Tuesday 16 October 2012

Audiobook Review: Giant Thief


Giant Thief (Easie Damasco #1)

Written by David Tallerman

Read by James Langton

Publisher: Angry Robot

Meet Easie Damasco, rogue, thieving swine and total charmer.
Even the wicked can't rest when a vicious warlord and the force of enslaved giants he commands invade their homeland. Damasco might get away in one piece, but he's going to need help.

Big time

Caught in the midst of a war in his homeland, Easie Damasco finds himself enrolled in political situations far above his paygrade, on the run with only a giant named Saltlick for company and chased by a tyrannical warlord determined to hunt him down. This is basically one long chase through countryside, close escapes and city with various characters popping up to help and hinder Easie in his exploits. Few of the characters make much impression from their short time with Easie – apart from Saltlick the giant, but the fast pace means you never really get bored of them. The chase elements means there are lots of close calls and you get see much of the world – although the depth and detail is lost – like seeing the world outside a speeding train – a brief impression is all you get.   

Easie Damasco is a thief with a perchance for picking up his goods when any sensible person would be running as fast and as far as he could in the other direction. On at least two occasions in this story he stops in the midst of a getaway in order to steal some goods from the rich. To be honest he’s not really that smart – just happens to be on the wrong place all the time. However, he is self-deprecating and doesn’t pretend to be a hero. This makes a nice chance from various heroes where only they can save the world. Easie is fun character though and one that is easy to root for.  

James Langton’s reading is humorous and easy on the ear which frankly allows to just relax into the story and get swept along. I have some issues with the item everyone wants to get their hands on – the giant’s chief stone doesn’t have the same attraction as a magical ring or enchanted sword which does make all the action and desperation on the behalf of the characters to get their hands on it a little redundant. Overall this is a fun listen on the lighter side of fantasy, but like a cereal bar not satisfying enough for a full meal.

Recommended for fans of Michael J Sullivan and Brent Weeks. 7 out of 10.   

3 comments:

  1. Sounds cool and could be for me :)

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  2. Hm... I do like fun and light fantasy, but it not being totally satisfying makes me hesitate. Perhaps after you review the next one and that may convince me.

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  3. Oo! Sounds like a good one. AND to compare with Michael Sullivan. Oh, I'm there! I do think I need to get it. ;D Thank you!!

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