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The Hard Blokes Of Sparta #1
The Princess In The Tower
Back on earth, in Ancient Greece, they were the hardest guys around. But since being sucked through a Reality Vortex to the mysterious Level 31, Dave and his friends are really struggling to be the muscle-for-hire which is the only way they know to earn a living.
Now they have one last chance: rescue a princess from a tower, or fail to make their rent, and face eviction and probably involuntary enrolment in a less-than-pleasant brutal-fighting-pit scenario.
But how can a man - even a spartan - compete with orcs and goblins, chimeras and cockatrice?
Dave might have an idea, though he doesn’t think his friends will like it…
This is the first of three stand-alone but linked comic fantasy novellas charting the fortunes of The Hard Blokes of Sparta.
Now they have one last chance: rescue a princess from a tower, or fail to make their rent, and face eviction and probably involuntary enrolment in a less-than-pleasant brutal-fighting-pit scenario.
But how can a man - even a spartan - compete with orcs and goblins, chimeras and cockatrice?
Dave might have an idea, though he doesn’t think his friends will like it…
This is the first of three stand-alone but linked comic fantasy novellas charting the fortunes of The Hard Blokes of Sparta.
- GenresFantasy
96 pages, ebook
Published October 4, 2019
81 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Brindle
64 books29 followersJamie Brindle has been writing stories for almost as long as he can remember. Occasionally they are even published.
Sometimes, he wonders if this has had any lasting deleterious effect on him, such as perhaps being responsible for the habit he has of writing about himself in the third person. At other time this seems not to matter.
He was raised by ex-hippies in an apple orchard, and had to chase around a hedge maze for pocket money. When he grew older, he was deemed to have passed the "maze" level, and so graduated to selling boomerangs at Covent Garden Market.
He was home educated until the age of fourteen, then went to Bedford College, where he essentially didn't speak for two years. Near the end of this time he was questioned by a careers advisor, and revealed his desire to be a writer. Once she had stopped laughing, she suggested that a career which was more "financially viable" might be advisable. This resulted in him taking science A-levels, and then going on to study Biochemistry at the University of Sussex in 1998.
On graduating, Jamie realised the main problem with this was that he found biochemistry rather boring. Around this time he found out that a handful of universities offered graduate-entry medicine courses. Unfortunately, he did not have much relevant experience, a problem which he sought to rectify by doing various forms of work experience.
Amongst the work experience he undertook, Jamie was grateful to be offered the chance to spend some time in a school for deaf children. He went for two weeks and ended up staying for three and a half years. This was a good thing, as it gave him a chance to get over his home-educated prejudices about the school system, as he really liked the school and began, more generally, to feel that perhaps school wasn't such a bad thing, after all.
This period came to an end, however, when he was offered a place at the University of Warwick to study Medicine in 2006. He enjoyed medicine greatly, and met lots of nice people on the course. He now works as a GP trainee, and finds that writing is a wonderful way to ground himself after long shifts working in the bizarre fantasy world of the NHS. He is currently writing a thinly-veiled autobiographical book about his experiences as a junior doctor. He is still wondering about whether or not to put dragons in.
During this time he has written a fair few short stories which have appeared online and in various anthologies. His first novel, "The Fall of the Angel Nathalie" was published in 2013 by Necro Press, and can be found here or at amazon here.
Sometimes, he wonders if this has had any lasting deleterious effect on him, such as perhaps being responsible for the habit he has of writing about himself in the third person. At other time this seems not to matter.
He was raised by ex-hippies in an apple orchard, and had to chase around a hedge maze for pocket money. When he grew older, he was deemed to have passed the "maze" level, and so graduated to selling boomerangs at Covent Garden Market.
He was home educated until the age of fourteen, then went to Bedford College, where he essentially didn't speak for two years. Near the end of this time he was questioned by a careers advisor, and revealed his desire to be a writer. Once she had stopped laughing, she suggested that a career which was more "financially viable" might be advisable. This resulted in him taking science A-levels, and then going on to study Biochemistry at the University of Sussex in 1998.
On graduating, Jamie realised the main problem with this was that he found biochemistry rather boring. Around this time he found out that a handful of universities offered graduate-entry medicine courses. Unfortunately, he did not have much relevant experience, a problem which he sought to rectify by doing various forms of work experience.
