A Multitude Of Monsters (The Exploits of Ebenezum, Bk. 2) [Paperback]

Craig Shaw Gardner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1986

"A fun romp. The field needs more humorists of this caliber." (Robert Asprin)

While seeking a cure for his malady of magicks, the suffering sorcerer Ebenezum and his hapless apprentice are rudely interrupted by militant monsters with a cause.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Ace; later printing edition (September 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441545238
• ISBN-13: 978-0441545230
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,079,750 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as the first, April 15, 2002

By 

E. A Solinas "ea_solinas" (MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Multitude Of Monsters (The Exploits of Ebenezum, Bk. 2) (Paperback)

The first book of the Ebenezum trilogy, "Malady of Magicks," is one of the funniest works of fantasy ever written. The sequel, "Multitude of Monsters," is not quite up to the same level of excellence. It felt like Gardner (whose first book was originally a cluster of short stories) was still getting used to the whole "novel" way of writing.

This novel picks up where "Malady" left off, with the magic-allergic wizard Ebenezum, his hormone-addled apprentice Wuntvor, the relentlessly truthful demon Snarks, and the none-too-swift-but-has-a-big-club warrior Hendrek ("Doom!"). They're still heading for the City of Forbidden Delights (and Wuntvor still can't wait), but they encounter unexpected delays in the form of Brownies, Brax the Salesdemon ("Along with your hellishly small fine print!"), the beautiful witch Norei, and a collection of magical beasties who want equal recognition as unicorns. (There is a unicorn too, who appears a little obsessed with pointing out that Wuntvor is a virgin) Any problems? Well, the demons are invading, and Ebenezum seems to have gotten himself into a giant shoe...

This is quite different in its layout. While the first book was a series of interconnected vignettes, this is a single, longer story. As a result, there is a different feel to it. Gardner seems to get a little stuck on some continuing themes (like the monster organization) and they last a little longer and become a little more serious than they should.

That said, the characters are as delightful as ever. Poor Ebenezum still sneezes up a storm whenever he's near magic; Wuntvor falls instantly in love with any female characters nearby him. Hendrek is not as full-fleshed as the others; Snarks is still great fun, though a little less prominent. Other faves like the "Damsel and the Dragon" show up, as does the deliciously slimy salesdemon Brax and the fearsome Guxx Unfufadoo.

His humor is as fresh and witty as ever, full of lunatic situations and the crazy spells. The dialogue is just believable enough, without being too kooky. (There are some fantasy novels where you half-expect to hear a laugh track)

Oh, and "Bog Womblers." You'll know it when you see it. Good fun, and on to "Night in the Netherhells." (What say the publisher reprints the Wuntvor books, hmm?)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I don't know about you, but I'm all for Brownie Power!, October 18, 2002

By 

Amberblade (New England, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Multitude Of Monsters (The Exploits of Ebenezum, Bk. 2) (Paperback)

This book was about as good as the first. Mainly the same characters, and, well, the same plot, because they have not yet reached the city of a thousand delights.
The one this that I really enjoyed about this book was Tap, the Brownie. I don't know why, but I loved that little guy. To me, he and the other Brownies were the best part of this series.
There were some funny moments, such as when the enchanted shoe took the floor at the monsters convention, but overall it was just okay.
I'm still hoping that the next book will have a bit more depth, and maybe a little more development in the characters.
And, as the city of delights seems to have disappeared, I think I can guess what the plot of the next novel will be. So, I hope that they come up with an interesting way to rescue the city from the foul clutches of the Netherhells.
So far, this series is not a favorite of mine (I like my humorous fantasy to be funnier than I found these to be) but I have hopes for the last book. It promises to be very....interesting.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious and Side-splitting, January 9, 2002

By 

"soule_crane" (Palm Bay, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Multitude Of Monsters (The Exploits of Ebenezum, Bk. 2) (Paperback)

One of the funniest series of books I have ever read, it is also a contender for most often read/lent as well. Although I don't, as a rule, like 'funny fantasy', I am very glad I didn't turn my nose up at this. It is great to see this back in print. If you have even a tiny sense of humor and like fantasy, this book (and the rest in the series) will keep you in stitches. Especially the 'book excerpts' at the beginning of each chapter.