The Mystic Accountants (The Banned Underground) [Kindle Edition]

Brilliant, funny and out of this world! I am loving this series of books and can't wait to get into the next one. The awful puns are excellently awful!

This is the second book in the Banned Underground series. I found it a better read than the first - and I loved that one. Maybe the author was getting into his stride - maybe I was getting into his style? The wonderful multi-species Banned (including bog troll, dwarf - now even a dragon!) are on a mission to acquire a new throne for the King under the mountain. Then they'll have the ultimate gig in the hall of the mountain king! The Mystic Accountant, meanwhile, has big things in his sights - beginning at The Welsh Assembly. Typical teens Chris and Lynda with their atypical aunt Dot are chasing the sect who kidnapped their uncle while the route of the whole quest is strewn with distressed frogs. You've really got to read it to get the benefit!

This is a `must read' for anyone who loves fantasy, anyone who loves a laugh. I think Will Macmillan Jones' default setting is `funny'. The writing style is easy, conversational, accessible and, did I say funny? We get to see the Banned's play lists too, and I have to say, I rather fancy attending one of their gigs - especially if they can manage to hold it at a beer festival again. Many fantasy lovers adore a series, a saga, and are disappointed to find stand-alone books. If you're one of these, look no further. This series, with its trail of distraught frogs, will run and run, I hope.

This second outing for the Banned Underground was even more enjoyable than the first. The writing felt more confident and the gags, although still groan-inducing, were far less intrusive.

In the Mystic Accountants, Fungus and his Blues-Rock band inadvertently destroy Lord Lakin's throne during a gig. They are tasked to find a new throne before the Amulet of the Kings loses its power and the Helvyndelve becomes vulnerable to attack by Caer Surdin.

The 'quest' takes them from the rain-soaked Lake District, through the glamour of Stockport, to the rolling hillsides of Wales. The witch, Griselda, and her hubby, Ben, become embroiled in the quest along with the teenagers, Linda and Chris. Throw in some superbly mad monks, an alcoholic dragon called Dai, the hapless Ned and the beer-loving Tuatha and you have an amusing romp through comedy-fantasy.

The book works for me because the humour compliments rather than dictates the story. The author avoids sneering at the genre, in fact he clearly loves fantasy. The jokes ballance puns, double-entendres, irony, slap-stick and genuine wittiness. Macmillan-Jones also has a great talent for witty pop-culture references and a passion for music.

All-in-all its a book I'd thoroughly recommend. And I can't wait for the soundtrack.