Is A Song of Ice and Haddock Really Funny?

A Song of Ice and Haddock by Keven Shevels is a riotously funny and unapologetically absurd parody of the fantasy genre. Its mix of clever wordplay, genre satire, and nostalgic British humour

Synopsis: A Song of Ice and Haddock

A Song of Ice and Haddock by Keven Shevels is an uproariously irreverent romp through a comedic fantasy landscape that parodies classic tropes in a style reminiscent of Monty Python and Terry Pratchett.

The story introduces readers to Ivor the Dogsbreath, a tinker cursed with halitosis so legendary it earned him his dubious moniker. Equipped with his ancestral, rickety cart, Ivor lives a nomadic life until fate—or possibly misfortune—ropes him into an unlikely band of companions:

• A towering barbarian with a penchant for smashing first and asking questions never.
• A profanity-spewing, pint-sized dwarf.
• A flamboyant elf with a penchant for flair.

Together, this ragtag crew embarks on a hilariously chaotic quest to exact vengeance and rescue the unfortunately named Princess Poolipong from the sinister Dark Lord of Cumquat. Along the way, absurdity reigns supreme, with biting wit, bawdy jokes, and over-the-top antics filling every page.

With its unapologetically adult humour and razor-sharp satire, A Song of Ice and Haddock delights in poking fun at the epic fantasy genre, twisting archetypes into ridiculous caricatures, and delivering belly laughs in spades. If you’re a fan of parodic fantasy that doesn’t take itself seriously, this hilarious tale will leave you in stitches.

Review: A Song of Ice and Haddock

A Song of Ice and Haddock by Keven Shevels is a delightfully absurd comic fantasy that parodies the tropes and conventions of the fantasy genre with sharp wit and playful irreverence. The novel centres on Colon the Barbarian, a hapless hero on a quest for vengeance against the Dark Lord, who murdered his brother, Anal the Barbarian. Yes, the humour starts with the names and continues from there, setting the tone for a hilariously offbeat adventure.

Strengths:

1. Effective Comedy: Humour is notoriously difficult to pull off in written form, but Shevels excels, delivering laugh-out-loud moments. From clever wordplay (e.g., “winter draws near” misheard as “winter drawers near”) to situational humour, the book embraces silliness while poking fun at the fantasy genre. A running gag about Anal’s name underscores the novel’s penchant for cheeky, juvenile comedy, but it’s balanced with clever nods to British comedy traditions from the mid-20th century.
2. Parody Done Right: The book playfully lampoons fantasy archetypes and settings, with its most notable spoof being the exaggerated, Tolkien-inspired villains and the over-the-top hero archetypes. Shevels’s use of genre clichés is intentionally ridiculous, making the novel a meta commentary on fantasy storytelling.
3. Nostalgic British Humour: Fans of classic British TV and radio comedies will appreciate the references and comedic style, reminiscent of Monty Python and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It’s a blend of slapstick, absurdity, and wordplay.

Considerations:

• Childish Humour: Much of the comedy relies on lowbrow humour, such as the recurring jokes about Anal’s name, which may not appeal to all readers. However, this simplicity is part of the book’s charm for those who enjoy unapologetic silliness.
• Dated References: Some jokes and cultural nods may feel outdated or unfamiliar to younger readers, particularly those rooted in British comedy from the 50s to 70s.
• Problematic Character Name: The inclusion of a character named after a dated slur, while not used offensively in the text, could be jarring for some readers. This aspect reflects the author’s attempt at satire but may require a nuanced perspective to appreciate.

Final Verdict:

A Song of Ice and Haddock is a riotously funny and unapologetically absurd parody of the fantasy genre. Its mix of clever wordplay, genre satire, and nostalgic British humour ensures an engaging read for fans of comic fantasy and irreverent storytelling. While some humour may lean heavily on juvenile or dated elements, Shevels balances these with enough charm and wit to make the novel stand out. Readers with a love for classic British comedy and a tolerance for silliness will find much to enjoy in this light-hearted romp.

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