Amongst the work experience he undertook, Jamie was grateful to be offered the chance to spend some time in a school for deaf children. He went for two weeks and ended up staying for three and a half years. This was a good thing, as it gave him a chance to get over his home-educated prejudices about the school system, as he really liked the school and began, more generally, to feel that perhaps school wasn't such a bad thing, after all.
This period came to an end, however, when he was offered a place at the University of Warwick to study Medicine in 2006. He enjoyed medicine greatly, and met lots of nice people on the course. He now works as a GP trainee, and finds that writing is a wonderful way to ground himself after long shifts working in the bizarre fantasy world of the NHS. He is currently writing a thinly-veiled autobiographical book about his experiences as a junior doctor. He is still wondering about whether or not to put dragons in.
During this time he has written a fair few short stories which have appeared online and in various anthologies. His first novel, "The Fall of the Angel Nathalie" was published in 2013 by Necro Press, and can be found here or at amazon here.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 11, 2020
The three Hard Blokes of Sparta used to be very successful and highly respected soldiers – when they were at home in Sparta. Unfortunately, they have been sucked through into a magical plane, Level 31, where their only hope of making a living is to hire themselves out as mercenaries. Even more unfortunately, the Spartans are no longer among the hardest blokes around, so their employment is not as financially rewarding as they would have hoped.
Their current job is to rescue a princess from a castle, and reunite her with her true love, Prince Ahmed. It all seems perfectly clear: beautiful girl imprisoned in a tower by her disapproving father, minimal guards – in-out, payment made for services rendered, all live happily ever after.
Only that is not how it is – no, not at all!
This is a really humorous little story, with some great characters: Dave (head Spartan bloke); Liz (wizardess and magic shop proprietor with wonderful back story); and, of course, the princess. There are also talking magic swords, mythical beasts, zombie eagles and more twists than could possibly imagine. Definitely recommended.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
Their current job is to rescue a princess from a castle, and reunite her with her true love, Prince Ahmed. It all seems perfectly clear: beautiful girl imprisoned in a tower by her disapproving father, minimal guards – in-out, payment made for services rendered, all live happily ever after.
Only that is not how it is – no, not at all!
This is a really humorous little story, with some great characters: Dave (head Spartan bloke); Liz (wizardess and magic shop proprietor with wonderful back story); and, of course, the princess. There are also talking magic swords, mythical beasts, zombie eagles and more twists than could possibly imagine. Definitely recommended.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book at no cost from the author in exchange for an honest review
August 23, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only and Story Origin, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This novella is the first in what I hope will be a long-running series.
Set in a fantasy world where figures – and monsters – of myth and legend mingle with people from various times and places in history, the story follows Dave and his friends as they attempt to navigate a world in which their skills are obsolete. As Spartan warriors, Dave and the boys were fearsome and respected. Now, on Level 31, they live in a hovel in the slums and struggle to scrape up even the most pitiful mercenary job to pay their debts.
That is until Prince Ahmed offers them a large wad of cash to rescue a beautiful princess trapped in a monster-guarded tower. Unfortunately the rescue may be trickier than they anticipated, forcing the Hard Blokes to resort to tactics they haven’t ever used before like sorcery, and magic, and using their brains. Equally unfortunately, all might not be quite what it first appears.
The Princess in the Tower is a fun introduction to the Level 31 set up and characters, and a humorous fantasy adventure that turns the tropes upside down is right up my street. I love Dave as a main character, and his development arc of having to step outside his comfort zone in order to navigate this new world really hooked me in.
My only quibble here at all was that I wanted more! I actually huffed loudly when the story ended because I needed to know what would come next. Luckily for me, The Hard Blokes of Sparta: The Daemon in the Basement is already out, so I don’t have to wait too long to find out!
The Hard Blokes of Sparta didn’t live in Sparta, despite their name. This was because Sparta didn’t exist anymore, at least not on their level of reality. But names were important. That was what Dave thought, and he was the leader of the Hard Blokes. So, they kept the name even though they lived in a cramped, run-down bedsit in The Squibs, which was the cheapest district the city had to offer.
