Just So Stories

Allen & Unwin

August 2023

ISBN:9781761068393

Publisher: A&U Children’s

Imprint: A & U Children

RRP: $32.99

Ummm…….well……..where to start? Don’t get me wrong – I love this! In fact, I love all Garth’s writing, and always have. I had never read any of these stories before so I’m still getting my thoughts sorted, and this is unlike anything I’ve ever read before, so trying to capture its essence in my own meagre words is quite a challenge. This is Garth’s speculative fiction at its best – and strangest – and readers of all ages who enjoy something that is bizarre, creepy and complex will lap it up.

Sir Hereward is a youngish man, the only male child to have been born in an ancient society of witches. He is a mercenary, and an extremely able artillerist and swordsman, although a very unfortunate and luckless lover. His companion, Mister Fitz, is one of the ancient sorcerous puppets and was, in fact, Sir Hereward’s nanny when he was younger. He is exceedingly adept with the arcane arts and his skills with sorcerous needles and sewing is beyond imaginable. He is also, from my own point of view, quite creepy and I would not like to meet him in person, I have to say.

This pair of adventurers are ‘guns for hire’ but, more than this, they are god-slayers. In their sphere, they are Agents of the Council of the Treaty for the Safety of the World, an venerable order which oversees the location and removal of proscribed extra-dimensional entities, otherwise known as gods or godlets. Not all these creatures are on ‘the list’, as some are harmless and provide the people with a sense of security and well-being, but those who are not so benevolent can wreak untold havoc. The extinguishing of them is a dangerous occupation, and while Mister Fitz is made sorcerously and indestructible, Sir Hereward is not unaccustomed to various wounds and injuries. While there is much derring-do, fighting and conflict, there is also much dry humour as well as Sir Hereward’s constantly thwarted liasions with women (or, at least, creatures that appear to be women!).

This is a compilation of eight stories previously published elsewhere with a new and, hitherto, unseen one. Garth’s introduction gives a good overview of the backstory of these, and I love the map which reveals the extent of the world of Sir H and Mr F.

This isn’t a book for your primary readers, even those who are capable and unafraid of stories with creepy twists. These require a certain sophistication in reading, and, most definitely, an appreciation for high-end fantasy.

Highly recommended for readers from around 12/13 upwards – adults will and have enjoyed these fantastical adventures immensely. You can be assured of true satisfication in this regard….. ‘If you haven’t met them yet, you are in for a treat.’ George R.R. Martin…..and who am I to try and top that recommendation!