Reviews

4 Stars!

For some reason the cover grabbed me, and I’m happy to say it did not disappoint.

I really like the idea of a collection of short stories about the same MC’s and their adventures, and this compiles such from various publications over the last 16 years plus a new one for fans. Admittedly, this is my first experience with munitions expert Sir Hereward and his companion, sorcerer puppet Mr. Fitz, and I had a grand old time!

Set in a richly layered alternate universe, this medieval-esque backdrop has plenty of swords, explosive armaments, and lots and lots and lots of magic. These two protagonists belong to an ancient council known as the Treaty for the Safety of the World, whose sole mission is to banish evil beings from another dimension who simply exist to corrupt and spread chaos. Sir Hereward and Mr. Fitz have been eternally tasked to find and destroy these troublesome beings, and one can only imagine what obstacles they face and what lengths they must go to to carry out their proscribed duty.

What I liked most was the relationship between these two. Hereward was born into this vocation and really has no choice. He’s more than capable - an expert in all forms of weapons, fighting styles, and varied abilities in subterfuge. Thing is, one gets the feeling that he would gladly hang up his guns and settle down or at least sow his wild oats for a spell as he’s the softie here, always trying to spare/save lives, always on the search for some warm comforts. However, Hereward’s basically the right hand man of Fitz, a puppet who long ago was created to wield otherworldly powerful magic and is singular in his mission and thought processes, doggedly focused on pursuing the next baddie on the list. To say the least, their relationship can be slightly contentious and exasperating between the two of them, but also complicatedly comforting and steadfast, as they unfailingly have the other's back in their perilous exploits.

Again, I found this highly entertaining with spurts of adventurous fun, funny, plus plenty of dire danger! Be prepared to encounter all sorts - shifters, cannibals, human sacrifice, duels, possession (both human and inanimate objects), charlatans, dragons, pirates, and a heist! I can confidently say you won’t be bored.

I’ve only read one other Nix short, and my experience with this will guarantee I’ll check out more from this imaginative writer!!

Thank you to the author and publisher for a copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

anrevat's review

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adventurous dark funny fast-paced

4.0

tacochelle's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It's a series of short stories that were published in various fiction magazines in the last decade, all centered on the titular characters. Their profession is hunting down errant gods that have been destroying people and the world. There's only so much worldbuilding that can be fit into short stories, but it's enough to let the action take center stage. It was a lot of fun, and the narrator for the audiobook seemed to have a great time with this one.

davidkelly0324's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

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