Escape to a world of fantasy with Tarquin REVIEW

• Published date: 28 September 2022

Gareth Ward (Bateman, $35)

Reviewed by Louse Ward,

Wardini Books

Set in a fantasy world recognisable to any players of role playing games, we will meet dwarves, dragons and ddraigs in this story, but let’s begin with Tarquin.

He’s a wizard on a quest to find a golden gauntlet, reasons for which will be revealed. Tarquin is an accomplished magician, flanked by his reluctant sidekick Luna, a gnome, and a thieving rogue to boot.

Along the course of their wanderings Tarquin and Luna team up with Akra, a ddraig, lizard-like creature of whom Tarquin is suspicious, and brawny Uustin, a half orc of great beauty and little brain.

They all have their reasons for tagging along, and Tarquin is their supercilious, unelected leader, relating their adventures in a first person narrative.

Tarquin deals in a kind of self-delusion. His deeds are legend and you’ve probably heard of him (no-one has), he is nothing if not honest (but cleverly bends the...