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Mishap's Heroes #1
Magic and Misrule
They're only badass by accident...
Vola might be new to this whole adventuring thing, but she's pretty sure it shouldn't be going this way. No one at her academy wanted an orc graduating as a paladin, so they've sent her to the back end of nowhere, hoping she'll never find a quest good enough to earn her shield. But Vola's got divine help, and even a laughingstock of a goddess is better than nothing.
Armed with a new mission to find some missing townspeople somewhere in the swamp, Vola just needs a team to help her track them down. Beggars can't be choosers but couldn't her goddess have sent her at least one competent fighter? Is Vola enough of a paladin to keep an over-enthusiastic halfling, a clutzy spell caster, and a mysterious backstabber alive long enough to track down the missing people? Maybe, but only if the swamp doesn't eat them all first.
Vola might be new to this whole adventuring thing, but she's pretty sure it shouldn't be going this way. No one at her academy wanted an orc graduating as a paladin, so they've sent her to the back end of nowhere, hoping she'll never find a quest good enough to earn her shield. But Vola's got divine help, and even a laughingstock of a goddess is better than nothing.
Armed with a new mission to find some missing townspeople somewhere in the swamp, Vola just needs a team to help her track them down. Beggars can't be choosers but couldn't her goddess have sent her at least one competent fighter? Is Vola enough of a paladin to keep an over-enthusiastic halfling, a clutzy spell caster, and a mysterious backstabber alive long enough to track down the missing people? Maybe, but only if the swamp doesn't eat them all first.
264 pages, Paperback
Published March 29, 2021
33 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Merritt
15 books30 followersKM Merritt is the pen name for Kendra Merritt's adult work. Kendra is the author of the Mark of the Least series for young adults and the Mishap's Heroes series for adults.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 10, 2022
"I'm a little tired of having a reputation that I didn't earn just because of the way I was born."
"So does half the world, kid. And the other half doesn't give a wargle's ass. Get used to it."
Meet Volagra Lightbringer, (Vola in short) Paladin Candidate of the Whiteshield Academy and wandering adventurer, hoping she’ll find a quest good enough to earn her shield. No one at her academy wanted a half-orc like her as a paladin, so they’ve sent her to the back end of a swamp, hoping she'll fail. But Vola is nothing but determined. And she has help. Of the divine nature. So the mission practically finds her. Good enough to earn her shield and have her win the respect of the Academy - find a group of missing people.
The problem? Vola's resources are a big fat zilch. She has no team and her goddess is practically considered a laughingstock by most people. And did I mention that most of said people don't even want a half-orc's help?
But Vola is set on earning her shield and more importantly, finding those missing people. Especially 'those who have no one to ask for them.' So she finds herself a team. Or the team finds her if we need to be precise. A hyperactive halfling a tad overenthusiastic at pummelling, a klutzy spell caster, and a cloaked monosyllabic mystery who’s a little too good with their knives.
"Let's go kick some kidnapper booty."
Straight off into a swamp with no proper equipment and no real trail to follow. The mission didn't have to be a disaster, if only Vola could have some patience. But Orcs weren't known for their patience, just as they weren't known for being paladins.
And this is how the adventures of Mishap's Heroes begin. With the wrong foot on the wrong path and everyone and everything seemingly intent to stand in their way. I admit I was often not sure whether to laugh out loud with them, or at their predicament, admire them for their determination, or get royally pissed and trash those who set so many obstacles in their path. One thing's for sure though, I've been rooting for them from the very first page.
'"Am I ready?" There is no magical ready or not ready. There're only those who keep trying to do the right thing. To do better.'
Magic and Misrule is a humorous fantasy with a general setting and characters that bring gaming into mind. So gamers will feel right at home. But don't you go thinking you won't enjoy it if you're not into gaming at all. This book is not one written for gamers.
Magic and Misrule is a book for any reader who enjoys a good humorous fantasy with a solid plot and nice depth. The characters are practically irresistible in both demeanour as well as misfortunate clumsiness. With their past and motivations only hinted at, we get to judge them through their actions. And the circumstances of their mishaps are bound to resonate with any reader out there one way or another.
