlaw journalist with a penchant for rumble rum and revolvers, works to dismantle layers of conspiracy and misinformation. This well crafted story takes the reader on a journey that gets them wondering about how the nature of our reality and who the real puppet masters are. You will not regret reading this thrilling and insightful novel by an already established master in the genre.
April 11, 2025
Marshall's writing is reminiscent of Hunter S. Thompson's gonzo journalism, delivering a frenetic and immersive experience. The prose is dense and rich with detail, capturing the chaotic essence of Forrest's world. However, this style may pose challenges for some readers, requiring careful attention to fully appreciate the depth of the narrative🤗
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews