Thundrhed!

Adventure. Don't overthink it.

Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
137 Pages
Reviewed on 02/08/2024
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Damon Wolfe began life as a letter-writing automaton crafted by a Swiss watchmaker. The advent of personal computing, followed by that of A.I. writing software, greatly expanded his capabilities. All he did was type the prompt: “humourous vikingish adventure” into a computer program and out poured the whole book. It’s all too easy, really.
When not doing mundane things that you don’t care about, he divides his time between adventurous barbarians, pirates, dragons, monsters, space ships and existential crises, little of which he takes seriously. He has no presence on social media because he doesn’t want one, nor does he maintain a blog, website or agent, or carefully developed opinions about such things. He blames much of this on listening to Billy Connolly albums and reading Fritz Leiber. He could have been Dostoevsky! But no, here’s THUNDRHED!, all in caps, with an exclamation point and it’s spelt wrong. It’s meant to be. He can be contacted through readersfavorite (the purple button next to the book cover).

Do authors always refer to themselves in the third person when penning these little bios, or does someone else write them? Maybe he should have pursued traditional publishing.
Damon Wolfe’s next book will likely be a novella-length piece entitled PIRATE SCUM!, but that’s been on a back burner for twenty-five years, so don’t hold your breath.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Rich Follett for Readers' Favorite

Thundrhed! by Damon Wolfe has so much to offer fantasy devotees that it is hard to know where to begin to sing its praises. Simply put, its protagonist, Thundrhed, is one of the most intoxicatingly quirky epic heroes ever to grace the pages of a debut in the genre. As Damon Wolfe renders, Thundrhed is equal parts Ragnor Lothbrok, Martha Stewart, MacGyver, and Candide. While these ingredients seem so disparate as to be forever distant, they converge in Thundrhed’s character in unexpected and often touching ways. In his quest to get the better of a local cheapskate (to whom he has been selling the turkeys he raises), Thundrhed sets off to seek his fortune in the wider world, seemingly (and hilariously) unaware of both his startling naiveté and his formidable epic hero skillset. Thundrhed!’s narrative has it all—villains, evil forces, mystic prophecies, treasure, monsters, impossible odds, wrong turns, harrowing brushes with death, a damsel in distress, and even wee dragons.

Damon Wolfe’s writing style is so extraordinary as to border on being magical. Every paragraph of Thundrhed! features a prodigious vocabulary that teeters delightfully on the brink of being florid but never indulges in obfuscation. Thundrhed! seems to have descended from logophile heaven. In addition, the bouquet of mind-bending, laugh-out-loud similes on nearly every page is both intoxicating and addicting. Once begun, Thundrhed! is all but impossible to put down. Fortunately, the text is novella length—suitable for reading in one sitting, although you will want to go back and savor prized passages many times. Damon Wolfe’s Thundrhed! is the rarest kind of quick-witted romp through a literary landscape that is both charmingly preposterous and wickedly ingenious.

K.C. Finn

Thundrhed! is a work of fiction in the epic fantasy, adventure, and comedy fiction subgenres. The work is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Damon Wolfe. In this delightfully spoofy fantasy adventure, we meet an endearing but ultimately rash protagonist in the impulsive glory seeker Thundrhed, who wishes for riches, wenches, fame, and precious discoveries. As he blunders through his adventures in a world of swords, sorcery, dragons, and damsels, Thundrhed must face the consequences of his ill-advised actions and the inevitable trouble that he causes everywhere he goes.

Author Damon Wolfe has crafted a hilarious work of fantasy that is sure to tickle the funny bones of fans of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Yonderland, Galivant, and other medieval-styled spoofs. There was something gloriously playful about the narrative, almost like a friend describing a rather drunken night’s gameplay of Dungeons and Dragons that went gleefully off-piste but with plenty of atmospheric charm, descriptions, and dialogue to fully realize the tale. Thundrhed is easy to imagine as our lumbering rock-star-wannabe hero, and I found myself rooting for him despite the fact that he most definitely got himself into almost every mess that befell him during the wild goose chases of the plot. For such a concise read, this novella packs in a lot of action and adventure with a laugh a minute. Overall, I absolutely loved Thundrhed! and I can’t wait to see what more this author has in store for us.

Pikasho Deka

Who doesn't love stories featuring tough barbarian berserkers with big swords and even bigger tempers? Thundrhed! by Damon Wolfe is the story of one such barbarian. Thundrhed has a lot to live up to, walking in the footsteps of his famous no-nonsense warrior of a grandfather in Gruj the Wrecker. After building a well-earned reputation for a fondness of inns and a fight now and again, Thundrhed is ready to set off on the adventure of a lifetime. While hopping from one town to the next, trying to sell his poultry, Thundrhed comes across a priest from Tsyn-Uis, who tells him of the Forbidden Temple with unimaginable riches of treasures and a rusted sword of power. Battling monsters, men, and indulgences, Thunderhead is now determined to carve his name in the annals of history.

