Claus: Legend of the Fat Man by Tony Bertauski

Claus: Legend of the Fat Man (Claus #1)
written by Tony Bertauski
published by Tony Bertauski

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Smashwords, Goodreads

Why did I pick this book: The author contacted me to do a test/proof read of his book. I had previously read and reviewed another of this author’s books, The Annihilation of Foreverland. I was happy to accept his request (I received a copy of this book for test/proof read purposes.)

Did I enjoy this book: I did enjoy this book. It is quite different but an interesting read nonetheless. It was fun and hard to put down.

Claus: Legend of the Fat Man gives you a very different telling of how Santa Claus came to be. Who would have thought that Claus and Jack (Frost) were twin brothers? Who would have thought that Jack had some serious issues? Who would have thought that the elven people were so technologically advanced? Tony Bertauski, that’s who. How his mind came up with this is beyond me! But I am sure glad he did.

Don’t worry…this is not a “Christmas book” that can only be enjoyed at Christmas time. This book can be enjoyed at anytime of the year. Although this book is set during the 1800s, the language, actions, and technology is not that of the 1800s. It is a very modern society that is the focus of this story.

And this unique book answers the age-old question: How does Santa Claus make all of those toy deliveries to all the good boys and girls in one night?
Would I recommend it: If you like science fiction, then, yes, I would recommend this book to you. I would also recommend this book to anyone who likes unique, quirky, strange reads that keep you entertained and interested until the last page.

Will I read it again: I just may read this book again…but that time will be for pure enjoyment, not proofreading!

About the book – from Goodreads: Some legends are forged in fire. Others are born in snow.

In the early 1800s, Nicholas, Jessica and Jon Santa attempt the first human trek to the North Pole and stumble upon an ancient race of people left over from the Ice Age. They are short, fat and hairy. They slide across the ice on scaly soles and carve their homes in the ice that floats on the Arctic Ocean.

The elven are adapted to life in the extreme cold.

They are as wise as they are ancient. Their scientific advancements have yielded great inventions — time-stopping devices and gravitational spheres that build living snowmen and genetically-modified reindeer that leap great distances. They’ve even unlocked the secrets to aging. For 40,000 years, they have lived in peace.

Until now.

An elven known as The Cold One has divided his people. He’s tired of their seclusion and wants to conquer the world. Only one elven stands between The Cold One and total chaos. He’s white-bearded and red-coated. The Santa family will help him stop The Cold One.

They will come to the aid of a legendary elven known as… Claus.