Angst

Angst #1

by David J. Pedersen

When Angst turned 40, he knew it was over. Angst had longed to be a knight of Unsel, to make his mark in history, to be remembered for heroic deeds and wondrous acts. He grew up knowing he was destined for something great, but now it is too late. Not only is 40 far too old to become a knight, Angst is one of the few able to wield "the magics". For 2,000 years magic has been outlawed, repressed, even outright destroyed throughout the world of Ehrde. By law, Angst is reduced to using his great power only to file papers. His marriage is on the rocks, his friends are bored with him, and he hates his job. The one person that makes him happy is the young Princess Victoria who seems to adore him. Unfortunately, that makes his boss, the Queen, hate him. Without warning, Unsel is besieged with dangerous monsters - birds with metallic beaks, monkey creatures that can dive through solid ground, mindless horse-eating giants. The world that shunned magic now turns to Angst for help, and he is happy to listen once his back stops hurting. On the edge of a mid-life crisis, Angst drags his reluctant friends along with him on an adventure into the heart of magic. He's not sure where they're going, what they'll find, or even if they'll survive. But he knows this is his one chance to be a hero because the only way to fight magic is with magic.

Genres: Fantasy

374 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2010

About the author

David J. Pedersen is a native of Racine, WI who resides in Kansas City, MO. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. He has worked in sales, management, retail, video and film production, and IT. David has run 2 marathons, climbed several 14,000 foot mountains and marched in Thee University of Wisconsin Marching Band. He is a geek and a fanboy that enjoys carousing, picking on his wife and kids, playing video games, and slowly muddling through his next novel.

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading Angst, I was unsure what to expect. On one hand, 2 friends recommended it, and the author himself followed me on Twitter. But on the other hand it was a non traditionally published book (self published on Kindle) so wasn't sure what to expect of that. Isn't having a book published by the name publishers a guarantee of quality control? The third hand (the non-corporeal one) it had an great blurb in it's description hinting at a fun kind of Fantasy book I hadn't read since I was a kid oh so long ago but aimed directly at my older demographic and experience.

Well, what can I say, this book completely absorbed my attention. frequently I would be laughing aloud as I could just picture the situation as if I was there. A blending of our own cultural idiosyncrasies with a classical fantasy one is not often managed, But David Pedersen manages it well. Not only did I enjoy it much more than I expected, I would heartily recommend it to anyone ! The first emotion on finishing the book, was anger.. at not having more story to read now ! More is on the way David assures us. Some big name Publisher should be chomping at the bit to lock this series up, a great oversight on their part, a real prize for us in the meantime.

One last word, the author is very gracious and willing to discuss his work with his readers.. also a rare thing. Thank you for that David, and for this book.

[Bryndled1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the fact that Angst is the "un-hero" Stuck in a job that he hates with a boss he cant stand, nothing spectacular to make him stand out in anyway, and frustrated by that fact. Herodom literally falls in his lap at a party he doesnt even want to be at. He drags his friends on a quest and they are all pissed at him for doing so. I also like the fact that when he gets all that he wished for, it doesnt exactly transpire the way that he imagined.

I was very entertained. my current favorite book quote comes about 1/4 of the way through the book "When opportunity knocks, it's typically hard and in the back of the head" That quote rang so true to me, I couldnt help but laugh.

One place that I think really could have used more fleshing out is the party scene. first off its a major plot point. there was a good bit of there was food, acrobats performed.. I would have liked more there, but again this isnt "epic" so no jordan like descriptions there, which I think would actually be a "Pro" for most readers and not a "Con"

I rate this book 4.5, I will definately put it on my re-read list and Im looking forward to the next installment

[Jessica Whitlatch · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun! Loved the world he makes and the all so true angst that people live their day to day life by. Glad his characters get to get out and live a little, even if it means getting messy. Can’t wait to see the next level of trouble he gets into.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing and fun read. It was hilarious. The imagery from start to finish, was vivid which made it even more enjoyable. It was a relaxing laugh out loud read. Over 40, short and pudgy...dead in job...ya gotta love it. I'm not sure if the author will like this commment but I could vision Angst as a movie staring one of these three actors as Angst...Will Ferrell(height might be an issue), Steve Carell or Ed Helms. If I wasnt following the author on Twitter, I would have never known he was self published. Well written! Grab your copy today! You will enjoy it! I'm anxiously waiting the sequel.

[Liam Johnstone · Rating 1 out of 5]

I quit reading this book. I wouldn't call it unreadable. There are some parts of the book that I don't mind. The sarcastic humour is enjoyable. However, the story is clunky. Things that have no business in a fantasy story, or a published book trying to take itself even semi-seriously were left in for whatever reason.
I could go into more detail on the ways that this book could be improved, but, just like when I was reading it, I've lost interest.

[Roxanne Davies · Rating 1 out of 5]

Unfortunately I couldn't get into this book no matter how hard I tried. Personally I didn't feel there was a good enough story line to keep me interested. It's a shame because previously I had chatted with the author on twitter and he was really keen on feedback. I'm just sorry it's not good feedback.

