Tag: fantasy

Book Review: We Burn Our Dead – Ted Laughton

Book Review: We Burn Our Dead – Ted Laughton

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Release date: March 1st 2025
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 266
Find it: Goodreads Amazon
Source: The author kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis

On a rain-lashed cliff above a black and restless sea, a band of killers pauses between battles.

By morning, one of them is dead.

They are a mercenary brotherhood bound by bloodshed and the iron will of their leader, Sturmund. Among them stands a woman hardened by the same bitter wars. They have all walked the warrior’s path too long to abandon it.

Until the forest.
Until the Beast.

In the deep woods beyond their camp moves something vast and patient—an ancient horror bound to its killing ground and driven mad by the passing years. It does not forgive trespass.

What begins as pursuit becomes reckoning. With each clash, more than flesh is torn away—conviction frays, pride splinters, and the discipline holding the company together begins to rot.

As grief twists into obsession, the line between warrior and monster blurs.
The forest will test what their violence is worth.

We Burn Our Dead is an unflinching, mythic dark fantasy about violent legacy, fading legend, and the terrible beauty of standing your ground in a merciless world.

Review

We Burn Our Dead is the dark and gripping tale of a group of mercenaries who, on their way to their next mission, have camped on the edge of a deep wood. When one of the group does not return from hunting, the group soon discovers an ancient horror in the woods, one that will stop at nothing to tear them apart.

This was such a terrific read. This grimdark story is well executed, and the writing style is incredibly beautiful. It’s the sort of story that just sucks you in and doesn’t let you go until the very last page. There is plenty of action, but the story really focuses in on this brotherhood of mercenaries and the lives they have led. The characters are incredibly well-crafted, and I loved the way the main story was interspersed with flashbacks to each character joining the group, giving you the opportunity to understand where each member had come from.

There are some pretty dark and eerie moments, and Laughton really builds the tension in the latter half of the book. I was really absorbed, and I ended up reading this one in just a few sittings. The ending was not what I expected, but the story comes to a really interesting conclusion, and it has definitely made me keen to read more from this author. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking grimdark standalone with beautiful, poetic writing, this one should definitely be your next read.

Book Review: The Hunger of the Dragon – R. M. Schultz

Book Review: The Hunger of the Dragon – R. M. Schultz

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Release date: September 27 2025
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 574
Find it: Goodreads Amazon
Source: The author kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

Divine remnants are hoarded, stolen, and killed for.

These items grant powerful magics to those with the strength to wield them.

The war of the gods has passed, leaving Midgard without direction, but vengeance and the battle for control has just begun.

A berserker of the Raven must protect her magical items from those bent on stealing them while a Wolf warrior renounces her clan to pursue the impossible—harnessing the magics of the Dragon. A thief of the Wolf is led astray and will never regain what is taken from him. They protect their own, claim what they can, and rise to power in waves of glory.

But when a mysterious new clan emerges seeking to conquer all, the Ravens and Wolves must safeguard their divine remains or destroy each other.

The resulting war will determine the fate of each clan as they succumb to the hunger of the Dragon and the forbidden runes.

Review

R. M. Schultz is back with a new Norse-inspired fantasy, and I could not put it down.

The story follows rival clans as they attempt to control the remnants of their dead gods. Each seeks glory, but will they be strong enough to claim the power they desire? When a mysterious new clan appears, the Ravens and the Wolves must protect their divine remnants or risk losing everything.

This is my fourth book from R. M. Schultz, and I think it’s my favourite yet. This is an incredibly compelling grimdark tale, and it felt much darker than The Forged and the Fallen series. I absolutely loved the Norse-inspired world, and the level of detail in the worldbuilding was superb. I thought it felt so unique and intricate – very different to other Norse mythology books I’ve read in the past. The magic is really interesting, and I liked seeing the different types of magic the clans could wield. The magic system felt well-developed, and I am looking forward to seeing more of it in book two.

