X--Calibre: The Absurd Legend of Cantiger the Wizard

Well worth reading! It took me a few days to really get into this book, but once I did, I loved it. Some parts caused me to laugh so hard that strangers sitting near me were giving me funny looks, which is high on my list of criteria for good books. In some ways it reminded me of Terry Pratchett's early work, so I can't wait to see what Mark F. Parker is writing in ten years.

As a long-time reader of Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, I absolutely loved this story. Cantiger is the typical bumbling fool who I can only describe as a medieval-type Arthur Dent...striving to be in his element and only making a fool of himself. There are a lot of side-scenes sprinkled in that really brought guffaws, like the giant bull or "Aurochs" that is described by a noble knight as "A burger with an attitude." There's even an assortment of absurd historical footnotes, much like you would find in the "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" series.I must caution readers, however, that the heavy use of the British dialect in sections of this book may cause you to lose your place in the plot sometimes. Several times while I was reading I did not quite understand some concepts they were talking about (although after going over it again or reading further, I managed to get the idea). But don't let that deter you from the enjoyable absurdities this book offers. Nowhere in any other book would you ever find a flatulence-propelled cow!

This book is so good and funny!Perfect for Harry Potter Fans!!