Willow Tate loves her work as a graphic novelist, despite
the low pay and disapproval of her mother. But she's never
really believed the fantasies she spins until one day,
after creating a giant red troll named Fafhrd, she sees him
clomping down her street like a playful three-year-old
among toy cars. But when no one reports seeing a hulking
giant anywhere (although the damage left behind by
something is very real -- some witnesses think it
was a runaway trolley), Willow almost talks herself out of
what she saw. Until it happens again.
Then the sexy and mysterious Agent Grant shows up, claiming
to be from the DUE (Department of Unexplained Events). He
not only believes Willow has seen the troll but confirms
her fears that she was, in fact, involved in it becoming
real. Turns out Willow is from a family that possesses some
very unique and ancient talents. But Agent Grant explains
that Willow didn't act alone, and that there is an evil
genius out there, meticulously putting together a plot to
destroy the world as we know it. It's a story she might
have dreamed up for a comic book -- except the consequences
are very real.
I never really got into this book, despite the interesting
premise. There were a lot of long passages of exposition
and description but not a lot of action, other than
glimpses of Fafhrd. Some of the events seemed a bit
contrived, the wackiness a little forced at times, and I
had trouble warming up to Willow, who was a little too
passive for my taste. Nevertheless, it's a clever idea with
some fun moments, and a nice change from the violence and
angst in many urban fantasies. If you're a UF fan looking
for a lighter read or you're wondering where to find a good
troll story, you'll probably enjoy this book.
Willow Tate is a graphic novelist who earns enough money at
her craft to keep her rent-controlled Manhattan apartment
and still put food in the fridge. But when she decides to
write about a ten-foot-tall troll who's a superhero, one
suddenly appears, causing mayhem in Manhattan.
When no one else can see the stony red giant, Willy thinks
she's gone crazy, until she meets Agent Grant from the
Department of Unexplained Events. According to him, Willy
has managed to break ages-old cosmic laws that could destroy
the Earth as we know it.
Now she has to help him save the world, rescue a little boy,
and stop a murdering kidnapper who wants to use the power of
a little village in the Hamptons to become master of the
universe...
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