What do you think?
Rate this book
The Feather and the Lamp
A magic lamp should have been a gateway to Imperceptibility’s every desire…
So how did she end up in the underworld covered in slobber from a three-headed dog?
And then there’s capture by fanatical priest-mercenaries, sacrifice to a quantum dragon, and getting trapped in a chicken coop.
Will she ever find her way back home?
More important still, what’s a goose feather got to do with any of this?
- Goodreads 5-star review -- A definite different story that will delight everyone. Words that will draw you in with the characters leading you through whatever happens.
So how did she end up in the underworld covered in slobber from a three-headed dog?
And then there’s capture by fanatical priest-mercenaries, sacrifice to a quantum dragon, and getting trapped in a chicken coop.
Will she ever find her way back home?
More important still, what’s a goose feather got to do with any of this?
- Goodreads 5-star review -- A definite different story that will delight everyone. Words that will draw you in with the characters leading you through whatever happens.
500 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2022
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
L.N. Hunter
31 books21 followersBesides the books listed here, L.N. Hunter’s work has appeared in Short Édition’s Short Circuit and, most recently, the Horrifying Tales of Wonder podcast, among other places - you can find a complete-ish list of publications on my Linktree. There have also been papers in the IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks, which are probably somewhat less relevant and definitely less fun.
When not writing, L.N. unwinds in a disorganised home in Carlisle, UK, along with two cats and a soulmate.
When not writing, L.N. unwinds in a disorganised home in Carlisle, UK, along with two cats and a soulmate.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 4, 2024
I received a review copy of this rollicking yarn, and enjoyed every minute of it. The writing is extremely deft, with generous wordplay and a steady cadence that keeps the plot moving forward. Hunter takes elements from stock fantasy and transforms them into a sort of "Gullivers' Travels" quest undertaken by Itty Happenstance, a careless teenaged librarian who just happens to stumble into adventure with the help of a trapped, and possibly not benign, djinn.
I could see this being a fantastic read-aloud story for families: the prose lends itself wonderfully to being spoken, and the serial nature of the plot would be fantastic as a bedside read. There's tension and tragedy--for some reason one cook and her duck haunt me--but the prose never delves too dark, and, perhaps in part because of the perspective of the irrepressible heroine, even the sad and scary bits never become overwhelming.
There are a lot of open threads that can easily lead to subsequent adventures, and a great deal of truly innovative worldbuilding. The lands Itty explores are riffs on a steampunk-style fantasy, with lots of puns, Nineteenth-century-type societies, dragons, and inter dimensional possibilities.
I could see this being a fantastic read-aloud story for families: the prose lends itself wonderfully to being spoken, and the serial nature of the plot would be fantastic as a bedside read. There's tension and tragedy--for some reason one cook and her duck haunt me--but the prose never delves too dark, and, perhaps in part because of the perspective of the irrepressible heroine, even the sad and scary bits never become overwhelming.
There are a lot of open threads that can easily lead to subsequent adventures, and a great deal of truly innovative worldbuilding. The lands Itty explores are riffs on a steampunk-style fantasy, with lots of puns, Nineteenth-century-type societies, dragons, and inter dimensional possibilities.
June 28, 2023
Disclaimer upfront: I received a review copy from the author, who mentioned it on the Books for Review thread of a writers' forum we both belong to. I hadn't previously interacted with the author and I received only the free copy in exchange for my review.
Recognizably in the vein of the late lamented Terry Pratchett, The Feather and the Lamp takes place in a world that feels a little darker than the Diskworld, with aspirants to the Adventurers' Guild being condemned to death if the (metaphorical) dragon who is the Gatekeeper deems them to be timewasters. (We are later told that the sentence is often commuted by the Guild's Council, though that still leaves the question of how a guild which isn't a government has the right to condemn people to death in the first place; but judging by how the Gatekeeper speaks to a prince, they're a powerful enough group that they can do whatever they like with impunity.) Into this guild comes Imperceptibility Happenstance, which is the kind of silly name that usually raises red flags with me in funny fantasy; too often, the "funny" in "funny fantasy" consists solely of silly names and tropes. Fortunately, that's not the case here, and we get a story that works in its own terms as well as being frequently amusing.
