Thraxas

ISBN: 1-85723-729-3 Order from: Amazon.co.uk

A funny, but rather derivative spoof of a hard-boiled detective in a city full of magic, crime, corruption and dangerous dames.

Reviewed by David on August 10, 2003

Genre: Fantasy (Humor, Private Investigator)

Synopsis: Thraxas is a private investigator of a cheap kind. A soldier in his youth, and a Court Investigator later on, he lost his job due to chronic drinking, and is now living in above a cheap bar, working for clients too indigent to hire a more reputable investigator.

Thraxas' funds are running low, and it's his pleasure, as well as surprise to see a Princess walk into his "office." The Princess Du-Akai is not short of cash—she is looking for discretion.

Soon, Thraxas is up to his neck in the tangled investigation, with corrupt royalty, treacherous priests, greedy criminals all out for his hide. But his biggest problem may be a group of women dedicated to getting equality in a city of assasinations, magic, and crime lords.

Full Review: This book is also available in the US as Thraxas. The book is amusing, fast and entertaining. It's also more than a bit resembling Glen Cook's Garrett books, such as Faded Steel Heat.

While enjoyable, this novel adds little originality to what is now a fairly well-expored subgenre.

Overall: 4.5; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 5.5; World-building: 4.5; Originality: 5;

ISBN: 1-85723-729-3 Order from: Amazon.co.uk