***** - Orconomics

ORCONOMICS

J ZACHARY PIKE

*****

A disgraced Dwarven hero. A band of deadbeat adventurers. His last shot at redemption could get him killed.

If Gorm Ingerson really wanted to drink himself to death, he never should have helped the Goblin. When his good deed lands him in a bad contract, Gorm finds himself entangled in a quest that will pit him against business magnates, the king of the Freedlands, and a mad goddess trying to fulfill a suicidal prophecy.

But Gorm’s tarnished circumstances may be hiding a golden opportunity. If he and his half-baked party can overcome deep conspiracies and dark magics, he just might redeem himself and his career enough to be a professional hero once more.

MY REVIEW

*****

‘Not all who wander are lost; some are on quests.’

Orconomics is a book that’s been on my TBR for the past year - since my husband read it and has been recommending it non-stop. I’m now just annoyed that it took me so long to get round to reading it!

Gorm is a disgraced hero, down on his luck and actively avoiding the Heroes Guild. When he is strongarmed into leading a bunch of unlikely heroes into a quest for a mad goddess and an insane prophecy, he starts to redefine his definition of what being a Hero truly means.

I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed this book - it’s fantasy in its best form. Perfect for lovers of D&D and fantasy gamers and readers alike, it’s an easy read which kept me gripped. The tone of voice is very Prachett-esque and it had me laughing out loud in places. The premise is quite unique, with some of the emphasis being on the economy of a realm which is led by adventurers looting dungeons. This is anything but dry and a really interesting way to think about the wider world of some of the other stories we have been told in the genre.

There is great characterisation throughout - it feels like every character in the world is well-rounded and defined, not just the 7 Heroes on their quest. Although the book is relatively short for a fantasy, I felt like we got to know everyone - from Gleebek the Goblin to Boots the Kobold and everyone in between. The party of heroes consisting of a slimy Bard, destructive fire Mage, silent Weapons Master, troubled Hunter, talented Noctomancer, Barbarian and their combat averse leader are a great mix of personalities and talent. They each have their own backstories and motives but we are introduced to them in such an assured way, which means nothing gets too confusing.

Orconomics is the first book in the Dark Profit Saga and I jumped straight into book 2 after reading. This book is highly recommended and one of my Kindig Gems for 2024!

LINKS TO BUY

Amazon UK Waterstones