[The Bored Goddess · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book begins with our protagonist, Angst, turning 40. Sullen and despondent, he is sure his dream to be a knight of the world of Unsel, or to make his mark in history, was over. He had wanted to be remembered for heroic deeds and wondrous acts, absolutely sure he was destined for something great. Now it all appeared too late.
Everyone in Unsel knew forty years of age was far too old to become a knight. Even though Angst was one of the few individuals able to wield "the magics", for 2000 years magic has been outlawed, repressed, and even outright obliterated throughout the world of Ehrde.
So, Angst is reduced to using his great power only to file papers. Beyond this, his personal life isn't anything to celebrate either. While he loves his wife dearly they have never had children, his friends are unhappy but too settled to do anything about it, and he hates his job. Unfortunately, the Queen, his royal sovereign, hates him, however he finds a kind friendship in her daughter, the Princess Victoria.
Then it all changes. Without warning, the world of Unsel is besieged with dangerous monsters - birds with metallic beaks, monkey creatures that can dive through solid ground, mindless horse-eating giants. Now the world which shunned magic turns to Angst for help, except the aches and pains of middle age must also be dealt with along with the out of control beasties.
On the edge of a mid-life crisis, Angst drags his reluctant friends along with him into an adventure within the heart of magic. He’s not sure where they're going, what they'll find, or even if they'll survive. But he knows this is his only chance to be a hero. After all, the only way to fight magic is with magic.


There were two initial points which drew me to this story.

First, I loved that the hero was a 40 year old paper pusher seemingly without a chance to fulfill his dreams. This is something I, personally, can relate to. Past what society sees as his prime, this seeming nobody is offered a chance to fulfill all of his dreams.

Second, he was part of a class of people repressed by society, especially in the way in which the social stigma attached to the use of magic. I was also fascinated by the history of the banishment of magic which had been lost to the fog of time and re-discovered throughout the book.
Thinking about it, there is one more topic I found compelling in choosing this book. We'll call it point two-dot-five. There are some encouragingly intelligent ladies, with strong personalities, despite seemingly fragile bodies. If you've watched my previous videos, you know I prefer to read books in which the female characters, and especially female protagonists, are strong and capable.

I felt the story started well. I felt a fairly quick connection to our protagonist Angst pretty early on. This is achieved by him being yelled at by an idiot while at work, I can only empathize. Been there, done that. Due to his brilliant ability with character development, Pederson caused me emotionally bond with the actors in this book, and this wonderful use of personality early on allowed me to be wholly drawn into the story.



A point you'll hear me often repeat in my reviews is that I love a well-written book. Having a book flow seamlessly adds an entire extra level of enjoyment, or can bore you with a flat, bland nothing if it's just thrown together without any thought to the story's movement. One of the best things about Angst is its rich world-building where the geography makes sense and the people were so very believable. Those who know me, understand that I really get frustrated by two dimensional personalities, which become facsimiles of humanity with flat conversation and predictable responses. Within Angst, though it felt as if the reader was almost peeking into the lives of real people in actual settings.

But in this book, as I earlier pointed out, the characters are beautifully developed. In fact, each of them interacted so smoothly it was hard to tell they were imaginary creations. They actually seemed to be real, especially in the way they spoke to each other or acted. It really felt legit.

In fact, there were times I wanted desperately give Angst a solid kick in the rump, and yet there were other times, I simply want to comfort him with a hug. I also found myself muttering out loud in my irritation with several other characters, including his friends. They seriously annoyed me as much as they bugged Angst himself, when they came across as whiny little kids. And when the Queen threw Ivan the Knight into his team against his wishes, I kept hoping someone would neuter this horrible man.

Another discovery I made in reading this book was everything in this world, including the places and characters, were christened with wonderful names. Seriously, don't you just hate stories in which the author seems to have only used a variety of online name generators just to find something different? Okay, I understand cause naming stuff is hard, yo. But, a book becomes richer and more elegant when the names of places and people have been obviously and carefully chosen. Mr. Pedersen manages this magnificently.



Let me be clear before I enter into the darker side of reviews, aka “what I didn't love in this book”. I try to be fair as regards any negativity in a book. I believe that every author, indie or otherwise, puts out a lot of hard work in their stories and I always try to find the positive first.

Truly, I found very little to complain about in this book. If I was to comment at all, it was that at times, there were sections in the story which felt abrupt. While it started out great with each bit flowing naturally into the next, later scenes seemed to move suddenly, causing me to double-take in order to make sure I was still following along.

Now bear with me for a bit of nitpicking. The royalty of Unsel does not follow the conventional European etiquette where a King or Queen is Your Majesty and the Prince or Princess is Your Highness. In Unsel, it is Your Majesty for every one of them royal folk up in that there castle. This is not the first, and will not be the last time I have stumbled across this in fiction, it just is one of those things my inner monarchist just has to shrug and let it go. But man does it pick at me.

