Submitted by Nick (Jan 23, 2008)

Thanks for this review, you absolutely nailed how I felt about this book. Bilsborough had obviously put a lot of work into developing his world, which made me want to read it, but when I tried I just couldn't struggle through his writing. It reminded me of the stories the D and D kids used to write at school about their characters... not necessarily bad stories, in terms of content, but so over-written and self indulgent they became painful to read. I ended up not finishing Wanderer's Tale, despite my best intentions. Thankyou for forging on through it and reporting back so I know I made the right choice in bailing out of this particular quest.

I just finished The Wanderer's Tale and it's the reasons people are complaining against it that have caused me to really like it. Did we have to follow Gapp through every little happening since he fell through the well? I would agree and say no, but alternately it did endear Gapp to me. D.B. does create a vivid world with so many intriguing creatures, to me that was fresh. He didn't mimic Tolkien, instead he attempted his own route. And while the pace seemed slow I realized toward the end that for once I was enjoying the journey. I'm always in such a rush to reach the end, the climax (as are many books) that I don't enjoy the journey as much. So I have that much to thank D.B. for. And I do believe the more he writes the sleeker his stories will become but I hope he doesn't lose that bit of wide-eyed tongue-in-cheek slant he using now.