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Edges & Embers #1
Swords, Sorcery, and Sundry
A wizard, a soldier, and an assassin walk into a bar...
Wizard Sylvain just wants to sit down and have a drink, after days of walking when a shortage of funds forced him to sell his horse. Soldier Ashe would like to enjoy her evening, and not have it ruined by trouble. Assassin Niklas wishes they had both minded their own business and not made his bad night worse.
The bar they accidentally burn down is only the beginning, and they quickly learn that if they are to survive their penchant for trouble, teamwork will get them farther than standing alone.
Wizard Sylvain just wants to sit down and have a drink, after days of walking when a shortage of funds forced him to sell his horse. Soldier Ashe would like to enjoy her evening, and not have it ruined by trouble. Assassin Niklas wishes they had both minded their own business and not made his bad night worse.
The bar they accidentally burn down is only the beginning, and they quickly learn that if they are to survive their penchant for trouble, teamwork will get them farther than standing alone.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2014
About the author
Mina MacLeod
12 books9 followersI'm from la belle province, balancing a career with a love for queer media. Please visit my website for information on my current and upcoming releases. I have a thing for men who have a thing for men.
First and foremost, I am a geek. Besides reading and writing, I love everything from D&D to console games to music and movies to anime and manga. I drive fast and play with knives. I could subsist on fangasms alone.
I am generally terrible at keeping this account updated. It in no way reflects my actual bookshelves.
First and foremost, I am a geek. Besides reading and writing, I love everything from D&D to console games to music and movies to anime and manga. I drive fast and play with knives. I could subsist on fangasms alone.
I am generally terrible at keeping this account updated. It in no way reflects my actual bookshelves.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 27, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
This was a clever tale centered around three individuals: Sylvain, Ashe and Niklas. Total strangers until one day they happen to be in the same bar where Ashe and Sylvain try to save Niklas from a people trying to kill him… but unfortunately end up burning half the place down instead and then yelled at for intervening when they shouldn’t have. Forced together to repay the debt to repair the bar, the three learn that they not only have a kinship together but with their pooled skills, they might just have the means to create a lucrative business.
I will freely admit that I was a little hesitant to read this one only because, with three names in the blurb, I automatically think it’ll be a threesome. THANKFULLY, this book isn’t. No, Ashe may be a warrior woman but she’s no love interest in this story! Instead, the book is more about that bond that is created between the three of them but also has quite a bit of chemistry between Sylvain and Niklas. The story tells of how the three of them met, create a business based on their combined skills, and their experiences on a few of the ‘jobs’ they’re paid to do. These ‘jobs’ range from finding a lost kitten to catching serial killers. With their skills in sword, sorcery and… sundry, they can do just about any job anyone wants them to do!
I adored these characters because each had their own personality and traits so they were all unique. Sylvain is the naive, innocent wizard on his road to self-discovery (kinda), Niklas is the dark assassin (who’s not really an assassin) with a soft heart, and Ashe is the heart of the three; boisterous and exuberant, she brings the trio together and subtly smacks Niklas and Sylvain upside the head when they’re being idiots. The bickering and bantering between the three was hilarious and constantly made me smile. But what I loved most was the cat and mouse game between Niklas and Sylvain. As a sheltered wizard, Sylvain is oblivious to what’s right in front of him and never actually notices that Niklas is attracted to him. At least, not until one drunken night that sets the course for their relationship to come. I loved that Syvlain was so unobservant and that Niklas held so much jealousy and possessiveness in him. I ADORED them together and really just want to see more of them as a couple! <3 I also can’t wait to see more of the relationship between Sylvain and his familiar, Fury. I’m intrigued by them but feel like there wasn’t enough time to explore their new-found relationship.
My only big issue is that I felt like the writing was stunted and choppy at times to the point that I would constantly get thrown out of the story because of it. I also felt like some passages were unnecessary and didn’t further the story. The book also had a slight issue with repetitiveness but then again, that stems from Sylvain being so innocent that he constantly rethinks some things he either doesn’t understand or is shocked by. They were amusing, to be honest, but well, some readers might take issue with that.
All in all, a LOVELY read. I wholehearted enjoyed it to the point that I stayed up late multiple nights just to continue reading it! I loved the jobs the three went on, which held quite a bit of suspense and action. I also loved the chemistry between the three characters and their comfortable bantering. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, it can’t come soon enough!
