Category Archives: Book Reviews

Book Review Drums of War

Book 2 in Daniel Rawson series by Edward Marston

I am always on the lookout for my next ‘Sharpe’ series. And in my attempt to find one I have decided to go to the War of Spanish Succession. (Duke Marlborough, Blenheim, and battles against the French.) Our hero in this case is Daniel Rawson.

So onto a Book Review Drums of War by Edward Marston.

From the Book

We come across our hero, Captain Rawson, deep inside the war-ravaged borders of Europe, as he fights alongside the brave and resolute Earl of Marlborough in defeating the, self-proclaimed, ‘invincible’ French army. Yet victory is short lived, blunted by the dissenting voices of the Dutch, who secretly seek to wrestle the power and life from Rawson’s compatriot, Marlborough. In these hostile and insecure times, Captain Rawson is called on to succeed in his biggest, most daring mission to the rescue of a celebrated tapestry-maker turned spy from inside the fortified Bastille – the pride of a despotic France.

Now alone behind enemy-lines, the undaunted Rawson must apply all his guile and wit in his rescuing of the renowned prisoner and his beautiful daughter, Amalia – a delicate girl to whom Rawson’s friendship soon blossoms into something more. However, unbeknownst to Rawson the French and Dutch have already combined to plot both the assassination of Marlborough and the reclaiming of his power. This time Europe is beginning to close in on him, and it will take all of his self-sacrifice, skill and sincerity to once again rescue the war and the army’s pride from out of the clutches of the betrayers.

Review

Daniel Rawson is a Captain in the 24th Foot in the army of Duke Marlborough. Having been promoted from the ranks, Daniel’s ability to speak English, Dutch and French is invaluable. So he is sent to Paris to find the whereabouts of a Dutch spy.

He sneaks into Paris via the front door, finds the daughter of his target and moves her to a safe house… whilst falling in love with her – and vice-versa. He finds out her father is in the Bastille, and having determined there is nothing he can do, returns to the camp, attempts to rescue him.

If this is starting to feel unlikely, fear not. There is a second story throughout the book to keep our attention on the 24th Foot. A newly arrived drummer boy is being victimised by a Major. And he turns to Daniel to help him. This could be a perfect opportunity to bring the book down to earth. But because Daniel is sent to Paris he can’t do anything to save the drummer.

Upon escaping Paris, Daniel and his party and captured, promptly escape and return to the army. All in time to fight the Battle of Ramillies.

Daniel join’s the Duke’s closest advisors, is involved with a cavalry charge, and saves the Duke.

Verdict

Oh dear… Daniel Rawson is there nothing you can’t do? And herein lies the problem. At no point in the book did he fail to do something he attempted. Sure he was ambushed… but escaped. That was the greatest bit of peril in the book. And that’s without the whole Bastille debacle.

The secondary story is also weak with a very unsatisfactory ending. I will try book three, but I don’t hold out a lot of hope given this book.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Check out the full list of Book Reviews we’ve done on Woehammer here

We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.

— Declan & Eeyore

Book Review A Line in the Sand

A non-fiction history of the middle east by James Barr

I often read non-fiction books on the commute to work (audio books), and until this year rarely reviewed them on Woehammer. But this year I’ve decided to include more non-Warhammer books on the basis that if I find a topic interesting, our readers may do so as well.

So onto a Book Review A Line in the Sand by James Barr.

From the Book

Through a stellar cast of politicians, diplomats, spies and soldiers – including T.E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle – ‘A Line in the Sand’ tells the story of the short but crucial era when Britain and France ruled the Middle East.

Review

During the first and second world war and the times immediately around those events France & Britain were still keen to maintain and expand their empires. And the Middle East offered them both something they wanted – control of land… and oil.

And so it was, that they agreed to divide the territory of the declining Ottoman Empire between them – by drawing straight lines on the maps and through desert. As most readers will guess & know… this did not go well.