Schultz writes really gripping and compelling battle scenes, and that was especially true in this book. There is plenty of action and more than a few moments that had me on the edge of my seat. The characters are well-crafted, and though I liked all the protagonists, I found Märren’s storyline to be particularly compelling. Overall, this was a brilliant book that I found hard to put down, and if you’re a fan of books like John Gwynne’s Bloodsworn Saga, this is one you definitely don’t want to miss. I cannot wait to see where Schultz takes the story in book two!

Book Review: Hammerfall – Rob J Hayes

Book Review: Hammerfall – Rob J Hayes

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Release date: February 3rd 2026
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 280
Find it: Goodreads Amazon
Source: The author kindly sent me an E-ARC for review
Rating: 4.75/5 stars

Synopsis

How long can a cause remain just, when painted in the blood of innocence?

They named her the Starhammer once. Hero to some, monster to many more. First into the breach at the Shattering, anointed in the blood of a thousand demons. The last of the legendary Valkyr.

But the Starhammer is dead. Or so all the stories tell.

Amidst the soaring trees and haunted slopes of the Primals, Selitha relies on the forest to provide, and cares for her family. Nothing is more precious to her than her daughter.

It is a simple life. It is a peaceful life. It is a lie.

When bandits raid the Primals, burning towns and stealing children from their beds, Selitha has no choice but to lend her axe to the rescue.

Volcanic giants spew ash into the sky, demonic bears claw the forest to splinters, and there are even rumours the kin, half-men half-beasts, serve the raiders. All the Terrors of the old world stand against her.

With a severed head as guide, to rescue the children, Selitha may need to bring the Starhammer back from the dead.

Review

Selitha is the last of the Valkyr. She was once known as Star Hammer, the legendary warrior, but now she is content with her quiet life with her husband and children. Until one day a group comes to her home and begs for her help – their children have been stolen and their village torn apart. Selitha has no choice but to help them. As she embarks on her deadly quest to save the children, she discovers the Terrors that she thought long gone might not be quite as vanquished as she thinks.

This was such a gripping, action-packed read. This is my third book in the God Eater world, and it’s just such a fascinating world. Hayes has created a really detailed and vibrant world, and there is so much history contained in this relatively short tale. The story is well executed with absolutely tons of fast paced, compelling action scenes as well as quite a few dark and bloody moments too.

While this is part of the God Eater series, this can absolutely be read as a standalone and I think this would work really well as an introduction to the series. Selitha is a really compelling main character – she is no longer the warrior she once was, but she is also so much more than just a wife and mother. I really enjoyed the dynamics between the group and each character was well developed with their own secrets and motivations. The character work in this book is really terrific and there are definitely a few moments that tug on the heartstrings. I liked all the characters, but Selitha’s daughter and the head were probably my favourites as they kind of stole the show.

Overall, Hammerfall was a brilliant read from start to finish. If you’re looking for an entertaining fantasy story that’s full of bloody action, dark monsters, humour, and heart, this is one you definitely don’t want to miss.

Blog Tour: The Whisper of Stars – Cristin Williams

Blog Tour: The Whisper of Stars – Cristin Williams

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Release date: November 6 2025
Publisher: Gollancz
Pages: 384
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis

Anarchist poet Katya Efremova has spent ten months imprisoned in a covert government laboratory. When an escape attempt goes terribly wrong, she’s transferred to a new prison colony being established on Solovetsky Island in the White Sea. She learns her arrest wasn’t due to her involvement in a magic-fueled resistance against the Bolsheviks—it was because of her murdered mother’s research into the legendary folk hero, Stenka Razin. Katya finds a clue her mother left for her the day she died, which may contain a cipher: Listen to the whisper of stars.

Given his title of nobility, imprisoned aristocrat Dima Danilov knows he’ll never leave Solovetsky Island alive. Dima finds a 250-year-old manuscript written by his ancestor which gives a first-person account of Stenka Razin’s rebellion against the tsar. Desperate for his life to mean something before it’s over, Dima decides to write an epic poem based on Razin’s life, hoping to encourage Russians to revolt against Bolshevik tyranny.

