This here book is amazing. It’s easily my favorite David Eddings novel, although I’ve only read the ‘Tamuli’ set and ‘Redemption of Althalus’. Out of the five total books ‘High Hunt’ is perched on the top comfortably grinning down toward the others. I expected a different read because this one is fiction but I got more than I bargained for. It’s a side of Eddings I didn’t see coming in comparison to what I’ve already read if you want to know then pick up this book. It took me two days to open then close this one and that’s 340 pages worth of smaller font size. I swear the book seeped glue onto my hands as I progressed in the story. The word usage is remarkable but maybe that’s the 1970s feel of it either way this book has a powerful vacuum effect.tThe characters are diverse enough to complement each other masterfully. Is that too strong a word? Nah, I liked the book so yes masterful is appropriate. They range from very likable to very despicable in quite an equal balance. Some are rather flawless, and then some fall into that category of mostly OK but a few personality detractors, to plain awful. I’d hate to ruin any aspect of the characters but the majority of them would probably die from cirrhosis of the liver. They take boozing to a whole new level, getting tipsy before noon is commonplace. I do apologize if that takes away from any enjoyment you would have gotten from the book but I was constantly shocked with the drinking escapades. It made for great character support though considering all their personalities. tA drawback that may alienate some readers is that the story is centered on liquor (as mentioned), guns, a choice selection of language and trailer trash (to be blunt). Why I enjoyed it is still a bit of an enigma but if these things aren’t your thing you could find yourself tossing this one aside. I guess it’s the characters that powered me through. I really had to know what they would do next and try to learn why they were the way they are which gets explained but the trick is you must read to know, kudos Eddings, got me.tIf you’re interested in Eddings and haven’t read his stuff yet then this is as good as any to start. It’s not fantasy so don’t expect a knight to show up although that would have been hilarious at a few points in the story. If you have read his fantasy books but not this one then be prepared for a bit of a change up because if you’re not careful only a sailor will know what the *%$# you’re talking about after you finish reading this one.
'"I mean it Jack," I said. "Point that gun-muzzle away from me." I felt very cold inside. I knew he could never close that bolt and get his finger onto the trigger before I got one off. I was only about five feet away from him. There was no way I could miss. I was going to kill my brother...'David Eddings's debut novel is completely different from his popular fantasy writing. Gritty, dark, and full of suspense shows this was a tale undoubtedly directed at adults. The story follows ex-soldier Dan Alders and his return to civilian life. After begrudgingly meeting his brother Jack for the first time in over a decade Dan becomes entangled in Jack's degradation. Five men, Cal, Lou, Stan, Jack and Dan set out into the Western American mountains to hunt deer. Accompanying these men is a history of adultery and wife stealing which sets tensions high. When they find themselves armed with rifles and pistols in a deserted mountainous terrain their amiability begins to unravel. The description of American culture and landscape is nothing short of beautiful. Not to mention the delicious descriptions of coffee. When reading you get a true sense of the values Americans hold. For example Dan, the main character, stands alone in the mountain woodlands simply staring at the stars and enjoying the peace. Freedom and the defence of that freedom is a key theme. Eddings also combats issues of maturity and comradeship alongside darker themes regarding betrayal and a primal urge to be the alpha male. This is concisely outlined by Cal's wife...'She shook her head. "Men!" She said. "You're all just a bunch of overgrown children..."
What do You think about High Hunt (1986)?
This was a pretty good story about some flawed characters who get together for a high altitude hunting trip. At first the idea is just a lark, but everyone gets pumped up about it as the time to actually leave for the trip approaches. There is some bad blood between a few of these guys and they really shouldn't have planned to go anywhere with guns. Then a couple of them throws booze into the mix and things get really touchy.I trudged through the first 2/3 of this book feeling unimpressed about the characters and their crappy lives. The real story takes off during the last 1/3 of the book and that made it worthwhile for me. I read this on a recommendation from a friend and I was glad I did.
—Kevin Farrell
