The Ghost-Wrangler

By: Matthew Hughes

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

In a world of wizards and walled cities, Galabras Nachecko is a necromancer in the seaport metropolis of Golathreon, connecting the living with deceased relatives and associates to answer questions left unresolved at the time of death.

Then he is tasked by Duke Simisson’s conniving seneschal to capture the ghost of a notorious land pirate scheduled for execution. He snags the spirit but finds that the assignment has made him a man who knows too much.

Nachecko is propelled into a new career—secret agent segueing into diplomat—that leads him far from home, plunges him into perilous adventures, and brings him both true love and tragedy.

A Victim of His Circumstances?

“Virtual voice” is not ready for “prime time”! Compared to a human narrator, its hollow, emotionless tonality leaves much still to be developed. Evaluated against John Lee reading a Verrus novel or Jim Marsters a Dresden story, or so many superb voice actors’ orations, there’s no positive advantage other than the parsimonious strategy of not paying a human.

Hughes wrote an interesting story but there is too much ‘tell’ and too little ‘show’. I have enjoyed Jack Vance’s Dying Earth novels and was hoping for an approximation of his excellent work. Regrettably, Hughes has much of the action occur in passing, or recounted as history, rather than having the protagonist necromancer interact directly with major events, such as Cugel (a clever ‘Conanesque’ barbarian character created by Vance) does in his eponymous Saga. This tale may be better read than heard but I suspect that the lack of agency would still be noticeable. This was my first encounter with Hughes and I’ll read more of his works to get a comprehensive understanding of his style and depth as a writer.

Smart, witty, and wonderful ride

Matthew Hughes blends dry wit, bureaucratic absurdity and Jack Vancian intrigue into a story that’s equal parts clever and compelling. The protagonist, a freelance necromancer turned reluctant diplomat, is exactly the kind of oddball hero I love. He’s capable, but constantly surprised by the world.

Pacing is right, dialogue crackles with intelligence similar to Vance, and the world building is subtle but rich, piling onto the themes and world events of previous Hughes novels. The author has a knack for making the bizarre feel grounded and the mundane feel magical.

If you enjoy speculative fiction and/or fantasy with a literary flair with a Vancian touch and characters who feel human even when they’re manipulating and talking with ghosts, this one’s for you.

A note about the virtual narrator. While of course it’s not ideal, I’m just happy to see more of Hughes work in audio format. Some weird pronunciation and tone of voice here and there, but nothing too crazy.