Her surname is, however, a bit of a clue, in retrospect. Though she does act with generosity, intelligence and determination throughout, Miss Happenstance (or Itty, as she likes to be known) is also very lucky, and frequently relies on the kindness of strangers to help get her out of the situations that her lamp djinn has put her into. The djinn has the power to make her forget that he exists, and is also allowed, under the rules, to get her killed, which, if he achieves it before she makes all three of her wishes, will free him from the lamp. The thing is, he doesn't seem to be trying all that hard, or else her luck is more powerful than he is; at one point, he even helps her to phrase her second wish more effectively rather than attempting to sabotage her again. The playing field is definitely tilted in Itty's favour, is what I'm saying, though she doesn't just get handed all of her solutions; she does often have to work for them, and has a bad time sometimes along the way, though it doesn't drag her cheerful spirit down much.
What makes up for her luckiness in my eyes is that she's also kind and generous, always looking for the best outcome for everyone, not just herself. Even when she encounters a ruthless businessman who is her exact opposite in this regard, she persists in looking for a way in which everyone, even him, can get something they want. She doesn't hold grudges or hang onto regrets, either. She's an enjoyable character to follow around, more likeable than, say, Rincewind, and the world we follow her through is populated with other fun characters who often have that Pratchettian slightly distorted echo of our own world that at the same time manages to be a more than usually clever pun.
I'd happily follow this eccentric young woman through more books, so I'm glad the author has some planned. This one comfortably sits on the Silver tier of my Best of the Year list, solid work with plenty to recommend it.
Recognizably in the vein of the late lamented Terry Pratchett, The Feather and the Lamp takes place in a world that feels a little darker than the Diskworld, with aspirants to the Adventurers' Guild being condemned to death if the (metaphorical) dragon who is the Gatekeeper deems them to be timewasters. (We are later told that the sentence is often commuted by the Guild's Council, though that still leaves the question of how a guild which isn't a government has the right to condemn people to death in the first place; but judging by how the Gatekeeper speaks to a prince, they're a powerful enough group that they can do whatever they like with impunity.) Into this guild comes Imperceptibility Happenstance, which is the kind of silly name that usually raises red flags with me in funny fantasy; too often, the "funny" in "funny fantasy" consists solely of silly names and tropes. Fortunately, that's not the case here, and we get a story that works in its own terms as well as being frequently amusing.
Her surname is, however, a bit of a clue, in retrospect. Though she does act with generosity, intelligence and determination throughout, Miss Happenstance (or Itty, as she likes to be known) is also very lucky, and frequently relies on the kindness of strangers to help get her out of the situations that her lamp djinn has put her into. The djinn has the power to make her forget that he exists, and is also allowed, under the rules, to get her killed, which, if he achieves it before she makes all three of her wishes, will free him from the lamp. The thing is, he doesn't seem to be trying all that hard, or else her luck is more powerful than he is; at one point, he even helps her to phrase her second wish more effectively rather than attempting to sabotage her again. The playing field is definitely tilted in Itty's favour, is what I'm saying, though she doesn't just get handed all of her solutions; she does often have to work for them, and has a bad time sometimes along the way, though it doesn't drag her cheerful spirit down much.
What makes up for her luckiness in my eyes is that she's also kind and generous, always looking for the best outcome for everyone, not just herself. Even when she encounters a ruthless businessman who is her exact opposite in this regard, she persists in looking for a way in which everyone, even him, can get something they want. She doesn't hold grudges or hang onto regrets, either. She's an enjoyable character to follow around, more likeable than, say, Rincewind, and the world we follow her through is populated with other fun characters who often have that Pratchettian slightly distorted echo of our own world that at the same time manages to be a more than usually clever pun.
I'd happily follow this eccentric young woman through more books, so I'm glad the author has some planned. This one comfortably sits on the Silver tier of my Best of the Year list, solid work with plenty to recommend it.
December 25, 2022
Feather and the Lamp is such a fun read. It contains many unique elements, and its biting satire can be appreciated not only by young adults, but by anyone with intelligence and a sense of humor. L.N. Hunter also has a talent for giving characters unique voices. If Feather is ever made into an Audiobook, it will require a skilled narrator.
The novel does contain a stereotypical genie in a lamp, which is why I’ve given it 4 stars instead of 5, but that might be a matter of personal taste. Anyone who grew up watching Disney’s Aladdin won’t think of anything else when a comical genie is introduced. A much younger reader might have a different experience, however.
I feel so old now. 😭
Fans of Terry Pratchett will enjoy this novel.
