Orconomics: A Satire

The Dark Profit Saga, Book 1

De: J. Zachary Pike

Narrado por: Doug Tisdale Jr.

Duración: 11 h y 46 m

Resumen del Editor

Professional heroes kill and loot deadly monsters every day, but Gorm Ingerson's latest quest will be anything but business as usual.

The adventuring industry drives the economy of Arth, a world much like our own but with more magic and fewer vowels. Monsters' hoards are claimed, bought by corporate interests, and sold off to plunder funds long before the Heroes' Guild actually kills the beasts. Of course, that's a terrible arrangement for the Shadowkin; orcs, goblins, kobolds, and their ilk must apply for to become Noncombatant Paper Carriers (or NPCs) to avoid being killed and looted by heroes.

When Gorm Ingerson, a Dwarven ex-hero with a checkered past, stands up for an undocumented goblin, he inadvertently singles himself out for recruitment by a prophet of the mad goddess to undertake a suicidal quest. But there's more to Gorm's new job than an insane prophecy: Powerful corporations and governments have shown an unusual interest in the quest. If his party of eccentric misfits can stop fighting each other long enough to recover the Elven Marbles, Gorm might be able to turn a bad deal into a golden opportunity.

©2014 John Zachary Pike (P)2016 John Zachary Pike

High Fantasy meets Economics- hilarity ensues

Would you listen to Orconomics: A Satire again? Why?

Yes, I absolutely would. I really enjoyed the Pratchett-like mash-up of high fantasy, personal story development, humor and meticulous world-building. Replay value will be high on this, as a) it is genuinely funny without being "comedy haha." b) The economics check out. Orconomics isn't just pithy titling- it's the underpinning and motivating force in this world (and in truth, in every world). c) Despite the fact that the characters are ostensibly D&D player characters rendered into literature, they all delightfully both display and break every trope in the book. They are also refreshingly multidimensional and unpredictable. I can't break down specifics about how and why without giving away major plot points you truly want to have unfold in proper order- so I'll just stop here and endorse with a much vaunted "5 out of 5 elephants."

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

made me laugh out loud numerous times. Had to set down the stuff I was doing while I was listening 'til I could continue.

Any additional comments?

As a card carrying fantasy nerd and classically trained economist, this book scratches multiple sweet spots for me. Bravo sirrah.

Never have I laughed at economics this way.

This book adds humor in smart ways and makes the economic tones make story sence more then just having a gimic to make it interesting it adds so much to already great story.

Hilarious, engaging, and unexpectedly deep

I picked up this book expecting a stock "Bored of the Rings" kind of satire -- which would have been fine by me. Instead, I found myself in a surprisingly well-wrought, funny, and poignant tale, which I mean with no offense at all. When you expect just brainless amusement and end up being sucked in by the characters, the plot, and the humor all at once, it's a cool feeling.

The narrator was pitch-perfect for this tale. He brought each character to life really well, and has a very dynamic range (all of his characters sound distinctly different, I mean). His dry tone was great for the humor.

I don't want to give away any of the plot. I'll just say that if you've ever been heavily involved in RPGs, the way this is written will resonate with you. It's a very good balance of winks and nudges to RPG tropes without bashing you in the face with the "Look how clever I am, you see what I did there?!" hammer. I didn't expect to care as much about the characters as I did. There's comedy, there's strife, there's even some sort of sobering looks at motivation, addiction, friendship, and heroism. It's a shockingly dynamic book.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book and I can't wait for the next.

Imaginative and original plot

I loved the satirical take on the standard fantasy story as well as the story telling. Pike provides a fresh take on heros and the infrastructure that would be needed to support them.Doug Tisdale does a good job bringing the characters to live with his reading.

Makes me want to return to D&D and WOW

I've read a lot of the gaming type series books and this one really stands out. The characters are well rounded and I really starting caring for them and becoming invested. I could see the backgrounds and really enjoyed this book.

One of the things that tells me that this is a good book? I was really sad when it ended and he left me wanting more!

Great.

If i could write a book, this would be it.
Narrator's character voices were awesome.
If you like LOTR and are a market cynic this book is perfect.

this is awesome!

ever wondered how a fantasy economy could work? You might not want to know. Really. The story is great, narration very good. Very much recommended!

A fantasy fan's Fantasy

Orconomics is steeped in references to a variety of tropes and tired fantasy concepts that have been paraded about throughout the genre for decades. Each overplayed idea is reset in a new light, however, one that is simultaneously humorous, strikingly believable, and ultimately, compelling. The author weaves the typically medieval period genre with modern, on-the-nose economic themes. The book often hints, or explicitly states, the woes created in a capitalistic society governed by large financial institutions run by flush, yet morally bankrupt, individuals and does it all through a successfully comical lens. Everything from standard fantasy fare, to video games, to tabletop role-playing is cheekily criticized and simultaneously celebrated. J. Zachary Pike achieves what most fantasy authors strive for, originality, by taking advantage of how strikingly unoriginal the genre has become.

In addition, Doug Tisdale Jr.'s performance as narrator is superb. Every quip, every joke, every obscure reference, and every character is brought alive though his voice. A voice that is sharp, smart, and crackles with precision and energy and the kind of incredible diction that makes the listener wonder what, exactly, his mouth is made of, if not solid gold.

Suffice it to say, I have been reading fantasy novels my entire life and found every moment of this book an absolute delight.

Definitely Not a wasted credit!

Would you consider the audio edition of Orconomics: A Satire to be better than the print version?

Sorry, the audio version is the only one I've enjoyed!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, it would be easy to answer Gorm since he is the main character and a really nice guy. So I'm going to have to go with Kaitha. That little lady has it going on and has huge potential!

What does Doug Tisdale Jr. bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Tisdale is a master character reader, it was easy to tell the difference in the characters and there was a ton of life in his reading! Pike should make sure he reads the sequel.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Hell hath no fury like a goddess scorned!

Any additional comments?

I had a ton of fun with this book and can't wait for the next one. It's a little slow on the startup but the ride gets going pretty well! Well written and definitely well performed.

Fantasy with a hilarious twist

If you love fantasy, you should definitely check out the Orconomics series. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started, but I was quickly drawn in to the story of our band of wayward adventures off to right wrongs and save the world, even those who were being dragged along on their adventures against their better judgement ;). The narration is top notch as well. Give it a listen, I think you'll enjoy.