Tom Holt is one of my favorite authors. I very much enjoyed this book until the last page. I have not been so disappointed in a book's ending in a very long time. Mr. Holt, just ten more pages would have made me so much happier. ( )

man discovers he is half elf and his stepfather imprisons them for slave labor

I'm about to go back on my word after all my gushing about Tom Holt just two days ago. Serves me right for abandoning the cynicism that serves me so well. This one's weak, plot-wise, and Holt does not do as well as usual at distributing worldbuilding throughout. I try not to offer post-mortem editing suggestions, but this one really could have used a little slash-and-burn at critical junctures. ( )

[a:Tom Holt|9766|Tom Holt|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1246502762p2/9766.jpg] is the English equivalent of [a:Christopher Moore|16218|Christopher Moore|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1200095788p2/16218.jpg]. The big difference is that Mr. Moore puts setup/punchline sets in his chapters, while Mr. Holt is much more subtle and restrained. [a:Douglas Adams|4|Douglas Adams|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1189120061p2/4.jpg] is an apt and accurate comparison. Where they are alike is that they both are not shy about setting up outrageous situations but then living within the constraints set up. They also are both very very funny and well worth reading.

This is his first book (or at least the earliest of his works that our library has) and is a little weak plot-wise. It is still funny but there are long periods where in an effort to make his plot work it gets less funny.

On the other hand it is well worth the read just for the gratuitous shots at Microsoft. ( )

The ending devalues the book. ( )