About the Author

Described as a "literary raconteur" and a "virtuoso," Tim Rayborn denies everything, but it's true that he's a versatile writer and an acclaimed musician. He's written a few dozen books, appeared on more than forty recordings, plays scores of unusual instruments, and has visited five continents. QWYRK is his first novel.

Reviews

"I liked this book a great deal! Charming and funny, the characters are delightful, and it's scary exactly where it should be. I wouldn't have missed it for anything." Peter S. Beagle, author of The Last Unicorn "Qwyrk, by Tim Rayborn, is, for starters, delightfully... quirky. Rayborn's ear for culture is as good as his ear for music, and his fantasy romp through a small British town has some of the same wacky flavor we find in the mythic send-ups written by Tom Holt/K.J. Parker. Rayborn's elves may be updated, but human nature remains the same. As Qwyrk herself tells Jilly, her kind visit our world 'To give children a little nudge when they need it... and sometimes remind adults of what they've been missing.' In times when we all need distraction, here is a tale to take your mind off your troubles for a while." Diana L. Paxson, author of Sword of Avalon "It's a quest, it's a lark that romps through human and magical worlds alike, and it's a whimsical and delightful story set in Northern England. Qwyrk is engaging, endearing, and unpredictable in its human and magical relationships and conundrums. Fans of fantasy who enjoy magical realism injected into the everyday milieu of Britain will relish the nature of Qwyrk, first in a projected series of stories about misfits and the sometimes-hilarious mishaps that evolve from seemingly good intentions." Donovan's Literary Services/Midwest Book Review "Bringing the familiar modern world together with the fantastic and mythical in a smart and witty way, Qwyrk is a delightful foray into magical realism. Fans of Pratchett, Gaiman, Beagle, and de Lint will absolutely feel at home in this story! Rayborn takes figures from traditional folklore and gives them a wonderfully fresh and believable update. You'll be hooked right away on both the human and magical characters - they're engaging and familiar in such a way that you simply must know what happens next. Strong and capable female characters, the challenges of negotiating magic in a world that's largely forgotten it, effective world-building, and a good dose of sarcasm all make this book such a fun read. I can't wait to read more about the further adventures of Qwyrk! Laura Tempest Zakroff, author of Sigil Witchery and Weave the Liminal "You will never look at a rose bush the same way again! A fun romp through a modern English fairy encounter, written with a light heart, a clever mind, and a wicked sense of humour. Enjoy!" Elizabeth Kerner Ewing, author of Song in the Silence, The Lesser Kindred, and Redeeming the Lost