Highfire audiobook

Vern was a dragon, arguably, the last of his kind. "Once upon a time, he had been Wyvern, Lord Highfire of the Highfire Eyrie...now...he spent his days in the bayou blending in with the locals, staying down wind of the swamp tours...". Seven foot tall Vern, watched Netflix and reality shows from the comfort of his La-Z-Boy recliner. His beverage of choice was Absolut Vodka. His wardrobe: "Flashdance" T-shirts.Vern mistrusted humans, the exception being Waxman, a mogwai. "Mogwais [half human beings] and dragons often buddied up to avoid death by whatever elaborate method the crusading mob favored at the time." Waxman lived on a houseboat on the Pearl River. "Waxman had set up a supply line to the outside world for Vern." How else was a dragon to quench his thirst for Absolut Vodka?Constable Regence Hooke was a "bent" cop. "There was hardly a crime he hadn't participated in or turned a blind eye to at one point or another." Regence had set his sights on Elodie Moreau, a nurse working at the Petit Bateau Clinic. "...he craved what he couldn't get his mitts on...".Everett "Squib" Moreau, Elodie Moreau's son, was a fifteen year old swamp-wild, street smart Cajun. "He was doing his best to stay straight, but...straight didn't pay the bills...". Elodie owed massive amounts of money in gambling debts, those debts amassed by Squib's "fake daddy". Perhaps the debt level could be reduced if Squib spent his summer as a moonshine runner.He dreamed of moving to a mother/son dwelling far from Constable Hooke.Vern, the ancient dragon was lonely, isolated and virtually friendless. A nighttime explosion from a grenade launcher might prove to be the catalyst for change. A life saving "grab" from an unlikely source could open new doors for Squib. Regence Hooke's malicious, cruel nature cannot be understated. Author Eoin Colfer masterfully fleshes out the "Highfire" protagonists with tongue-in-cheek humor, "colorful" descriptive passages and flights of fancy. Violence is included in this rip roaring magical romp through the Louisiana bayou. There was never a dull moment. What fun!Thank you HarperCollins Publishers, Harper Perennial and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Highfire".

Have you ever read a book about a dragon? One who flashdances? And likes vodka and lives in Louisiana? Sounds fun, right? But even more fun ensues when he meets a teenage troublemaker on the lam.Highfire is quite the different read for me, but I’m so grateful I picked it up! It would make the perfect movie, but who needs that when you have written imagery like this? I know you are thinking this is a fantasy book, and while it has a dragon and other fantasy elements, it’s so much more. Most of all, it’s entertaining, at times funny, and quite the adventure.I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

With a narrative voice somewhere between Huckleberry Finn and the Dukes of Hazzard, and a keen sense of pop-culture awareness, Highfire is certainly something different. It's a charming, funny, but sometimes brutal look at poor Cajun life and crime in the Louisiana bayou. Is it really fantasy, though? Well yes, on the surface, on account of having an actual dragon in it, but that's all. Honestly, the author could have made Vern a Rambo-style retired super-soldier instead and told almost the same story, but that would have been a shame. The idea of a depressed, hard-drinking, Flashdance-obsessed ancient dragon living in the Louisiana swamp gives this book a comedic edge and a sense of whimsy that offsets the ultraviolence and lifts this out of action movie territory into something, if not exactly wholesome, certainly much more enjoyable. But then there's Regence Hooke. Oh yes, there is definitely Hooke. He's like The Punisher if The Punisher was portrayed as the psychopathic asshole he is instead of some sort of twisted superhero. Hooke is one of the most psychotic villains I can remember reading, and I don't think I'll forget him for a very long time.This is a story with many layers, and a lot more than initially meets the eye. It's a lot of fun, and I enjoyed it a great deal. Colfer has come up with something new here, a real genre-blending treat, and I applaud him for it.

*screams with delight**stares around to see who else wants to talk about this book**finds no one to talk to about it**screams with delight again anyway*Imagine, if you will, an epic story of a the last dragon, a lonely figure hoarding ancient gold . . . Now imagine, if you will, that this dragon is wearing a very large Flashdance t-shirt and watching Netflix all day in a shack in the Louisiana bayou. Now just close your eyes and savor the image. Now open them, and read the book.