This was a clever tale centered around three individuals: Sylvain, Ashe and Niklas. Total strangers until one day they happen to be in the same bar where Ashe and Sylvain try to save Niklas from a people trying to kill him… but unfortunately end up burning half the place down instead and then yelled at for intervening when they shouldn’t have. Forced together to repay the debt to repair the bar, the three learn that they not only have a kinship together but with their pooled skills, they might just have the means to create a lucrative business.
I will freely admit that I was a little hesitant to read this one only because, with three names in the blurb, I automatically think it’ll be a threesome. THANKFULLY, this book isn’t. No, Ashe may be a warrior woman but she’s no love interest in this story! Instead, the book is more about that bond that is created between the three of them but also has quite a bit of chemistry between Sylvain and Niklas. The story tells of how the three of them met, create a business based on their combined skills, and their experiences on a few of the ‘jobs’ they’re paid to do. These ‘jobs’ range from finding a lost kitten to catching serial killers. With their skills in sword, sorcery and… sundry, they can do just about any job anyone wants them to do!
I adored these characters because each had their own personality and traits so they were all unique. Sylvain is the naive, innocent wizard on his road to self-discovery (kinda), Niklas is the dark assassin (who’s not really an assassin) with a soft heart, and Ashe is the heart of the three; boisterous and exuberant, she brings the trio together and subtly smacks Niklas and Sylvain upside the head when they’re being idiots. The bickering and bantering between the three was hilarious and constantly made me smile. But what I loved most was the cat and mouse game between Niklas and Sylvain. As a sheltered wizard, Sylvain is oblivious to what’s right in front of him and never actually notices that Niklas is attracted to him. At least, not until one drunken night that sets the course for their relationship to come. I loved that Syvlain was so unobservant and that Niklas held so much jealousy and possessiveness in him. I ADORED them together and really just want to see more of them as a couple! <3 I also can’t wait to see more of the relationship between Sylvain and his familiar, Fury. I’m intrigued by them but feel like there wasn’t enough time to explore their new-found relationship.
My only big issue is that I felt like the writing was stunted and choppy at times to the point that I would constantly get thrown out of the story because of it. I also felt like some passages were unnecessary and didn’t further the story. The book also had a slight issue with repetitiveness but then again, that stems from Sylvain being so innocent that he constantly rethinks some things he either doesn’t understand or is shocked by. They were amusing, to be honest, but well, some readers might take issue with that.
All in all, a LOVELY read. I wholehearted enjoyed it to the point that I stayed up late multiple nights just to continue reading it! I loved the jobs the three went on, which held quite a bit of suspense and action. I also loved the chemistry between the three characters and their comfortable bantering. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, it can’t come soon enough!
May 19, 2014
Original review posted: http://francesandlynne.wordpress.com/...
Disgraced wizard, Sylvain, finds himself in trouble when he accidentally starts a fire in a tavern when he saved the woman he had been talking with. Suddenly he finds himself trying to pay back the damage to the tavern with the two people he helped in the fight, Ashe, (the woman Sylvain saved) a competent swordsman, and Niklas, an assassin. As they set out on an adventure to make back the money to pay for the damages, they all realize that for the first time in a long time, none of them feel lonely anymore. Sylvain realizes that he doesn’t want to lose this companionship so he suggests the impossible, that they stay together and form a business. When Ashe suggests the name “Swords, Sorcery, and Sundry” their fates are sealed. But what sort of jobs do people need to hire a wizard, swordsman, and assassin for? And will they be able to stay friends through the strain of starting a business?
One of the things that attracted me to this book was that it was from the Less than Three Publishing Company, and I have enjoyed most of the books I have read from them. Even better, I liked the idea of the three main characters finding friendship where they least expected it; I was looking forward to a book where romance was a minor part of the plot instead of a major part. I have to say, on these points I was not disappointed. I read the book in one day on the train to and from London.
The first thing that struck me about this book is that it reminds me of an anime. What I mean is that one of the main focuses is friendship, and while there are some small bits that form an overarching story, mostly the book is made up of a series of small adventures. I did not realize that Swords, Sorcery, & Sundry was made up of a series of small adventures, so I kept expecting one of the characters to be evil. I just couldn’t wait for him to show his true colors, and, instead, he seemed to be an honestly good character, which was a bit disappointing.
