Touchpaper

By: David Dodds
Publication Date: December 20, 2024
ISBN: 978-1-068566-90-5
Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose
Review Date: January 10, 2025

Touchpaper by David Dodds is a fantasy novel that slowly unravels amidst the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, recounting various challenges faced by its protagonist, Drew Macleod. Initially, he leads a lackluster and almost sedentary life, but everything changes one day when an other-worldly creature tries to kill him. The fine line separating the mortal world from the supernatural realm starts disintegrating, marking the beginning of an exhilarating journey of self-discovery and personal development. Hunted by several mysterious forces at the same time puts Drew under a lot of pressure, but he also finds friendship and acceptance within this new and unfamiliar community.

As the plot progresses, we are introduced to many interesting characters such as Traggheim, a dzarf with exceptional craftmanship and mechanical prowess; Alyssum, a highly spirited healer who offers him timely advice and some much-needed compassion as well as understanding; then there is Garm; Mamma Harbinger, Harkin the bloodcap, and more. Characters often draw inspiration from their past experiences and lend their strength to the main character in the form of unwavering support, as demonstrated by Drew’s best friend Jamie. It is no surprise that readers usually appreciate such sincerity and genuine companionship between two characters and feel moved to mentally cheer for them.

Archer, the ancient daemon who had rescued Drew on the night of the ambush, eventually assumes the role of his mentor, training him in basic survival techniques and combat skills. However, increasing stakes force Drew to finally come to terms with his new environment and the sheer importance of forming new allies. He gradually becomes acquainted with different members of this strange world and falls in love with a charming angelii, Ashnil. Despite internal strife and differences, this motley group of people from all walks of life quickly form alliances and unite their forces to fight against the evil aelve queen, who is notorious for her greed and cruelty.

Although the protagonist lacks the charisma one would expect from the main ‘hero,’ it seems justifiable in how Drew remains an amateur at best until the end, returning the symbolic torch of leadership back to Archer again. As a story narrated in the first person’s point of view, Drew holds the central space of the novel by default. And yet, almost ironically, the compelling presence of secondary characters undermines the significance of his role and gives us rather the impression of a naive character who is constantly in need of guidance or validation, far from being ready to take on the mantle and even less so in single-handedly organizing a battle against the otherwise clever and manipulative queen. Her final choice of deliberately walking into the trap that Drew had devised doesn’t really align with the rest of her character portrayal and comes off as slightly underwhelming.

Nevertheless, what makes this story particularly engaging is the way in which all the characters have been presented with their own individual personality and worldview. They are simultaneously different, original and realistic, making it enjoyable and also easier for readers to sympathize with their struggles and dilemmas. The author keeps the tone lighthearted, and the storytelling simple and captivating. There is some worldbuilding, but it is one that requires minimum investment in order to comprehend, which is bound to appeal to a larger readership than fantasy novels that feature extremely complex or confusing worldbuilding. With a curious blend of traditional and urban myths, this story holds our interest effortlessly, following an invisible chronology that binds the events together coherently.

Quill says: As a fast-paced fantasy novel with a group of different people working towards one common goal as a team, reflecting the subtle nuances and beauty of friendship, Touchpaper delivers!

For more information on Touchpaper, please visit the author's website at: daviddoddsauthor.com.