Review: Orconomics

Orconomics by J. Zachary Pike
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

July 14, 2024 –
35.0% "If your science fiction novel features all the worst parts of modern capitalism, then you have a dark dystopia.
If your fantasy novel does it, then you have a parody.
I do find this entertaining. Very solid worldbuilding. The idea of healing potion addicts is at the same time amusing, and sobering."
July 15, 2024 –
45.0% "I have a strong desire to see the corporate heads of the Hero's Guild roll."
July 16, 2024 –
64.0% "From the very first, I kinda wanted to tell Lurana and Jen to just fuck and get on with it.

Troll smitten with an elf! Forbidden love! I think that the troll would have had less resistance if he'd negotiated with the bard.

Completely salty that I like this so much. If I were in this game, I'd be plotting to kill off some corporate execs."

July 20, 2024 –
100.0% "Finished this weekend. My main thoughts:

I'm reminded quite a bit of Drew Hayes' "NPCs" series. A little bit of Baldree's "Legends and Lattes." Being a gamer, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, despite predictable plot twists.  Will probably add it to Bedtime Reading.


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Review: How to Sell a Haunted House

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I feel as if Hendrix threw the "horror kitchen sink" at this book - creepy dolls, exorcisms, ghostly possession, generational curses.  Some high and low spots, some definite Stephen King-style gross-outs.  Trying hard to show the reader exactly how screwed-up the protagonist's family was.

Our mystery book club chose this for June discussion.  I look forward to telling them that this was just as much a mystery as every other book chosen - more than most.

Possible spoilers below:

Review: Another Fine Myth

Another Fine Myth by Robert Lynn Asprin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The "Myth Adventures" series centers around Skeeve, a lowly magician's apprentice, and Aahz, a demon. It's pure silliness of the best kind, full of swords and sorcery, magic and mayhem -- but mainly, con artists.

Asprin makes heavy use of adverbs, especially when his characters are speaking. Skeeve, or Aahz, or anybody really, always says something "drily," or "sarcastically," or "menacingly." The -ly really gets a workout.

These stories are kept short and simple, and they evoke strong cartoon-like images. Lots of fun, signifying nothing.

I read this for Bedtime Reading from March to May, 2024

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