James Barr guides us through this slice of history. He explains the tension between Britain and France between the wars. And guides the reader through the impact of the second world war and the change from rivals to allies. The strained relationship of De Gaulle and Churchill and the actions of TE Lawrence (of Arabia).

This is a tale that many in Britain and France will have heard before. But told here with first hand accounts, superb detail, and with a cadence and detail that keeps the reader interested and reading on.

Knowing where things are now politically in this region, adds a sense of poignancy to it and the reader can’t help but think ‘what if…?’

Verdict

James Barr does a fantastic job here. He tells the stories and actions of all parties in the Middle East and none of the major countries come out of this well. From France & Britain and their arguments over the land and self-governance for the Arab locals, to the USA forcing the end of empire whilst building their own and financing Xionists in the region.

Great book, that answers some of the ‘whys’ behind the current political situations in the Middle East.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Check out the full list of Book Reviews we’ve done on Woehammer here

We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.

— Declan & Eeyore

Book Review The Darkening Sea

Book 22 in the Richard Bolitho series by Alexander Kent

I love Sharpe-esque novels (including Sharpe, Hornblower, Aubrey & Maturin et al), and I’m always on the lookout for new characters I can follow through similar adventures.

I came across this Alexander Kent book featuring his naval commander – Richard Bolitho. So Hornblower / Aubrey type character. Perhaps unfairly, I am starting with book 22, because it was the one I picked up. But I think these stories should stand alone, and a reader should be encouraged into the series from any of the books.

So onto a Book Review The Darkening Sea by Alexander Kent.

From the Book

Soon after taking part in the dramatic capture of Martinique in the Caribbean, Vice-Admiral Sir Richard Bolitho is next despatched to the African coast to gather a flotilla and stop French attacks on British trade routes. But Bolitho must contend with more than Britain’s old enemy. He must also face the hatred of his flag captain and betrayal by a man he once counted on as his friend.

Review

Richard Bolitho is now an Admiral in the Royal Navy and waiting for a ship and orders from the Admiralty. This allows him to spend some time on land with his mistress – Lady Catherine Somervell. (That is mistress in the technical sense of the time, not today). Lady Somervell is widowed and so can’t marry Bolitho, but they are in love.

Eventually he is given a new mission – in the deep Indian Ocean – and he must travel there with a small fleet. A political appointee as his flag lieutenant. A despot as the Captain of his ship. He has to navigate the difficult political issues that arise from him being in command of the fleet. But not his own flagship.

There is the expected climatic battle, but it is difficult to follow the action, as the author tries to include too many ships. It would have been better if there had been a map of this bit of the action.

Will Bolitho survive to return home to Lady Catherine? Or will be die as so many of his predecessors and contemporaries are?

Verdict

Unfortunately, the book had a lot of prior knowledge required and expected and was difficult to get into. The first half of the book seemed to be just ‘fallout’ for the characters on the outcome of Book 21. Which seemed to be a shipwreck and/or a mutiny – I couldn’t really work it out. This meant also that the book spent a lot of time on land. I was hoping for more action at sea.

I may try a second entry in the series in the future. But for now I won’t be binge-reading the rest of the series.

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Check out the full list of Book Reviews we’ve done on Woehammer here

We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.

— Declan & Eeyore

Book Review A Brief History of Japan

A non-fiction history by Jonathan Clements

I often read non-fiction books on the commute to work (audio books), and until this year rarely reviewed them on Woehammer. But this year I’ve decided to include more non-Warhammer books on the basis that if I find a topic interesting, our readers may do so as well.

So onto a Book Review A Brief History of Japan by Jonathan Clements.

From the Book

This fascinating history tells the story of the people of Japan, from ancient teenage priest-queens to teeming hordes of salarymen, a nation that once sought to conquer China, yet also shut itself away for two centuries in self-imposed seclusion.

