Giant Thief (Easie Damasco #1)
Written by David Tallerman
Read by James Langton
Publisher: Angry Robot
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.
Sounds cool and could be for me :)
ReplyDeleteHm... 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.
ReplyDeleteOo! 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!!
ReplyDelete