Recently Read: Unsung Heroes for Hire: It's A Hard Life

This novella was written by my close friend Daniel Cochran and is his first published work. It is a fun, quick read that serves as a great introduction to this world. There is enough foundational world-building to be intrigued by what may come next sprinkled throughout the interplay between these characters.

I thought the character of Meryll, in particular, was hilarious, thoroughly well-written, and brought joy to each page. The climax does a terrific job demonstrating how this team of unlikely heroes can work together, utilizing their unique abilities to overcome challenges in a manner that is as enjoyable to read as it is well-crafted. There were definitely moments when reading where I got the sense of Skyrim or Fable influences--which adds another layer of enjoyment, at least for myself. There were also times when Daniel (purposefully, I am sure) set up a cliche and then offered a nice/unexpected twist to the resolution instead. I wholeheartedly recommend giving this novella and its author an opportunity.

Daniel has set himself up to tell more stories following the aftermath of the overthrow of an evil despot and the challenges of building a new society. "Unsung Heroes for Hire", in a way, is a story about a group of people the day after the tyrannical overlord is undone.