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An ancient puzzle box.
Fourteen letters.
A Council of Whispers.
…and a clerk.


Discover the 700 year old secret millions died to protect.

ebook

First published September 1, 2011

48 people want to read

About the author

Jaime Buckley

111 books114 followers
Writer, cartoonist, husband & father of 13 (all boys but 9). General nutter. I create to discover what I think about things. Or to waste time. Fan of naps.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Jenny (Books that Spark).
109 reviews7 followers
April 13, 2012
If you read my review for 'Prelude to a Hero' by Jaime Buckley, you will already be aware of my great admiration for the unique world Buckley has created. When the opportunity arose to review his new book, 'Hobin Luckyfeller's Fieldguide: Demoni Vankil', I jumped at the opportunity.


I read Prelude to a Hero back in July 2011 but I didn't realise just how much I missed this series until I began reading this book. The central character in this story is Hobin Luckyfeller; a gnome who is attempting to piece together an ancient folklore story. He is aided by the letters of a man, Eamon, who was right in the middle of it all. Readers are invited to solve the mystery alonside Hobin as he reads fourteen of these letters. Trust me, you will be surprised by just how many emotions you will feel reading them. As Hobin says, Eamon will begin to feel like a friend. Reading these letters was my favourite aspect of the book. I felt the hope, love and sometimes despair that Eamon felt.

I must dedicate part of this review to the author, Jaime Buckley. This guy is a genious. The effort and heart he has obviously put into his work, the characters and this world is mind-blowing. Although he claims to be 'just a boring human', this is defintely not the case. His imagination is amazing, so it's little wonder that I enjoy his work so much. I've fallen in love with this series all over again with 'Hobin Luckyfeller's Fieldguide: Demoni Vankil' and I cannot wait to be pulled into this fantastic world again.

If you are yet to read this book or 'Prelude to a Hero', where have you been? Seriously, you are missing out. In a genre that is overpopulated, the Wanted:Hero series stands out.
Profile Image for Jeremiah Tipping.
1 review1 follower
December 6, 2011
I absolutely Love Demoni Vankil. The adventure I took with that gruff gnome Hobin was definitely a superb one. I was able to connect with the characters so well, Jaime's writings have a way to bring out emotions ( good and bad) that make you feel that you know and care for the people your reading about in the book.

I really liked being able to go back and Learn some of the history of the Wanted Hero universe i cant wait for more of Hobin's Fieldguids.

Five stars for sure !! XD

Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
156 reviews8 followers
December 4, 2011
I love the font used for “Demoni Vankil.” It looks like it is scratched into the book. I also like how it looks like a leather bound book. Am I the only one who wishes that books were still made that way--with the fancy ribbon bookmark? Yeah? Probably.

I read Prelude to a Hero back in June and was very happy to be brought back into the world with Hobin Luckyfeller’s Fieldguide: Demoni Vankil. Although the characters were different, they were just as charming and I connected with them instantly. This book is set after Prelude to a Hero and is looking back on the events that happened before, during and after.

Hobin Luckyfeller discovered a series of 14 letters that date back 700 years. During those 700 years, the accuracy of the events have gotten a little muddy and Hobin is delighted to be able to get a glimpse into the past (as was I).

Hobin was a great lead character. I loved trying to figure out the mystery and going through Eamon’s letters with him. After reading each letter, Hobin would share his thoughts and questions--I was pleased to see that I shared a lot of those thoughts and questions with him!

I loved how each of the characters had distinct personalities. I felt like I really got to know Eamon through his letters and was racing through the book to see how his story ended. I’m fairly certain that I read this in one sitting if that is telling you anything.

This book has all of the qualities of a great mystery and a great fantasy molded together into a wonderful story. As a mystery and fantasy junkie, I couldn’t be more thrilled that those genres were combined!

Thanks to Jaime Buckley for this review copy--I can’t wait to venture into this world again!
Profile Image for Leilani.
14 reviews
February 2, 2012
I've read plenty of books that have gnomes IN them, but having one for the main character was not only new, but this was one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read.

Hobin takes you on an adventure through the past and into the letters sent by a loving husband and father to his family. It was exciting and I felt goose bumps raise on my skin as he uncovered secrets that people had died to protect. I've been known to make comments while I'm reading a book aloud, but this book managed to bring out some intense emotions, particularly at the end. Read this book and I DARE you not to cry at the end!! Then you will have done what I couldn't do. This is a book that I would read more than once, and I can't say that about most of the books I have read.

I can't wait for Jaime Buckley's next book. This book was well worth my time and I have no doubt his next one will be too.
1 review
October 3, 2011
You don't ever hear anyone say things like "Sometimes its nice to just sit back in a comfy chair, prop up your legs, and read about a gnome." Do you?

Neither do I. In fact I would laugh at you if you said that to me. However after Demoni Vankil I think It'd be nice to sit down and read about any of Jaime Buckley's gnome stories, esp about this lovely character Hobin.

Fantastic story, one to get the wheels in your noggin' movin'. I recommend it to any fantasy reader, or someone who just wants a short, beautiful story.