I won this in a GoodReads giveaway. Thanks to GR and Harper Perennial for the book.Despite what I had read in the blurb, I was not expecting Vern, LOL. This book was just plain fun to read. There were a lot of hi-jinks in a Louisiana swamp with a crooked cop, a juvenile delinquent and his momma (though Squib is still a good kid in the wanna-be-a-bad-guy stage), a mogwai and a dragon named Vern. And yes, it's just exactly as hilarious as it sounds.And though I had quite a few literal laugh out loud moments, it wasn't all fun and games. There's some dark history and sad circumstances, and the bad guy is truly loathsome. For once, the justice served up satisfied even me. Charming characters, lots of action and ridiculous conversations made this a hugely enjoyable read. If you can suspend your disbelief and take this world for what it is, this is fabulous entertainment!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review 🐉I’ve grown up with the Artemis Fowl books by Eoin Colfer, and they’re a staple in our house for my children (my son is called Eoin too), so I went into this with some trepidation. Could Colfer’s wit carry itself in an adult novel? Especially one that sounds as bizarre as this one, with a grumpy vodka drinking dragon and a boy called Squib with major daddy issues and criminal tendencies. As it happens, yes it could, and this ended up being one hell of a ride. Vern, our depressed dragon, is the last of his kind and casually hanging out in the Louisiana swaps watching Netflix. He wants to be left alone, but somehow finds himself attached to Squib, a troubled kid with the law hot on his heels. Their relationship is really the highlight of the novel, as the pair bounce off each other so well. I find that Eoin Colfer does tend to craft his protagonists well, pairing them up with individuals who at once compliment or oppose their personalities. They’re always well fleshed out, and often morally grey but loveable - and this is certainly true here too. Vern is a firm favourite, with his endless snarky comments and morose attitude that just lends itself well to the overall feel of the book. I also liked that the plot itself doesn’t take itself too seriously, with our heroes becoming embroiled with murder, drugs and villains with humour sprinkled throughout. It’s a joyous romp filled with the outrageous and lots of swearing. However, it also tackles some more serious topics too, especially around Squib and his mother, and this was handled well. At times I did wish the pacing was a bit faster as the plot does drag in some places (particularly in the middle section), however overall this didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story.

For those who like their fantasy stories filled with humor, here is the start of a new adult fantasy series from the author of Artemis Fowl. Set in the bayous of Louisiana, a young fatherless teen named Everett 'Squib' Moreau tries to stay out of trouble and earn some money to help out his mama while protecting her virtue from a psychopathic constable named Regence Hooke who is hot for her body. That story would be interesting enough, right? But Eoin Colfer has thrown in a 7-foot tall dragon named Lord Highfire, better known as Vern, the last of his species, who hiding in the swamps. There is another creature living there too--a mogwai named Waxman who is the result of interbreeding between humans and dragons at some point centuries ago. What will happen when humans meet creatures? Lots of adventure, danger, horror and excitement mixed with a great deal of humor. I have to admit that I didn't think this was a book for me at first--I was put off by a lot of gratuitous swearing, for one thing. But I hung in there and found that became less of an issue as I came to appreciate the wit and humor with which Colfer writes his novel. I was in fact quite entertained by these two unlikely friends--Vern and Squib. I'll look forward to more in this series to come. I received an arc of this new fantasy novel from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions expressed in this review. Many thanks!

Highfire is bestselling children’s author Eoin Colfer’s first adult fantasy novel, and I guess this is one of those situations whereby the old adage ”better late than never” seems particularly apt. So, in the end, was it actually worth waiting for? The short answer is yes, absolutely. The apparent lack of the dreaded hype machine to latch onto this as an upcoming early 2020 publication at the back end of last year when it was announced has worked every bit in its favour. I must admit it's been quite a while since I indulged in one of Colfer’s children's masterpieces but few would have the gall to propose / proffer that they are lacking in any kind of fashion. For children's fantasy Colfer was, and still is, one of the finest working (in the genre) today. However, with this, he proves overwhelmingly, with more of a nuanced plot and exploration of a diverse and intriguing range of adult themes, that he indeed can write exquisite fantasy epic for the bigger kids! His masterful storytelling speaks for itself and alongside the mix of wit and humour, impressive characterization, intricate worldbuilding and completely immersive experience, Colfer throws his hat squarely in the ring for adult fantasy of 2020 and we haven't yet departed the opening month! It also retains some of the quirky fun and playfulness featured in many, if not all, of his children literature/works and it WORKS incredibly well. It's an exquisite, escapist dream and a book I know I will reread before the year is out. Highfire is the literary equivalent of Disneyland but more fun, outlandish and appealing more to adults. It's safe to say that Colfer's first foray into the adult fantasy genre has been a resounding success. Unforgettable. Unputdownable. A must-read for every type of fantasy fan. Many thanks to Jo Fletcher Books for an ARC.

