From Publishers Weekly
In this light, fizzy brew of a quest fantasy from Rabe (
The Finest Challenge), a thieving but charming young gnome, Fenzighan "Fenzig" Wiznagrik, is caught red-handed in King Erlgrane's treasure trove. To avoid punishment, he agrees to steal three precious emeralds from Erlgrane's rival, Duke Rehmir of K'Nosha—the gnome's assignment made all the more dangerous by a wizard's spell that will kill him should he not return with the jewels in two weeks. En route to the duke's castle, Fenzig meets a traveling performer and gifted thief who goes by the name of Carmen the Magnificent. But Carmen turns out to be more than meets the eye, and the two thieves join forces to foil Erlgrane's devious plans to usurp Rehmir's fortune. Readers of all ages will find simple pleasures in this traditional hobbit-inspired fantasy.
(Mar.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist
Caught robbing King Erlgame's treasure room, little Fenzig, a gnome (and professional thief), faces a painful death unless he runs "an errand" for the king by stealing three flawless emeralds from Duke Rehmir. Intending to just run away, he agrees, but Erlgame's wizard places a homing spell on him, which will kill him if he doesn't return with the emeralds within two weeks. Thus begins a tale of perilous adventure leavened by a great deal of humor, in which Duke Rehmir also catches Fenzig and also sends him on a mission that he can't refuse--and live. What a dilemma for the little rascal, who finds his scruples (he actually has some) as well as his bravado being challenged. This is rather a romp of a fantasy, full of likable and malicious characters.
Sally EstesCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