Cheers ^.^
Profile Image for Nathan.
60 reviews
December 20, 2011
This book could be called fantasy, fun, or a host of other labels. . .I would call it one the best love stories I have ever read. In my opinion, the best love stories are the ones where you don't realize it is a love story until it sneaks up on you and hooks you. Jaime Buckley is revealing himself to be a master storyteller who can use several voices to great affect. I am looking forward to what comes next, it will be amazing when this guy hits it big!
Profile Image for Shadowlantern.
4 reviews
December 4, 2011
It took me a bit to get into the book but, once I got in a little ways, I really began to enjoy it! It was very different and unique and I felt like I was tracing some great mystery backwards.
There were some very interesting and powerful concepts thrown in right at the end that were really the highlights of the story and, even if I hadn't enjoyed the book (although I did), I would have thought it well worth reading just for the finale.
Profile Image for Lengna.
1 review
August 15, 2020
I was caught up in the story from start to finish. I love a good mystery.

Höbin is by far one of my favorite characters and I hope to see more books focused on him. As an introduction to what seems to be a massive story, I think it was a good one.
Profile Image for Calvin.
7 reviews2 followers
March 11, 2019
Awesome book, really nicely written with magical themes
Profile Image for Heather.
499 reviews274 followers
October 15, 2012
Review also found on my blog The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl.


I loved this book! I loved the intrigue and mystery...and it had a gnome!!!! I love gnomes!!!

Hobin Luckyfeller is a fishis (want to know what that is, then look it up in the book, lol). He comes across fourteen letters sent from a husband to his wife that talk about a major project that has to do with runes and how to trap the Dark Lord. Hobin must try to read in between the lines to figure out what everything means.

The title definitely suits the book! I won't say too much because of spoilers, but once you read the book, you'll definitely know why. It's a perfect title!!

The cover is very ominous looking! I like the way it looks like it's made of leather. I think the cover suits the book because of the three runes on it which, the whole book mentions the runes throughout. I don't really get the yellow face on the cover though. That takes away from it a bit, but I kind of like the yellow face for some odd reason.

The pacing of this book was perfect! As I said, it's only a short story, and sometimes it's difficult to get the pacing right in short stories, however Mr. Buckley gets the pacing spot on! I found myself wanting to know more before I had even finished the chapter I was on!

The dialogue was easy to understand especially since there's a glossary type thing in the back of the book which helps with the pronunciation of words and what they mean as well as who people and places are in the book. I found this to be most useful because with some of the words, I had a difficult time pronouncing them!

I loved the character of Hobin Luckyfeller. I'm not just saying that because he's a gnome! I loved his thirst for knowledge and how he wanted to figure everything out. He wouldn't stop for anything. As for Eamon, the author of the letters, I felt so bad for him. I felt his pain at not being able to see his wife and children.

My favourite part of the book was after the end. No, not because the book was over, but because there was information on the authors. Yes, I said authors! It lists Hobin Luckyfeller as one of the authors along with Jaime Buckley. I found this to be quite humouress!

Jaime Buckley definitely has a way with words. I thought this story was very well written. It's definitely piqued my interest in the Wanted: Hero series that Jaime Buckley has written.

I'd recommend this book to everyone aged 15+ especially those who love fantasy, mystery, dwarves, goblins, etc.
Profile Image for Liv.
4 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2012
A long pursuit summed up in a short story. My kind of read, for two reasons:
1) I rarely have spare time...
2) When I do I want to enjoy something worthwhile.
This story holds truth with consequences, insight to hidden mysteries, and, of course, a grand discovery that brings things to a fulfilling and worthwhile conclusion.
Tie that in with the affectionate relationship shared with the characters and you've got me hooked in a way that I can't shake.
I guessed what the ending might be, yet didn't expect the conclusion to draw me in further than seemed there was to go.
There is life in this story, and love, & good, & evil. I wouldn't have it any other way.
I look forward to what more will come...


Profile Image for Jaime Buckley.
Author 111 books114 followers
September 26, 2011
An ancient puzzle box.
Fourteen mysterious letters.
A Council of Whispers.
...and a clerk

Discover the 700 year old secret millions died to protect.



I enjoyed this adventure with Hobin. Taking us along for the ride through time--putting together the pieces to this ancient story of folklore. The opportunity to experience a bit of Hobin's personality and to watch how his mind works was enjoyable, his conclusions impressive. This is a story I won't soon forget!

...a book I highly recommend to those who love a good mystery and who may be looking to gain a deeper background into the rich world of Wanted Hero.
Profile Image for Jessica.
11 reviews
August 18, 2012
I loved this. It made me cry.

Hobin is hilarious, and anytime I read of the accident in the tavern, I jump out of my seat--paranoid that the book I'm reading might get ruined. Silly, I know.

If you don't mind crying while reading s book--you should really try this book.
49 reviews6 followers
Read
March 30, 2019
This was an interesting mystery it had lots of surprises and twists and turns. It had interesting characters that had great character development. I won't give any spoilers but I will say if you read it you will not be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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