Orconomics: A Satire

The Dark Profit Saga, Book 1

By: J. Zachary Pike

Narrated by: Doug Tisdale Jr.

Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Professional heroes kill and loot deadly monsters every day, but Gorm Ingerson's latest quest will be anything but business as usual.

The adventuring industry drives the economy of Arth, a world much like our own but with more magic and fewer vowels. Monsters' hoards are claimed, bought by corporate interests, and sold off to plunder funds long before the Heroes' Guild actually kills the beasts. Of course, that's a terrible arrangement for the Shadowkin; orcs, goblins, kobolds, and their ilk must apply for to become Noncombatant Paper Carriers (or NPCs) to avoid being killed and looted by heroes.

When Gorm Ingerson, a Dwarven ex-hero with a checkered past, stands up for an undocumented goblin, he inadvertently singles himself out for recruitment by a prophet of the mad goddess to undertake a suicidal quest. But there's more to Gorm's new job than an insane prophecy: Powerful corporations and governments have shown an unusual interest in the quest. If his party of eccentric misfits can stop fighting each other long enough to recover the Elven Marbles, Gorm might be able to turn a bad deal into a golden opportunity.

©2014 John Zachary Pike (P)2016 John Zachary Pike

Expected a light-hearted romp; got so much more!

What did you like best about this story?

This story is full of tongue-in-cheek jokes that will tickle anyone who has ever enjoyed World of Warcraft or any similar adventure game. I love a goofy fantasy adventure, and this story didn't disappoint.

But the biggest and best surprise was the amazing amount of characterization and exploration of relationships between the characters that occurs in the story. The book has far more dimension than the cover and description let on, and this catapulted it onto my list of favorite all-time books. I expected the characters to be the typical tropes, but they were far more complex and interesting, dealing with issues such as depression, addiction, and societal pressure while romping through the countryside on a quest.

The final portions of the book were heavy and thoughtful without being heavy-handed, while still maintaining a blend of humor. The entire plot comes together in a twist ending that is quite masterful, with enough foreshadowing that everything makes perfect sense, but is nevertheless a surprise.

What about Doug Tisdale, Jr.’s performance did you like?

The characters' voices in this audiobook are some of the most entertaining I've ever listened to. (The voice of the goblin is especially hilarious.) Even my anti-audiobook husband enjoyed this audiobook, which is a strong testament to the narrator's gifted ability as a reader.

an excellent point of view shift

an excellent point of veiw shift from the standard fantasy perceptions of good and evil. definitely worth a read

Hilarious, moving, well written and well performed

Absolutely excellent book and narration. I laughed, I cried, I immediately wanted sequels. highly recommended.

A Clever blend of the Economics and Fantasy.

Would you listen to Orconomics: A Satire again? Why?

ABSOULTLY. I love this book. It reminds me of games playing D&D and playing video games, but fromthe character's point of view.

I CANT WAIT FOR THE SEQUEL.

What did you like best about this story?

The Economic in it are clever. I laughed when I realized that the "Plus 5" is a brand name for weapons. So in this world you could hear someone ask for a "+5 Sword." It always seems werid in the regular context, but brilliant in this way.

Have you listened to any of Doug Tisdale Jr.’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I like the Dwarf's accent. Well done.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and then I listened again!

Any additional comments?

We need other books from J Zachary Pike. I hope the rest of them are even half as good as this.

so much fun

If you could sum up Orconomics: A Satire in three words, what would they be?

Fun, clever, entertaining

Who was your favorite character and why?

I really liked the whole world.

What about Doug Tisdale Jr.’s performance did you like?

You could keep track of all the characters.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh.

Any additional comments?

Very good.

a must read for any fantasy rpg player

The story, although a bit predictable at points, manages to throw in some fun surprises and makes some great jokes and observations on the finances of an RPG world. The characters are well developed and the world of Arth is very well thought out. I absolutely love the story and look forward to the next book, "Son of a Litch".

The reader definitely brings the book to life with good voice choices for the characters and overall I think he does a great job.

Fantastic satire with legitimate story

This book amazingly juggles satire with a diverse cast and interesting story. Also, Doug Tisdale Jr is now my favorite performer. His voices are incredible. Following both of these guys because of how amazing this story is and was performed.

Mind Bubble Gum

Would you listen to Orconomics: A Satire again? Why?

Yes, very entertaining, good story great performance

What did you like best about this story?

The Economics to Adventuring and the story entangled with it. Golden Sacks, Bwahaha

What about Doug Tisdale, Jr.’s performance did you like?

Great voices and enthusiastic

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, finished it in 2 sittings.

Any additional comments?

Fun book and I want more, keep Doug Tisdale Jr. as your narrator.

Oh my god I can't breath! This book is so Amazing!!

This book is what I wanted Lord of The Rings to be.. the narrator was one of the best I've listened too and the writing and story line were freaking perfect! I enjoyed this book immensely!

Slowish start that gathers momentum

Orconomics is good. Quite good. I wasn't too happy with the first few chapters, quite tempted to put it down. But I stayed with it and have changed my mind. It is very good and I look forward to reading the sequel Son of a LIch. The characters grow on you and it is very funny; particularly the Dwarf and the goblin.