The humour is excellent and the banter first class. The food for though is nicely dished without overpowering the general feel good laugh out loud flavour of the tale and the underdog representation is chef's kiss.
The author gives us a team/pack made up of three women, - all as badass as it gets, possibly by accident :D - and one nonbinary member, who's very well represented. This fact alone is already enough to give the tale a different feel, compared to that of older fantasies. But what really makes it stand out, is the combination of a surprisingly relatable and wickedly funny 'underdog representation' alongside a great narrative, a solid plot with a couple of good twists, a well defined setting and food for thought any reader is bound to remember one way or another.
"You want to be comfortable in your skin but it's hard when the world is telling you that the skin should look a certain way. It takes a certain strength to ignore the world. And you hate yourself when you don't have that strength."
This is one book that manages to be both wickedly funny and inspiring, just as a good humorous fantasy should be. It's fun and witty and charming, it's quirky and daring and all around badass awesome in a feel good heartwarming kind of way.
The only reason I knocked down a star is because the swamp part of the adventure became a tad too much for me, but that may not be the same for every reader out there.
All in all, I LOVED the adventures of Mishap's Heroes and will continue the series ASAP.
My favourite character: Vola and her pack - NO! I cannot and will not choose because they are all badass!
My favourite LOL scene: the meet and greet with a certain 'swamp... horse... thing' that's supposed to 'grow on you eventually... like a fungus.' And NO! There's no way in hell I'd like to have one too. :D
My favourite quote: "Your strength is not in your arm, it's in your head and your heart."
And I swear I will never look at a cleaver the same way again.
Happy reading everyone
and remember
'every failure feels like an end. But it's only the end if you let it be.'
Find this review and more over on my Book Review Blog The Magic Book Corner
"So does half the world, kid. And the other half doesn't give a wargle's ass. Get used to it."
Meet Volagra Lightbringer, (Vola in short) Paladin Candidate of the Whiteshield Academy and wandering adventurer, hoping she’ll find a quest good enough to earn her shield. No one at her academy wanted a half-orc like her as a paladin, so they’ve sent her to the back end of a swamp, hoping she'll fail. But Vola is nothing but determined. And she has help. Of the divine nature. So the mission practically finds her. Good enough to earn her shield and have her win the respect of the Academy - find a group of missing people.
The problem? Vola's resources are a big fat zilch. She has no team and her goddess is practically considered a laughingstock by most people. And did I mention that most of said people don't even want a half-orc's help?
But Vola is set on earning her shield and more importantly, finding those missing people. Especially 'those who have no one to ask for them.' So she finds herself a team. Or the team finds her if we need to be precise. A hyperactive halfling a tad overenthusiastic at pummelling, a klutzy spell caster, and a cloaked monosyllabic mystery who’s a little too good with their knives.
"Let's go kick some kidnapper booty."
Straight off into a swamp with no proper equipment and no real trail to follow. The mission didn't have to be a disaster, if only Vola could have some patience. But Orcs weren't known for their patience, just as they weren't known for being paladins.
And this is how the adventures of Mishap's Heroes begin. With the wrong foot on the wrong path and everyone and everything seemingly intent to stand in their way. I admit I was often not sure whether to laugh out loud with them, or at their predicament, admire them for their determination, or get royally pissed and trash those who set so many obstacles in their path. One thing's for sure though, I've been rooting for them from the very first page.
'"Am I ready?" There is no magical ready or not ready. There're only those who keep trying to do the right thing. To do better.'
Magic and Misrule is a humorous fantasy with a general setting and characters that bring gaming into mind. So gamers will feel right at home. But don't you go thinking you won't enjoy it if you're not into gaming at all. This book is not one written for gamers.
Magic and Misrule is a book for any reader who enjoys a good humorous fantasy with a solid plot and nice depth. The characters are practically irresistible in both demeanour as well as misfortunate clumsiness. With their past and motivations only hinted at, we get to judge them through their actions. And the circumstances of their mishaps are bound to resonate with any reader out there one way or another.
The humour is excellent and the banter first class. The food for though is nicely dished without overpowering the general feel good laugh out loud flavour of the tale and the underdog representation is chef's kiss.