First revealed to Westerners in the chronicles of Marco Polo, Japan was a legendary faraway land defended by a fearsome Kamikaze storm and ruled by a divine sovereign. It was the terminus of the Silk Road, the furthest end of the known world, a fertile source of inspiration for European artists, and an enduring symbol of the mysterious East. In recent times, it has become a powerhouse of global industry, a nexus of popular culture, and a harbinger of postindustrial decline.

With intelligence and wit, author Jonathan Clements blends documentary and storytelling styles to connect the past, present and future of Japan, and in broad yet detailed strokes reveals a country of paradoxes: a modern nation steeped in ancient traditions; a democracy with an emperor as head of state; a famously safe society built on 108 volcanoes resting on the world’s most active earthquake zone; a fast-paced urban and technologically advanced country whose land consists predominantly of mountains and forests.

Review

Growing up in the 80s, Japan was the success story of the last 2 decades. And going to University in the late 90s I also caught the beginning of Anime and Manga arriving on the shores of the UK in force. My interest in Japan has therefore been with me a while. But, this is the first time I have picked up a book on Japanese history.

Jonathan Clements has lived in Japan and so – whilst a westerner – he does have a good knowledge of Japan and it’s history. He guides us through the main stories within Japan from Prehistoric & Mythical. To the years of Isolation. And onto the Japanese miracle that I referred to above.

By his own admission he doesn’t cover all of history as this would be impossible. So Clements picks stories from each era that reflect the era, and/or provide inspiration for these stories.

All tales are interesting, well selected, and well written. And each one leaves the reader wanting to read more around the subject – a sign of success.

It is, of course, impossible to provide a full history in a 300 page book. But Jonathan Clements gives it a good shot, and you will definitely know more after reading this book than before it. (Unless you are Japanese of course).

Verdict

A great book and introduction to Japan’s history. It’ll provide lots of fun stories to remember, or build a wargame around. And I’ve even decided to buy some toys to paint up!

And as a wargamer, that it is the best positive review I can leave!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Check out the full list of Book Reviews we’ve done on Woehammer here

We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.

— Declan & Eeyore

Book Review A History of the World in 47 Borders

A non-fiction history by John Elledge

I often read non-fiction books on the commute to work (audio books), and until this year rarely reviewed them on Woehammer. But this year I’ve decided to include more non-Warhammer books on the basis that if I find a topic interesting, our readers may do so as well.

So onto a Book Review The History of the World in 47 Borders by John Elledge.

From the Book

People have been drawing lines on maps for as long as there have been maps to draw on. Sometimes rooted in physical geography, sometimes entirely arbitrary, these lines might often have looked very different if a war or treaty or the decisions of a handful of tired Europeans had gone a different way. By telling the stories of these borders, we can learn a lot about how political identities are shaped. Why the world looks the way it does – and about human folly. From the Roman attempts to define the boundaries of civilisation. To the secret British-French agreement to carve up the Ottoman Empire during the First World War. To the reason why landlocked Bolivia still maintains a navy, this is a fascinating, witty and surprising look at the history of the world told through its borders.

Review

I listened to the audio-book, and it took me a while to get used to the narrator (the author). But I got used to him and he certainly did the ‘surprise/not surprise’ element of the stories well.

This is another wide ranging book taking in the history of borders from 3,000 BCE through to the present day. And including sea, time and space – it’s a big task.

The stories are by necessity short and definitely open to debate and discussion (and likely disagreement) by readers. And there are controversial topics in here including the impact of European empires.

But, despite the large breath of this work, the author succeeds in giving an overview of the origins of our current world (political) map. He includes interesting tales throughout including why the District of Columbia (USA) is a strange shape. And why the Prime Meridian is no longer through Greenwich Observatory.

Verdict

The pacing is good, and the stories are short enough they can be read or listened to in bite-size chunks. Perfect for short and long commutes alike.

It reads a lot like the series of books by Tim Marshall of Power of Geography fame. Despite this similarity John Elledge’s book provides a different view and is well worth reading on it’s own.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Check out the full list of Book Reviews we’ve done on Woehammer here

We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.