Natasha is a rogue witch who has been experimented on in the government laboratory for two years. When she’s offered her freedom in exchange for spying on Katya, she jumps at the chance, though she has her own reasons for wanting to solve the conspiracy surrounding Katya’s mother’s death.

As their goals intertwine, the three imprisoned Russians work together to uncover the secret behind Stenka Razin’s rebellion, a secret woven into the history of Solovetsky Island.

Review

The Whisper of Stars is a beautifully written fantasy tale that follows three prisoners who are sent to live on Solovetsky Island. Katya is attempting to uncover the truth behind her mother’s death and the secret message she left her about Stenka Razin’s rebellion. Dima is an aristocrat hoping to do something meaningful to help the Russians’ revolt against the tyranny they face, and Natasha is a spy sent to get close to Katya, but she has her own reasons for wanting to get close to Katya. Can the three work together to solve the mysteries surrounding Razin’s rebellion and the history of Solovetsky Island?

I really found myself swept up in this gorgeously written story, and I was so captivated that I ended up reading this book in just a few sittings. Williams’ prose is beautiful, and I thought the remote, frozen landscape particularly came to life in the story. This is a slower-paced story, but it’s full to the brim with mystery and political intrigue. It kept me gripped throughout, and I really enjoyed the complexity of the narrative. I thought the historical aspect of the story felt very detailed, and it was clear that lots of research has gone into bringing this story to life.

Williams has crafted some really fascinating characters in this story, and I really liked all three of our main protagonists. If I had to pick, I’d say my favourite was Katya, but I enjoyed reading all three POVs. I really enjoyed the way alliances shifted and mysteries were unravelled. I was never quite sure who was trustworthy and who wasn’t. Williams does a magnificent job of building tension, and I was particularly glued to the book for the last hundred pages. Overall, The Whisper of Stars is a thought provoking read, so if you’re looking for a historical fantasy book that’s full of puzzles, mystery, and magic – look no further than The Whisper of Stars.

Book Review: Virelai’s Hoard – Vivien Nash

Book Review: Virelai’s Hoard – Vivien Nash

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: The Dagger and Tide Trilogy
Release date: August 4 2025
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 297
Find it: Goodreads Amazon
Source: The publisher kindly sent me an E-ARC to review
Rating: 3.75/5 stars

Synopsis

Some treasures should stay buried. Some secrets should never be unearthed.

Riley has spent her life surviving on lies. She cons, she cheats, she takes what she wants and never looks back. When she tricks her way onto the Moonshadow, a pirate ship bound for an impossible treasure, she expects gold, and dreams of the things that come with it. Stability, security, a future where she doesn’t have to fight for every scrap. What she doesn’t expect is to be dealt into the crew’s games, drawn into their stories, and treated like she belongs.

But their leader, Captain Calla Nymeris, is as untouchable as the ocean—secretive, relentless, her gaze always fixed on the horizon as if haunted by something only she can see. Her first mate Sable is a force of nature herself, a warrior with sharp eyes and a sharper tongue, who watches Riley like she’s trying to decide whether to trust her or throw her overboard.

As they chase a treasure that shouldn’t exist, through waters that pull ships under and islands where the dead do not sleep, Riley realizes she wants more than gold.

But the sea is always hungry. And it never gives without taking.

A darkly romantic sapphic fantasy, Virelai’s Hoard is a tale of cursed treasure, treacherous seas, and love tangled in betrayal.

Review

Virelai’s Hoard is a fun and entertaining swashbuckling fantasy tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. The story follows con artist Riley and her rat companion as she tricks her way on board the infamous pirate ship, the Moonshadow. Captained by the mysterious Calla Nymeris, the crew is on their way to find a treasure that should not exist. Their quest is fraught with danger, and not everyone is going to make it back alive.

Virelai’s Hoard is quite a short read at just under 300 pages, and I found myself absolutely racing through it. It was quick-paced and full to the brim with action and adventure. I really like pirate books, and I thought Nash did a brilliant job describing life on board a pirate ship. I particularly enjoyed seeing Riley adjust to life on the sea with the hard work, danger, and the closeness of the crew. The plot was engaging, and I thought the action scenes were particularly entertaining.

