Triumff - Dan Abnett

Abnett is already pretty well known for his Black Library and BBC books, but Triumff is his first totally Dan novel. I pretty quickly came to the conclusion that this is what it would look like is William Shakespeare and Rowan Atkinson got together to write a novel after a night on the town with Terry Pratchett (that's a very good thing if you wondered). There are plenty of little Shakespeare references that make it feel like a cozy in joke and some of the same sense of character that the Blackadder series' gave us (insane royals, schemers and oddballs), then of course there is the introduction of the magickians all of which gives us the overall feel that someone is having an awful lot of fun. Dan, presumably.

The sense of familiarity is in the little touches, the nod and a wink, the relentless & joyful punning, it makes it easy to settle directly into something that is actually quite different. Oh and yes, some of the jokes are groaners but that is actually part of the charm.

Nothing is sacred, Clint Eastwood, Bond, all of pop culture is at threat and incidentally anyone know what "dresden" means? I'd quote you but fo rtwo things, 1) I read an uncorrected proof so I don't know if anything changed. 2) I was giggling away happily as I discovered each new victim of Dan's humour and would not wish to rob you of the same journey.

In spite of the general silliness and fun Dan manages to create a successfully sinister undertone from early on. There is of course plotting, intrigue and treason and although Triumff may laugh off most of the threats to his wellbeing there is a thread of nastiness that reminds you Abnett is not known for writing hugs and puppies.

As the book progresses the plot thickens and becomes increasingly dark and sinister, the humour becoming a lighter touch and the tension drawn tighter. There is a good plot, suitably complex, well drawn characters and a dramatic climax. More than that, like any good play, I liked all the people I was supposed to like and the villains were all suitable for melodramatic booing and hissing. I was rooting for he good guys on this one. Triumff was a triumph. (oh I know, but read it and that will seem oddly fitting).

This is a delightful, often original and hugely entertaining read.

We have an interview with Dan coming up so visit again soon.