— Declan & Eeyore

Book Review – The Mountain in the Sea

A novel by Ray Nayler

For the third week in a row, I’m leaving behind the Black Library, but I am back to Fiction. Speculative Fiction to be specific. And a novel shortlisted for the Arthur C Clarke Award, and a winner of Locus.

The novel this week is ‘The Mountain in the Sea’ by Ray Nayler.

From the Book

Humankind discovers intelligent life in an octopus species with its own language and culture, and sets off a high-stakes global competition to dominate the future. Rumors begin to spread of a species of hyperintelligent, dangerous octopus that may have developed its own language and culture. Marine biologist Dr. Ha Nguyen, who has spent her life researching cephalopod intelligence, will do anything for the chance to study them.

The transnational tech corporation DIANIMA has sealed the remote Con Dao Archipelago, where the octopuses were discovered, off from the world. Dr. Nguyen joins DIANIMA’s team on the islands: a battle-scarred security agent and the world’s first android. The octopuses hold the key to unprecedented breakthroughs in extra-human intelligence. The stakes are high: there are vast fortunes to be made by whoever can take advantage of the octopuses’ advancements, and as Dr. Nguyen struggles to communicate with the newly discovered species, forces larger than DIANIMA close in to seize the octopuses for themselves.

But no one has yet asked the octopuses what they think. And what they might do about it.

Review

The Mountain in the Sea has a number of story lines which help to build a picture of the near future. The main story takes place on the Con Dao Archipelago. But there are other stories on a slave/fishing vessel, and the workings of a mega-corporation – DIANIMA.

This means there’s a lot of characters but many of them are incidental. But there are some deaths throughout the book to thin the herd.

Ray Nayley uses the slave/fishing vessel to bring the reader into his view of the future. It is not pleasant. But – importantly in speculative fiction – it is definitely believable. Although not a future we would want to aim for.

On the archipelago, Ha Nguyen has been asked to find and communicate with a group of Octopuses. These Octopuses appear to be trying to make contact with the humans on the islands. With some of the conduct being unsurprisingly negative. Before long Ha identifies a method of communication from the Octopuses, that may be writing.

So what will happen if Ha can communicate back, and can DIANIMA be trusted to use this information wisely? Or will Humanity want to kill any new intelligent life?

The book is well written, well set-up and running at a great pace. The chapters are short (perfect for a book at bedtime). And the quotes from Ha’s book before each chapter are a nice touch and a great technique for world building and info-dumping.

Verdict

Overall a very interesting read of speculative fiction. This story won’t be for everyone, and it certainly isn’t a casual read. But if you like speculative fiction, and wonder what would happen if humanity found an advanced intelligent species, then The Mountain in the Sea gives a good attempt o answer that question.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Check out the full list of Book Reviews we’ve done on Woehammer here

We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.

— Declan & Eeyore

Book Review – Valdor: Birth of the Imperium

A Horus Heresy novel by Chris Wraight

There are a few characters beyond the Primarchs that loom large within the Horus Heresy. The Emperor, Malcador and Valdor are three of them. And Chris Wraight takes us back to the beginning of the Imperium and the role of Valdor in it’s birth.

From the Book

Constantin Valdor. It is a name that brings forth images of heroism, honour and peerless duty. For it is he who commands the will of the Legio Custodes that most esteemed and dedicated cadre of elite warriors. He is the Emperor’s sword, His shield, His banner and he knows no equal. Clad in shining auramite, his fist clenched around the haft of his Guardian Spear, he is the bulwark against all enemies of the throne, within or without.

Nearing the end of the wars of Unity, Valdor’s courage and purpose is put to the test as never before. The petty warlords and tyrants of Old Earth have been all but vanquished, and the Emperor’s armies are triumphant. What now for the nascent Imperium and what fate its forgotten soldiers, its Thunder Warriors and armies of Unity? A new force is rising, one which shall eclipse all others and open the way to the stars. But change on Terra is seldom bloodless and for progress to be ensured darker deeds are necessary.