– Jamie Brindle, The Hard Blokes of Sparta: The Princess in the Tower
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This novella is the first in what I hope will be a long-running series.
Set in a fantasy world where figures – and monsters – of myth and legend mingle with people from various times and places in history, the story follows Dave and his friends as they attempt to navigate a world in which their skills are obsolete. As Spartan warriors, Dave and the boys were fearsome and respected. Now, on Level 31, they live in a hovel in the slums and struggle to scrape up even the most pitiful mercenary job to pay their debts.
That is until Prince Ahmed offers them a large wad of cash to rescue a beautiful princess trapped in a monster-guarded tower. Unfortunately the rescue may be trickier than they anticipated, forcing the Hard Blokes to resort to tactics they haven’t ever used before like sorcery, and magic, and using their brains. Equally unfortunately, all might not be quite what it first appears.
The Princess in the Tower is a fun introduction to the Level 31 set up and characters, and a humorous fantasy adventure that turns the tropes upside down is right up my street. I love Dave as a main character, and his development arc of having to step outside his comfort zone in order to navigate this new world really hooked me in.
My only quibble here at all was that I wanted more! I actually huffed loudly when the story ended because I needed to know what would come next. Luckily for me, The Hard Blokes of Sparta: The Daemon in the Basement is already out, so I don’t have to wait too long to find out!
The Hard Blokes of Sparta didn’t live in Sparta, despite their name. This was because Sparta didn’t exist anymore, at least not on their level of reality. But names were important. That was what Dave thought, and he was the leader of the Hard Blokes. So, they kept the name even though they lived in a cramped, run-down bedsit in The Squibs, which was the cheapest district the city had to offer.
– Jamie Brindle, The Hard Blokes of Sparta: The Princess in the Tower
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
November 4, 2019
The Hard Blokes Of Sparta: The Princess In The Tower - a review by Rosemary Kenny
*slight Spoilers*
A hilarious comic fantasy adventure with a twist, The Hard Blokes Of Sparta series by Jamie Brindle has The Princess in the Tower as its introductory novelette.
Although just 95 pages long, it packs a surprising punch and catches you unaware while you're trying to make your mind up what genre it fits into - the answer is - it doesn't. Neither comedy, farce, nor quite a serious mini-saga of The Hard Blokes , Dave their leader, Chad (who's 7 foot tall!) nor Phil have any idea how they came to be whisked from ancient Sparta, where they were fearless warriors, to modern day Britain and then hired by Prince Ahmed to find and rescue a princess trapped in a tower and guarded by monsters. General hilarity comes when they find they're not quite so eager to be eaten alive by a gigantic cockatrice and beat a hasty retreat.
How does Dave restore the honour of the Spartan 'Hard Blokes' as they call themselves collectively?
What happens when he goes to the magic shop? Why is the princess trapped in the tower?
When is Dave able to save her - and how? Who attacks them after they leave?
A wonderful new series starter that's sure to tickle your fancy - get a copy today and prepare to laugh out loud, at the range of antics and activities hidden within the pages of The Princess in the Tower, Book 1 in The Hard Blokes of Sparta by Jamie Brindle - it's sure to be a winner!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*slight Spoilers*
A hilarious comic fantasy adventure with a twist, The Hard Blokes Of Sparta series by Jamie Brindle has The Princess in the Tower as its introductory novelette.
Although just 95 pages long, it packs a surprising punch and catches you unaware while you're trying to make your mind up what genre it fits into - the answer is - it doesn't. Neither comedy, farce, nor quite a serious mini-saga of The Hard Blokes , Dave their leader, Chad (who's 7 foot tall!) nor Phil have any idea how they came to be whisked from ancient Sparta, where they were fearless warriors, to modern day Britain and then hired by Prince Ahmed to find and rescue a princess trapped in a tower and guarded by monsters. General hilarity comes when they find they're not quite so eager to be eaten alive by a gigantic cockatrice and beat a hasty retreat.
How does Dave restore the honour of the Spartan 'Hard Blokes' as they call themselves collectively?
What happens when he goes to the magic shop? Why is the princess trapped in the tower?
When is Dave able to save her - and how? Who attacks them after they leave?
