In the Company of Ogres
by A. Lee Martinez
As the saying goes, we all live lives of quiet desperation, and death is no different. From the moment we take in our first breath, we wake up every morning expecting the Grim Reaper right around every corner. But what would happen if that wasn’t the case? What if our bodies were so impervious to disease and misfortune that our potential demise was irrelevant? Well, that is exactly the premise behind A. Lee Martinez’s paranormal fantasy novel, “In the Company of Ogres”
Set in a far off, far-flung universe, the 352 page tome revolves around Never Dead Ned, a human accountant and mercenary with a particular talent for dying and coming back, again and again and again. By his own account, the number of times he’s been mauled, crushed and torn to shreds are too numerous to count. In fact, he’s grown so used to being undead that he’s become cynical about life. So cynical, in fact, the prospect of dying-and staying dead-is the only source of relief for him. But all that changes once the Legion gives him his marching orders transferring him from his desk job to a job on the frontlines training a misfit company of orcs, goblins and ogres known ignominiously as Ogre Company.
From the moment he touches ground, Ned faces an uphill battle. Not only is the Citadel ill-trained and ill-disciplined, the unit also lacks enthusiasm for their jobs. Making matters worse, he has to navigate a difficult terrain of relationships, from a wary ogre, Frank, to a pair of women vying for his affection. On top of that, he also has a tight deadline-get the unit in shape in six month’s time, or ship out. To say he has a headache is an understatement.
But when a wizard threatens the safety of the Citadel, not to mention the fate of the Universe, the unit bands together behind Ned, fighting along his side. There are setbacks to be sure. At one point Ned is crushed accidentally by one of his aides. Yet as he faces down the threat, he matures, learning about the value of courage, love, and yes, his own life. What emerges is a nuanced figure, comfortable with his circumstances, yet willing to spend every second to the fullest.
An Alex award winner, “In the Company of Ogres” is the second in a string of pulp books by the Dallas, Texas resident. His previous novel, “Gil’s All Night Diner”, won critical acclaim in 2006 for its universal appeal among both adults and kids. In the company of Ogres is an entertaining read that will leave readers laughing and crying, alternatively.
by John Winn