The novel does contain a stereotypical genie in a lamp, which is why I’ve given it 4 stars instead of 5, but that might be a matter of personal taste. Anyone who grew up watching Disney’s Aladdin won’t think of anything else when a comical genie is introduced. A much younger reader might have a different experience, however.
I feel so old now. 😭
Fans of Terry Pratchett will enjoy this novel.
October 9, 2023
Hunt's story-telling is full of humor and wit, reminding me of Terry Pratchett. Although I usually have trouble with the myriad of names and places in fantasy, I was easily able to traverse the terms and thoroughly enjoy this adventure. I was captivated by the writing from the first chapter's depiction of the GateKeeper and happy to find that my attention never waned. Imperceptibility Happenstance, a teenage heroine, wants to be an adventurer, but she already had more of an adventure than any of the candidates applying to the Adventurer’s Guild.
November 30, 2022
Best tale I've read in nearly two years.
The Feather and the Lamp is an absolute joy to read and packed to the gills with belly laughs, subtle barbs, and the occasional guffaw throughout this tale of wonder and accidental adventure. If you're entertained by clever wit, wild puns, or tall tales this is for you.
I await more adventure from Itty with eager anticipation.
The Feather and the Lamp is an absolute joy to read and packed to the gills with belly laughs, subtle barbs, and the occasional guffaw throughout this tale of wonder and accidental adventure. If you're entertained by clever wit, wild puns, or tall tales this is for you.
I await more adventure from Itty with eager anticipation.
January 5, 2024
This novel is a fresh and witty addition to the fantasy genre. A charming dragon who is more quantum than magical, a wicked djinn, a dead sea captain and an unlikely yet likeable protagonist come together to tell a quirky and engaging story. I especially liked the reimagined underworld. I’m looking forward to more of Itty and Shank’s adventures.
June 13, 2024
Even though it’s 500 ish pages, this is a fast and fun read! If you like fairy tales, and have a sense of humor, you’ll like this!
October 28, 2024
A delightfully whimsical tale by L N Hunter that masterfully blends fantasy, science fiction, and mythology into something utterly unique! This enchanting story had me grinning from start to finish with its clever wit and imaginative storytelling.
The plot follows our wonderfully named protagonist, Imperceptibility Happenstance, on an adventure that starts with a seemingly simple magic lamp and spirals into a rollicking journey through the underworld, complete with three-headed dogs, fanatical priest-mercenaries, and a thoroughly entertaining quantum dragon. The story moves seamlessly between the guild scenes and Imperceptibility’s adventures, maintaining perfect pacing throughout. Each new predicament is more absurd and delightful than the last, yet somehow it all works together brilliantly.
The characters are an absolute joy, particularly our resourceful and engaging heroine, Imperceptibility. However, it’s the quantum dragon who steals the show with its quirky dialogue reminiscent of Roald Dahl’s BFG – a masterful touch that brings both humor and heart to the story. The relationships between characters develop naturally and entertainingly, adding depth to what could have been just a madcap adventure.
The dialogue sparkles with wit and charm, perfectly capturing each character’s unique voice. From the sinister undertones of the not-so-typical djinn to the delightful quantum dragon’s peculiar way of speaking, every conversation adds another layer of enjoyment to the tale.
The world-building is exceptional, creating a rich tapestry that weaves together elements of traditional fantasy with clever scientific concepts and mythological references. The author’s ability to blend these diverse elements while maintaining a coherent and engaging narrative is truly impressive. The Princess Bride-esque tone strikes just the right balance between adventure and humour, making this a story that will appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages.
This is the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place – pure, unadulterated fun wrapped in clever writing and genuine heart. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting. I enthusiastically award The Feather and the Lamp 5 well-deserved stars!
The plot follows our wonderfully named protagonist, Imperceptibility Happenstance, on an adventure that starts with a seemingly simple magic lamp and spirals into a rollicking journey through the underworld, complete with three-headed dogs, fanatical priest-mercenaries, and a thoroughly entertaining quantum dragon. The story moves seamlessly between the guild scenes and Imperceptibility’s adventures, maintaining perfect pacing throughout. Each new predicament is more absurd and delightful than the last, yet somehow it all works together brilliantly.
The characters are an absolute joy, particularly our resourceful and engaging heroine, Imperceptibility. However, it’s the quantum dragon who steals the show with its quirky dialogue reminiscent of Roald Dahl’s BFG – a masterful touch that brings both humor and heart to the story. The relationships between characters develop naturally and entertainingly, adding depth to what could have been just a madcap adventure.