Review

Valdor has always been part of the story of the Imperium, but the Horus Heresy has allowed Chris Wraight to give him a lot more background here, and – crucially – background of the Birth of the Imperium.

This is a story from a time in the Warhammer 40k lore of which not much is written. The Emperor has conquered Old Earth, but not all the denizens of the planet are convinced this is a good idea… and the Emperor doesn’t do weak or bloodless.

I was recommended this book some time ago and added it to my To-Read pile on Goodreads. … Why did I wait? … It’s a great addition to the story of the Imperium and in particular that thorny transisition from Thunder Warriors to Space Marines.

Thunder Warrior – John Blanche / Games Workshop

I don’t often say a book is essential reading, but Chris Wraight has got a story here that fits this bill. And he writes well, as well! Go out there and buy it, now!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Declan & Eeeyore

Check out the full list of Book Reviews we’ve done on Woehammer here

We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.

— Declan & Eeyore

Book Review – King Arthur

A Myths & Legends book by Daniel Mersey

Last week I brought a review of Mythology of the British Isles. This reminded me of the excellent Osprey series – Myths & Legends – and in particular King Arthur. I’ve not reviewed these on Woehammer.com so it was a great opportunity to re-read it and bring it to the attention of our Patreons and readers!

From the Book

Despite his enduring popularity, King Arthur remains the most enigmatic of Britain’s legendary heroes. In this new book, author Dan Mersey retells the great stories of Arthur, while exploring the different facets of Arthurian myth, from the numerous, conflicting theories of his historical origin, through the tales of Welsh folklore and Medieval romance, and concluding with an examination of his various portrayals in the modern media. Presented with both classic and newly commissioned artwork, this book is an easy-to-read, yet highly detailed introduction to the complex body of myth and legend that surrounds Britain’s greatest hero.

Review

King Arthur has long been in consciousness of Britain, Brittany and onwards into Europe. His fame even makes him popular across the Pond.

Known for his castle at Camelot, his Round Table, and Chivalrous Knights, there is more than one King Arthur. Daniel Mersey guides us through his early appearances, the case for him being a Briton, Romano-British, and even Sumerian.

There have been many stories associated to King Arthur throughout the history of Britain, but his early tales were not written down as the ancient Britons had a oral tradition. As such, much is lost to the fog of time… a fog that Daniel Mercey tries to lift.

There are all the classic stories mentioned from the Sword in the Stone, to Excalibur and the lake. The introduction of his knights, his queen – Guinevere – and his son – Mordred. And finally his death at Modred’s hand at Camlann.

But despite there being more written stories from his time at the ROund Table, the author doesn’t forget his beginnings in Wales, Cornwall or in the north of England. Fighting Picts, Irish and Saxons, and being either a King or Warlord of the time.

It’s a very comprehensive list of the stories, and points towards other works if you want to learn more, or read the ‘originals’ for yourself.

About the Series

The series ‘Myths and Legends’ is published by Osprey Publishing. This provides the author with a wealth of superb pictures from existing Osprey titles. Add in the brilliant work of illustrator Alan Lathwell and this is a pretty book. These books are all bright and colourful and very informative. Always an interesting read.

There is also a further ‘watching. reading & gaming’ section in all the books which is a great addition by Osprey. So often books of this nature ignore other formats of story-telling but Osprey is keen to include it all.

Other books in the series include: Hercules, Troy, and Robin Hood.

Verdict

This is a superb overview of the stories of King Arthur. It includes well written and presented short pieces about each story and author. And concludes well with the question: Was Arthur Real?

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Check out the full list of Book Reviews we’ve done on Woehammer here

We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.

— Declan & Eeyore

Book Review – Mythology of the British Isles

by Geoffrey Ashe

I like to alternate my reading between fiction and non-fiction (or proto-non-fiction). This gives me an excuse to learn more about the fantastical worlds, and the one we live on. So next on the review list is Mythology of the British Isles by Geoffrey Ashe.