The author gives us a team/pack made up of three women, - all as badass as it gets, possibly by accident :D - and one nonbinary member, who's very well represented. This fact alone is already enough to give the tale a different feel, compared to that of older fantasies. But what really makes it stand out, is the combination of a surprisingly relatable and wickedly funny 'underdog representation' alongside a great narrative, a solid plot with a couple of good twists, a well defined setting and food for thought any reader is bound to remember one way or another.
"You want to be comfortable in your skin but it's hard when the world is telling you that the skin should look a certain way. It takes a certain strength to ignore the world. And you hate yourself when you don't have that strength."
This is one book that manages to be both wickedly funny and inspiring, just as a good humorous fantasy should be. It's fun and witty and charming, it's quirky and daring and all around badass awesome in a feel good heartwarming kind of way.
The only reason I knocked down a star is because the swamp part of the adventure became a tad too much for me, but that may not be the same for every reader out there.
All in all, I LOVED the adventures of Mishap's Heroes and will continue the series ASAP.
My favourite character: Vola and her pack - NO! I cannot and will not choose because they are all badass!
My favourite LOL scene: the meet and greet with a certain 'swamp... horse... thing' that's supposed to 'grow on you eventually... like a fungus.' And NO! There's no way in hell I'd like to have one too. :D
My favourite quote: "Your strength is not in your arm, it's in your head and your heart."
And I swear I will never look at a cleaver the same way again.
Happy reading everyone
and remember
'every failure feels like an end. But it's only the end if you let it be.'
Find this review and more over on my Book Review Blog The Magic Book Corner
September 11, 2022
This was a delightful book! Genuinely laughed several times. It completely fits into the genre of cozy fantasy. While this book did not have a sapphic romance plot I can definitely see how it’s setting up for that in future books of the series. I think it was really cute and just the right number of pages.
If you’re a fan of Legends and Lattes I think you’d like it!
Rep: sapphic MC, non-binary character.
If you’re a fan of Legends and Lattes I think you’d like it!
Rep: sapphic MC, non-binary character.
April 3, 2021
This...was FUN.
I've never really read any DND-like stories, and so I can say this book left a good impression on me for that genre. I loved how dynamic and memorable each character was, how they interacted, and just how they ended up defeating the big bad. The plot twists were well set up and the world was colorful and immersive. Truly like an RPG XD. The story was well crafted and these adventurers were characterised aptly according to what the story needed.
I will say I kind of wished we knew more about Henri, and that I sometimes thought some of the revelations were abrupt. But asides from that, it was FUN and I want to know more about the world and these crazy adventurers (and more of the found family feels). And they all made such interesting people woth backstories to explore...can't wait to see more!
Content: there is mild language, and it reads a bit like a pg-13 movie (one use of the f-word) and, of course, battles. Nothing too gruesome, though. Also, it might bother some readers so I'll add this, but from the description, you can probably tell there will be a...gender unspecified character. It's not blatant and in your face but it's definitely addressed
I've never really read any DND-like stories, and so I can say this book left a good impression on me for that genre. I loved how dynamic and memorable each character was, how they interacted, and just how they ended up defeating the big bad. The plot twists were well set up and the world was colorful and immersive. Truly like an RPG XD. The story was well crafted and these adventurers were characterised aptly according to what the story needed.
I will say I kind of wished we knew more about Henri, and that I sometimes thought some of the revelations were abrupt. But asides from that, it was FUN and I want to know more about the world and these crazy adventurers (and more of the found family feels). And they all made such interesting people woth backstories to explore...can't wait to see more!
Content: there is mild language, and it reads a bit like a pg-13 movie (one use of the f-word) and, of course, battles. Nothing too gruesome, though. Also, it might bother some readers so I'll add this, but from the description, you can probably tell there will be a...gender unspecified character. It's not blatant and in your face but it's definitely addressed
July 4, 2021
I backed this book on kickstarter on a whim. I was not familiar with the author. I don't even remember how I came across the page for it, but when I found it it seemed interesting so it a go.