Clearly, the first thing I need to talk about is the friendship element of the story. I loved it. It was nice to read a YA/adult novel where friendship, and not dating, is the most important relationship, which is something I really respect. The book also showed a range of friendship: how friendships can start from very different circumstances, and how sometimes you may need to part and leave some friends behind. It was also really nice to see a mixed gender friend group, with Ashe being the one female but not being attracted to either Sylvain or Niklas (although the two men are attracted to each other). One thing I appreciate is the language used between the friends and their almost Sherlock Holmes style appreciation of what they have. “Ashe…I must say here and now that I do love you – but frankly, my friend, you are quite mad.” Sometimes the friendships blurred a little between friends and lovers, but it worked, and gave some great dialogue, such as, “I fell in love with her skill…I could not bear to part with her after. And once I met Cyrus and had a chance to spar with him, I realized I had just as much love and respect for him as I did for Ashe.” In fact, at the end, it felt almost more a family by choice than a group of friends.
Usually the romance aspects of books are my least favorite, but I really enjoyed how things were handled. Things developed between Sylvain and Niklas rather organically, and they were able to keep the snarky banter that they had from the first moment they met. However, when Niklas stops where things are going because of the threats because of his last job, while it is a bit silly to stop, they both respect it. Unlike most YA novels where this would only hold for a couple pages, they keep their distance even though they both miss what they had. Even through their longing, they still focus on their jobs, friendships and keep living, which is great to read. The other relationships are just as unique and fun, especially Ashe’s! Even better the characters are realistic about love, something that I think readers can learn from. “Love takes time, patience, diligence, and many other things that you may both have, but may also be lacking – at least, for now. No, what I’m saying is Niklas is very fond of you, and wishes to show you how fond, which may or may not amount to falling in love. Really, Sylvain, what kind of fairy-tale do you believe yourself to live?”
The characters are also rather engaging. Many of them have great sarcasm, which leads to some hilarious conversations. Even better is the diversity in the main cast. Ashe is not only a very competent swordsman, but she is black and deals with being an oddball. Almost all of the characters are outcasts of some sort, but Ashe especially talks about the trouble of being one of the few women to carry a sword and the problems she faces with that. Even though she doesn’t do very many feminine things, she is still a woman!
One problem with so many main characters was that I never connect completely with Niklas. It might just be that his character needs to blend in and not be noticed most of the time, but I never really felt like I got into his head. Whereas Sylvain and Ashe feel like they really are my friends, and I know what they want and how they will react to things.
This was a very enjoyable read, and, in fact, feels a bit like a guilty pleasure read as it was fun. Now there were never completely off the wall/new ideas in the book, but I just couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to see what else Swords, Sorcery & Sundry get up to!
Final Verdict: A fun read for summer travels, which breaks many of the overused conventions in YA novels, and reminds you what good friends are! An added bonus is that it is just the start of a series.
Disgraced wizard, Sylvain, finds himself in trouble when he accidentally starts a fire in a tavern when he saved the woman he had been talking with. Suddenly he finds himself trying to pay back the damage to the tavern with the two people he helped in the fight, Ashe, (the woman Sylvain saved) a competent swordsman, and Niklas, an assassin. As they set out on an adventure to make back the money to pay for the damages, they all realize that for the first time in a long time, none of them feel lonely anymore. Sylvain realizes that he doesn’t want to lose this companionship so he suggests the impossible, that they stay together and form a business. When Ashe suggests the name “Swords, Sorcery, and Sundry” their fates are sealed. But what sort of jobs do people need to hire a wizard, swordsman, and assassin for? And will they be able to stay friends through the strain of starting a business?
One of the things that attracted me to this book was that it was from the Less than Three Publishing Company, and I have enjoyed most of the books I have read from them. Even better, I liked the idea of the three main characters finding friendship where they least expected it; I was looking forward to a book where romance was a minor part of the plot instead of a major part. I have to say, on these points I was not disappointed. I read the book in one day on the train to and from London.
The first thing that struck me about this book is that it reminds me of an anime. What I mean is that one of the main focuses is friendship, and while there are some small bits that form an overarching story, mostly the book is made up of a series of small adventures. I did not realize that Swords, Sorcery, & Sundry was made up of a series of small adventures, so I kept expecting one of the characters to be evil. I just couldn’t wait for him to show his true colors, and, instead, he seemed to be an honestly good character, which was a bit disappointing.