A wonderful new series starter that's sure to tickle your fancy - get a copy today and prepare to laugh out loud, at the range of antics and activities hidden within the pages of The Princess in the Tower, Book 1 in The Hard Blokes of Sparta by Jamie Brindle - it's sure to be a winner!
I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 21, 2020
This was good fun, plenty of laughs with a good dungeons and dragons feel to it. Three lads who were at the top of their game in Sparta have magically been transported to a new world, full of magical beings, giant trolls and a whole host of dangerous creatures. The new world is called Level 31 and these hard blokes are small fry in this place. In desperate need of money they take on the simple task of rescuing a princess being held in a tower. Simples right?
Brindle is very good at writing these serious stories in a comical manner (it almost has a Douglas Adams feel to it). Sometimes the joke has reached it's punchline before you realise you were reading said joke, the very clever writing gets you caught up in the story. Don't be caught out by the short length of this book, it still has that epic feel to it and nothing is rushed.
The Hard Blokes of Sparta will be returning in a full length novel, looking forward to having a read of that.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020...
Brindle is very good at writing these serious stories in a comical manner (it almost has a Douglas Adams feel to it). Sometimes the joke has reached it's punchline before you realise you were reading said joke, the very clever writing gets you caught up in the story. Don't be caught out by the short length of this book, it still has that epic feel to it and nothing is rushed.
The Hard Blokes of Sparta will be returning in a full length novel, looking forward to having a read of that.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020...
December 19, 2019
I loved this short novella, which was full of laughs, creatures from myth and legend, and lots of silliness, while still having a good story too. If you enjoy Jamie's stories, like twists on myths and legends, or are just looking for something short and different to read, I'd definitely recommend this book - it'll make you smile with its silliness and grace!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
November 10, 2019
This was a fun read about some characters who seem to be in a video game. I enjoyed reading it and the characters were bumbling enough to be charming!
October 27, 2021
There are two covers to this book, floating around, one is the more typical po-faced serious fantasy kind of cover and the other more comedic. I picked up the second of those two and I’m kind of glad I did as I fear that I may have been a bit confused had I not gone in with those expectations. If this were to be made into a movie this is definitely one that would be classed as a cartoon rather than an animated feature. At least it feels that way at the start. This is planned to be the start of a series and while that plays into how it ends. Ignore them when they say “This is the first of three stand-alone but linked comic fantasy novellas”. Overall it doesn’t feel like a pilot but like a first series. The disjointed nature of the story adds to this. For instance the story opens with the “Hard Blokes” hired to rescue a princess from the tallest tower, once done and with only a handful of lines she is now dating our lead Spartan in a long term and committed relationship. This up and down nature applies to the tone, overall, as well with us starting with magical hair clips that can outwit an entire fantastical army and ending with a more subdued, if still occasionally light, fantasy tale with some real dark and sad bits.
While one of our “Hard Blokes” is your typical fight first kind of guy, even he isn’t immune to this; enjoying the fact that they are closing up shop early as that typically means trouble and that means something to fight, one moment and a few pages later bemoaning that they are losing work due to shutting up shop. But that’s nothing compared to the other one who pretty much just stands looming over their shoulders until the last twenty percent of the book, or so, when they realise they need to give the guy some personality and backstory and boy do they shovel it on. Again the serial element feels at home much like some shows go most of a season before realising they have overlooked a main cast member and give them an episode to keep the cast and fans happy.
The world the characters are in is fine as this magical mish mash, Planescape style, of different times and realities. People pulled there for no real rhyme or reason at least as far as they can tell. There also seems to be a decent amount to the world they find themselves in outside of this with royalty tied to the land and shadow realms below for where poor players of children’s card games can go. But we don’t see any of this really. Occasionally a creature will wander into shot but for the most part we just stick with our three “Hard Blokes” and the few friends they have managed to grab. Even they are a little underdone, as previously mentioned, with a sense that the book is but a first draft that needed a bit of padding and pacing work before it was really ready. That’s not to say that the writing itself is poor. There were bits that felt rather Pratchett, though I should point out we’re talking early Pratchett in and around Colour of Magic, but that’s still better than many can manage and if it is any hint of where the author is going then it will be fun to watch.