The dialogue sparkles with wit and charm, perfectly capturing each character’s unique voice. From the sinister undertones of the not-so-typical djinn to the delightful quantum dragon’s peculiar way of speaking, every conversation adds another layer of enjoyment to the tale.
The world-building is exceptional, creating a rich tapestry that weaves together elements of traditional fantasy with clever scientific concepts and mythological references. The author’s ability to blend these diverse elements while maintaining a coherent and engaging narrative is truly impressive. The Princess Bride-esque tone strikes just the right balance between adventure and humour, making this a story that will appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages.
This is the kind of book that reminds you why you fell in love with reading in the first place – pure, unadulterated fun wrapped in clever writing and genuine heart. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting. I enthusiastically award The Feather and the Lamp 5 well-deserved stars!
May 5, 2025
In this whimsical and refreshing fantasy, Hunter has given us an unlikely hero in Imperceptibility Happenstance, or Itty to her friends. She is small and weak and dressed in wild, colorful outfits, and her life consumed by books and a constant desire for pastries. The fantasies from the world of fiction overtake her real life when a mistrustful Djinn tricks her into adventurous peril designed to cause her demise and his release. Itty’s inquisitive nature and naïve innocence lead her through mutiny at sea, a trip to the underworld, a journey through magic tunnels, a dispute between neighboring villages, and a touching connection with a dragon. The dangers Itty encounters are decidedly PG in nature, but always interesting and dynamic. Her world is not many dimensions removed from our own, as familiar items have slipped through such as “marsh code” to send signals, a man named “Smithen Wessen” who invented combustible projectile weapons and “Waldo Dizzy Whirled” being a happy and familiar sounding theme park. Itty details her story in attempt to be admitted into the prestigious “Adventurers’ Guild”, an exclusive club that has never had a female member. Along her journey, she wins friends and confidence and the admiration of the reader. Finding out if her fantastical tale will earn her elusive entry into the club is a journey worth going on. L.N. Hunter’s writing is smart and witty with comfortable prose. A fun and family friendly fantasy that anyone can enjoy.
May 10, 2025
Aladdin Meets Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
Truly, it’s an adventurous tale worth hearing. Imperceptibility Happenstance has a head in the clouds and a taste for pastry. Obviously she’s a good candidate for a Bilbo-like thrown-together adventure orchestrated by a conniving djinn.
Like Arthur the cosmic hitchhiker, she meets the most interesting characters. Instead of Marvin the depressed robot, there’s a very philosophical dragon who objects to shouting. Instead of Zaphod Beeblebrox arguing with both of his heads, there are three villages with suspicious female mayors locked in a trade war. And the love interest is a rather ordinary young man named Nathan. The fierce Gatekeeper, who assesses prospective adventurers with a jaundiced eye (are they making proper use of ALL their organs, really?) is without peer. She stands alone.
The ne’er-do-well gadabout prince who weasels his way into the Guild is very forgettable. He’s a dilettante playboy.
I’ll have to hunt up Book 2, as this first volume was a delight! Anyone who has read contracts will see the value in the advice to never, ever trust a devious djinn. They stick to the letter of the law while plotting your demise. Worse than the Lapsed Atheists, always looking for reasons to go about smiting poor adventurers.
Truly, it’s an adventurous tale worth hearing. Imperceptibility Happenstance has a head in the clouds and a taste for pastry. Obviously she’s a good candidate for a Bilbo-like thrown-together adventure orchestrated by a conniving djinn.
Like Arthur the cosmic hitchhiker, she meets the most interesting characters. Instead of Marvin the depressed robot, there’s a very philosophical dragon who objects to shouting. Instead of Zaphod Beeblebrox arguing with both of his heads, there are three villages with suspicious female mayors locked in a trade war. And the love interest is a rather ordinary young man named Nathan. The fierce Gatekeeper, who assesses prospective adventurers with a jaundiced eye (are they making proper use of ALL their organs, really?) is without peer. She stands alone.
The ne’er-do-well gadabout prince who weasels his way into the Guild is very forgettable. He’s a dilettante playboy.
I’ll have to hunt up Book 2, as this first volume was a delight! Anyone who has read contracts will see the value in the advice to never, ever trust a devious djinn. They stick to the letter of the law while plotting your demise. Worse than the Lapsed Atheists, always looking for reasons to go about smiting poor adventurers.
