Chronicle of Heloise & Grimple by Sean Gibson
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Perhaps More?
Publisher: Self-Published (September 28, 2016)
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Length: 195 pages
My Rating: 3.5 stars
A short, quirky story originally published online as a chose-your-own-adventure serial The Chronicle of Heloise & Grimple is a return to a simpler side of fantasy, where the whole point of the trip was to have fun. And if a reader opens up Chronicles with that single-minded pursuit in mind, they will find themselves completely entertained.
The leaders of our twisting, turning, and rather ridiculous (at times) adventures is Heloise, her comaapnion Grimple, and a hedge wizard named Kevil they pick up along the way. All of these guys caught up in a quest to remove a curse from Grimple; this hill giant having pissed off the wrong sort of wizard and now living his life as a sickly gnome. But, naturally, turning old Grimple back into his normal self isn’t easy, and the trio bumble into one hilarious encounter after another, as they slowly trudge along the path to quest completion.
Since Sean Gibson himself admits “[t]he Chronicle is intended to be both homage to and satire of the fantasy stories and games” he grew up reading and playing, it should come as no surprise that this story is all about poking fun at fantasy tropes and getting the most laughs out of the absurdity of it all. Which means there is no angst here. Grimness is not allowed. Realism is scoffed at. Darkness be gone! Hell, serious of any sort is frowned upon. Instead, wittiness, silliness, and humor are the rule by Jove.
But does it work, you ask?
Yes. For the most part. Chronicle is truly a delightfully funny adventure story fully of outrageous laughs and ridiculous encounters. Monty Pythin-esque if you will. And if that is something which you enjoy, you should pick this book up and give it a try.
As for criticisms, I really don’t feel a need to point out minor problems I had with the narrative. Sean Gibson promised fantasy humor and outrageous fun with Chronicle, and that is exactly what he delivers, so why be nitpicky.
Overall, The Chronicle of Heloise & Grimple is a fast-paced, rollicking adventure big on silliness and lighthearted laughs at fantasy tropes expense, filled with action, and even including pictures (All great books have illustrations, you know). What that all means is if your looking for some fun in your fantasy, then Chronicle might be the first stop on your quest.
I received an advanced reading copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank him for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
Who? Mike? Mike who?
ichael Moorcock. Massively influential. What is his best series? Which of his books really hooked you and why? And if it’s not the Stormbringer books, best be ready to defend yourself.
Michael R. Fletcher lives in the endless suburban sprawl north of Toronto with his wife and daughter. He dreams of trees and someday once again being able to see the stars at night. He used to do sound for bands in dark clubs where the air was blue with cigarette smoke. He used to record bands in dank basements where things crawled across your feet and swam in your coffee. For a while he was a Project Manager. Now he writes books. Next he wants to be a either race car driver or a ninja.
You’ve said you were surprised Beyond Redemption was ever published, so did it surprise you when so many reviewers and readers fell in love with this world of insane shites?
I have to ask, what is up with all the German sounding names?
After much begging, pleading, and more than a few threats from my Doppels, Mr. Fletcher was more than willing to manifest some of his delusions for your reading pleasure. Sure, he had to don the robe and cool glasses to get into the right frame of mind, but, eventually, the madness took hold and his list materialized before my eyes. So with that I (and my Doppels) encourage everyone to sit back and enjoy this list from the Master of Madness himself!
Some believe the reflection in a mirror is someone other than themselves. Some Mirrorists believe their reflections know things, can see the future, or travel freely between different mirrors (useful for long distance communication). Others believe mirrors are portals to other worlds or dimensions. Some Mirrorists fear their reflections are trying to escape where others fear their reflections are trying to drag them into the mirror.
(Depersonalization Disorder): Disconnected from one’s body, detached from own thoughts and feelings. Disconnected from reality. These folks often feel as if they live in a dream state (some will deny reflection in a mirror is theirs, and can be confused with Mirrorists. Some have out-of-body experiences. Depression, low self-esteem, panic attacks, self harm, and extreme phobias often result. Some feel as though time is ‘passing’ them by and they are not in the notion of the present. Getrennt are also often comorbidic and suffer from Unwirklichkeit (Derealization). Typically caused by: traumatic experiences including childhood abuse, accidents, natural disasters, war, torture, panic attacks and bad drug experiences. People who are diagnosed with depersonalization also experience an almost uncontrollable urge to question and think about the nature of reality and existence as well as other deeply philosophical questions. (from wikipedia).
(Syndrome of Subjective Doubles): Believe a double (called a Doppel) of themselves is carrying out independent actions. It is possible for a powerful Doppelgangist to manifest more than one Doppel. Doppels are aspects of the original person’s personality. Sometimes parts of themselves they hate, or manifestations of who they wish they were. Sometimes Doppels appear as exact copies of the original, whle others can manifest as twisted versions or even look like completely different people–depending on the delusions of the insane. In outward appearance Doppelgangists and their Doppels can be mistaken for Mehrere as both manifest as multiple people. Mehrere, however, are true schizophrenics and suffer from multiple–and often completely different–personalities.
(Sociopath): Sociopaths have limited ability to feel for the pain and suffering of others. They are driven by their need to achieve and rule in social circles. Sociopaths make such great characters! I love trying to get into that frame of mind, writing a character who is continually looking for a way to spin every encounter to their advantage.
5. Hassebrand: (Pyromaniac) 
4. Mirrorist: 
3. Dysmorphic: 
2. Therianthrope: 
1. Doppelgangist: 
bookwraiths.com 