[Cape Rust · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me worried. Really worried. There are some things with fantasy that always put me on guard and completely oversized swords are on the top of that list and, right there on the cover, is a huge glowing blue broadsword. No, broadsword is an understatement. The sword’s blade looks more like a large steel shield with a handle jutting from its top. The cover art was good, not great, so this just added to my mounting apprehension. What I thought would be the final nail in the coffin for this novel was the prospect of yet another anti-hero. Angst is far from the typical anti-hero. The easiest way for me to describe him would be the guy who washed out of Knight training, then failed as a squire and ended up being that guy who is just competent enough to not get fired and or executed. This is the kind of “hero” I can support and identify with. Sure, his name is Agnst, but he isn’t emo, goth or even really that angry – unhappy with aspects of his life? Yes! But he still retains an almost childlike zest for life, love and his friends.

There are no surprises when it comes to most of the supporting cast of this novel or even the nature of the novel itself. Rather than using the word typical, I will revert back to a recent favorite of mine and call it formulaic. There is no doubt that Angst is everything that most heroes are not, and Pedersen should be commended for adding useful and interesting traits to his protagonist. This is Pedersen’s first novel, and I think the formulaic approach was the right way to go. Pedersen has real talent and this novel was a great way for him to cut his teeth and tell a great story without trying to blaze new paths that would have ended up being distractions. This novel does not march into the fantasy genre lockstep, and there are some interesting twists, but overall the fantasy formula covers this novel like a cozy blanket.

This book is written in a more modern voice and while some fantasy readers might recoil at this, I found it made for a comfortable read that had a good pace and flow. In the beginning of the novel I noticed the modern voice, but by the end, it wasn’t an issue. Pedersen added to some of my initial dread by opening the novel with some wordy phrases. Most authors overtly or even covertly would like to be remembered for their command of language of choice and writing is the best way to prove this. There were several of those verbose and prosey sentences in the first few chapters that threatened to become so overused that they would lose their power. Thankfully Pedersen was savvy enough to stop peacocking and get down to business; in doing this, he really showed his skill later in the story with some sentences that retained their power and surprise due to appropriate use and placement.

While the supporting cast follows almost every fantasy stereotype you can think of, Angst, our “hero”, ends up coming out as a bit of a hybrid. Though there is much about Agnst that fits right in with the rest of his traveling companions, and in actuality many fantasy heroes, he still has the ability to stand out. I loved that even with his lack of the typical heroic appearance, Angst is still an insufferable flirt. He is married and never cheats on his wife, but you would swear he does. We all know a person like that, there are times when their flirtations anger us and other times when we just have to step back and enjoy the show. Angst’s flirting is not born from an overdeveloped sense of self or appearance, rather it is just part of his nature. I think he gets away with it, especially with the ladies, because they see him as a friend and rather harmless. If Angst was a more dashing figure I don’t think he could have gotten away with half the stuff he does in the novel.

One more thing about Angst before I wrap this review up – I love that he never got a big head due to the unusual circumstances and at times, the unusual powers he found bestowed upon him. Often during the novel he used the magic he already knew to avoid more physical encounters even when he could have drawn steel and played hack and slash. Angst retained most of his short comings even at his most powerful – he still made bad choices, he still threw tantrums and he never lost his love and concern for his friends and loved ones. One major indicator for me about the skill in which Pedersen developed Angst was the fact that after finishing the book, I wanted to learn more about Angst, but at the same time, I didn’t because his story was told really well.

This book wasn’t without fault – there were a few times when I felt like Pedersen had more going on behind the scenes that he didn’t articulate as well as he could have. There were a few instances where I could follow what was going on, but only after re-reading certain passages a few times. I would have enjoyed a more in-depth explanation of exactly why the slime affected some creatures differently than others. I feel like I have a good idea, but it I would prefer a more concrete answer.

I really enjoyed this novel; it was defiantly fantasy comfort food. The characters, while typical, were still loveable and the story, while formulaic, somehow maintained to feel fresh and original. Pedersen was able to pour much of himself into this novel without inundating readers with his personal views on life, politics or religion. This book made me want to carry it with me so I could sneak a few pages in at every opportunity I could. I’ll take a book that makes me do that over a critically acclaimed novel any day. Pedersen is a good writer who really understands his target audience and loves sharing his talents with the rest of the world. The word “angst” is defined as a feeling of dread, fear or anxiety, and during the course of this story, I felt all of those things. I felt dread that Angst wouldn’t do the right thing (even when I knew he would), I felt fear for the characters and their safety and, finally, I felt anxiety about the book ending. Pedersen has created a unique variation of a recipe that has served authors well for centuries and with a dash of Pedersen and a healthy portion of Angst, he has managed to make the fantasy novel his bitch!

This review first appeared at www.geek-life.com

http://geek-life.com/2012/10/05/book-...

[daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

I am an impatient reader and I read maybe a book a week. I did finish this longer book and there are a number I don’t finish. That said, my enjoyment waned while reading this. I kept hoping for...more. The book had some good elements and creativity but I found myself not connecting with many characters. And finding something hard to believe. The MC is in his 40’s, overweight, balding and short. Ok I’m fine with that. But to have all the attractive women in the story flirt with him? Attractive women don’t flirt with unattractive middle age men. Just seemed far fetched. And the fact that his wife would be comfortable with him flirting all the time? Again, even in a fantasy book seems to be a bit of stretch.

I did chuckle a bit throughout the book and had one laugh out loud part (relating to a comforter) which bumped this from a 3 to a 3.5. I always round up not down so the 3.5 rounds to 4 in my book though it’s really a 3.5 book to me

[Jason Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the second edition of this book, which is told by the author to be more polished than the first edition.
This was an amazing story! I was a little leery at first because I usually don’t go for fantasy stories. I’m more of an action, science fiction, horror type of guy, but this book pulled me in. I will admit, it took over 130 pages, but after that, I could barely put the book down! I ended up finishing the rest of the book on my day off! Mr. Pedersen, you tell one helluva story! I tip my hat to you sir, and cannot wait to read the rest of the series! BRING IT ON!!!

[Sarah White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and wow!

Won't someone make this into a quality movie?!

I didn't even make it 1/4 way through before I started wishing a movie for this story. Adventure, friendship, fantasy, comedy, and everything in between. This is a *MUST READ*!

#gotangst #adventure #fantasy #ineedmoreangst

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one

Mistakes: I didn't find any.
Plot: A middle aged office clerk gets to save the kingdom from wild magic.
Characters: The only thing I didn't really enjoy was how unsupportive the MC's friends where in the beginning.
9/10

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid fantasy,sympathetic characters.. Worth the Read.

[Schyler Ensign · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different from anything else I’ve ever read. Engaging, surprising, and entertaining. I read this book every night before I went to sleep and it was very relaxing for me- a really good read.

[Kanea · Rating 4 out of 5]

It starts out very well, and picks up, but has a few bumps, however it's by no means a bad read! In fact it's very enjoyable, plenty of mystery! Definitely has a first book in the series vibe!

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle aged, going bald, dispassionate, bored, lack of motivation, work is tedious, marriage is stale, friends are predictable and well what’s the point of the daily grind? Oh, wait, I am supposed to be writing a review of Angst not blogging about my life right? hehe… The beginning description does pertain to Angst and his life as we see in working for the Queen in a low level bureaucratic position which is boring the hair right off his head. So where and what is the point once one gets to this place in life. Unsel is a wonderful place and one should feel fortunate to have good friends, a beautiful and thoughtful wife that loves you and a job that is dependable and provides. Not for Angst, looking in the past and what he wants for the future is his daily thought process. Which promotes an unhappy middle aged man that is usually lost in thought about what should or could be but if Angst ever got his wish would he truly understand its magnitude before it is too late? We’ll see….

When I first ran across this book the description intrigued me as I was in a similar “rut” a few years back but I had health issues going on with my spine so my outlook on most things were bleak. My family helped me tremendously to get through that rough patch and even though I am going to have spine issues for the rest of my days I can now look at each day with a smile and tell it to “suck it”! Well, if you knew me a bit more you would understand my satirical nature. :) So, back to Angst, a self published work that had a premise in the description that made me wonder just how the author was going to take the mundane and make it a wonderful emotional thrill ride that when you finished reading it made you want the sequel right off. That is a tall order to fill but Mr. Pedersen accomplished it and more in this reviewers opinion.

Angst is found in a dead end job with a marriage in trouble, in no small circumspect by his incessant flirting at times but also with his general malaise. He befriends the princess much to the extreme displeasure of the queen but it starts a friendship that will help and sustain Angst through his many trials. Unsel is besieged slowly by creatures and through circumstance and consequence Angst finds himself with a decision and an opportunity before him. Angst jumps at the chance to strike out and live his lifelong dream but no one could predict the turmoil, loss and anguish it produces for him in the present and future. Magic has come to Unsel and it isn’t happy to say the least. Every part of the kingdom will be involved to some degree and it will take all fighting together to bring it to bay.

Mr.Pedersen’s writing has a simplicity to it but that has a complex undercurrent that is subtle but acute. As I read through the novel I could tell bits and pieces here and there were just not right but couldn't put my finger on it to save my sanity. By the end of the novel much is revealed but to my chagrin there is more to be seen, heard and read in the next book of this trilogy. I do enjoy a read that on one level is a light read that flows effortlessly forward engrossing while entertaining the reader. A book that can do that with an undercurrent just waiting to be teased and tantalized is writing I love to sink my optics into time and time again. I enjoyed the game of predicting what might be around the corner and I am happy to say my ability to predict Mr. Pedersen’s plot and flow was not even a challenge, it was a dismal attempt on my part because I maybe got one or two correct while the others continued to surprise and enlighten me further into the flowing wonder that is Angst’s story.