Clearly, the first thing I need to talk about is the friendship element of the story. I loved it. It was nice to read a YA/adult novel where friendship, and not dating, is the most important relationship, which is something I really respect. The book also showed a range of friendship: how friendships can start from very different circumstances, and how sometimes you may need to part and leave some friends behind. It was also really nice to see a mixed gender friend group, with Ashe being the one female but not being attracted to either Sylvain or Niklas (although the two men are attracted to each other). One thing I appreciate is the language used between the friends and their almost Sherlock Holmes style appreciation of what they have. “Ashe…I must say here and now that I do love you – but frankly, my friend, you are quite mad.” Sometimes the friendships blurred a little between friends and lovers, but it worked, and gave some great dialogue, such as, “I fell in love with her skill…I could not bear to part with her after. And once I met Cyrus and had a chance to spar with him, I realized I had just as much love and respect for him as I did for Ashe.” In fact, at the end, it felt almost more a family by choice than a group of friends.
Usually the romance aspects of books are my least favorite, but I really enjoyed how things were handled. Things developed between Sylvain and Niklas rather organically, and they were able to keep the snarky banter that they had from the first moment they met. However, when Niklas stops where things are going because of the threats because of his last job, while it is a bit silly to stop, they both respect it. Unlike most YA novels where this would only hold for a couple pages, they keep their distance even though they both miss what they had. Even through their longing, they still focus on their jobs, friendships and keep living, which is great to read. The other relationships are just as unique and fun, especially Ashe’s! Even better the characters are realistic about love, something that I think readers can learn from. “Love takes time, patience, diligence, and many other things that you may both have, but may also be lacking – at least, for now. No, what I’m saying is Niklas is very fond of you, and wishes to show you how fond, which may or may not amount to falling in love. Really, Sylvain, what kind of fairy-tale do you believe yourself to live?”
The characters are also rather engaging. Many of them have great sarcasm, which leads to some hilarious conversations. Even better is the diversity in the main cast. Ashe is not only a very competent swordsman, but she is black and deals with being an oddball. Almost all of the characters are outcasts of some sort, but Ashe especially talks about the trouble of being one of the few women to carry a sword and the problems she faces with that. Even though she doesn’t do very many feminine things, she is still a woman!
One problem with so many main characters was that I never connect completely with Niklas. It might just be that his character needs to blend in and not be noticed most of the time, but I never really felt like I got into his head. Whereas Sylvain and Ashe feel like they really are my friends, and I know what they want and how they will react to things.
This was a very enjoyable read, and, in fact, feels a bit like a guilty pleasure read as it was fun. Now there were never completely off the wall/new ideas in the book, but I just couldn’t put the book down. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to see what else Swords, Sorcery & Sundry get up to!
Final Verdict: A fun read for summer travels, which breaks many of the overused conventions in YA novels, and reminds you what good friends are! An added bonus is that it is just the start of a series.
July 22, 2016
What I liked most about this book was its emphasis on the friendship between the three main characters -- the wizard, the soldier, and the assassin, whom we meet very quickly and in that order. I appreciated that all three were quite open and friendly with each other from the get-go; there was none of the "mysterious and stoic" trope that so often applies to at least one member of an ensemble cast.
I also appreciated that there was no love triangle. Although the wizard and the assassin (both men) do have a [totally PG-rated] romance, it's no more central than the bonds of friendship. And the soldier (a woman) is given a rich life of her own, besides.
Some novels focus on plot at the expense of characters, but this one focuses on characters at the expense of plot. As I mentioned above, I liked the characters, but I do wish it was more balanced. The plot felt a bit contrived. There's a lot of "this happened, and then this happened", and not a lot of narrative thrust, so I actually found myself quite bored a lot of the time. I would have liked to see more tension -- there's a little bit in certain scenes of peril, but nowhere near enough througout. I also would have liked to see a little more world-building. We get only glimpses of the sociopolitical, geographic structure of the magical, pseudo-Medieval/Renaissance high fantasy world in which these characters live.
This is not a YA book, but it does read like one and is "clean" enough to be marketed as such. This isn't an insult, as I love YA and I did mostly like this book. But I do tend to expect slightly more from "adult" fantasy in terms of, say, world-building and language choices.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
I also appreciated that there was no love triangle. Although the wizard and the assassin (both men) do have a [totally PG-rated] romance, it's no more central than the bonds of friendship. And the soldier (a woman) is given a rich life of her own, besides.