Thank you Harper for my review copyWell I be doggone. I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. It came up from the swamps and got me. Alright, so I go into this novel with the premise that this is about a Louisiana living, Flashdance loving, and vodka drinking dragon named Vern. It really was so much more. Heartfelt. Suspenseful. With that lovely touch of magical realism. Let’s talk about what I loved. Vern. One of the most delightful characters I’ve met this year. Mind you...he will tell you himself, he is a pain in the buttocks....but my goodness. All the heart eyes. He reminds me of the crotchety neighbor down the street who is yelling at kids to get off his lawn, all the while, hiding a heart of gold.The writing. I did not one time. Not one single time question the fact that there was a mystical creature living in a shack....watching Netflix....drinking vodka...while loving Flashdance. Sincerely, the writing was flawless. Squib. At the end of the day, Squib just wants to do well, help his mama get back on her feet and have a little fun while doing it. Sqib’s character was really Dennis to Verns Mr. Wilson (if you don’t get that reference. Go google Dennis The Menace...go on, I’ll wait 😂). The atmosphere. Louisiana in the summertime. Lord knows it was 70 degrees in North Carolina, (at the end of December but whatever) when I was reading this. It brought to mind a completely authentic Bayou experience. I could go on and on y’all. I’m going to end with one more thing. If you want a light, heartfelt, novel with magical realism and fun scrappy characters...pick this up. Sincerely. It was easily a five 🌟 read for me!Out 1.28.20