If you have not read Angst I challenge you to beg, borrow or steal to buy a copy. You will not be disappointed and you will gain a new fave author which you look forward to their works hitting its release day every time.

[Aniko Carmean · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Pedersen's debut fantasy novel, Angst, depicts a man going through a midlife crisis - a midlife crisis that's high on magic. Angst, the titular protagonist, is one of a subset of the Ehrde population that can wield magic. Until he picks up the over-sized and previously dormant magic sword, Angst is a paper shuffler. The highlight of his week is a happy hour with his old friends, who show up less frequently and leave quickly. A series of seemingly random coincidences bring him the adventure of a lifetime in the form of a dangerous journey and the possibility to be Knighted. He enlists his unwilling happy hour friends to journey with him on the Queen's mission to discover why trade from the outlying countries has ceased. The group encounters increasingly bizarre enemies and circumstances as they make their final approach to Fulk'han, home of a race known for mercurial and fanatic worship of various gods.

Pedersen's novel, like the damaging orange flow of the Vex'kvette that the adventurers encounter, is overflowing with potential. The exposition is a bit long-winded, but once the group starts their travels, the imaginative and unique perils and joys of Pedersen's world are a delight. One example is the idea of the 'swifen,' magical mounts that are created in the image of their creator and intended rider. Another example is the metaphysical warning embodied by Gressmore Towers: beware what you ask for, especially when you wield a magical sword that will do whatever you bid. There are floating bubbles carrying a devouring beast that turns into a puppy, a beautiful race of giants, and an understated philosophical inquiry as to what happens when a fundamental element, like Magic, is forcibly suppressed. The novel has a slow start, but the events that come after are as numerous as they are quickly dispensed with - sometimes too quickly. The ending of the Gressmore Towers sequence was jarring, as was the final revelation of what caused Angst to acquire this adventure. In both cases, there was not enough foreshadowing to really drive home the gravity of the conclusions, and lent an air of authorial manipulation to the plot.

The characters fit exactly the parts they are meant to play; there's an arrogant Knight, a devoted wife, a beautiful and wise Princess, an evil magician, and Angst, the determined mid-lifer and audacious flirt. The characters are sturdy enough to carry the story, but Pedersen's depiction of the Queen's emotional landscape just after a violent attack hint at his skill at developing deeper, multi-dimensional characters. The characters fit a pattern, and that works within the mechanism of the tale, which is plot-driven. If that sounds like a negative, let me put it this way: in the thick of battle, people do not change. Those who are introspective in battle end up dead. Those who move with the shifting circumstances, who relinquish themselves to the quick flow of events - they are the survivors. Angst and his group are survivors, and I don't believe that every story needs to be character driven. What I would love to see is a follow-up story where the characters digest and come to terms with all that happened. There are psychological depths to be plumbed, but not at the time that the events unfold. As it stands, Angst is the perfect antidote to a long day at the office, the kind of book that leaves you feeling like you've spent a lighthearted happy hour with friends - friends who happen to do magic and go on wild adventures!

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

FULL DISCLOSURE: This book was written by my husband, and I edited it.

Marital pride & bias aside, I loved this book. It's adventurous, imaginative, quirky, suspenseful, twisted, and just plain fun. Think "Evil Dead" meets "Princess Bride".

Here's the copy I wrote for the back cover (which is slightly different than what went to production):

You probably already know Angst. In fact, chances are good you’ve known Angst for quite a while. You may work with Angst. You could be friends with Angst. You may even be married to Angst. If you know the feeling of compromised dreams, ever-increasing expectations, chronic frustration and the burden of unfulfilled potential, you know Angst.

This is Angst’s story.

As a young man Angst wanted to make a difference, to make his mark in history, to be remembered for heroic deeds and wondrous acts. He knew he was destined for something great, but had the feeling he had somehow missed it. Now it’s too late. Not only is 40 far too old to become a knight, Angst is one of few “blessed” with the ability to wield the magics. But his blessing is more like a curse. Kind of like the rest of his life.

For 2,000 years Magic has been repressed, outlawed, even outright destroyed throughout the world of Ehrde. By law, Angst is reduced to using his great power only to file papers. His marriage is on the rocks, his friends are bored with him, and he hates his job. The one person that makes him happy is the young Princess Victoria who seems to adore him. Unfortunately, that makes his boss, the Queen, hate him.

Without warning, Ehrde is besieged with horrifying monsters -- birds with metallic beaks like blades, monkey creatures that can dive through solid ground, mindless horse-eating giants. The world that shunned magic now turns to Angst for help, and he is happy to listen...once his back stops hurting.

On the edge of a mid-life crisis, Angst decides to risk it all, dragging his reluctant friends along with him on an adventure into the heart of magic. He’s not sure where they’re going, or what they’ll find, or even if they’ll all survive. But he knows this is his one chance to be a hero because the only way to fight magic is with magic. What’s the worst that could happen?
=====

The plot surprised me several times - I didn't see the twists coming, and found myself gasping and exclaiming "NO!" out loud. The story also contains some rather horrific scenes I wasn't expecting, but they add to the "real-ness" of the experience. I was completely drawn into the world of Ehrde, easily imagining the landscape along their journey, the fight scenes, and the banter between characters.

