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A review by shelleyrae
Few Are Chosen, K'Barthan Series: Part 1 by M T McGuire
3.0
This is not the sort of book I would usually read but I was amused by the sample chapter supplied by the author. It's a chance I am glad I took because this quirky piece of fantasy adventure fiction was a lot of fun.
The Pan of Hamgee is a fugitive on K'Barth, blacklisted by the Gronglians who are taking over his world,he has a special knack for getting into trouble. When he accidently burns down a local thug's apartment block he is blackmailed into using his skill as getaway driver. For The Pan, who has managed to stay on the run longer than any other GBI (government blacklisted indiviual)his role in Big Merv's crew is both a Niminism blessing and a Grongolian curse.
The Pan is very likeable, he has an artless charm and endearing lack of self esteem. He is convinced its cowardice and luck that has allowed him to outmaneuver those pursing him, rather than taking credit for his skills and sense. I enjoyed his spirit of adventure and determination as well the sense of fun McGuire has infused him with
Despite the physical oddities of McGuire's characters, Grongrolians have green skin and Big Merv is an orange Swamp Thing, they have human traits which are easy to relate to. One of the things I struggle with in this genre are books where the setting, history, technology, character descriptions etc., require or are given, extensive detailing. K'Barth may be an alien world, but what is 'other' is intergrated neatly into the plot. For me, this grounds the story so that the characters and events are the main focus of the tale.
The pacing is good, there is plenty of action, though I feel the plot could have been tightened a little more to maintain impetus in the middle. The style is fluid and comfortable with neglible copyedit errors.
As I don't read a lot in this genre, I can't compare Few Are Chosen to a similar title but I think anyone who enjoys a humourous fantasy adventure that includes a magic thimble, a [flying and submersible] car chase and a pair of concrete boots will appreciate this debut of the K'Barthan Trilogy. I am looking forward to reading McGuire's sequel.
The Pan of Hamgee is a fugitive on K'Barth, blacklisted by the Gronglians who are taking over his world,he has a special knack for getting into trouble. When he accidently burns down a local thug's apartment block he is blackmailed into using his skill as getaway driver. For The Pan, who has managed to stay on the run longer than any other GBI (government blacklisted indiviual)his role in Big Merv's crew is both a Niminism blessing and a Grongolian curse.
The Pan is very likeable, he has an artless charm and endearing lack of self esteem. He is convinced its cowardice and luck that has allowed him to outmaneuver those pursing him, rather than taking credit for his skills and sense. I enjoyed his spirit of adventure and determination as well the sense of fun McGuire has infused him with
Despite the physical oddities of McGuire's characters, Grongrolians have green skin and Big Merv is an orange Swamp Thing, they have human traits which are easy to relate to. One of the things I struggle with in this genre are books where the setting, history, technology, character descriptions etc., require or are given, extensive detailing. K'Barth may be an alien world, but what is 'other' is intergrated neatly into the plot. For me, this grounds the story so that the characters and events are the main focus of the tale.
The pacing is good, there is plenty of action, though I feel the plot could have been tightened a little more to maintain impetus in the middle. The style is fluid and comfortable with neglible copyedit errors.
As I don't read a lot in this genre, I can't compare Few Are Chosen to a similar title but I think anyone who enjoys a humourous fantasy adventure that includes a magic thimble, a [flying and submersible] car chase and a pair of concrete boots will appreciate this debut of the K'Barthan Trilogy. I am looking forward to reading McGuire's sequel.