This book is self published, which can be a bit of a crap shoot, but this book is quite competently written. Nothing jumps out at me as particularly amateurish. Sometimes you read something self published and think to yourself "dear god, if they had just paid for an editor" but things are fine.
So storywise, this is a fantasy novel which seems unique in that it seems very much based off of role playing games like D&D. Now I don't mean that it is in a campaign setting, like many D&D novels are, but in that the framework of the world seems to work like a roleplaying game. All the adventures seem to have a character class. Towns may have a quest board where adventurers look for work. It's fun, and it works pretty well.
The adventurers wind up being, as you would expect from the titles, kind of misfits. Unlikely heroes, they do end up being a little cliche. Like you have your cliche mainstay tropes, and then these seem to be kind of tropes of characters "trying to be different." That isn't to say they aren't enjoyable, but I do hope that in future books they get even more unique development.
That said, I do like the main character, who has her own personal growth to make during the story. No doubt so does everyone who joins her party.
While I wouldn't tell anyone this is an essential read, if you are wondering if you should take a gamble on a self published novel like this, I'd say give it a go. It's fun, it's light, and though it's not overly short it's a pretty quick read. I will be giving the rest of the series a go.
This book is self published, which can be a bit of a crap shoot, but this book is quite competently written. Nothing jumps out at me as particularly amateurish. Sometimes you read something self published and think to yourself "dear god, if they had just paid for an editor" but things are fine.
So storywise, this is a fantasy novel which seems unique in that it seems very much based off of role playing games like D&D. Now I don't mean that it is in a campaign setting, like many D&D novels are, but in that the framework of the world seems to work like a roleplaying game. All the adventures seem to have a character class. Towns may have a quest board where adventurers look for work. It's fun, and it works pretty well.
The adventurers wind up being, as you would expect from the titles, kind of misfits. Unlikely heroes, they do end up being a little cliche. Like you have your cliche mainstay tropes, and then these seem to be kind of tropes of characters "trying to be different." That isn't to say they aren't enjoyable, but I do hope that in future books they get even more unique development.
That said, I do like the main character, who has her own personal growth to make during the story. No doubt so does everyone who joins her party.
While I wouldn't tell anyone this is an essential read, if you are wondering if you should take a gamble on a self published novel like this, I'd say give it a go. It's fun, it's light, and though it's not overly short it's a pretty quick read. I will be giving the rest of the series a go.
December 21, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect.
I am always dubious of books with 'Humorous' in the title. It's not 'funny haha' but more 'funny chuckle' with a 'funny groan-chuckle' on occasion. I guess it earns 'humorous' after all.
This was a fun read full of loveable misfits who somehow fail to kill each other long enough to get to the end of the book slightly worse for that dubious accomplishment.
I can't share more without getting a 'spoiler alert' tag!
I will say that I already have the next book queued up and ready to start. I can't wait to see how they get to the end of it, if they can, that is.
I am always dubious of books with 'Humorous' in the title. It's not 'funny haha' but more 'funny chuckle' with a 'funny groan-chuckle' on occasion. I guess it earns 'humorous' after all.
This was a fun read full of loveable misfits who somehow fail to kill each other long enough to get to the end of the book slightly worse for that dubious accomplishment.
I can't share more without getting a 'spoiler alert' tag!
I will say that I already have the next book queued up and ready to start. I can't wait to see how they get to the end of it, if they can, that is.
March 15, 2023
4.5 stars
This was a fast and entertaining read that took a bunch of social outliers no one thought much of and turned them into heroes. The main protagonist is a half-orc hoping to become a paladin in a D&D-style world. She sets out on a quest with a rag-tag party of similarly overlooked beings that include a klutzy wizard who's also a runaway noble, a hafling monk, and a non-gendered ranger with a wolf companion. She is also joined by her trainer, Henri, who will observe the quest and make the call on whether or not she's fit to be a full-fledged knight.
I had a little trouble getting into the story at the beginning. I think I just didn't quite click with the MC, Vola. There were a lot of aspects about her that I really liked, but I also found her a bit irritating. However, the other party members were able to round out the cast for me in a satisfying way.