From the Book

Beginning with the giant Albion, after whom the country was once named, Geoffrey Ashe explores the myths whose roots lie in the different British regions. Taking in fairy-folk, druids and King Lear, and the tales of Merlin and King Arthur that continue to hold sway in the nation’s imagination, he uncovers their sources and underlying ideas as well as their handling in tradition and literature.

Review

The British Isles – or more specifically Britain – doesn’t have mythology in the same sense as the Greek world. With an oral tradition of tale telling, the Britons did not write down their tales. And much of what we know is written by Romans, or – in the case of myth – Geoffrey of Monmouth who wrote in 1136. A long time after the myths were first told.

To his credit, the author makes it very clear that this is the case and that this book will be different. But different definitely doesn’t mean uninteresting.

Starting with the ‘birth of a nation’ myths for Britain, Geoffrey Ashe relies heavily on the beliefs of British Israelism (link Wikipedia). Whilst this was historically ‘a thing’, even in 1910 it was significantly debunked and seemed strange to include in a book on mythology in such detail.

Afterwards he returns to safer ground and the stories of Rome, Giants, Fairies, and Druids. Much more like the mythology denizens of Britain would recognise today.

He ends the book with a very detailed look at the mythology of King Arthur. His early imaginings in Celtic/Briton myth. And onward to the Knights of the Round Table and chivalric tradition.

There is a very short epilogue to Beowulf, but no analysis of the story.

Verdict

An interesting book, but lost somewhat in the earlier stages with constant references to the British Israelism movement. The book does improve significantly in the other tales, but readers may struggle to get past the initial chapters.

It is also more accurately a tale of the mythology of Britain (not the British Isles). Geoffrey Ashe only brings in Irish mythology when it directly relates to the Britons, or English.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Check out the full list of Book Reviews we’ve done on Woehammer here

We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.

— Declan & Eeyore

Book Review – Lorgar: Bearer of the Word

Horus Heresy: Primarch series #5 by Gav Thorpe

The 5th Novella in the Primarch Series brings us to The Bearer of the Word – Lorgar. We’ve reviewed a few in this series already – this is number 11! There have been no ‘timing’ issues yet with stories ruined.

Cover picture of Lorgar: Bearer of the Word by Gav Thorpe
From the Book

Most devoted of all the primarchs, it was Lorgar who first fell to the lure of Chaos. Once known as Aurelian, this golden son of the Emperor of Mankind found himself an outcast because he worshipped his father as a god. Humbled before the ruins of Monarchia, chastened and brought low, Lorgar yearned for deeper meaning. He found it in the power of Ruin and thus began the descent into heresy. His fate had not always been so. On Colchis, his adopted birth world, Lorgar was not always the zealot, though his path would be nurtured by the priest Kor Phaeron.

Review

Gav Thorpe has always been a great writer and has had significant success since leaving the hallowed pages of WD.

And with Lorgar: Bearer of the Word; he smashes it out of the park! This is the book I was hoping all the Primarch books would be. It’s the origin story of Lorgar. How he is found on Colchis. When he is adopted by Kor Phaeron. And how he is manipulated / prepared for greatness by the priest.

The descriptions of the desert, his challenges, the treatment of Lorgar by Kor Phaeron and his reaction as a young child were expertly written and very believable. Many of the Primarchs had tough upbringing on their new homeworlds, but it is fair to say Lorgar’s wasn’t the easiest.

The action is mostly set on Colchis. There is the occasional flash forward to Lorgar burning his chapter’s books after censure by the Emperor. However, fortunately, this is a tiny part of the novella so doesn’t distract from the story being told.

A must read for me in the series – great work from Gav Thorpe.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Declan & Eeeyore

Check out the full list of Book Reviews we’ve done on Woehammer here

We always encourage people to shop at local bricks and mortar stores, but if your friendly local book store doesn’t have this available, we have a UK Amazon affiliate link & a USA Amazon affiliate link for which Woehammer receives a small commission.

— Declan & Eeyore