R. L. has always had a hard-edged humor. But he's been working on toning it back when it interferes with the straight entertainment value of the story he's bringing to life.

Saunders likes his parables exciting and his sharp wit is often a surprise. Of course, there are contemporary mentions you have to keep an eye out for... Satire is like that, he says - no fun if you don't deflate an over-blown ego every now and then...