The story was a classic D&D-style quest - find and defeat an evil culprit to save the townspeople. The first leg of their quest was a bit slow, but once the group reached their first goal (and the first plot twist) the pace really picked up.
This was definitely a character-driven story, with the main focus being on interpersonal relationships. Merritt used external conflicts like the swamp through which the party slogged and a rival group of heroes to highlight the internal struggles of the characters, and especially Vola. I would even go so far as to call this a coming-of-age story as Vola struggles to find her place in the world. As such, I recommend it for fans of light YA fantasy adventure.
This was a fast and entertaining read that took a bunch of social outliers no one thought much of and turned them into heroes. The main protagonist is a half-orc hoping to become a paladin in a D&D-style world. She sets out on a quest with a rag-tag party of similarly overlooked beings that include a klutzy wizard who's also a runaway noble, a hafling monk, and a non-gendered ranger with a wolf companion. She is also joined by her trainer, Henri, who will observe the quest and make the call on whether or not she's fit to be a full-fledged knight.
I had a little trouble getting into the story at the beginning. I think I just didn't quite click with the MC, Vola. There were a lot of aspects about her that I really liked, but I also found her a bit irritating. However, the other party members were able to round out the cast for me in a satisfying way.
The story was a classic D&D-style quest - find and defeat an evil culprit to save the townspeople. The first leg of their quest was a bit slow, but once the group reached their first goal (and the first plot twist) the pace really picked up.
This was definitely a character-driven story, with the main focus being on interpersonal relationships. Merritt used external conflicts like the swamp through which the party slogged and a rival group of heroes to highlight the internal struggles of the characters, and especially Vola. I would even go so far as to call this a coming-of-age story as Vola struggles to find her place in the world. As such, I recommend it for fans of light YA fantasy adventure.
April 13, 2023
A nice, quick, simple read, good for some laughs, but a build up for a series. Better for readers experienced with or have a taste for Dungeons and Dragons (and other roleplaying adventure games/worlds) than a casual fantasy.
Characters 3/5: Those who are struggling with belonging, questioning self, feel different might find the characters more relatable. It's a party of mixed personalities, hang ups, and motivations so there is a lot to get into and explore. There are some tropes that are flipped on their head (like the very concept of a half-orc paladin), and others that aren't. Everyone has some fun moments, and the interactions were interesting... though character relationship development seemed rushed at times.
World building 2.5/5: Story was more action/party based, not world focused... There was a lot of things that could have been developed more or explained more... especially for readers who are newer to this type of fantasy (example: difference between paladins and knights and what kind of role the 'Virtues' and 'Obstacles' are supposed to play.
Plot 3/5: Simple formula that works: protagonist has goal, to reach goal must overcome outside obstacles (villain). To keep things more interesting and adding depth, the main protagonist also faces conflict within herself.
Clearly meant to set up a series, but I was left with very little investment in the world and master plot so not going to run for the next book.
Characters 3/5: Those who are struggling with belonging, questioning self, feel different might find the characters more relatable. It's a party of mixed personalities, hang ups, and motivations so there is a lot to get into and explore. There are some tropes that are flipped on their head (like the very concept of a half-orc paladin), and others that aren't. Everyone has some fun moments, and the interactions were interesting... though character relationship development seemed rushed at times.
World building 2.5/5: Story was more action/party based, not world focused... There was a lot of things that could have been developed more or explained more... especially for readers who are newer to this type of fantasy (example: difference between paladins and knights and what kind of role the 'Virtues' and 'Obstacles' are supposed to play.
Plot 3/5: Simple formula that works: protagonist has goal, to reach goal must overcome outside obstacles (villain). To keep things more interesting and adding depth, the main protagonist also faces conflict within herself.
Clearly meant to set up a series, but I was left with very little investment in the world and master plot so not going to run for the next book.
April 12, 2025
It’s an okay book. I doubt I’ll reread it, but would consider reading more from this author and possibly from this series.
The writing itself is decent and free of spelling and grammar mistakes. It flows smoothly and is easy to read. The characters are unique enough to be able to differentiate them for the most part, and there’s a fair amount of humor. I think I would like it more if I had more of a D&D background or was into more of the fantasy creatures she uses.
