I enjoyed the previous works of Pike, so was looking forward to this next installment in his financial-comedy in faux-mediaeval fantasy world.

What to Expect

Unlike the previous novels in the series, this one doesn’t start as an adventure for a party of heroes. Things have moved on, and Gorm (the dwarf warrior in the previous ‘party’) is now head of the Audits and Enforcement department within the Heroes guild. This role allows him, in theory, to fix the gross misconduct from within.

The story follows him as he and his team work through a necromantic anomaly during a funeral of Goldson (the premier financier of heroes from previous novels), and takes them into the rising realm of virtual currencies that aren’t linked to good old gold coins. Expect a lot of cheeky references to the world of cryptocurrencies and the people who run them in our world.

What I liked

First and foremost, Pike spins good yarns. These are excellent humorous fantasy stories in their own right. On top of that, all the mirroring of our own crazy internet-first crypto-currency madness is just delicious.

What to be aware of

This is book 4 of the series, or at least in this world. That said, since the change from previous style to focus on Gorm as an investigator rather than on a whole party of heroes, it can work as a good entry to Pike’s writing and as a standalone novel.

Felix’s and Jack’s Reviews

Felix never got the modern obsession with the internet, social media, and associated services. In his Roman world, public life is just that – carried out in the open public, from podiums in the forum. He just doesn’t get why people would spend time staring at little crystal balls. That said, he’s also seen plenty of secret shady deals and societies, and appreciates Gorm efforts to right wrongs and solve magical crimes.

Jack is much more familiar with modern policing, even if his focus is on the necromantic side rather than the financial one. He appreciates Gorm doggedness in solving the crime, even if he’s working from within the organisation he’s policing. Also, he found the … romantic relationship (no spoilers!) within the novel one of the funniest ones he’s seen.

Summary

Lovely read, recommended if you like Pratchett and similar biting-humor fantasy that offers both a good story and insights into our society.

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Enjoying the reviews, but wondering who the heck are those Felix and Jack fellows? Glad you asked! Felix is the protagonist of the Togas, Daggers, and Magic series, an historical-fantasy blend of a paranormal detective on the background of ancient Rome, and Jack is the police detective running the Unusual Crimes Squad, dealing in occult crimes in modern-day Australia.

Come meet Felix and Jack on the free short stories and novels!