Isabella Nagg and the Pot of Basil by Oliver Darkshire

Reviewed by Jeanne

Henric Nagg lives on a cursed farm with his wife in a marriage of mutual disrespect and heavy-duty annoyance.  It’s really not as if anyone around has much better luck, living as they do near a goblin valley with its yearly goblin infestation.  Fortunately they have a wizard named Badgemagus who keeps the goblins in their place (more or less) and can occasionally be called upon to perform some wizardly service—or not.  He does brew potions that require some interesting ingredients, which is what brought Mr. Nagg to Badgemagus’ hovel with a collection of mandrake leaves. 

But Badgemagus isn’t at home. Since Mr. Nagg doesn’t want to face the derision of Mrs. Nagg should he return home empty handed, he decides to take one of the wizard’s books. This decision is not well received as Mrs. Nagg is of the opinion that to steal from a wizard is just asking to be turned into a weevil. 

It seems that, as per usual, Mrs. Nagg is going to have to clean up Mr. Nagg’s mess and return the book to Badgemagus. Perhaps if she pleads and apologizes and reminds the wizard of Mr. Nagg’s many shortcomings, they will not be turned into weevils. . . but first she may take just the tiniest peek inside the book.  And maybe, just maybe try a little spell. . . .

This is a witty, madcap adventure with dark undertones.  There are some laugh out loud lines as well as parts that are more than a bit creepy.  Darkshire creates a whole cast of over the top characters, including an entrepreneur with blonde hair and spiked heels who is intent on building a goblin fruit empire.  There’s a talking donkey, a one-eyed creature who is sort of like a cat and who offers unsolicited advice, and most of all, there’s a pot of basil.

This isn’t exactly  straight-forward fantasy, and I wouldn’t use the word cozy in connection with it at all.  There are some fascinating twists and turns in store for readers and an ending I mostly enjoyed for reasons I can’t divulge without spoilers.  It’s no surprise to learn that my favorite character was the cat-like grimalkin.

There are footnotes and excerpts from the book of magic to add entertainment.  Fantasy readers may be reminded of Terry Pratchett in some ways—the footnotes and the witty comments for example—while others may think more of Douglas Adams.

If you are in the mood for a clever, moody read, this just might fill the bill.