Book Review: The Rover

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Rover     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Mel Odom
Class/Genre:   Fantasy   Thriller
Tor, Jul 2001, $25.95, 416 pp.

In spite of being a lowly Dweller, over-achiever Edgewick "Wick" Lamplighter serves as the Third-Level Librarian in the Vault of All-Known Knowledge. Even more incredible is that this is a member of a race that is considered beneath the purebreds (Dwarves, Elves, and Humans) plans to one day becomes a Second-Level Librarian. Wick’s only weakness is his love of adventure books, which sometimes gets in the way of his work.

Wick is assigned to deliver a package to the Customs House. However, instead of a quiet stroll, Wick soon fights evil attackers, but loses when someone knocks him out from behind. Sent off to sea without a choice, Wick is going to have one adventure after another as each deadly scenario leads to the next. He no longer lives his life in a book; instead Wick struggles just to survive.

THE ROVER is a fun to read fantasy thriller that never slows down for a moment as the half-pint sized hero fights several deadly foes. The story line never takes itself too seriously and the characters are likable so that the audience enjoys the toboggan speed of the adventures. The Potter crowd and discerning adult fantasy afficionados will gain much pleasure from Mel Odom’s opus.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner