Gentlemen of the Road, by Michael Chabon(Sceptre, £7.99).

THERE is plenty of humour in this tale of two soulmates who are off on their adventures.

We are taken back to 950 AD in the Caucasus Mountains between the Black Sea and the Caspian.

Our two good guys undertake many daring deeds until fortune entangles them in the myriad schemes and battles.

They are hired as escorts for a fugitive prince and find themselves half-willing generals in a mad rebellion, struggling to restore the prince's family to the throne.

As their crazy exploits unfold they encounter an elephant, tradesmen, whores, thieves, soldiers and discover the truth about their royal charge.

It's a book that's full of fun.