The plot meanders around and the main plot line of the book seems to consistently be on the back burner. The first half of the book was a lot more interesting than the second half.
There seems to be a lot of messages the author is trying to convey in these books, but seems to significantly overdo them. As a specific example, there’s a non gendered character, which was introduced well, but it was consistently brought up and seemed to become more of a flag that the author wanted to wave to show they were being inclusive. Problematically, this character is “hiding” most of the book and it really comes off as there’s going to be a big reveal later on in reference to their gender instead of just introducing them as non gendered and letting it be.
I will note that I found this author at a comic con convention and she is an extremely nice person and was wonderful to talk to while looking through her books. That is the main reason I picked up this book and what brought me to actually read it.
The writing itself is decent and free of spelling and grammar mistakes. It flows smoothly and is easy to read. The characters are unique enough to be able to differentiate them for the most part, and there’s a fair amount of humor. I think I would like it more if I had more of a D&D background or was into more of the fantasy creatures she uses.
The plot meanders around and the main plot line of the book seems to consistently be on the back burner. The first half of the book was a lot more interesting than the second half.
There seems to be a lot of messages the author is trying to convey in these books, but seems to significantly overdo them. As a specific example, there’s a non gendered character, which was introduced well, but it was consistently brought up and seemed to become more of a flag that the author wanted to wave to show they were being inclusive. Problematically, this character is “hiding” most of the book and it really comes off as there’s going to be a big reveal later on in reference to their gender instead of just introducing them as non gendered and letting it be.
I will note that I found this author at a comic con convention and she is an extremely nice person and was wonderful to talk to while looking through her books. That is the main reason I picked up this book and what brought me to actually read it.
July 9, 2025
Just starting out to earn her shield, Vola is looking for a mission with her teacher Henri. As half orc, people are stuck on their prejudices of her being a monster. Coming into a small town she's guided to a place by her goddess for a mission, to find out what's going on with some of the people in town.
This story is a story of learning about yourself and learning how to work with others along with failure doesn't have to stop you.
Vola finds herself a mismatched group of people to become a team as they work on solving what's happened to people in the town. Those in the group have their own flaws, but they seem to be working well together to cover for each other. Vola has to realize that she's not just there to lead by doing, but to do together to get further and succeed.
I love seeing how each has what others may perceive as a flaw. But it makes them who they are and unique.
The setting is fun as I love fantasy and gaming themes. This isn't based in a game but has the group feel to the team.
Kristin James is one of my favorite narrators. I love listening to her bring the characters to life. She puts emotion into their voices. And the transitions are clean and clear.
I'll gladly listen to the rest of the series!
I received this audiobook at no-cost from AdoptAnAudiobook.com. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
This story is a story of learning about yourself and learning how to work with others along with failure doesn't have to stop you.
Vola finds herself a mismatched group of people to become a team as they work on solving what's happened to people in the town. Those in the group have their own flaws, but they seem to be working well together to cover for each other. Vola has to realize that she's not just there to lead by doing, but to do together to get further and succeed.
I love seeing how each has what others may perceive as a flaw. But it makes them who they are and unique.
The setting is fun as I love fantasy and gaming themes. This isn't based in a game but has the group feel to the team.
Kristin James is one of my favorite narrators. I love listening to her bring the characters to life. She puts emotion into their voices. And the transitions are clean and clear.
I'll gladly listen to the rest of the series!
I received this audiobook at no-cost from AdoptAnAudiobook.com. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
February 20, 2021
This book dove right in with endearing characters and quirky humor (love those one-liners!) and a plot that hooked me from the first chapter. Definitely reminiscent of an RPG: the quest format, the beats and pacing of the plot, the ragtag band of collected heroes, the vivid landscapes and flora and fauna. I appreciated the sly worldbuilding that shored up the setting and magical context without displacing the narrative flow, although occasionally the magic system felt a little squishier than I’m used to for this genre. One or two plot and character moments felt a little forced as well, but the heroine is a delight and her team provides a good balance of predictability and mystery to carry the sequel and series.
