The Elfin Ship

Originally posted at Fantasy Literature: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/reviews/the-elfin-ship/

Audible has recently put several of James P. Blaylock???s novels in audio format, so I???m giving a few of them a try. The Elfin Ship, first published in 1982, is the first book in Blaylock???s BALUMNIA trilogy about a whimsical fantasy world filled with elves, goblins, dwarves, wizards, and (because it???s Blaylock), a few steampunk elements such as submarines and airships.

In The Elfin Ship we meet Jonathan Bing, a cheesemaker who lives in a quaint little village with his dog Ahab. It???s just before Christmas, a time when Bing should be selling his famous cheeses to neighboring towns. However, something is afoot in the outside world and trade is drying up. Not only is Bing???s business in danger, but all of the villagers will have a dreary holiday if they are unable to buy their traditional toys and treats. Somebody must be sent to investigate what???s happening outside the village and it???s obvious that Master Cheeser Bing is just the right person to go. Bing is reluctant ??? he???s just an ordinary stay-at-home kind of guy ??? but he???s single and his lifestyle depends on successful trade relations. So, accompanied by his dog Ahab, Professor Wurzle, and a simple boy named Dooly, Bing sets out on a quest that he hopes will uncover the mystery and save his village???s Christmas. Along the way they meet strange folks, have frightening adventures, encounter magical items, and discover secrets.

The Elfin Ship has an appealing setting. Twombly Town, Bing???s comfy village, feels like the shire ??? it???s a warm friendly place where everyone knows each other and life is sweet. When Bing and his friends leave for their quest, I was eager and ready for an adventure, but by the time the characters have been hazarding the wilds for a while, I found myself understanding why they were anxious to return to their friends and the comforts of Twombly Town. I liked this homey feel.

The characters are also likable. The Master Cheeser and the Professor are good people who are clever and witty. Dooly is sweet and there???s more to him than meets the eye. And, of course, there???s Ahab ??? who doesn???t love a loyal and friendly dog? There are no women in the story, unfortunately.

Many readers, including children and teens, will absolutely adore The Elfin Ship. There are a few dark moments, but mostly the novel is charming, light-hearted and funny, and there are bits of wisdom and important life lessons included. Its wholesome hominess feels a little like The Hobbit or The Wind in the Willows. The Elfin Ship stands alone, but there are two more BALUMNIA novels set in the same world with overlapping characters: The Disappearing Dwarf and The Stone Giant.

Malk Williams did a great job with the narration of Audible???s version (sample). He has a British accent and his warm voice fit perfectly with the cozy feel. I could imagine him sitting in a quaint inn, drinking a beer, smoking a pipe, and telling us this story.