Each character is so unique, and adds so much to the richness of the story. This isn't just Angst's story - his tale can't be told without the addition of his friends, because each is a part of his history, as well as his present. The dialogue between characters is inspired, with the perfect rhythm you would expect from a group of people who have known each other for years. And I can almost guarantee that most female readers will absolutely love Rose's sassy remarks - she seems to have almost no filter, and says what we wish we could say in many situations.

So, yes, I am biased when it comes to this book. But I'm also an avid reader, and have read my share of fantasy books. This one is right up there with my favorites.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was walking through a convention in Oklahoma City and I came across this sparse little display of three books. There was so little that I almost passed over it. The attention-getter was the title. "Angst". Until this point, I had only heard of the word but never the meaning. So I asked. The short gentleman who looked plain and ordinary with a short beard answered with, "pent-up stress, angry, with misery mixed in. However, this is the name I gave the main character. This is a story about a middle aged man (40) who gets what he wanted. Be careful what you wish for."
Hearing this, caught my curiosity. I figured that $10 was a fair price to try out a new book.
I recently turned 40 myself decided I'd try it at some point in the near future. So I bought a copy. I said good-bye and figured I'd try it sometime when I am waiting to meet with my next student. But I started having serious troubles with my Netflix playing. After nearly an hour fighting with it and got it working, I was so exhausted that I no longer felt like watching TV. So I picked up Angst. I read the first two chapters to give it a test read.
I went back to the convention and approached this innocuous table that was so stark that you'd swear a new sheet of notebook paper had more to offer and looked at David Pedersen with a dour expression and said, "I'm particularly frustrated. I read the first two chapters and it gave me a need to buy the other two books you have here." An expression of concern passed over his face and melted into a relieved and appreciative smile. "Thank you." "Oh, no. I'm here to actually buy the other two books. This book was way too interesting to wait to get them later."
I only read Chemistry, Physics, and Astronomy books with such fervor. I just spent the past two hours reading and not wanting to put the book down. It comes to mind that I'm very tempted to call in sick tomorrow so I can read Angst all the way through tonight. I know I can actually finish this book by tomorrow night if I were to do so. And I've never had such a fascination to a fantasy book by my recollection. This greatly impressed me and would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and especially those who have reached the point in their lives that they start going through a mental inventory and say, "This is the sum of my life. Where do I go from here? I'm done with my achievements." I didn't even have to try to convince my friend to read it. I even said I'd loan him my copy when I was done. He went and bought his own copy since he knew I was enthralled and I rarely recommend anything to him. Those who recommend many things are often taken with a grain of salt. Those who keep their recommendations in near total reserve have a profound impact when recommendations are made.
Keep up the awesome work, David Pedersen. I want to read the rest right now but my eyes are blurring out.

[Dusty Craine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, here is the quick summary. Angst (yes, that’s really his name) is an overweight paper filer for the kingdom of Unsel. He has control of magic but it’s of limited use in a kingdom that has outlawed its use for 2,000 years. Oh yeah, he’s also 40-something years old and in the midst of a mid-life crisis. Couple that fact with a disposition that compliments his name and you’ve got a great everyman character. A character that resonates with any guy who just knew he was destined for greatness but feels his moment has passed him by.

Angst is also something of a ladies’ man or at least a shameless flirt. And what man doesn’t fancy himself one of those? His wife Heather is the love of his life, but even she throws a dig or two at him about his flirting. His own friends are exasperated when it seems he’s found another woman to charm. But when you’re a larger than life personality like Angst, you are bound to make a fan or two in places you wouldn’t expect. For Angst, that person is the young princess Victoria who our hero meets while ducking out of a particularly boring speech being delivered by the Queen herself.
Despite his flirting Angst is a one woman man and is fiercely protective of his friends. At a party in the castle his friend Rose (yes, another woman) is pursued a bit too aggressively by a knight. Angst does something that surprises everyone and sets in motion the adventure contained in the novel titled after its protagonist.

Some of what I really like about Angst was that it didn’t get overly serious or dreary. There was humor. There was quasi-romance. There were reluctant heroes. And you can’t discount the twists that you don’t see coming. Maybe I’ve read the same authors too often and so I can predict their next moves but Angst surprised me time and again. I was so pleasantly surprised by what I was reading that I fought the urge on several times to call a friend of mine who reads fantasy and tell him to go buy Angst! Or hell, I’d buy it for him. Just read it! But he doesn’t have an eReader and I don’t know how I could convince him to read it on his computer.