I’ve just gone on Amazon to see if this is still being given away as a free trial for the series and see that it is listed as part two in the set. Perhaps this explains some of the complaints with the series but I’m not sure I care enough to look. As I said this was a good book but it felt like a junk food snack that will be forgotten as soon as it’s gone. One that you reach for while it is there but might not bring yourself to buy next time you are at the supermarket shopping.
See more reviews at https://kibbinscodex.wordpress.com/
While one of our “Hard Blokes” is your typical fight first kind of guy, even he isn’t immune to this; enjoying the fact that they are closing up shop early as that typically means trouble and that means something to fight, one moment and a few pages later bemoaning that they are losing work due to shutting up shop. But that’s nothing compared to the other one who pretty much just stands looming over their shoulders until the last twenty percent of the book, or so, when they realise they need to give the guy some personality and backstory and boy do they shovel it on. Again the serial element feels at home much like some shows go most of a season before realising they have overlooked a main cast member and give them an episode to keep the cast and fans happy.
The world the characters are in is fine as this magical mish mash, Planescape style, of different times and realities. People pulled there for no real rhyme or reason at least as far as they can tell. There also seems to be a decent amount to the world they find themselves in outside of this with royalty tied to the land and shadow realms below for where poor players of children’s card games can go. But we don’t see any of this really. Occasionally a creature will wander into shot but for the most part we just stick with our three “Hard Blokes” and the few friends they have managed to grab. Even they are a little underdone, as previously mentioned, with a sense that the book is but a first draft that needed a bit of padding and pacing work before it was really ready. That’s not to say that the writing itself is poor. There were bits that felt rather Pratchett, though I should point out we’re talking early Pratchett in and around Colour of Magic, but that’s still better than many can manage and if it is any hint of where the author is going then it will be fun to watch.
I’ve just gone on Amazon to see if this is still being given away as a free trial for the series and see that it is listed as part two in the set. Perhaps this explains some of the complaints with the series but I’m not sure I care enough to look. As I said this was a good book but it felt like a junk food snack that will be forgotten as soon as it’s gone. One that you reach for while it is there but might not bring yourself to buy next time you are at the supermarket shopping.
See more reviews at https://kibbinscodex.wordpress.com/
June 25, 2022
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-the-pr...
Dave, Chad and Phil, the Hard Blokes of Sparta were unlucky enough to get sucked into a Reality Vortex and end up in the mysterious Level 31. Even more unluckier for them, the level is filled with various types of aliens and monsters far stronger than them, relegating them to working the bottom of the barrel to survive.
When the mysterious Prince Ahmed hires them to rescue a Princess, they jump at it. Kill some creatures, rescue the Princess, what could go wrong, eh? After escaping from their first hurdle, a cockatrice that beat their ass blue, made possible only by some smooth talking, they really need a miracle!
This book is ridiculous and I mean it in literal sense. It silly, it has juvenile off the cuff humour….and it’s glorious! I mean I was laughing from the get go and every time the author take a poke at the tropes, it just gets better. The book does not take itself seriously and neither should you. It was just plain absurd and whole lot of fun!
A very short book at 220 print pages, there’s not much of plot or character building, but the author does an admirable job of introducing us the the world and the out of luck Spartans. One ridiculous scene follows another and I just stopped trying to guess what comes next and just kept the pages turning. A tropey story in a book dedicated to making fun of them.
If you are looking for a palate cleaner between heavy reads or just out for some mindless wholesome silliness and fun, give this a go. I enjoyed this!
Dave, Chad and Phil, the Hard Blokes of Sparta were unlucky enough to get sucked into a Reality Vortex and end up in the mysterious Level 31. Even more unluckier for them, the level is filled with various types of aliens and monsters far stronger than them, relegating them to working the bottom of the barrel to survive.
When the mysterious Prince Ahmed hires them to rescue a Princess, they jump at it. Kill some creatures, rescue the Princess, what could go wrong, eh? After escaping from their first hurdle, a cockatrice that beat their ass blue, made possible only by some smooth talking, they really need a miracle!