4.5 stars.Everett ‘Squib’ Moreau is fifteen-years-old. Squib is always getting into trouble with the law for minor infractions and small misdemeanours, nothing major and he is more of a rascal than a delinquent. Squib’s stepfather (Fake Daddy) ran off and left his mother, Elodie drowning in unpaid gambling debts that passed from him onto her. Squib has three different jobs and Elodie is a nurse working long hours as they try to keep their heads above water, survive and pay off the gambling debts left to them. Squib cares about his mother, loves her dearly and he keeps promising to change his ways and get on the straight and narrow. But, he is young, fallible and the promises never last for long.Wyvern, Lord Highfire of Hirefire Eyrie, Vern for short is a vodka-drinking and Flashdance-loving dragon who relaxes in his La-Z-Boy recliner and is on the keto diet. As far as he knows Vern is the last of his kind and he is hiding away from the world and keeping himself to himself. Vern is a recluse living a life of solitude out in a bayou on the Louisiana swamp whiling away his days watching Satellite TV, browsing the Internet and drinking vodka with Absolut being his favourite brand.Only one person, Waxman an elderly recluse who also lives out in the swamp and away from civilization knows about Vern and he supplies Vern with his groceries, vodka, Internet purchases and other necessities. One of Squib’s jobs is running errands for Waxman, like Waxman does for Vern, delivering his groceries and supplies. But, after an eventful and explosive night deep in the swamp when Squib rudely interrupts Vern’s night of TV watching and drinking with a bang and their paths cross for the first time. Squib, ultimately ends up taking over the role of Vern’s assistant, becoming his familiar and starts delivering the supplies to Vern instead of Waxman.Regence Hooke is a former military man turned crooked and corrupt Constable who is in charge of the ward of Petit Bateau. Hooke is a bully, bad to the marrow of his bones with no morals and is a real nasty piece of work. Hooke has his eye set on courting Elodie who once publicly spurned him and he also has ambitious plans for the swamp too. Hooke is the sort of person who in the end always gets what they want, usually by any means necessary and when he becomes aware of Vern he plots to use him as part of his grand scheme.The story in Highfire is told through the three perspectives of Squib, Vern and Hooke. Squib is likeable, he is a scallywag with attitude. But, he is loyal and even with his troubled upbringing he is a good kid. For Vern and Regence Hooke, they both have large personalities. Vern is awesome he wears a Flashdance t-shirt, cargo shorts and is seven feet tall, the size of a bear rather than the size of Smaug or Drogon (yes, he has his view on Game of Thrones that he shares during Highfire). He is irritable, cranky and grouchy. He is an old dragon living in peaceful self-exile. He doesn’t like or trust humans and with good reason. Vern also suffers from bouts of depression, a darkness that haunts him and a melancholic mood. He used to rule the land and the sky and now he is a lord of nothing who is reduced to living in a swamp. In the wrong hands, Hooke could come across as rather like a pantomime villain. But, Colfer is the right hands and Hooke himself fits the role of the bad guy perfectly to go up against the good guys of Squib and Vern. Hooke is a heinous individual, a sinister sociopath and a demon in the guise of a man. With Hooke, Colfer has created one of those characters that you immediately dislike, a vile person to detest and someone who, when you come to the end of the story you are fervently hoping that they get what they deserve.The ward of Petit Bateau with its small-town feel and the Louisiana swamp is a vivid setting for Highfire to take place that really adds to the flavour of the events, giving them a little extra spice and it is a tremendous backdrop for the unfolding story.From the start, Highfire moves along at a good pace. There is some stellar badinage between the characters and back-and-forth swordplay in the conversations. I loved the dialogue and interactions between Waxman and Vern and then, Squib and Vern too which are both fantastic. There is a plentiful amount of action to be found throughout the story which is at times very violent and visceral. Emotion and meaning are found in the pages too with Waxman waxing lyrical about souls, the reason why Squib’s real father isn’t around, Vern’s backstory and the fate of dragon-kind all serving to add extra depth to the narrative. For the humour, it is often hilarious and at times, it is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. Some jokes are, admittedly on the rather juvenile side. But, I won’t lie, I still found myself smirking away at them.Squib and Vern, the teenage cajun and the old dragon are an odd couple and an unlikely duo who, for me are the heart of Highfire and I found myself rooting for them to come out on top against the nefarious Hooke. At its core, the story is about the gradual development of the friendship that grows between the pair where Squib learns some responsibility and Vern realises that he doesn’t actually hate all humans.I don’t usually gravitate towards what could be classed as ‘funny‘ books and tend to stay away from them. I do like humour in books, particularly the dark humour that is found in thrillers and the gallows style humour that is found in grimdark. But, with those books where humour makes up a large portion of the whole book, I find them to be very hit-and-miss. However, I had a blast with Highfire and I found it to be a whole heap of fun, wickedly entertaining and a cracking good read.Simply, like Vern drinking a bottle of his favourite vodka Highfire goes down an absolute treat.This review can also be found on my blog The Tattooed Book Geek: https://thetattooedbookgeek.wordpress...

I decided 2 days later to give this book 5 stars. If I find I'm still thinking about a book days later it's worthy of an extra star which in this case makes it 5 stars. It wasn't this wondrous work of literature but it was funny and witty and because I never read a synopsis I was so happy to find it was about a dragon and a surly one at thatI have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book so much more than I ever thought I would. I really debated giving it 5 stars but I didn't and I can't decide why I didn't. (I may go change it if I think about it again)Who would have thought a book about a Flashdance t-shirt, martini drinking, cable watching dragon would be good but it really was. I LOVED how much Vern (the dragon) made me laugh. A dragon on a keto diet. There was so much going on in this book that was so good. You had a kid trying to make ends me along the bayou in LA, being raised by a single mom. You have a crooked constable named Hooke who is connected to a mobster in New Orleans. There was action and plotting to kill and ancient creatures who like this kid they call Squib. It was just so good. I really might change this to 5 stars I really might. It's not a typical fantasy but yet it is because it's about a foul mouthed dragon who is just trying to be invisible to the world. HIGHLY recommend!!!