High Fantasy meets Economics- hilarity ensues

Would you listen to Orconomics: A Satire again? Why?

Yes, I absolutely would. I really enjoyed the Pratchett-like mash-up of high fantasy, personal story development, humor and meticulous world-building. Replay value will be high on this, as a) it is genuinely funny without being "comedy haha." b) The economics check out. Orconomics isn't just pithy titling- it's the underpinning and motivating force in this world (and in truth, in every world). c) Despite the fact that the characters are ostensibly D&D player characters rendered into literature, they all delightfully both display and break every trope in the book. They are also refreshingly multidimensional and unpredictable. I can't break down specifics about how and why without giving away major plot points you truly want to have unfold in proper order- so I'll just stop here and endorse with a much vaunted "5 out of 5 elephants."

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

made me laugh out loud numerous times. Had to set down the stuff I was doing while I was listening 'til I could continue.

Any additional comments?

As a card carrying fantasy nerd and classically trained economist, this book scratches multiple sweet spots for me. Bravo sirrah.

80 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Holy shit

I was hoping for a great book. I got a phenomenal one instead. The narrator is great, the writing is excellent, the characters feel real and have real problems. The economy is not ignored and plays a role in the story. It's well thought out and makes logical sense. Would definitely recommend.

56 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

nice change of adventuring views

(spoiler free review) this book had me chuckling and there are some pokes at modern terms mixed in that I did not see coming, only to chuckle once I was in on the joke. there are many little jokes hidden behind the more obvious jabs, all wrapped up in well written humor and a great story to boot.

The story - which I was honestly figuring to be a throw away story initially - turned out to be one of my more engrossing reads of the last few years. It had a solid plot, a decent set of twists, and a likable cast of characters.

It was funny when it needed to be, and yet surprisingly serious when the story called for it.

what threw me off the most was how sensible the story flowed. Characters did things with a reason and had reasons for everything they did, which is something that is actually pretty hard to accomplish in writing. It can be even harder when trying to work around lingo, something the author has done masterfully here.

The audio was performed by a reader who really felt invested in the story, who cared about making each character memorable without overshadowing the others in any scene. And of making even the most garbled of dialects understandable and fun.

in short, I will be picking up any of this series I can find and I eagerly await the next audiobook ! I would recommend to anyone who likes the fantasy genre, whether for a laugh or for a good story. No doubt this has both!

45 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Dwarves and orcs and elves and more, OH My!

Disclaimer: I am not a gamer, but I have a great appreciation for satire and fantasy. I am sure the gamers get more of the inside jokes. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this saga, and was disappointed that because the author has a separate work life, the sequel is not available. I read a lot of fantasy and science fiction, and listen to more. This was one the the more enjoyable. I didn't necessarily laugh out loud, but I did snicker often. I appreciated the gentle life lessons along the adventure road; the flaws of the Heroes; and the amoral economics of the Questing nation. Buy and listen, you won't regret it.

23 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

World Building at its funniest!

Orconomics is a real treat. Can you imagine a world where the economy is driven by adventurers, and speculations on their success could dictate the market? Seriously, just think about it. Here's an example, "The Market dropped today as Sam and Frodo vanished from the Fellowship without a trace. Wizard Gandalf has reassured us that the mission will succeed, but stocks are lower than the hair on a hobbit's toes."

This is an original book, and brilliant in its concept. I really could feel a Pratchety/Adams vibe, but the book is also deadly serious at times and it works. This is a joking but not so joking look at our corporate society, our own greed is good mentality, and the way we are destroying ourselves in the quest for the almighty dollar. There were parts in which I literally burst out laughing, and other times when I didn't find the commentary so funny, and that was completely intended by Pike. He really knows how to write a fascinating story, while making subtle points. I think he is a cultural economicist or something. Can you imagine a character having to deal with corporate politics, bureaucratic red tape, and financial conspiracies just to go out and do some adventuring. Look, this is really funnier than it sounds. But you have to admit that you will never hear the term corporate raider the same way again.

Doug Tisdale Jr. really plays this one like he was holding all the aces. He is just excellent, and I have to say he has some pretty darn good comedic timing and knows how to tell funny. He could have seriously dropped the ball, and not told it with that wink in his eye like he does. He can narrate. There is no question of that here. Even though I did receive a promo code for this review it in no way influenced my considerations of the material, and in fact, inspired me to be more honest. In fact, getting a code generally makes me harsher as a reviewer as I am more often concerned what someone like Me will decide based on my review.


If this review helped, please press the YES below. Thank you immensely!!!

21 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Amazing!

Best book I've listened to in a long time. Incredible performance. I loved the voice of the goblin. Can't wait for the next one.

17 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

A fun romp

There have been a number of this humorous takes on the D&D / Warcraft type universe. Many that focus on the world as a game and others that simple borrow game mechanics but give them a logical consistency in the world of the story. This is one that keeps it own logical consistency. Characters get XP and level up but its done through membership in a guild etc. for example.

I have read quite a few of this general theme, and quite like J. Zachary Pike's take on the sub genre. The story is interesting, the humor is pleasing. There is one seen about "Aggressive sales tactics" that had me laughing loud enough to get funny looks from my wife.

Overall I quite enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun ride.

15 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Awesome! Highly recommend

If you know some economics and details of the recent financial crisis, bits of this will be even funnier, but it's hilarious anyway. Excellently created characters that you want to discover more about. At times their development seems to jump forward suddenly, but it was a minor quibble. Can't wait to buy the next book!

12 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Never have I laughed at economics this way.

This book adds humor in smart ways and makes the economic tones make story sence more then just having a gimic to make it interesting it adds so much to already great story.

8 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Book is genius

The author is brilliant. Enjoyed every minute of this book. Combining high fantasy with the stock exchange seems like it would be odd but it turns out to be awesome. Would recommend this book to any fantasy fan.

8 personnes ont trouvé cela utile