This book is ridiculous and I mean it in literal sense. It silly, it has juvenile off the cuff humour….and it’s glorious! I mean I was laughing from the get go and every time the author take a poke at the tropes, it just gets better. The book does not take itself seriously and neither should you. It was just plain absurd and whole lot of fun!
A very short book at 220 print pages, there’s not much of plot or character building, but the author does an admirable job of introducing us the the world and the out of luck Spartans. One ridiculous scene follows another and I just stopped trying to guess what comes next and just kept the pages turning. A tropey story in a book dedicated to making fun of them.
If you are looking for a palate cleaner between heavy reads or just out for some mindless wholesome silliness and fun, give this a go. I enjoyed this!
August 23, 2020
The Hard Blokes of Sparta were big heroes back in their home realm, but in Level 31, they're barely scraping by. When they're hired to rescue a princess from a well-guarded tower, they must resort to means no Spartan would ever consider!
This short novella gives you exactly what it promises: humor, monsters, a princess, and three hard blokes. Dave and his buddies were sucked into a Reality Vortex to the strange land of Level 31 which is a mishmash of things from various realms. They're heroes and trying unsuccessfully to make a living. Rent is past due, and if they fail to pay, they'll end up in the terrifying fighting pits. When good ol' muscle and stabbing doesn't get them past the cockatrice to save the princess, Dave has to come up with a different plan. Let's just say that intelligence was the hard blokes' dump stat. It was a fun, short read.
This short novella gives you exactly what it promises: humor, monsters, a princess, and three hard blokes. Dave and his buddies were sucked into a Reality Vortex to the strange land of Level 31 which is a mishmash of things from various realms. They're heroes and trying unsuccessfully to make a living. Rent is past due, and if they fail to pay, they'll end up in the terrifying fighting pits. When good ol' muscle and stabbing doesn't get them past the cockatrice to save the princess, Dave has to come up with a different plan. Let's just say that intelligence was the hard blokes' dump stat. It was a fun, short read.
September 11, 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book to review from Voracious Readers Only.
I enjoyed the light-hearted nature of this book. You can tell right off the bat by the tone that it will be a book that doesn't take itself too seriously and its main aim is to make you laugh. I did get quite a few chuckles in because of the antics of the Hard Blokes of Sparta, but the story itself wasn't enough to keep me engaged. I could put this book down and not worry about what's happening to the characters.
In short, it was funny, but the laughs weren't enough to keep me engaged to finish it. It is great for a break from heavier material, though!
I enjoyed the light-hearted nature of this book. You can tell right off the bat by the tone that it will be a book that doesn't take itself too seriously and its main aim is to make you laugh. I did get quite a few chuckles in because of the antics of the Hard Blokes of Sparta, but the story itself wasn't enough to keep me engaged. I could put this book down and not worry about what's happening to the characters.
In short, it was funny, but the laughs weren't enough to keep me engaged to finish it. It is great for a break from heavier material, though!
July 14, 2020
Spartans Dave, Chad, and Phil have been transported from Sparta into a strange new world known as Level 31. Here on Level 31, they ply the only trade they know, hiring themselves out as swordsmen. The Blokes are hired to rescue a princess from a tower, and encounter all sorts of bizarre and humorous circumstances on the way. I did kind of wonder before I reached the end, if the Blokes weren't characters in a video game. After all, they live on Level 31. This is a fun read that is suitable for all ages. I would recommend it to fantasy lovers who would like a short, funny read.
September 20, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Voracious Readers Only.
This novel had moments of being funny. However, I feel like at times it tried too hard to be witty and rushed through the plot. I think this would have been much better as a full novel, with more backstory and fleshing out, as I did find myself wanting more information about the characters at times. The ending felt rushed- I feel like one more chapter would have helped explain more of the ending. Overall, the novel was funny at times, but I think it would have benefitted from being a little more fleshed out.
This novel had moments of being funny. However, I feel like at times it tried too hard to be witty and rushed through the plot. I think this would have been much better as a full novel, with more backstory and fleshing out, as I did find myself wanting more information about the characters at times. The ending felt rushed- I feel like one more chapter would have helped explain more of the ending. Overall, the novel was funny at times, but I think it would have benefitted from being a little more fleshed out.
July 31, 2020
*I received a free copy of this book from the author via voracious readers in exchange for an honest review*
It was a quick and amusing read about three spartan guys trying to make a living in a strange world they were pulled into. Tasked with rescuing a princess from a tower to pay their rent they encounter lots of different creatures and have some amusing conversations along the way. Being a novella it was light in the way of detail and world building but it was enjoyable and sets itself up for some more stories and adventures in the world of level 31.
It was a quick and amusing read about three spartan guys trying to make a living in a strange world they were pulled into. Tasked with rescuing a princess from a tower to pay their rent they encounter lots of different creatures and have some amusing conversations along the way. Being a novella it was light in the way of detail and world building but it was enjoyable and sets itself up for some more stories and adventures in the world of level 31.
November 15, 2020
Good but needs work
The story and writing were quite good. What I felt needed work was the flow of the story. Everything felt like it was rushed. The storyline jumped too much from point to point and felt abrupt. There wasn’t any lead up or character development. There wasn’t anything in the way of subplots. It’s a great story by itself but it’s too simple. It just needs more development.
The story and writing were quite good. What I felt needed work was the flow of the story. Everything felt like it was rushed. The storyline jumped too much from point to point and felt abrupt. There wasn’t any lead up or character development. There wasn’t anything in the way of subplots. It’s a great story by itself but it’s too simple. It just needs more development.
December 6, 2020
Wasn't sure what to expect when I got my complimentary copy from Voracious Readers Only. It sounded interesting enough to give it a go... and...it was awesome! Funny, non-stop action, bizarre and bold, these 3 Spartans make their way to live as normal a life as possible in a crazy world filled with magic, mythical creatures and alternate dimensions. I haven't been this entertained in a long time. Hats off to Jamie Brindle for this masterpiece.
July 28, 2020
I enjoyed this book only downside is it was too short, need to read the rest. An interesting concept bringing clueless Spartans into a fantasy setting which obviously leads to a certain amount of humour and confusion. I got the feeling this was setting the scene for further adventures. Easy to read and a good giggle. I was sent a copy via Voracious Readers Only, thank you.
November 2, 2020
Reminds me of Discworld and the Myth Inc series.
Draws me back to stories from the past when adventure tales were about adventures . There is no ulterior motive here other than a rip roaring story about a bunch of mates out of their depth , in a sea of weird , and swimming like mad.
Draws me back to stories from the past when adventure tales were about adventures . There is no ulterior motive here other than a rip roaring story about a bunch of mates out of their depth , in a sea of weird , and swimming like mad.
November 4, 2020
I enjoyed the premise!
This was a fun read. I wish it had been longer, but perhaps the sequel will be! 3 tough guys suddenly stranded in a new world where they aren't even in the top half of tough.
A simple job that turns into Mission Impossible! Some tongue in cheeky prose to make you either grin or wince.
The story flows, come see where it goes.
I liked this.
This was a fun read. I wish it had been longer, but perhaps the sequel will be! 3 tough guys suddenly stranded in a new world where they aren't even in the top half of tough.
A simple job that turns into Mission Impossible! Some tongue in cheeky prose to make you either grin or wince.
The story flows, come see where it goes.
I liked this.
January 12, 2021
I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
I had fun following our (british?) spartans in their 2nd adventure in Level 31. I liked finding more depth in their backstories (even if its just a little). This book also made me cry on the last page so ... There's that. ^^ Good times.
I had fun following our (british?) spartans in their 2nd adventure in Level 31. I liked finding more depth in their backstories (even if its just a little). This book also made me cry on the last page so ... There's that. ^^ Good times.
July 20, 2022
The Hard Blokes Of Sparta - The Princess In The Tower (Tales from the Storystream Book 2), my second read from author Jamie Brindle. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 11, 2020
Wonderful
This was such a fun and interesting read. While short the word building was great and Dave’s perspective on it was really entertaining. I’m definitely looking out for the sequel.
This was such a fun and interesting read. While short the word building was great and Dave’s perspective on it was really entertaining. I’m definitely looking out for the sequel.
February 23, 2021
Not the 300
I was expecting something like the 300, or a tongue in cheek version. This was not like that. Magic, demons and romance of the damsel in distress kind. This is more like a bad dnd story than anything else. The ending is both good and confusing.