Part parody and part action-adventure fantasy, Thundrhed! is a hilarious rollercoaster you don't want to miss out on. Damon Wolfe infuses the perfect blend of humor, action, and magic to tell the story of a beer-loving barbarian on an epic adventure quest. The narrative tone is akin to books by Sir Terry Pratchett, with a potent mix of comedy and satire that entertains you from beginning to end. The plot is well-paced, and Wolfe's smooth prose makes the book a joy. Thundrhed is such a delightfully amusing character that you can't help laughing out loud at his antics. Imagine Conan the Barbarian with an affinity for drunken brawls and luscious wenches, and you will end up with something like Thundrhed. I was thoroughly entertained, and if you're looking for a laugh or two, this is just the book for you.

Bryone Peters

In Thundrhed! by Damon Wolfe, the protagonist, Thundrhed, is the son of Gruj, the Wrecker. He decides to leave turkey farming and go on a journey. First, he gets exceedingly drunk. On his tavern-hopping trips and between, a strange priest-like stranger asks for help, knowing about him and his father, Gruj. The stranger says that his dad is alive. His father set sail many years ago on a perilous journey but was never heard of again. Thundrhed uses his sword to defend himself. Together with pure wit, he manages to get himself out of several life-threatening situations. He faces mythical creatures and demons that protect the chambers in and around the treasure. He even rescues, in a modern-day gentleman-like way, a female in distress.

In Thundrhed! by Damon Wolfe, the writing is exceptional. Wolfe shows an ability to use unique expressions and new and creative ways. Wolfe’s innovative writing gave me pause to reflect on the novelty of his descriptions. Wolfe delivers intellectually stimulating prose wrapped up in a treasure adventure. Most of the action is good-natured. The title made me think that barbarians would fight each other, but it was much more than that. There are plenty of hilarious moments. The dialogue is witty and funny as well. The protagonist is a likable character. After he sobers up, things get more exciting as he changes from a passive to a more active role. The part where he goes treasure-hunting but must get through cryptic codes and wordings was fun and exhilarating.

Lexie Fox

Thundrhed! penned by Damon Wolfe is a work of fiction in the action and fantasy genres and is suitable for mature audiences. This rollicking adventure follows Thundrhed, a fearless and sometimes reckless protagonist with a short attention span. Thundrhed's journey to search for treasures sees us meeting the likes of monsters, hangovers, and a stuffed mongoose. On his mesmerizing travels, we quickly realize Thundrhed is not stupid, he is just impulsive, making him a refreshing departure from the usual high-minded fantasy heroes. Damon Wolfe's writing style is fast-paced and unapologetically irreverent. It sets the tone for a story that doesn't take itself too seriously and will have you gripped from the moment you pick the book up.

Damon Wolfe's storytelling prowess shines through in his use of language, character, and razor-sharp insight as he weaves an original and constantly engaging tale of mayhem, sword-swinging action, and hilarious escapades that will keep you hooked from start to finish. This book is a wild and unpredictable ride that leaves diplomacy behind in favor of a barbarian's blunt approach to problem-solving. Wolfe's writing style is fast-paced and rambunctious, setting the tone for a tale that will have you turning the pages. Whilst this novella is an excellent and exciting yarn that is more than capable of standing alone, I would love to see more of Thundrhed's misadventures should the author feel he has a series in him. In conclusion, Thundrhed! is a delightful escape that delivers exactly what it promises: adventure without the need for overthinking, setting it apart from other stories in the genre. I highly recommend it.

Jamie Michele

Turkey farming becomes a madcap adventure, or at least the tale of Thundrhed is in the adventure novella Thundrhed! by Damon Wolfe. After offloading his merchandise, Thundrhed does a pub crawl that goes downhill fast and he's chased about until there's nothing left to do except pass out drunk. A bumpy carriage ride and other unconventional modes of transportation lead to a posh city that Thundrhed has no business being in except for the turkey money that is burning a hole in his pocket. Thundrhed ventures into places that he should not go, being Thundrhed, he does. This leads to a deadly encounter that he will either bumble his way out of or fail miserably.

Every once in a while, life hands you something to smile about, and today, for me, that broad smile came in the form of an unlikely man in the novella Thundrhed! by Damon Wolfe. In my mind, I picture Thundrhed to be the spitting image of Hägar the Horrible, but Thundrhed is a man without ties to any one person or community except his turkeys. He has a freedom that most of us can only dream of and the escapism given by Wolfe is a gift that should be accepted in the spirit it is intended: with humor. Wolfe weaves Thundrhed's tale through thought and conversation, with ancillary characters briefly but earnestly placed along the way. At the end of the day, Thundrhed is the hero nobody expects but everyone will appreciate.

