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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Apropos the Villain, December 1, 2002
Woad to Wuin is the second in the Sir Apropos of Nothing series. These novels stand in contrast to Knight Life. They seem to have two primary goals: first, poke fun at most of the sacred cows of fantasy, and, second, have a punny time doing it.
If you missed the first novel, know that Apropos is a non-hero, not an anti-hero; while he is self-centered, lacks courage, has slight empathy, has little ambition, and doesn't respect the property of others, he does has some consideration for others, as long as no harm comes to him. However, the only person he fully trusts is himself and sometimes not even himself.
In this novel, he finds himself in the adventure of Bubo, the hairyfooted dwarf, and is snared by a magic ring that makes him irresistible to women. They force themselves on him and treat him as a sex toy. He is first attacked by Sharee and then by every women with a pulse for miles around. He is rescued by Walker and a band of dwarves, who lead him to the Flaming Nether Regions to dispose of the ring. Afterwards, Apropos returns to Sharee, but she blames him for the sexual gymnastics and tries to zap him with lightning bolts.
After a couple years as a tavern owner, Apropos finds himself caught between Sharee and a LOUDMOUTHED oaf named Beliquose, who burns the house down with Apropos and Sharee inside.
Suddenly Apropos wakes up and finds himself elsewhere...and elsewhen. He is now the Peacelord, leader of a band of conquering, brutal cutthroats. Moreover, he finds that he is invulnerable, with nothing to fear; well, almost nothing. He goes on an orgy of hostile wish fulfillment: conquering, pillaging, and burning. And, best of all, he has a beautiful and lusty consort and bedmate. What more could he ask for? Well, you know Apropos' luck, always ready to turn against him.
Apropos comes out of this episode of total villainy with just a little more empathy and compassion. I would suspect that by the time David is through with him (and us), Apropos just might be a real human being. Stay tuned!
-Arthur W. Jordin
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved It!, August 1, 2003
Finally!! I really enjoyed this book. Once again Peter David put out another nonconventional book. Very interesting how Apropos became a villian, I can see how that would chaff normal fantasy readers (nb I hate characters who are so perfect and pure..."everyone" has something wrong with them) Apropos is my ideal hero. He learns from his mistakes and experiences. Another thing about Apropos's adventures that impress me is that by the end Apropos gains a little bit of wisdom and knowledge. However, Apropos does not come by his knowledge easily it usually takes some kind of massive upheaval for him to make that final decision which pulls him back from his freefall. Apropos kicks ass...he has almost no virtues or morality BUT but you will cheer for him. Even though he is a scoundral, even though he is pitiful, even though he is a liar and and a cheat...you find yourself wishing for him too get a clue, to make that vital last decision, to show some compassion or pity. And sometimes he will surprise you and do just what you want him to.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great humor in a story, and great Depth in a character., August 26, 2002
This book, as the first Apropos novel, is simply a joy to read. You love and hate Apropos throughout the book. Mr. David has written a well balanced book. There are pitched battles, quiet love interludes, comedy, and my favorite great amounts of introspection and philosophy from our self-professed cynic, Apropos. The reader is guided through Apropos' life, by Apropos. This way we get to see everything from his point of view, and at the same time we get to see that view evolve. Apropos is a character who becomes loved by the reader because he is so easy to hate at times. He is honestly one of the most "human" characters I have read in a book in a long while. He is very real. The story is great and driven. There are twists and turns and you never quite know what the whole plot is because you only get a little at a time. Mr. David savors it like a good New York Strip steak, giving us one bite at a time. The dialogue is also great, very witty and humorous. From the mind of a man who reinvented DC Comics' Aquaman, with the Time and Tide 4-issue mini-series, and the subsequent 50 issues that came later; and from the mind who gave a voice to many of the sidekicks of DC's favorite heroes in Young Justice, comes a great story about a man who would not let Destiny/Fate/whatever rule him. A man who would definitely not ride through life as a sidekick. I love this book and cannot wait for the third. If you have not picked up this book or the first I suggest you do so. You will love it. Keep up the good work Peter!
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