Warriors have traversed the sea passage between the Shetland Islands and Norway from the Vikings to World War 2 and beyond. On both shores there's been death and intrigue. Unlikely wizard John B. Stewart and his beloved Q find that hasn't changed. What they find is murder, mysticism, and an unexpected old mate.
The most powerful ancient talisman in the world is being used in a bizarre quest to correct history. But when the violence strikes too close to home John B. must pit his dubious magic against guns, bombs, and the old magic of the Norsemen.
THE SAILORS OF SVALGSAY
The Dubious Magic series chronicles the adventures of John B. Stewart. Seemingly a fairly average Public Servant in Australia's capital, he runs his head into a poker machine in a moment of Scotch-fuelled silliness. The impact wakes a strange power apparently lying dormant in him - his spoken wishes start coming true, often in ways that resemble unlikely coincidences.
It doesn't entirely make his life easier, although he does get to leave his unappealing job and travel the world. With the power comes unexpected responsibilities as he encounters sorcerers, demons, mad scientists and others with strange abilities and dark ambitions. The truth, of who and what John B. Stewart really is, lies in antiquity, and finding it may be a perilous journey for the unlikely wizard and those he loves.