Angst isn’t a breath of fresh air, it’s a whole gust. Its fantasy unlike anything I’ve read lately. If I absolutely had to compare it to another author’s series I may compare it to Terry Brooks Landover series; although Angst is about a million times more likable then Ben Holiday. I also really liked the fact that the characters spoke in contemporary language. No, “wouldst thou bringeth me an ale?” I’m just outright running out of superlatives to describe this book. I guess the greatest compliment I can pay is that I’ll definitely be buying the authors next book, unless he decides to write a book about dog walking. I’m also giving this book just my second 5 star review of the year. It was that good.

[Arwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Note I received this book from the author as a gift, because he enjoyed my review of his other book Clod Makes a Friend so much. Which makes me smile every time I think about it. 😊

Ah 40... while it's not what it used to be, I like to think the hill has moved to 50, but it represents a milestone most of us aren't looking forward to. In fact...

I TURN 40 THIS FALL! 😲

So I figure it was the perfect time to read this book.

Angst is an unusual hero in an unusual story.  I read quite a bit of fantasy and have never come across anything like it. Angst is like the Dilbert of the fantasy world. Except he is a Dilbert with dreams of being a knight.

Often fantasy stories feature a self-assured hero, or a chosen one, or someone  who is still learning the rope, pretty much all of these hero-types are given quests that have pretty clear goals. Frodo must take the ring to Mordor. Roland has to reach the Dark Tower.  Matthias needs to protect Redwall. Thomas needs to solve the maze. Alina has to defeat the Darkling. That sort of thing. In Angst David threw all of those norms aside to create a self assured (sometimes) man on a quest to do (something) he doesn't really know what. The end goal of the quest being somewhat in flux drive his friends nuts. It was a fun twist on the fantasy quest troupe.

The world building is unique too. Unsel is a place both familiar and new to fantasy readers. It has it's castles, knights, giants, magic etc. But so many new things were added... I wish I could tell you about them all but that would be spoiling it. I want you to go into the story and be as pleasantly surprised as I was at each new element.

I loved this book (though probably not as much as I loved Clod.) As one reviewer on Goodeads put it, "Angst isn’t a breath of fresh air, it’s a whole gust," Dusty Craine. I absolutely agree.

Bottom Line:

The perfect read for someone just about to turn 40, or who recently turned 40, or just wants to read something with a character going through a mid-life crisis and contemporary fiction isn't your thing. Angst is a funny and quick witted fantasy romp.

[B. Eagles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I genuinely liked this book--some misconstrue 3 stars as a bad rating, so I felt I should open with that clarification. If I could go 3.5, I would have, and knowing how newer authors tend to improve as they continue, I expect to give the next at least a 4. And yes, I fully intend to read the next, so that right there should tell you something.

I greatly enjoyed the non-traditional spin of the middle-aged hero, and Angst's character is well-written and believable, acting and reacting in ways that many men I know would, if put in similar situations. He is certainly not the fairytale hero (the beacon of nobility and virtue) typically found in fantasy, and I loved that. Angst is, more or less, a normal guy. And he's trying really hard to be a good guy--a hero. The supporting cast is more of the same, mostly, only ever lacking with the women. This is expected, somewhat, as the author can only guess on things like female motivations. The female characters are not terrible, I just felt they were a bit more idealistically written, with less of the grounding realism that I loved with the other characters.

My only other negative notes would be a few misspelled words and one continuity error, which do reflect in my rating, but were not enough to damage the delivery of the tale.

Overall, the storyline was good--clearly motivated and driven toward the ending in a way that kept me thoroughly engaged, and riddled with a sarcastic, slightly cynical humor that flowed well and seemed, again, believable. When I finished reading it, I was left with what I call the 'book blues'--the terrible state of finishing a book you want to keep reading, so you shuffle aimlessly around, trying to find something to do, but all you want is more damn pages to read!! This is the mark of a good book, for me, and my only regret is deciding to wait to buy the rest of the series until I had read this one.

[Julie Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I saw about this book besides WOW!! What an awesome book! I didn't really know what to expect, other than knights, magic, and a quest, and I really like all of those things, but this book was way more than that. The writing was flawless, the story flowed so well that I finished this book in one day, and was quite disappointed because I wanted to know more!

The title is actually the name of the main character. Yes, his name is actually Angst. And he is not a romantic figure, with chiseled features, and built like a rock. No, he's a 40-something paper filer, with a belly on him, who dreams of being a knight and hero and having everyone look up to him. He's also rather short. But he can do magic, and when there are strange reports from the outlying areas saying that the trade route has been cut off, and everyone they send out disappears and is never seen again, the Queen, who detests Angst and hopes he goes and doesn't come back, and the Princess, who really likes Angst but knows that he must go, send him on a quest, with the promise of a title should he return successful. He enlists the aid of his reluctant magic wielding friends on his quest, and the story is about everything that happens to them along the way. I am not going to tell anymore because I don't want to ruin anything, but I will say that this book is definitely not predictable. Every time you think you just might know where they are going or what is going to happen next, the author takes you in a completely different direction! And it works! No matter what he throws at you, you are excited to be along for the ride, and you want to see it through to the end.

