I’ve enjoyed the first two parts of this trilogy (Orconomics and Son of a Liche), and was eagerly looking forward to the grand finale.

What to Expect

Pike started the Orconomics series as a deep satire, on both fantasy and economics. This continues in this vein, though the focus shifts more toward the epic (which the bard of the group keeps saying, so you’ve been warned :).

It’s still a brilliant story, exploring both funny fantasy economics and deep societal issues of injustice, prejudice, and systemic discrimination of the ‘other’. This is woven around characters you can empathise with and care for, with a plot that keeps going.

What I liked

I love thought-provoking speculative fiction, and this doesn’t disappoint. Though it’s less about economics and more about social structures, there’s plenty to appreciate and get a chuckle or a wince when you think about our world. The writing style is extremely polished, and Pike absolutely mastered the scene transition and made it an artful that makes you keep on reading.

What to be aware of

This is book three, the culmination of a trilogy. Though each novel tells a more-or-less self-contained story, there’s plenty of references to previous events in the characters lives covered in the previous books. There’s a quick glossary at the end, so if it’s been a while since you read the previous novels (published 2014 and 2018) it might help with some of the world setup. It shouldn’t stop you though, as the books were generally very memorable so even a vague recollection will still render this last installment enjoyable.

Felix’s Review

Felix enjoyed the build-up to the epic confrontation, even though he’s not as familiar with our world economic structures that are being mocked. He said something about the immutability on injustice in the general human condition. He did find some of the final confrontation of personified good & evil strange, and vaguely simplistic for an otherwise complex novel.

Summary

It’s fantasy at its best, and if you enjoyed the previous installments of the Dark Profit Saga (even if you don’t fully recall all the details) you are bound to enjoy this one as well. (And if you haven’t, start with Orconomics – you won’t be disappointed).

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Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck is that Felix fellow? Glad you asked! He’s the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome.

Come meet Felix and his world on the free short stories and novels!