reviewed by
Jennifer Kahng
“I shed no tears when I put the torch to my wife.”
Thus begins the tale of Andro Giantslayer, retired hero, as he lays his wife, Luendyl the Fierce and Fair, to rest. As Andro reflects on his past, we follow along on one last journey as he attempts to take Luendyl back to the skies where she wanted to be. Although Andro is a tough hero, he is also a passionate and loving husband and his love for Luendyl can be no better told than through the stories of their past.
Through battles against faceless hordes, a fight against a mighty dragon, the perils of parenthood, and discovering his daughter doesn’t really like boys, Andro stood side-by-side with Luendyl as an equal. And then there was that thing with the dragon that tried to woo Luendyl away from Andro.
I have to admit it was rather refreshing reading this book. The world of fantasy seems to be overrun with epic tomes hundreds of pages thick and several volumes long. In fewer than 100 pages, Scholes manages to weave a wonderful story full of vibrant imagery, detailed characters, passionate and enduring love, and, most importantly, humor.
It is also clear that while the universe is most definitely fantasy, it does not take itself too seriously. I mean, who would want to have to keep asking for Oingeltonken’s Flights of Fancy Winged Shoes? That’s a mouthful. And they don’t even work right all the time!
Needless to say, I enjoyed myself while reading this book. I think my favorite part had to do with another dragon and the reading of stories from a book (in the book) called Venison Stew for the Heart. It just seemed so ridiculous but, at the same time, completely plausible within the context of Scholes’ universe.
When the end of the book came and, thus, the end of Andro’s last adventure, I was a little sad, but I was happy at the way things turned out and satisfied with the content. I think any reader would get a kick out of this book and enjoy it to its fullest.
This title also available from Fairwood Press, and other fine book retailers.
