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

High Fantasy meets Economics- hilarity ensues

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

Yes, I absolutely would. I really enjoyed the Pratchett-like mash-up of high fantasy, personal story development, humor and meticulous world-building. Replay value will be high on this, as a) it is genuinely funny without being "comedy haha." b) The economics check out. Orconomics isn't just pithy titling- it's the underpinning and motivating force in this world (and in truth, in every world). c) Despite the fact that the characters are ostensibly D&D player characters rendered into literature, they all delightfully both display and break every trope in the book. They are also refreshingly multidimensional and unpredictable. I can't break down specifics about how and why without giving away major plot points you truly want to have unfold in proper order- so I'll just stop here and endorse with a much vaunted "5 out of 5 elephants."

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

made me laugh out loud numerous times. Had to set down the stuff I was doing while I was listening 'til I could continue.

Any additional comments?

As a card carrying fantasy nerd and classically trained economist, this book scratches multiple sweet spots for me. Bravo sirrah.

Never have I laughed at economics this way.

This book adds humor in smart ways and makes the economic tones make story sence more then just having a gimic to make it interesting it adds so much to already great story.

Hilarious, engaging, and unexpectedly deep

I picked up this book expecting a stock "Bored of the Rings" kind of satire -- which would have been fine by me. Instead, I found myself in a surprisingly well-wrought, funny, and poignant tale, which I mean with no offense at all. When you expect just brainless amusement and end up being sucked in by the characters, the plot, and the humor all at once, it's a cool feeling.

The narrator was pitch-perfect for this tale. He brought each character to life really well, and has a very dynamic range (all of his characters sound distinctly different, I mean). His dry tone was great for the humor.

I don't want to give away any of the plot. I'll just say that if you've ever been heavily involved in RPGs, the way this is written will resonate with you. It's a very good balance of winks and nudges to RPG tropes without bashing you in the face with the "Look how clever I am, you see what I did there?!" hammer. I didn't expect to care as much about the characters as I did. There's comedy, there's strife, there's even some sort of sobering looks at motivation, addiction, friendship, and heroism. It's a shockingly dynamic book.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book and I can't wait for the next.

Makes me want to return to D&D and WOW

I've read a lot of the gaming type series books and this one really stands out. The characters are well rounded and I really starting caring for them and becoming invested. I could see the backgrounds and really enjoyed this book.

One of the things that tells me that this is a good book? I was really sad when it ended and he left me wanting more!

Imaginative and original plot

I loved the satirical take on the standard fantasy story as well as the story telling. Pike provides a fresh take on heros and the infrastructure that would be needed to support them.Doug Tisdale does a good job bringing the characters to live with his reading.

Great.

If i could write a book, this would be it.
Narrator's character voices were awesome.
If you like LOTR and are a market cynic this book is perfect.

this is awesome!

ever wondered how a fantasy economy could work? You might not want to know. Really. The story is great, narration very good. Very much recommended!

Exceptionally good

This was one of the best novels I have consumed in quite a while. The author has an excellent sense of humor and the narrator did a fantastic job of bringing the story to life. An effective piece of satire and an overall well developed plot made this one difficult to put down, and I am honestly excited for the sequel!

Fantasy with a hilarious twist

If you love fantasy, you should definitely check out the Orconomics series. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started, but I was quickly drawn in to the story of our band of wayward adventures off to right wrongs and save the world, even those who were being dragged along on their adventures against their better judgement ;). The narration is top notch as well. Give it a listen, I think you'll enjoy.

Easy, fun and interesting

The story had a funny edge and some satire, but was also a good story and not just silly. A good fantasy book, especially if you used to read D&D books and got a little tired of the formula they use. I plan on getting book 2 as well.

The narrator grew on me over time as well, and did pretty good voices.