The Elfin Ship

Balumnia, Book 1

By: James P. Blaylock

Narrated by: Malk Williams

Trading with the elves used to be so simple. Every year Master Cheeser Jonathan Bing would send his very best cheeses downriver to traders who would eventually return with Elfin wonders for the people of Twombly Town. But no more.

First the trading post at Willowood Station was mysteriously destroyed. Then a magical elfin airship began making forays overhead; Jonathan knew something was definitely amiss. So he set off downriver to deliver the cheeses himself, accompanied by the amazing Professor Wurzle, the irrepressible Dooly, and his faithful dog Ahab.

It would have been a pleasant trip, if not for the weeping skeleton, mad goblins, magic coins, an evil dwarf, a cloak of invisibility - and a watch that stopped time. However, the return trip would not be so simple.

This, the first volume in a trilogy, tells the story of Master Cheeser Jonathan Bing who sends his best cheeses downriver each year to the elves, in exchange for elfin treasures for the people of Twombly Town. When things go wrong, Jonathan has to set out to deliver the cheeses himself.

©1982 James P. Blaylock (P)2014 Audible Studios

Critic reviews

"A magical world, magically presented...having journeyed there, you will not wish to leave, nor ever to forget." (Philip K. Dick)

Be prepared to gain 5lbs

I adored this story. It is like Douglas Adams writing whimsical adventures for hobbits. I made myself so many amazing cheese platters while reading this. The narrator is absolutely perfect for the story. I can't wait until my little boy gets a bit older so we can read it together and eat cheese.

A cozy Christmas vibe

This story reminds me of The Hobbit but simpler and I don’t mean that as an insult. It’s a fun little cozy story. Johnathan Bing is just your average guy who ends up on kooky little adventure. A quick and easy read that is absolutely perfect for reading by the fire with a cup of tea (which I think the cheeser would certainly approve of)

Fireside fantasy

Other reviewers have pointed out a Tolkien resemblance, but most ‘art’ involves stealing, and any stealing in this book is done well. I liked the hobbits best in Tolkien as they seemed to be happy folk, contented with the small joys of life. But Blaylock limits the evil as even the goblins seem to be creating chaos as fun rather than evil for evil’s sake.
For those seeking more menace, try the Langdon St. Ives or most any of the post Balumnia trilogy. The narrator had, for meat least, the right voice and intonations for the characters.

Enjoyable and Satisfying

Would you consider the audio edition of The Elfin Ship to be better than the print version?

I have not read the text. I have listened only and it was a satisfying experience.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Johnathan...I found him a good guide through this world.

What about Malk Williams’s performance did you like?

voice and characterization

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

smile....

Charming, light-hearted, funny fantasy

Orignally posted at Fantasy Literature.

Audible has recently put several of James P. Blaylock’s novels in audio format, so I’m giving a few of them a try. The Elfin Ship, first published in 1982, is the first book in Blaylock’s BALUMNIA trilogy about a whimsical fantasy world filled with elves, goblins, dwarves, wizards, and (because it’s Blaylock), a few steampunk elements such as submarines and airships.

In The Elfin Ship we meet Jonathan Bing, a cheesemaker who lives in a quaint little village with his dog Ahab. It’s just before Christmas, a time when Bing should be selling his famous cheeses to neighboring towns. However, something is afoot in the outside world and trade is drying up. Not only is Bing’s business in danger, but all of the villagers will have a dreary holiday if they are unable to buy their traditional toys and treats. Somebody must be sent to investigate what’s happening outside the village and it’s obvious that Master Cheeser Bing is just the right person to go. Bing is reluctant — he’s just an ordinary stay-at-home kind of guy — but he’s single and his lifestyle depends on successful trade relations. So, accompanied by his dog Ahab, Professor Wurzle, and a simple boy named Dooly, Bing sets out on a quest that he hopes will uncover the mystery and save his village’s Christmas. Along the way they meet strange folks, have frightening adventures, encounter magical items, and discover secrets.

The Elfin Ship has an appealing setting. Twombly Town, Bing’s comfy village, feels like the shire — it’s a warm friendly place where everyone knows each other and life is sweet. When Bing and his friends leave for their quest, I was eager and ready for an adventure, but by the time the characters have been hazarding the wilds for a while, I found myself understanding why they were anxious to return to their friends and the comforts of Twombly Town. I liked this homey feel.

The characters are also likable. The Master Cheeser and the Professor are good people who are clever and witty. Dooly is sweet and there’s more to him than meets the eye. And, of course, there’s Ahab — who doesn’t love a loyal and friendly dog? There are no women in the story, unfortunately.

Many readers, including children and teens, will absolutely adore The Elfin Ship. There are a few dark moments, but mostly the novel is charming, light-hearted and funny, and there are bits of wisdom and important life lessons included. Its wholesome hominess feels a little like The Hobbit or The Wind in the Willows. The Elfin Ship stands alone, but there are two more BALUMNIA novels set in the same world with overlapping characters: The Disappearing Dwarf and The Stone Giant.

Malk Williams did a great job with the narration of Audible’s version (sample). He has a British accent and his warm voice fit perfectly with the cozy feel. I could imagine him sitting in a quaint inn, drinking a beer, smoking a pipe, and telling us this story.