SOLVED. Fantasy fiction - 1980's - main character deaths, David Dunn ? [s]

[Shaun]

Hi - I am trying to remember the name of a book I read quite a number of years ago, I think it was in the eighties but it could easily have been nineties as we'll. I can't remember very much about any thing other than what struck me about this typical fantasy fiction book was that quite a few of the main characters either got killed off or suffered major setbacks. For instance I think one of them may have either had a hand chopped off or an eye gouged out?

There is one particular scene that I associate with it. This is of the heroes of the story being held captive in a cage that I think was suspended in the air. One of the characters (I think) uses a spell to either become very small or turn into a small animal so that they could get between the bars of the cage and help the others escape.

( just re- reading this and perhaps they even transported out???.)

I have been thinking that the authors name was something like David Duncan or David Dunn or I'm even wondering if this is one of the Hugh Cook W&W novels?

At the time I was reading the early Shannara, and Wheel of Time books , or Reluctant Swordsmen? But the actual book just eludes me! Very frustrating, really hoping someone can read this and hope it jogs a memory.

Thanks.

Shaun

[Michele]

Could it be possibly Lloyd Alexander's Taran Wanderer? In that book, one character is turned into a rabbit, another into a frog, a third has to battle a sorceror who can't be killed. There's a better summary here.

[Aerulan]

There's a Dave Duncan who writes fantasy novels. Did you check his stuff?

[Shaun]

Thanks both.

It's not Taran Wanderer, Michele, the story doesn't ring any bells.

I was wondering if it could be The Reluctant Swordsman? If there is someone out there who could confirm? Or confirm it's not one of the Hugh Cook novels?

[Michele]

The Reluctant Swordsman for the click.

[Shaun]

SOLVED - it was The Wizards and the Warriors by Hugh Cook! Reading it now and a particular scene (inside a magic bottle) just triggered my memory!

[Serena]

Glad you found it!

The Wizards And The Warriors for your link, please edit thread to solved folder. :)