There might even be wisdom behind the madcap wizardry
With pleasant self-deprecating humor and writing that’s a pleasing parody of
college lecture notes, author Joseph J. Bailey invites gnomes, and other beings,
to join him in a study of paratechnology, which is of course, neither purely
technological, nor entirely mythical and magic, but a blending of both. And
which should never be undertaken without adequate precautions, as laid out in
this book. There will be explosions, and overly extravagant facial hair may
burn.
Plays on words and plays on culture combine, adding occasional
profundity to madcap and hair-raising speculations, and even inviting
contemplation of our own society’s preoccupations. But it’s all very
light-hearted, long-winded in just the right professorial style, intriguing and
fun. There might even be an occasional faint echo of C. S. Lewis.
I particularly enjoy how the author invents words and introduces ideas without any
need for explanation. But if you really want to know the paratechnological
details, you can always read (and enjoy) the comprehensive glossary at the end.
Footnotes to each chapter add a certain personal touch, as long as you can
follow them. In print they’d be great. On my e-reader the numbers weren’t linked
to the notes, which meant I kept scrolling forwards and back to follow the
author’s conversation. But perhaps they’re linked in other versions. In any
case, they’re well worth the scrolling.
A fun, short read, with odd bits of wisdom tucked between the lines, Everygnome’s Guide is the perfect side-course to lunch with sci-fi fantasy-minded friends, and hey, it’s even got
some math!
Disclosure: The author kindly gave me a free ecopy and asked
for my honest review.
With pleasant self-deprecating humor and writing that’s a pleasing parody of
college lecture notes, author Joseph J. Bailey invites gnomes, and other beings,
to join him in a study of paratechnology, which is of course, neither purely
technological, nor entirely mythical and magic, but a blending of both. And
which should never be undertaken without adequate precautions, as laid out in
this book. There will be explosions, and overly extravagant facial hair may
burn.
Plays on words and plays on culture combine, adding occasional
profundity to madcap and hair-raising speculations, and even inviting
contemplation of our own society’s preoccupations. But it’s all very
light-hearted, long-winded in just the right professorial style, intriguing and
fun. There might even be an occasional faint echo of C. S. Lewis.
I particularly enjoy how the author invents words and introduces ideas without any
need for explanation. But if you really want to know the paratechnological
details, you can always read (and enjoy) the comprehensive glossary at the end.
Footnotes to each chapter add a certain personal touch, as long as you can
follow them. In print they’d be great. On my e-reader the numbers weren’t linked
to the notes, which meant I kept scrolling forwards and back to follow the
author’s conversation. But perhaps they’re linked in other versions. In any
case, they’re well worth the scrolling.
A fun, short read, with odd bits of wisdom tucked between the lines, Everygnome’s Guide is the perfect side-course to lunch with sci-fi fantasy-minded friends, and hey, it’s even got
some math!
Disclosure: The author kindly gave me a free ecopy and asked
for my honest review.
Thank you, Sheila, for the wonderful suggestion (and review)! After I finish my latest project, I plan to go back through Everygnome's Guide and Mulogo's Treatise to add links to the footnotes.
I want the footnotes to add to the guides, increasing reader immersion and enjoyment. Your suggestion should help!
- Joe
I want the footnotes to add to the guides, increasing reader immersion and enjoyment. Your suggestion should help!
- Joe
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