Dead Man's Hand by James J. Butcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sometime last year I stumbled upon the strangest thing: Jim Butcher's son, writing classy, fun UF like his dad. I thought to myself that I probably should give it a gander, forgot about it, came back, forgot about it, then eventually kicked myself in my magical ass and finally READ IT.

Funny thing.

I loved it.

Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby is one of those rather down-on-his-luck young mages with very little going for him. He's working a minimum wage mage gig at a knock off McD and I probably couldn't feel more sorry for him if I tried. Sure, he's got a few skills, but the bindings are pretty much on par with parlor tricks, and getting set up with a murder rap and convincing a gruff bounty hunter to help keep him alive while he attempts to clear his name is all both immensely familiar and, in this case, delightful.

Grimshaw Griswald Grimsby is SUCH a hapless youthful idiot.

I swear, reading this was like eating green jello. Kid memories just kept flying in as I enjoyed the jiggly text, the sweet and slippery on my tongue, and the absolute need to grin at the simple pleasure. Hope you enjoy the synesthesia.

While normal UF is more popcorny, this is really a classic, cool, after-school treat. James is cool all on his own. No need to bring up his dad. I can't wait to pick up the next.



Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews might be interested in reading my own SF, I'm going to be open to DM requests. I think it's about time I get some eyes on them.

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