Nash does a great job creating tension and romance between the characters, and overall, I thought the romance was well done. I found the characters interesting, and all three of our main characters – Riley, Sable, and Calla – were well developed. I really liked seeing the dynamics between all the different crew members as the story progressed and things got tough. The story came to a really interesting conclusion, so I am very much looking forward to reading book two in the trilogy. The story has a great mix of adventure and romance, and there’s even some ghosts, sirens, and curses thrown into the mix. If you’re looking for a pirate story with characters you can’t help but root for, definitely check out Virelai’s Hoard.

Book Review: The Second Death of Locke – V. L. Bovalino

Book Review: The Second Death of Locke – V. L. Bovalino

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: The Hand and the Heart #1
Release date: September 23 2025
Publisher: Orbit Books
Pages: 504
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis

Love. Loyalty. Sacrifice.

Grey Flynn has dedicated her life to her mage, Kier.

She will be his blade on the battlefield, his healer and protector. The deep well of raw power inside her is Kier’s to use. Grey would do anything for Kier – be anything for him – if he would only ask.

When a quest to protect the child of an enemy kingdom pulls them into the dangerous heart of their nation’s war, Grey and Kier will need to decide what they are willing to sacrifice to protect their secret.

For Grey is no ordinary magical well, but heir to the lost island of Locke – the root of all power. If she dies, all magic dies with her.

Review

The Second Death of Locke is a beautiful and addictive fantasy book that I could not put down. The story follows Grey Flynn – Grey is a Hand who acts as a well for her mage, Kier. Without her, Kier can’t do magic, and the two are inseparable. When Kier and Grey are sent on a mission to escort the lost heir of Locke to safety, the team knows this mission is going to be fraught with danger, because not only must they keep this mysterious heir alive, they also have to protect their deepest secret – that Grey is actually the lost heir of Locke.

I’ve read three other books by Tori Bovalino and given them five stars, so this was one of my most anticipated releases of 2025. I’m so happy to say that I absolutely loved this book. From start to finish, it was filled with beautiful, lyrical writing and a plot that kept me glued. I thought the story had such a unique, compelling premise, and it was paced really well. There were some twists I didn’t see coming, and I am so intrigued about where Bovalino is going to take the story in book two. There’s plenty of action to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and while I’m not a big romance person, I thought the romance was really well developed in the story.  

Bovalino has created some really compelling characters, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Grey and Kier. Grey spends most of her time covered in blood and dirt, she’s a bit on the angry side, and she often speaks up when she shouldn’t. I loved the dynamics between her and Kier, but also between her and the rest of their group as she began to open up and trust people. Kier is also a really likable character, he’s brave and determined and willing to do anything to protect the people he cares about. All the characters in The Second Death of Locke are complex and well crafted, and I can’t wait to see where they end up next.

The Second Death of Locke is an incredibly engaging fantasy adventure full of magic, mystery, and romance. This will without a doubt be in my favourite reads of 2025 so if you’re looking for a fantasy read that will keep you hooked till the very last page, this is one you do not want to miss.

 

Book Review: Fallen Shards – Michael S Jackson

Book Review: Fallen Shards – Michael S Jackson

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: Ringlander #2
Release date: August 16 2025
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 619
Find it: Goodreads Amazon
Source: The author kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis

THE SCARS OF A WOUNDED WORLD ARE REOPENING…War continues to blight the Ringland continents of Rengas, from Nord to Kemen and over the Middle Sea to the shores of Sulitaria. The Forbringrs fight in the heavens, leaving those who dwell unto dust, while the human rebellion struggles on against a unifying Bohr front and the treacherous Order of the White Dragon.

As God’s Gift, Abika can wield Soulfire, a power only possessed by Banèmen, but she’s still the unwanted child struggling to answer why she was left for dead. As she searches for meaning amongst a chaotic land, she discovers that the worlds have other plans for her.

Review

Michael S. Jackson is back with the next installment in the Ringlander series and if you’re looking for an engaging, coming of age fantasy adventure, this is a series you absolutely need to add to your TBR.

