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The Good, the Bad and the Smug

YouSpace Book 4
Series: Youspace
3.75 goodreads logo

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( 1,122 ratings, 106 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Good, the Bad and the Smug by Tom Holt is a humorous fantasy tale where goblins, elves, and demons navigate the intricacies of modern economics and politics. The story primarily follows a goblin named J.W. Wells who tries to bring goblin culture into mainstream society while balancing typical challenges and comedic situations. It's an imaginative blend of satire and fantasy, filled with quirky characters and witty scenarios.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have a fondness for witty and satirical takes on fantasy worlds. It offers a humorous twist on fairy-tale conventions, with an array of quirky characters and unexpected adventures. If you appreciate a blend of clever comedy and fantastical storytelling, this novel could be a delightful addition to your reading list.

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A witty fantasy novel of good, evil and everything inbetween, from one of Britain's best-loved comic writers - perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams

* Review copy mailing to the genre and national press * Featured on www.orbitbooks.net and in the Orbit ezine * Author website at www.tom-holt.com

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
'This is a must-read for those who grew up in awe of The Phantom Tollbooth... Holt achieves near-perfection in his new comic fantasy.' - Publishers Weekly, starred review 'Exceedingly clever and funny.' - RT Book Reviews

New Evil.

Same as the Old Evil, but with better PR.

Mordak isn't bad, as far as goblin kings go, but when someone, or something, starts pumping gold into the human kingdoms it puts his rule into serious jeopardy. Suddenly he's locked in an arms race with a species whose arms he once considered merely part of a calorie-controlled diet.

Helped by an elf with a background in journalism and a master's degree in being really pleased with herself, Mordak sets out to discover what on earth (if indeed, that's where he is) is going on. He knows that the truth is out there. If only he could remember where he put it.

A witty fantasy novel of good, evil, and everything in between, from one of Britain's best-loved comic writers - perfect for fans of Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams.

Books by Tom Holt:

Walled Orchard Series
  • Goatsong
  • The Walled Orchard
J.W. Wells & Co. Series
  • The Portable Door
  • In Your Dreams
  • Earth, Air, Fire and Custard
  • You Don't Have to Be Evil to Work Here, But It Helps
  • The Better Mousetrap
  • May Contain Traces of Magic
  • Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Sausages
YouSpace Series
  • Doughnut
  • When It's A Jar
  • The Outsorcerer's Apprentice
  • The Good, the Bad and the Smug
Novels
  • Expecting Someone Taller
  • Who's Afraid of Beowulf
  • Flying Dutch
  • Ye Gods!
  • Overtime
  • Here Comes the Sun
  • Grailblazers
  • Faust Among Equals
  • Odds and Gods
  • Djinn Rummy
  • My Hero
  • Paint Your Dragon
  • Open Sesame
  • Wish You Were Here
  • Alexander at World's End
  • Only Human
  • Snow White and the Seven Samurai
  • Olympiad
  • Valhalla
  • Nothing But Blue Skies
  • Falling Sideways
  • Little People
  • Song for Nero
  • Meadowland
  • Barking
  • Blonde Bombshell
  • The Management Style of the Supreme Beings
  • An Orc on the Wild Side

Series: Youspace

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  • The Good, the Bad and the Smug
    'This is a must-read for those who grew up in awe of The Phantom Tollbooth... Holt achieves near-perfection in his new comic fantasy.' - Publishers Weekly, starred review 'Exceedingly clever and funny.' - RT Book Reviews New Evil. Same as the Old Evil, but with better PR. Mordak isn't bad, as far as goblin kings go, but when someone, or...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Good, the Bad and the Smug by Tom Holt delivers a uniquely twisted narrative filled with cracking gags, according to the Guardian. The Mail on Sunday describes it as gratifyingly clever and very amusing, highlighting its engaging humour and wit.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780356502557

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 July 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Orbit

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 270g

Pages: 368

About the Author

Tom Holt was born in London in 1961. At Oxford he studied bar billiards, ancient Greek agriculture and the care and feeding of small, temperamental Japanese motorcycle engines. These interests led him, perhaps inevitably, to qualify as a solicitor and emigrate to Somerset, where he specialised in death and taxes for seven years before going straight in 1995. He lives in Chard, Somerset, with his wife and daughter. He also writes as K. J. Parker.

Also by Tom Holt

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    The doughnut is a thing of beauty. A circle of fried doughy perfection. A source of comfort in trying times, perhaps. For Theo Bernstein, however, it is far, far more. Things have been going pretty badly for Theo Bernstein. An unfortunate accident at work lost him his job (and his work involved a Very Very Large Hadron Collider, so he's...
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    Welcome to Dawson, Ahriman & Dawson! The team of commercial sorcerers at Dawson, Ahriman & Dawson can help with any metaphysical engineering project, large or small. (Though by definition, they all tend to be pretty large.) They can also create massive great puddles of chaos that might one day swallow up the entire universe. Take, for example, the decision to...
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  • The Portable Door
    Starting a new job is always stressful (especially when you don't particularly want one), but when Paul Carpenter arrives at the office of H.W. Wells, he has no idea what trouble lies in store. Because he is about to discover that the apparently respectable establishment now paying his salary is, in fact, a front for a deeply sinister organisation that...
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  • The Management Style of the Supreme Beings
    β€˜Highly amusing ... Eloquently snarky prose’ - Publishers Weekly β€˜Inventively entertaining ... makes you both laugh out loud and stop and think’ - SFX When the Supreme Being and his son decide that being supreme isn't for them anymore, it's inevitable that things get a bit of a shake-up. It soon becomes apparent that our new owners, the Venturi brothers,...
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  • An Orc on the Wild Side
    An Orc on the Wild Side is the latest comic masterpiece from one of the funniest writers in fantasy. WINTER IS COMING, SO WHY NOT GET AWAY FROM IT ALL? Being the Dark Lord and Prince of Evil is not as much fun as it sounds, particularly if you are a basically decent person. King Mordak is just such a...
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