A review by kurtwombat
Phule's Company by Robert Lynn Asprin

adventurous funny lighthearted 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

4.25

 I’ve always been a sucker for a motley crew: a band of folks brought together by a specific task or event who otherwise likely would never cross paths. From the French Foreign Legion to The Lord of the Rings to any book involving “that one final heist before I retire” –I  am your audience. 

Then in walks PHULE’S COMPANY—a military comedy with sci-fi trappings and mis-matched characters—and sits down in my wheelhouse. Main character Willard Phule is a kind of Ferris Bueller type—everything rolls his way. The sheer charm of the character keeps him from being one note or vastly annoying. In his forward folly through events, Phule generally uses his good luck and vast fortune (money makes it’s own luck)  in ways the reader can get behind. The diverse members of Phule’s command (in fact some not even human) have all come to some sort of dead end—their lives derailed by bad luck or bad choices. The author does a sharp job creating these characters—spurring an affection for them.  Phule gets them back on track initially by making their lives harder—then the little victories come. There’s really not much at stake here but reading it was like a warm meal.