Book Review: Coins and Kobolds by D.C. Redd
Synopsis
Oh gods no, not a dragon. Could this job get any harder?
The crazy old wizard only said Gruntarg needed to deliver a package. Nothing about murderous elves or dragons. He certainly didn't mention kobolds. Yet, here she was, glorified delivery service, compelled to continue through any danger to save her clan.
Meanwhile Mrith'throdenaurix searches for his lost coin. He couldn't have misplaced it. No, a thief. Maybe an elf, or one of the formicidae? Is that orc-scent in the air?
Will Gruntarg deliver the package before the elves catch her? Or will the dragon's quest for a lost treasure burn her up before it has a chance? What in the hells is in this package anyway?
The Review
This is an interesting and imaginative story that could have made a fantastic read for children, had it not been absolutely riddled with f-bombs. The constant swearing, while perhaps meant for comedic or stylistic effect, really undermines the otherwise whimsical and adventurous tone of the tale. It's a shame, because underneath the coarse language lies a genuinely engaging and well-crafted narrative.
One of the story’s strongest points is the dynamic between the various fantasy creatures involved. The interactions between the elves, kobolds, an orc, and an entirely original creature are both clever and entertaining. The relationships feel authentic and contribute a great deal to the story’s charm and momentum. The premise is simple yet intriguing: an orc is hired by a wizard to deliver a mysterious package to someone—or something—named in a cryptic note. Unbeknownst to the orc, the name she’s been given actually belongs to a dragon. This twist sets up a series of unexpected and amusing events that unfold with a good mix of tension and humour.
That said, one recurring issue was the dragon names. They are almost impossible to pronounce or remember, which pulled me out of the story a few times. It’s a minor gripe, but one that made parts of the dialogue harder to follow.
Another small complaint is that we’re never actually told what the mysterious package contains. While this doesn’t affect the story’s resolution, it did leave me feeling slightly unsatisfied—I like a good mystery, but I also enjoy some payoff.
Overall, I’d give this one 3.5 stars. It’s a fun read with a strong concept and colourful characters, but the excessive swearing and needlessly complex dragon names hold it back. A clean version would easily bump this up to 4.5 stars.
