polishgenius, on 21 March 2025 - 12:11 AM, said:
The Warden, by Daniel M. Ford, first in the likewise-named series. About a necromancer guardian type who is sent to what seems to be a quite posting in the middle of nowhere on what seems to be a quiet, nothing posting but of course turns out not to be.
It's a funny one coz it sets up like a cozy fantasy- in fact the opening is nearly identical to Emily Wilde's Enyclopedia of Faeries- but (as the profession implies) proves to be much more of an adventure-fantasy of the swords-and-sorcery stripe (not that Emily Wilde is action free). With a sideline in recovering from post-war trauma, since the area is in the aftermath of one. But it still keeps those cozy-fantasy genes too- there's a lot about friendship, and earning trust, and all that kind of thing. Honestly, it's one of the most charming things I've read in ages. Only slightly put out that Ford felt the need to end it on a cliffhanger- but since the second book is already out and the third due in a month, it's not that big of a deal.
Really excellent, highly recommended.
It's a funny one coz it sets up like a cozy fantasy- in fact the opening is nearly identical to Emily Wilde's Enyclopedia of Faeries- but (as the profession implies) proves to be much more of an adventure-fantasy of the swords-and-sorcery stripe (not that Emily Wilde is action free). With a sideline in recovering from post-war trauma, since the area is in the aftermath of one. But it still keeps those cozy-fantasy genes too- there's a lot about friendship, and earning trust, and all that kind of thing. Honestly, it's one of the most charming things I've read in ages. Only slightly put out that Ford felt the need to end it on a cliffhanger- but since the second book is already out and the third due in a month, it's not that big of a deal.
Really excellent, highly recommended.
Sounds Neat!
This post has been edited by QuickTidal: 21 March 2025 - 11:23 AM