We pick up after the events of book one, and the war between the humans and the Bohr is far from over. We see some familiar faces, and we also meet some new characters. One of our new main characters is Abika, who can wield Soulfire and is trying to find her place in the world. I really enjoyed her POV, and overall, I thought she was a fascinating, complex character.

Jackson has created a really compelling world with the Ringlander series, and I thought the world-building was excellent. The world feels detailed and well-crafted, and I really enjoyed that we get to see more of the world in this installment. Fallen Shards feels darker and more bloody than The Path and the Way, with some pretty dark and gruesome moments. Jackson’s writing style is engaging, and I often found I didn’t want to put this book down.

Overall, Fallen Shards is a tremendous sequel, one that will leave readers wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, from the intricate, well-crafted plot to that absolutely gorgeous cover.  If you’ve read book one, book two is a must-read, and if you’re looking for an epic fantasy adventure with fascinating characters and a compelling plot, Ringlander is a series you do not want to miss!

Book Review: Ascension – S. T. Gibson

Book Review: Ascension – S. T. Gibson

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: The Summoner’s Circle #2
Release date: July 8 2025
Publisher: Angry Robot Books
Pages: 349
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me an E-ARC to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

From bestselling author of Evocation comes it’s hotly anticipated and spellbinding sequel, where Rhys steps into his new role as High Priest. A perfect read for lovers of urban fantasy.

Now the High Priest of Boston’s famed and secret Society, Rhys McGowan has a lot on his shoulders. With the help of his adoring witch wife, Moira, and his newly rekindled relationship with psychic boyfriend, David, Rhys is destined to become the most powerful High Priest ever.

However, Rhys’s insatiable ambition may be his undoing…

The second book in the bestselling Summoner’s Circle series sees beloved characters return for an all new dark and enthralling adventure.

Review

Ascension is the newest release from A Dowry in Blood author S. T. Gibson and the second book in Gibson’s Summoner’s Circle series. Picking up after the events of Evocation, we follow Rhys as he tries to come to grips with his new role as High Priest. Things don’t go quite to plan, and Rhys finds himself with quite a lot on his shoulders. He is supported by his wife, Moira, and boyfriend David, but Rhus is determined to be an outstanding High Priest at any cost, even if that means biting off more than he can chew.

I absolutely fell in love with Evocation, so Ascension was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025. It was an utterly compelling read, and I will absolutely read anything S. T. Gibson writes. Gibson has a beautiful and engaging writing style, and as soon as I started reading Ascension, I didn’t want to put it down. I raced through this book in a few sittings, and I am already counting down the days till the release of book three.

The story is pretty fast-paced, and there’s lots going on that will keep the reader hooked and desperate for more. Gibson has a way of crafting these fascinating, complex characters that you just can’t get enough of, and that’s definitely how I feel about Rhys, Moira, and David. I loved exploring the relationships between these three characters, particularly as the story progresses and Rhys becomes consumed by his ambition, while David encounters someone from his past.

This is a compulsively readable series; it’s full to the brim with magic and has some really fascinating and complicated characters. If you’re someone who loves stories with demons and secret societies, you definitely don’t want to miss this one.

Book Review: The Vengeance – Emma Newman

Book Review: The Vengeance – Emma Newman

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: The Vampires of Dumas #1
Release date: May 6th 2025
Publisher: Solaris Books
Pages: 384
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy to review
Rating: 3.75/5 stars

Synopsis

Morgane grew up at sea, daughter of the fierce pirate captain of the Vengeance, raised to follow in her footsteps as scourge of the Four Chains Trading Company. But when Anna-Marie is mortally wounded in battle, she confesses to Morgane that she is not her mother.

The captain of the enemy ship reveals he was paid to kill Anna-Marie and bring Morgane home to France and her real family. Desperate to learn the truth about her lineage, Morgane spares him, leaving the Vengeance and everything she knows behind.

