A Difficulty with Dwarves (Paperback)

After the events of "Night in the Netherhells," Wuntvor and Co. are safe. At first. Then it's discovered that Ebenezum's allergy to magic has spread to every wizard in Vushta. To make matters worse, Guxx Unfunfadoo has been deposed as Grand Hoohah, and soon the world will be Conquered by Committee. As the wizards puzzle out what to do, Wuntvor tries to deal with the animosity of some very large, angry apprentice wizards and the affections of dancing damsel Alea and jealous witch Norei. (Also the unicorn, who lusts after "Wuntie"'s lap.)

The wizards decide to send Wuntvor on a journey to the Eastern kingdoms, where giants reportedly eat people, and which is ruled by Mother Duck. (Yes, Mother Duck -- Gardner ventures into fairy-tale territory in this one) He's soon being confronted by Death, who announces that he is the "Eternal Apprentice" -- he'll reincarnate a thousand times as the quintessential apprentice, but Death can claim him if he is ever alone. The problem for Death is, Wuntvor has more than enough company: the exiled Guxx and Brax, the irritating Brownie, Snarks the truthful demon, Hendrek and his club, overamorous Alea and her singing dragon, and the pushy unicorn. Can Wuntvor keep from being claimed by death -- either by being alone, or by being eaten on pumpernickel?

Gardner's golden touch is turning to platinum in this book. His talents for kooky characters and overcomplicated conversations are getting better as time goes on. Perhaps the biggest problem with "Difficulty With Dwarves" is that it ends with a "to be continued." (The dwarves mentioned in the title are the "seven OTHER dwarves," including but not limited to Sickly, Nasty, Spacey, Smarmy... you get the idea)

Poor Wuntvor is still trying to keep up with events around him, and Ebenezum is trying to decide what to do (he makes another appearance inside a giant shoe). To really understand the cast of characters (oh yes, Cuthbert the cowardly sword appears as well) you have to read the Ebenezum trilogy. It's complex and outstandingly funny, with plenty of jumbled dialogue that never trips over itself. Ever seen a bumbling, inexplicably attractive hero defeat a giant with a magical toothpick? That's what you'll see here.

Fans of fantasy and fairy tales will enjoy seeing the staples of both being relentlessly spoofed in "Difficulty with Dwarves," and will be left bouncing with anticipation for the next book.