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4.48 AVERAGE
4.48 AVERAGE
An engaging adventure comedy with everything I like- gay gnomes, emo teens, and himbos with an identity crisis. Genuinely kept me on the edge of my seat and I devoured it in two days. If you like dnd podcasts with a clever plot and thought out character backstories this one’s for you.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
The Demon of Elderstay" by I. Ribbon is a super enjoyable and funny new look at dark fantasy. The author does a great job mixing laugh-out-loud moments with real danger and an interesting world. It makes for a setting that feels like other fantasy stories you might have read, but it's also fresh and new. The characters are great, especially the main one, Gerome. He's not perfect, which makes you like him more, and it's interesting to watch him change through the story. The way the story is told is smart and keeps you hooked, kind of like a good D&D game with surprising turns and cool people. If you want a fantasy book that's fun and not too serious, but still has plenty of adventure and heart, you should definitely check this one out.
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The writing of the book is so funny and the narrator was just perfect adding to the humour.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this a while back and have recently finished the audiobook. It is absolutely top notch writing and an amazing narration. I highly recommend everyone read it in either or both forms!
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
“It must be nice, not to have been shanked in the nether regions by life.”
I finished this a couple days ago but sat on it for a minute so that I could write a review that did it justice. For me, this book was excellent. It was so funny, but also so smart.
Gerome is a gnome (yes, he gets that a lot) who also happens to an arcane lecturer. After an attempt to *enhance* himself goes badly, he discovers he has unwittingly allowed a poweful demon to slip through a crack from the shadow planes, right into him. Now, with his unwelcome demon passenger in tow, he finds himself with a band of unlikely people of talent who have been tasked with the unsavory job of ridding the stronghold of Elderstay of a terrible curse.
When I say I loved this, I am not exaggerating in the slightest. The writing for this story was fantastic- it was witty and had me laughing out loud on multiple occasions, but it was also unexpectedly emotional. I loved Gerome. This unlikely hero, while literally being a gnome, was so relatable. His plights were those of a person who only wanted what we all want in life, to be happy. His misfortunes along the way brought a subtle underlying message of hope through despair and what it means to face your demons- in Gerome’s case, literally.
I also really enjoyed the build of the story and the way the side characters were implemented. I loved that we as readers were able to learn about them and uncover details as Gerome did. I ESPECIALLY loved that this book felt like I was sucked into a Dungeons and Dragons game. It was adventurous, comical, moving, and exciting. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series.
If you are looking for a book with strong DnD vibes, an lgbtq+ main character, and smart, witty writing, this one is for you.
(Original review from 10/15/24)
***ETA: I just listened (4/13/25) to an ALC of the audiobook for The Demon of Elderstay and it was INCREDIBLE! The narrator was phenomenal and made it such a fun and engaging experience. He brought to life the witty and hilarious Gerome in such a great way that I loved the book even more than I originally did! I loved his character voices, his pacing was excellent, and he delivered the dry sarcasm perfectly. 10/10 recommend!***
I finished this a couple days ago but sat on it for a minute so that I could write a review that did it justice. For me, this book was excellent. It was so funny, but also so smart.
Gerome is a gnome (yes, he gets that a lot) who also happens to an arcane lecturer. After an attempt to *enhance* himself goes badly, he discovers he has unwittingly allowed a poweful demon to slip through a crack from the shadow planes, right into him. Now, with his unwelcome demon passenger in tow, he finds himself with a band of unlikely people of talent who have been tasked with the unsavory job of ridding the stronghold of Elderstay of a terrible curse.
When I say I loved this, I am not exaggerating in the slightest. The writing for this story was fantastic- it was witty and had me laughing out loud on multiple occasions, but it was also unexpectedly emotional. I loved Gerome. This unlikely hero, while literally being a gnome, was so relatable. His plights were those of a person who only wanted what we all want in life, to be happy. His misfortunes along the way brought a subtle underlying message of hope through despair and what it means to face your demons- in Gerome’s case, literally.
I also really enjoyed the build of the story and the way the side characters were implemented. I loved that we as readers were able to learn about them and uncover details as Gerome did. I ESPECIALLY loved that this book felt like I was sucked into a Dungeons and Dragons game. It was adventurous, comical, moving, and exciting. I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series.
If you are looking for a book with strong DnD vibes, an lgbtq+ main character, and smart, witty writing, this one is for you.
(Original review from 10/15/24)
***ETA: I just listened (4/13/25) to an ALC of the audiobook for The Demon of Elderstay and it was INCREDIBLE! The narrator was phenomenal and made it such a fun and engaging experience. He brought to life the witty and hilarious Gerome in such a great way that I loved the book even more than I originally did! I loved his character voices, his pacing was excellent, and he delivered the dry sarcasm perfectly. 10/10 recommend!***
This was a very fun read, full of wit and the kinda chaotic energy I would expect from one of my D&D games, with a little bit of heart to boot. I cannot wait to check out the next book and see what new trouble Gerome the gnome gets up to!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was a breath of fresh air - with witty and hilarious banter and self reflection from the main character Gerome (Gerome the gnome you know), adventure, and high stakes, it was the perfect combination of fantasy and believable characters and situations. I found myself laughing out loud at times, and truly enjoyed reading it from start to finish. The writing is done well, there is a great cast of characters, and the plot moves nicely throughout. I'll definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out!
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.