“Svelt” is a humorous fantasy novel by Chris Whyatt. It is a leisurely, comedic and character driven take on fantasy which author the himself describes the book as “un-epic.” The book is in the same vein of fantasy as Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series, perhaps with a dash of Piers Anthony’s punny Xanth series dropped in. Like Discworld’s Ankh-Morpork “Svelt’s” has the city of Landos surrounded by the circular river The Tame. The city of Landos becomes a fascinating character in it’s own right.
Our Hero
The protagonist is Svelt Hamfist. Note the spelling differs from the adjective svelte, as our hero is the opposite of elegant and sophisticated. Svelt is a half dwarf/half troll who is physically composed of rock, a trait inherited from his troll forbearers but also the short stature of his dwarvish side. The union of too such species was somewhat controversial and the conflict involved pitchforks and torches. An agreement between the warring species is brokered and a kindly childless farmer and wife adopt the child. Two conditions are required however. Firstly, the hybrid must stay out of the city. Secondly, he must not be named a human name which explains the old choice of “Svelt.”
svelte /svelt,sfelt/ adjective (of a person) slender and elegant.”she was svelte and sophisticated”
Oxford Languages
svelt /svelt,sfelt/ noun the first dwarf-troll in the whirled.
Chris Whyatt
The story starts with Svelt now middle-aged and ill-sentiments between Dwarf and Troll have died down. Now being allowed into city of Landos, the story starts out on one of his trips to the big city. Things turn for the worse for Svelt when he witnesses the murder of a wizard, who in his dying breath gives him a map to a wonderous artefact from another dimension. Complicating matters, Svelt finds the love of his life in an elf girl.
Summary
Svelt is a well thought out, good-hearted hero with whom the reader will take instant sympathy. You are taken through a great adventure, exploring the city of Landos and its menagerie of funny, frightening and mysterious characters. You will genuinely feel for Svelt when the story ends.
