Reviews for The King of the Elves

The average rating for The King of the Elves based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-04-18 00:00:00 Gregory Sovetts This story, first published in Beyond Fantasy Fiction (September, 1953), is an example of early Philip K. Dick at his best. It is not really science fiction, but rather a fantasy rooted in myth and folk tale which stays true to its origins and yet manages to add something contemporary'and unique to the author'as well. Old Shadrach Jones, operator of an unprofitable gas station in a dying Colorado town, is surprised one rainy evening by a group of little men. They are elves, seeking shelter for their ailing king. Shadrach invites them to his home in Derryville, and soon he receives an offer from the elves that will change his simple life forever. On the surface, this is straightforward fantasy, featuring a battle between good and evil and a happy ending. And I for one choose to read it this way. But I wonder. Philip K. Dick is seldom straightforward. Is Shadrach Jones merely an unlikely hero? Or is he, instead, a madman, the murderer of an old friend?

Review # 2 was written on 2019-09-08 00:00:00 torgeir breilid "Mortal, we thank you for your hospitality. Normally, we do not impose on human beings." A group of Elves do indeed impose themselves upon Shadrach Jones, just as he is closing his isolated gas station for the night. It's rainy, it's dark, it's quiet, so why shouldn't some fairytale creatures find this man in the middle of Colorado? Plus, their King is ailing, not helped by the wet cold and a scare from some other fairytale creatures. It's a bit much for Mr. Jones. But then, it would be a bit much for any human. Philip K. Dick stepped away from his world of sci-fi to do a little bit of short-story fantasy in this quickly readable tale. It moves quickly even if the title character does not. I had to review it all again after I finished because I just assumed the author wouldn't write such a simple story. Is Shadrach Jones sane? Is Colorado inundated with little robe-wearing beings? Is Route 20 really The Endless Path? Elderly men living in a world of loneliness can tell tall tales. Book Season = Autumn (when Trolls smell)