Doreen Chombu

Thundrhed the Valkar lived a simple reclusive life. He spent his days farming, trading turkeys, consuming beer, and singing his heart out. One day, Thundrhed made the drastic decision to travel away from his village on business after his distributor Frūgel the Elf tried to swindle him. He made more money by cutting out the middleman and selling the turkeys himself in Wodanhorde. He decided to explore what the place offered by visiting local inns. Unfortunately, Thundrhed’s adventure was interrupted by a strange man with snake eyes who claimed to be an immortal priest. The man tried to enlist his help to retrieve a powerful sword. He wasn't interested in the quest until the stranger informed him that his grandfather Gruj the wrecker, who had set out on a mindless quest to kill a dragon, was still alive. Tempted by the possibility of rescuing his grandfather, Thundrhed decided to take on the mission. Get a copy of Thundrhed! by Damon Wolfe to join him on his wild adventure.

Thundrhed! is one of the funniest novels I have ever read. The witty dialogue and Thundrhed’s naivety were the highlights of the story. Thundrhed is not the smartest, but his sword-wielding skills and appreciation of architecture and modern civilization make him an admirable character. He also has a soft spot for damsels in distress, which makes him even more appealing. Damon Wolfe has created great characters and an intriguing mythological plot. The book has unique names of places, creatures, and origin stories, and the author paints picture-perfect descriptions with his words. Details like forbidden temples, ancient wars, and serpent gods made me curious and kept me glued to the pages. I enjoyed this book and cannot wait to read more from this author because Thundrhed’s journey has just begun, and there is more to come.

Asher Syed

Thundrhed! by Damon Wolfe follows the titular Thundrhed, a turkey farmer from Valka, as he navigates the intricacies of trade and explores the city of Wodanhorde. He hires Bodir Vardan's barge to transport his turkeys, successfully sells his stock in the city, and opens an account with the Valkar Bank. He briefly joins Cilia and her friends at the Listing Ferret Tavern and later encounters Hambone the Barbarian at the Raving Pike, resulting in chaos. After some rest at the Painted Moose Inn, he explores and learns about Tsyn-Issa and the Throne of Tsyn-Uis. Before heading to Tsynai, he takes himself on a shopping spree that turns into adventures involving a forbidden temple, a rescue mission, a daring escape, a kidnapped sacrifice, and maybe a boat ride.

If you're looking for a few solid chuckles and a belly laugh, Thundrhed! by Damon Wolfe is the best place to start. The book is lighthearted fare that packs a big, humorous punch and has a main character that will give you secondhand embarrassment in the best possible way. The writing is straightforward and mostly dialogue. This goes a long way in fleshing out the characters, and Wolfe seems to know that you can tell a lot about a person by the stuff that flows from their mouth. One character has a weeping skin condition, and thankfully, it's just their words that we come into contact with. Wolfe took me to places I think I'd like to see and into messes I would be happy to see more of, and as far as adventure comedies go, I'm glad I found this one. Very highly recommended.

Luwi Nyakansaila

Adventure, mythology, and comedy collide in Thundrhed!, an epic fantasy novel by Damon Wolfe. The book follows the tale of Thundrhed, an uneducated man who inherited a turkey farm from his grandfather, Gruj the wrecker, a man who pledged to kill a dragon with his bare hands and eat its heart. Most men would say Thundrhed is a hero blessed by the gods, while others will claim he is a crazy man. The priest of Tsyn-Ui, a mysterious man with weird eyes, believes he is destined for great things. Thundrhed is tasked to find the key to his dreams, a sword of power in a rusted iron box that lies beneath the throne of Tsyn-Uis, in the Forbidden Temple. Will he succeed?

I had fun reading Thundrhed! because it is entertaining and fascinating. From the beautiful title designs to the intriguing characters and captivating storyline, I loved everything. Thundrhed is the core of this story, and his personality makes him likable. He has little quirks, such as his need to look up every new word in the dictionary, and an indifference to everything around him. Damon Wolfe uses comedy and suspense to grab the reader's attention. The story and mythology are unique and have elements of sarcasm and satire. The action scenes in this book are gruesome and quick, and the author does a great job of describing everything that is happening. I would not recommend this book to children because it contains violence and profane words. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading epic fantasy novels with loads of action and comedy.

Damon Wolfe

Hi.
I’m Damon Wolfe, author of THUNDRHED!, and I’m dropping you a line to let you know that my book will be available free to readers from 1/9/23 to 30/9/23. I self-published THUNDRHED! Through Draft2Digital a couple of years ago, whereon it sank like a rock among tens of thousands of other self-published titles. Hooray for the digital revolution. It has had five star reviews from the few people who have read it (all eight of them) and you can find some of those on readers favorite. My purpose in writing this is to get my book in front of actual readers, and what the hell, I might as well give it away free since it only sold four copies, three of which I bought.
I do believe that THUNDRHED! Is better than a lot of the crap that’s out there and that it’s worth your time, but don’t take my word for it when you can download it free.

Sayonara, Damon Wolfe.