February 4, 2024
The great pleasure of reading The Father and the Lamp is the voice of the prose. Humorous and lively, it carries throughout the story, crating the impression you are listening to a warm storyteller. Each chapter is headed up by an excerpt from another (fictional) history or spell book. These parodies are fun to read, a great way of delivering exposition without having to put it in story and risk bogging down character scenes.
Imperceptibility Happenstance makes a good lead character, who finds herself in the unfortunate position of becoming the owner of a Djinn who will not grant wishes in good faith, sending her on an adventure filled with quantum leaping dragons, underground labyrinths, humble monks, the land of the dead, mutinous pirates, and excellent boots.
It’s a gentle book. No gruesomeness or heartbreak, just a fun, imaginative read.
Imperceptibility Happenstance makes a good lead character, who finds herself in the unfortunate position of becoming the owner of a Djinn who will not grant wishes in good faith, sending her on an adventure filled with quantum leaping dragons, underground labyrinths, humble monks, the land of the dead, mutinous pirates, and excellent boots.
It’s a gentle book. No gruesomeness or heartbreak, just a fun, imaginative read.
April 11, 2025
After Itty Happenstance, our bookish, wildly dressed heroine, finds a magic lamp, she winds up in the underworld, covered in slobber from a three-headed dog. From there, her whimsy, frolicking adventure continues to far off places where she meets an assortment of fascinating creatures—including an awesome dragon.
YA fantasy isn’t my typically read, but I found this to be a hilarious adventure romp. Itty is fun, smart, and learns on her adventure that she needs to experience life to better understand it, instead of just reading about it in books.
This story is super long, around 500 pages. At times, the pacing was slow, but this could be normal of the genre. For teenagers and young adults who want good fun and nothing too dark in their fantasy reads, this is the book to check out.
4 Stars
YA fantasy isn’t my typically read, but I found this to be a hilarious adventure romp. Itty is fun, smart, and learns on her adventure that she needs to experience life to better understand it, instead of just reading about it in books.
This story is super long, around 500 pages. At times, the pacing was slow, but this could be normal of the genre. For teenagers and young adults who want good fun and nothing too dark in their fantasy reads, this is the book to check out.
4 Stars
January 8, 2024
The Feather and The Lamp takes the classic ‘be careful what you wish for’ and turns it into an often hilarious story about timeless treasures, a Djinn, wishes, erased memories, and the constant threat of imminent death. I love the segments outlining the Standard Djinn Contract, and also the exasperating conversations between the Djinn and our kind-hearted protagonist Imperceptibility Happenstance, or Itty as she prefers to be called, who is flung from one boiling pot to the next in this descriptive, engaging, and highly entertaining adventure.
February 11, 2024
This is an amusing mix of adventure and cosy fantasy.
Itty Happenstance is a fun character to follow around as she struggles to dig herself out the trouble the djinn from her magic lamp threw her into. She is likable, generous and slightly quirky in the vein of the famous explorers. There is quite a bit of humour in the story and some familiar tropes, but also some unique world building.
This is a light, quick read, suitable for YA readers.
I received the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Itty Happenstance is a fun character to follow around as she struggles to dig herself out the trouble the djinn from her magic lamp threw her into. She is likable, generous and slightly quirky in the vein of the famous explorers. There is quite a bit of humour in the story and some familiar tropes, but also some unique world building.
This is a light, quick read, suitable for YA readers.
I received the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 29, 2023
It's an intelligently written book that's highly entertaining. I am a big fan of adventure fantasy, and this was a good mix of both, whilst still being different to anything else I've read.
Some things I liked in particular:
The spelling, grammar and prose etc.. were of a very high standard.
The world was vivid and fully fleshed out.
The main character was fun and relatable.
The pacing was very good, and there was always something happening to keep your interest.
Some things I liked in particular:
The spelling, grammar and prose etc.. were of a very high standard.
The world was vivid and fully fleshed out.
The main character was fun and relatable.
The pacing was very good, and there was always something happening to keep your interest.
March 11, 2023
It's rare a book can make me laugh out loud, but The Feather and The Lamp managed it twice on the very first page! This is a funny, clever fantasy with an improbable heroine thrown into uproarious adventures via a magical lamp and a clever Djinn. Be careful what you wish for... The charm of the book is that it would appeal equally to adults and a YA audience. I recommend it!
December 4, 2022
great book, a fun and fast-paced read.
November 26, 2022
A definite different story that will delight everyone. Words that will draw you in with the characters leading you through whatever happens.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews