On the HahaFiction shelf

Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Elf

by L. G. Estrella

Unconventional Heroes · Book 1 · 2014

Audiobook available

Timmy has survived years of necromancy, but his latest creation nearly makes him reconsider his career. A pardon from the Everton Council of Mages offers a way forward. Earning it means helping a kingdom prepare for war while assembling a team with plenty of reasons to cause trouble.

Fantasy Banter Situational comedy

From the author’s blurb

“Two necromancers, a bureaucrat, and an elf – it sounds like the start of a bad joke, only the joke is on Timmy.”

Read the full description at Author description, L. G. Estrella

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What makes it funny?

Timmy carries a magical shovel because he needs to dig graves and hit disobedient zombies; an impressive sword would make grocery shopping awkward. His apprentice Katie can cut him down just as effectively with a remark about his paperwork. The opening gives an evil mage the frustrations of a tired working adult.

The comedy at work

Monsters have household habits, and supposedly terrifying people have petty disagreements. A cosmic horror steals cake, ninja rats become part of the castle’s company, and the young apprentice prefers pink. The teasing relationships make these companions more familiar without taking away their dangerous magic.

Try this if…

For a short dose of fantasy action with bickering companions and monstrous inventions, this novella offers a quick introduction to Timmy’s company. OneReadingNurse praises the funny details while finding little character development; the immediate appeal is spending time with the cast.

Good to know

The opening includes smashed zombie skulls and scattered body parts, as well as occasional swearing and sexual innuendo. Fred Berman narrates an unabridged audiobook edition in a publisher pack containing the first two Unconventional Heroes books.