Pickled Magic

Pickled Magic - Richard J. Watts

Witches and Quests continues the tale of Walter Farmfound, Marlyn's only apprentice not currently doing the doggy paddle and attempting to hold their breath in large Kilner jars hidden somewhere on the shelves of the Senior Wizard's penthouse laboratory.

The story follows Walter - if he can discover the way back to Ay-Mezz from wherever he's disappeared himself to - as, for only the second time in four years, he is to leave behind the sprawling city of Vikksaporubb and embark upon his Master's quest in search of a powerful and reclusive witch who lives in Touch Wood and who may, or may not be all that she appears to be at first glance. But not before we learn far too much about Prince Rupert and his sister, Princess (Randy, but never to her face) Mandy. About Wild Magic, the Zone of Shadows, sword fighting and medieval glamping.

The whirlwind pace of the anarchic journey begins as Walter, the Royal Twins, Gart and the privy-mouthed Seeker, Wizard Mufti set out on their seemingly impossible mission to bring home the prophesised and all-powerful (allegedly) magical talisman; and perhaps discover the whereabouts of long-lost Queen Bellabrust if they're lucky.

Witches and Quests introduces us to the irresistible Sea Trolls, riotous Hellves and the possibility of an inter-species war; or at the very least some loud shouting and several items of deliberately-thrown, edged cutlery. There's Wild Magic that still knows no bounds, the decadent Twins who definitely have no respectable boundaries and possibly far too many Eeeks! to make camping a fun and exciting outdoor adventure.

There are surprises and laughter at every turn of the page, so what more does a comic fantasy novel require? Perhaps an unhinged duck, a loosely-hinged sorcerer, a handful of wraiths, a very boney boat, chrysanthemums, a professional King's Paladin who can't sit on a horse without falling off and wagons filled with soft cushions and covered in sparkly tassels. But probably still no wands.

But before Walter's seemingly impossible quest begins the story first takes us back to his old life and formally introduces us to his step-parents, which perhaps illustrates why the apprentice so dearly wishes for magic . . . any magic, and possibly why he, and particularly his older step-brother, may live to regret he made that wish in the first place; because what book doesn't have a little iron(y) and steel woven into its fluffy pages?