This is a well-written story with a strong and fascinating protagonist walking a solid, well-crafted world.

Guard Jo has just been hired to guard a merchant’s family and, given the presence of a magician, anything might happen.  Can’t wait to see what does.

I’m thinking the fledgling partnership between Jo and Tobias will take them far beyond the town’s walls and into all kinds of mischief and mayhem.  It’ll be fun to watch Tobias prove himself to Jo, as well as to himself. 

I’m enjoying the slow build-up to the heavy action, as the writer is giving the reader a chance to get to know Jo—which I think is essential, given that she’s not the typical woman-warrior character found in sword-and-sorcery stories.  She’s not just a woman with muscles, wearing men’s clothes, but one genuinely living a man’s life.  The descriptions of her, as well as her thoughts, words and actions, evoke that sense of masculinity.  The author is wise in helping the reader know who Jo is, how she came to be the way she is, and where she wants to go.

She’s sure to kick some butt before long and, given the early hints that she gets a little lonely sometimes, the reader can hope she’ll make time for a little romance along the way as well.

This one’s a story worth following.  I’m there.

4 of 4 members found this review helpful.
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