I was expecting something like the 300, or a tongue in cheek version. This was not like that. Magic, demons and romance of the damsel in distress kind. This is more like a bad dnd story than anything else. The ending is both good and confusing.
August 7, 2020
Short yet full of matter of fact humor. Really interesting world wish I got a little more about that
August 8, 2020
The humor fell a little flat for me, so I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have.
Not sure if I'll continue the series.
Not sure if I'll continue the series.
August 14, 2020
Amusing characters. Well written story. All in all an enjoyable read. Thanks Voracious Readers only for my free review copy.
September 6, 2020
Mediocre
It’s not as funny as it could be, but it’s not as bad as it could be. It’s just mediocre.
It’s not as funny as it could be, but it’s not as bad as it could be. It’s just mediocre.
November 13, 2021
Intense and fun
I live the hard blokes it's both funny and dramatic this one got really dark at the end I must somehow get book 3 I really hate when it cliffhangs
I live the hard blokes it's both funny and dramatic this one got really dark at the end I must somehow get book 3 I really hate when it cliffhangs
January 31, 2025
I was blessed with a very early ARC copy of this novella, and while it it slight it is full of wonderful, whimsical fantasy that anyone looking for a Terry Pratchett "lite" experience would love. It is very deadpan British while also being a whole load of fun.
Meet Dave, Phil and Chad, the titular Hard Blokes of Sparta. Only they aren't in Sparta anymore, they've fallen through a hole in reality to the magical-mythical mash-up land known as Level 31. Months on and still reeling from the culture shock of coming face to face with ogres and goblins as part of daily life, the mercenary band are also having to deal with the very real problem of making rent. Then as luck would have it, they're offered a job that would solve their financial woes... But it involves a princess trapped in a tower guarded by goodness knows what. In a world where stories are very much real, there's no guarantee of a Happily Ever After when the narrative refuses to play by the rules.
This is meta fantasy comfort reading at it's best. It pokes fun at all the cliches in a very British way, full of warmth and humour. What it lacks in descriptive language it makes up for with heart. Everything from an argumentative damsel-in-not-much-distress to a very special hair-clip sparkles with gentle wit. The Blokes camaraderie and banter is so natural, even in the bizarre setting. Of course, Spartans with names like Dave mean you shouldn't expect realism here, just fun.
I wholly enjoyed the Hard Blokes' first outing and am so looking forward to seeing what strangeness could befall them next.
-I received an ARC copy of this ebook from the author. This does not affect my review-
Meet Dave, Phil and Chad, the titular Hard Blokes of Sparta. Only they aren't in Sparta anymore, they've fallen through a hole in reality to the magical-mythical mash-up land known as Level 31. Months on and still reeling from the culture shock of coming face to face with ogres and goblins as part of daily life, the mercenary band are also having to deal with the very real problem of making rent. Then as luck would have it, they're offered a job that would solve their financial woes... But it involves a princess trapped in a tower guarded by goodness knows what. In a world where stories are very much real, there's no guarantee of a Happily Ever After when the narrative refuses to play by the rules.
This is meta fantasy comfort reading at it's best. It pokes fun at all the cliches in a very British way, full of warmth and humour. What it lacks in descriptive language it makes up for with heart. Everything from an argumentative damsel-in-not-much-distress to a very special hair-clip sparkles with gentle wit. The Blokes camaraderie and banter is so natural, even in the bizarre setting. Of course, Spartans with names like Dave mean you shouldn't expect realism here, just fun.
I wholly enjoyed the Hard Blokes' first outing and am so looking forward to seeing what strangeness could befall them next.
-I received an ARC copy of this ebook from the author. This does not affect my review-
February 1, 2022
I received a free copy lf this book via voracious readers only. *opinions are all my own*
A very fun lighthearted book full of adventure. Incredibly good at putting a smile on anyones face!
A very fun lighthearted book full of adventure. Incredibly good at putting a smile on anyones face!
July 8, 2022
Delightfully quirky and witty twist on the typical fantasy adventure, reminiscent Piers Anthony's Xanth series for adults. I'm excited to see where the Hard Blokes go next!
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