Her quest reveals a world of decadence and darkness, in which monsters vie for control of royal courts and destinies of nations. She discovers the bloody secrets of the Four Chains Trading Company, and the truth about her real mother’s death, nearly twenty years before…

Review

The Vengeance is a swashbuckling fantasy adventure that follows Morgane, daughter of the pirate captain Anna-Marie. Her ship is the Vengeance and they are known to attack and destroy ships from the Four Chains Trading Company at any opportunity. When Morgane’s mother is fatally wounded during one such attack, she reveals the truth to Morgane – she is not her mother but her aunt. This sets Morgane on a quest to France, to find her real family and what happened to them. What Morgane finds will be darker and more dangerous than she ever thought possible.

This was such a fun read. This is my first book from Emma Newman and I thought it was a really entertaining story. The plot is intriguing, though I do think the pacing was a little uneven at times. The story felt well written and Newman did an excellent job of bringing the sights and sounds of historical France to life. I really enjoyed the parts of the book that were set on the ship as they were detailed and well researched.

Our main character Morgane is a strong female pirate and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in (or punch someone in the face). I thought she was a terrific protagonist and I loved the way she ruffled feathers, questioned the ruling classes and completely disregarded etiquette. The romance in the story is also well developed and I liked the way the relationship progressed without taking over the main story arc. I am very much looking forward to seeing where Newman takes Morgane and her pirate gang in book two. Overall I thought The Vengeance was a compelling fantasy tale so if you’re looking for a story that features a strong female character, that’s full of mystery and has a hint of vampires and werewolves, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Book Review: The Pawns of Havoc – Dave Lawson

Book Review: The Pawns of Havoc – Dave Lawson

by Nicole Sweeney ♥ 0 Leave a Comment


Series: The Envoys of Chaos #0.5
Release date: May 29th 2025
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 128
Find it: Goodreads Amazon
Source: The author kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis

No Mercy, No Questions Asked.

Cork has quickly made a name for himself among the Kosellan mercenaries, but now his boss has come to him with an unusual job. Cork’s erstwhile countrymen, the Winn, have hired him to travel into the barren Frozen Lands and destroy a convoy, leaving only one survivor.

Cork isn’t sure he can trust the Winn. He feels like a pawn in their political game. However, his mother is sick and the Winn have promised to heal her if Cork does the job. And killing is what Cork does best.To make matters worse. Cork’s crew has been decided for him: Arabella, an inexperienced and infuriating archer, and Nessa, a gloomy criminal with murder on her mind.

Cork will have to figure out how to complete the job, avoid Winn treachery, and manage conflicts with Arabella and Nessa along the way.

It’s going to be chaos.

Review

The Pawns of Havoc is a gripping fantasy novella that follows mercenary Cork as he’s sent on another job – but this one isn’t his typical kind of job. He’s been tasked by the Winn to find a convoy in the Frozen Lands, destroy it, and leave only one survivor. Cork might be Winn himself, but he knows he can’t trust them. Forced to team up with an archer named Arabella and a criminal named Nessa, Cork must find a way to complete the job, stay out of the Winn’s political games, and keep Arabella and Nessa in line – what could possibly go wrong?

This is my first book from Dave Lawson and I absolutely loved it. The Pawns of Havoc is a prequel story to The Envoys of War and I thought it was the perfect place to jump in. The plot was so engaging that it made me immediately want to pick up the next book in the series. The action scenes are very vivid and well crafted and I was very intrigued by the mysterious Winn and what they were up to. While The Pawns of Havoc is just a little over a hundred pages, it certainly packs a punch – there’s plenty of adventure, love and heartbreak along the way.

The characters in The Pawns of Havoc are terrific and I really liked our main character Cork. He has a strong narrative voice and I can’t wait to see more of him in The Envoys of War. I loved the group dynamics in this tale – there’s plenty of bickering, banter, and heart as they attempt to come up with a plan and carry out their mission. I also thought Arabella and Nessa were really interesting characters and I loved seeing how the dynamics changed as they have to work and travel together.

Overall I thought this was a brilliant, entertaining tale so if you’re looking for a compelling fantasy novella that you can read in one sitting, this one should definitely be next on your TBR.