April 1, 2021
I was a Kickstarter backer for this book, having no prior information about the author or her works. I was excited to read something ostensibly similar to the genre and group dynamics of a manuscript I am currently finishing up. This first installment of the Mishap's Heroes saga exceeded all of my expectations. The setting was just immersive enough to complement the fun and brisk plot such that I happily started and finished this story in one sitting! I genuinely laughed out loud multiple times. Lastly, I can't stress enough how skillfully the author represented some very underrepresented people/characters while completely succeeding in making that representation a nonissue to the plot. I can't wait to read the next installment of this saga!
November 2, 2022
It was a fun and fast read. The characters were unique and I liked that it was D&D inspired. I like Merritt’s writing style, and her passion for telling stories from unique perspectives. As much as there was to enjoy, there is no denying that it missed the mark for me. Maybe it was because I enjoyed another book by Merritt so much more than this one, but the story was a little flat. Because of that, felt like a million other books I’ve read before. There were also a few crammed and editing mistakes that distracted me a bit. In addition, it felt like the exploration of gender, though well-intentioned, was a little underdeveloped. Overall, I’m glad I read it, but I don’t think I will continue with the rest of the series.
September 18, 2022
I'm rounding up to four. This book is pretty much exactly what it promises: a humorous hero's journey featuring a bunch of misfits trying to save the day. The humor isn't overdone, there's enough depth to keep it from being vapid, the characters are likable, the plot's good, and the storytelling is solid. I got it as part of the Humorous Fantasy Bundle from StoryBundle and, sadly, that's the only epub formatted version that seems to exist. Fortunately, this book stands alone pretty well because the rest of the series seems to only be available for Kindle, so I guess I won't get to see what comes next.
February 15, 2021
This book scratches an itch left by the NPC’s series by Drew Hayes- a DND-esque party made of misfits go about trying to solve problems without creating larger ones along the way. While there is some adult language, it was a far cleaner and more enjoyable read than most entries in the genre that I’ve come across.
A light, easy read, and I look forward to the continued adventures (and growth) of these characters.
A light, easy read, and I look forward to the continued adventures (and growth) of these characters.
January 29, 2022
Vola, a half-orc who is in training to be a paladin, gathers a band of intrepid misfits and goes off to save townspeople.
This is an adorable cover! The story was a bit too generic for me - if you haven't read your own body weight in fantasy already then it might seem a bit fresher. The characters all stood up for each other which I loved but the book had a middle-school feel at times even though all of them were adults.
This is an adorable cover! The story was a bit too generic for me - if you haven't read your own body weight in fantasy already then it might seem a bit fresher. The characters all stood up for each other which I loved but the book had a middle-school feel at times even though all of them were adults.
August 22, 2022
I got Magic and Misrule from Story Bundle and I’m so glad it was included in the humorous bundle! It’s my first time reading KM Merritt’s work but it certainly won’t be the last. There are entertaining characters that have adventures which run from laugh-out-loud to deadly serious. I enjoyed it very much and am delighted that the rest of the series is available on Kindle Unlimited. I’m off to get book 2 right now!
July 14, 2023
Vola is a half-orc trying to earn her paladin shield with the help of her trainer, Henri. She is sent to a backwater town to find a quest worthy of her shield. She does find the orphanage empty and some town folk are missing, too. So she accepts the quest from Miss Becky to find them. Every quest needs a team, right? I liked the character growth through the book but the humous banter was lacking. Not my cup of tea really, no pun intended, Miss Becky.
February 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this light jaunt in an RPG-esque world. The characters are delightfully flawed and consistently working toward self acceptance.
While this is a pretty quick read, it is also a satisfying plot. With an ending that at once provides the closure of the end of a book and the intrigue of waiting for the next installment, Magic and Misrule is fun and light.
While this is a pretty quick read, it is also a satisfying plot. With an ending that at once provides the closure of the end of a book and the intrigue of waiting for the next installment, Magic and Misrule is fun and light.
February 5, 2024
This book was entertaining much of the time, but stilted others.
The characters were all the oldest of D&D stereotypes with an added layer of modern-day mental hang-ups.