In summary, I loved this book! It was exciting and unpredictable, and such an easy read! I highly recommend it :)

[Nicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of fantasy books I found Angst to be a refreshing change to the heavy, over thought out names and plots that many fantasy novels have resulting in the reader having to think so hard about pronunciation that you can loose track of the story. Angst's story is told in an entertaining and flowing style. Angst is an unlikely wannabe middle aged hero. He finds himself and a group of his friends on a perilous quest that turns into an enormous seemly impossible task. They face many dangers and new experiences on their journey. Although they are on a serious quest Angst has a quirky humour that entertains throughout the story. Angst and his companions constantly doubt there ability to succeed as the the enormity of what they have embarked on begins to over whelm them.
You can't help but fall for Angst flirty charms and wit. All the characters are wonderfully described and add a different quality to the story being told. The details of the story are very descriptive and make it easy for the reader to visualise the characters and scenes which adds to the intensity of the tale.
Angst left me hiding from my children and sitting up have the night so I could enjoy the story in peace lol. I couldn't read fast enough as I was desperate to find out what happens at the end but at the same time I didn't want the story to end. Additionally I think this is a story than can be enjoyed by all ages and you don't need to be a fantasy fanatic to enjoy it.
If you haven't already purchase a copy I promise you won't be disappointed. I'm waiting with bated breath for the next installment. Well done David for a fantastic absorbing debut novel, I hope there's many more to come :)

[Marie Loughin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Angst...all the way through. I'd give it 5 stars for its sense of fun and excellent use of a middle-aged protagonist. I'd also give it a 5 for the inventiveness of some aspects of the magical landscape. (The bubble thing(s), for example.) Although the character types were perhaps stereotypical for quest fantasies, Pedersen's treatment of them was not. I found them very relatable and will happily follow their adventures in the sequel, when it comes out.

That said, this book lacked the polish, tightness, and depth that would earn five stars, or even four stars. The prose is rough and imprecise at times. So, as much as I enjoyed the book, I feel obliged to rate it with 3 stars.

Even so, there is a sense of freshness and enthusiasm to the writing that is contagious; this sense is often missing in the more highly processed block buster fantasies. I will follow Pedersen's career with interest.

[Dennis Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know, a lot of writers are... well, let's just say, middle aged. Why then, aren't more protagonists going through mid-life?

Probably because it takes someone like David Pedersen to make a story like this come alive.

Angst is a middle-aged man stuck in a dead end job. He loves his wife, has good friends, but there is still something missing. And it's not jsut because Angst is a wizard in a land where magic-users are an oppressed minority.

And then Angst gets every man's wish. To be a hero. But of course, hero-ing is not all it's cracked up to be. Angst will have to risk not only his own life, but the lives of those he loves.

This is a standout work, great characters, original fantasy world and a rollicking good story. And, a self-published book that is more than the equal of most work that comes from major publishers.

I'm looking forward to Angst's next adventure.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two days spent in the wonderful world created by David J Pederson. It was two days spent making friends with a motley crew who are all as engaging as the main character Angst. When the ride was over I wanted more. Not because the story ended poorly, but because it was that good. There have only been two or three other writers that have kept me coming back to the same world novel after novel. Mr. Pederson is on a par with Marion Zimmer Bradley, Terry Goodkind and Terry Brooks. I am looking forward to the next installment of the adventures of Angst and his friends. Thank you David J Pederson for taking the time to write this wonderful new novel and for creating an exciting new world for me to visit and relax in.

[Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angst is an incredible first book written by David Pederson. Angst is truly an awesome character that just about everyone can relate to. He is by no means a knight in shining armor, regardless of how hard he tries. The book mainly focuses on Angst's journey to discover what is causing all the problems in the world.

Pederson does a great job mixing in humor and I absolutely loved all the sarcastic remarks. One area where I thought there was some room for improvement was with the supporting characters. While some were memorable and spectacular, some fell flat.

Overall a very solid read and I will definitely read the next book!

[Soteris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great fun easy read. Some parts may be a little too tame even for the YA readers, but that wont stop anybody enjoying Angst.
Angst had me laughing out loud in places, not many books that can do that.
This is an enjoyable fantasy story with a main charatcer that many of us out there can probably relate to in some way or another.
We always like to think the grass is greener on the other side, but Angst discovers the hard way that maybe its not.
The supporting characters are superb and the world he has built is truly fascinating.
An easy and highly enjoyable fantasy read.
Looking forward to the sequel out later this year hopefully.

[Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

David J. Pedersen's debut novel, "Angst", is a wonderful journey through a magical world filled with wonders. The pages of Pedersen's book are filled with wonderful characters to love and hate as they bring joy or frustration to the reader. Pedersen has not only created a vast world bulging with all the elements fans of fantasy crave, but also brings a unique and enjoyable touch to the genre of speculative fiction. Pedersen seems to have taken a page from Kurt Vonnegut's rule book in working hard to make the reading easy. The 767 page novel passes quickly, even when plagued with the. Though geared for an older audience, "Angst" is well suited for fantasy readers of all ages.