The paladin is lawful stupid, the magician clumsy, etc.
Making the ranger 'androgynous' and using special pronouns just made it clumsy and more stilted.
If you enjoy light D&D fantasy, you might enjoy this.
The characters were all the oldest of D&D stereotypes with an added layer of modern-day mental hang-ups.
The paladin is lawful stupid, the magician clumsy, etc.
Making the ranger 'androgynous' and using special pronouns just made it clumsy and more stilted.
If you enjoy light D&D fantasy, you might enjoy this.
October 12, 2022
Mild
Very slightly humorous. Nothing particularly good or bad about it. Ok kindle unlimited read if you're bored waiting for what you really want to read to come out. Unlikely to read anymore of them.
Very slightly humorous. Nothing particularly good or bad about it. Ok kindle unlimited read if you're bored waiting for what you really want to read to come out. Unlikely to read anymore of them.
April 5, 2025
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the found family aspect of this book, and I like the narration of the main character. I found the cozy plot fun, but I wasn't quite invested enough in the characters to be invested in the coziness. I came around by the end, though, and I am considering continuing in the series.
I enjoyed the found family aspect of this book, and I like the narration of the main character. I found the cozy plot fun, but I wasn't quite invested enough in the characters to be invested in the coziness. I came around by the end, though, and I am considering continuing in the series.
July 30, 2021
I was slow to get into this book, but once I did I really enjoyed it.
November 24, 2022
cute, quirky and they save the day.
I love an approachable underdog story, and this one is cute and fun.off to read the next one.
Read it.
I love an approachable underdog story, and this one is cute and fun.off to read the next one.
Read it.
December 28, 2022
Fun quick read
This is an easy but entertaining book. The story is basic adventure stories, but I liked the monsters and humor. I will probably try the other books in the series.
This is an easy but entertaining book. The story is basic adventure stories, but I liked the monsters and humor. I will probably try the other books in the series.
December 29, 2022
If you liked Legends & Lattes, you'll probably like this one too. :)
August 16, 2024
The perfect solution to the dnd itch with no scheduling issues.
May 18, 2025
2,5
Dnf 30%
Everything felt very flat.
Dnf 30%
Everything felt very flat.
September 10, 2022
The first in a series of novels in a genre I might call "Role Playing campaign fiction." The character and general setting for the book seem to be drawn from the author's experience gaming with friends. That means that as a gamer myself, the setting and the dynamics of the characters in the book fits into a comfortable mold for me, and I think will for other gamers as well.
The author's focus in this book is centered more on the characters that make up the "party" that a reader will presumably follow the adventures of through this and the following five books. The characters the author creates are engaging, and each has only briefly mentioned or hinted at histories that will be explored further in the remaining books.
The action in the book is fast paced, and provides enough plot twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and pull them along. Something of note that might be attractive to some potential readers: the party is composed entirely of female and one nonbinary character, which gives the work a different feel than much-especially older--fantasy material.
The author's focus in this book is centered more on the characters that make up the "party" that a reader will presumably follow the adventures of through this and the following five books. The characters the author creates are engaging, and each has only briefly mentioned or hinted at histories that will be explored further in the remaining books.
The action in the book is fast paced, and provides enough plot twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and pull them along. Something of note that might be attractive to some potential readers: the party is composed entirely of female and one nonbinary character, which gives the work a different feel than much-especially older--fantasy material.
July 14, 2022
I got this in the humorous fantasy bundle on Storybundle and it was so worth it. Reading the blurb was the whole reason I chose to buy the bundle, because the idea of a half-orc paladin trying to earn her shield is just so perfectly what I want to read. I am now trying to make myself wait till payday to buy the rest of the series! It was so good. And not to do spoilers, but for any lgbtqia+ readers, you might like to know there's a nonbinary character using they/them pronouns. There is some misgendering from strangers, but the character's friends support them, which is amazing and makes me love this book even more.
The characters are brilliant, and flawed, and nuanced, and capable and still learning. And I adored this book.
The characters are brilliant, and flawed, and nuanced, and capable and still learning. And I adored this book.
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