Some novels focus on plot at the expense of characters, but this one focuses on characters at the expense of plot. As I mentioned above, I liked the characters, but I do wish it was more balanced. The plot felt a bit contrived. There's a lot of "this happened, and then this happened", and not a lot of narrative thrust, so I actually found myself quite bored a lot of the time. I would have liked to see more tension -- there's a little bit in certain scenes of peril, but nowhere near enough througout. I also would have liked to see a little more world-building. We get only glimpses of the sociopolitical, geographic structure of the magical, pseudo-Medieval/Renaissance high fantasy world in which these characters live.
This is not a YA book, but it does read like one and is "clean" enough to be marketed as such. This isn't an insult, as I love YA and I did mostly like this book. But I do tend to expect slightly more from "adult" fantasy in terms of, say, world-building and language choices.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
June 15, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
A high fantasy full of likeable characters, fun plots, and amusing dialogue, Swords, Sorcery, and Sundry hit all my hot buttons for this type of story. I laughed, I gasped, I grinned. This was an excellent fantasy tale. I was so involved in the characters and the story that I didn’t even mind that it was told in third person, present tense, which is a style that I usually dislike.
The heart of this book is the characters. Sylvain, Ashe, and Niklas are so diverse, but they fit together and complement one another so perfectly that you can’t separate them. They each endeared themselves to me for different reasons. Sylvain is a bit hapless and naïve, but underneath that he is a strong wizard who has a great deal of confidence. Ashe made me laugh on more than one occasion, and her self-assuredness when it comes to herself and her abilities with a sword was wonderful to see. Niklas, the reluctant assassin, is a bit quieter, but he hold his own with the other two. I simply loved their dynamic.
Read Kris's review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
A high fantasy full of likeable characters, fun plots, and amusing dialogue, Swords, Sorcery, and Sundry hit all my hot buttons for this type of story. I laughed, I gasped, I grinned. This was an excellent fantasy tale. I was so involved in the characters and the story that I didn’t even mind that it was told in third person, present tense, which is a style that I usually dislike.
The heart of this book is the characters. Sylvain, Ashe, and Niklas are so diverse, but they fit together and complement one another so perfectly that you can’t separate them. They each endeared themselves to me for different reasons. Sylvain is a bit hapless and naïve, but underneath that he is a strong wizard who has a great deal of confidence. Ashe made me laugh on more than one occasion, and her self-assuredness when it comes to herself and her abilities with a sword was wonderful to see. Niklas, the reluctant assassin, is a bit quieter, but he hold his own with the other two. I simply loved their dynamic.
Read Kris's review in its entirety here.
May 25, 2014
4.5 Really good, not quite five stars, but close.
This was such an enjoyable read for me. I read lots of books where I enjoy the story in general, or the characters or whatever, but here the whole reading experience was just...lovely, and I am not sure how to explain what the difference was, maybe state of mind? I liked how the story focused more on the friendship of the three, though it still gave enough screen time for the romance that I was happy with it. There were a few editing issues here and there and while I don't much care for present tense I thought it was done well enough here that after the first few sentences I didn't really notice it (and I think there was only one minor issue of it slipping). Fun story, likable characters, all in all I had a wonderful time and am looking forward to the next book.
This was such an enjoyable read for me. I read lots of books where I enjoy the story in general, or the characters or whatever, but here the whole reading experience was just...lovely, and I am not sure how to explain what the difference was, maybe state of mind? I liked how the story focused more on the friendship of the three, though it still gave enough screen time for the romance that I was happy with it. There were a few editing issues here and there and while I don't much care for present tense I thought it was done well enough here that after the first few sentences I didn't really notice it (and I think there was only one minor issue of it slipping). Fun story, likable characters, all in all I had a wonderful time and am looking forward to the next book.
June 26, 2014
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
For my full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-2yK
From my review: "Swords, Sorcery and Sundry is that wonderful and rare story that be listed either as a YA book or M/M Romance, an element that was intentional on the author's part. That is due largely because it is a story about the tight bonds of friendship first, and then the beginnings of a m/m romance between two of the friends secondly. But always it is the ties of friendship that guides them and forms them into a family of sorts as well as a business…"
For all my reviews, author interviews, book contests and more….visit http://ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords...
July 11, 2014
The reason that this book does not get 5 stars is because the author used the "we can not be together because that could put you in danger" shtick. This fails strongly in this book because they are always seen together around town, live in the same apartment, and sleep chastely in the same bed. Assassins will talk. Also, the love interest is between an assassin and a wizard, both are able to take care of themselves. Otherwise, it was a good story.
January 12, 2016
2.5 stars
Ughhhhh I think I'm just getting so sick of the medieval-like fantasy genre, and this book didn't offer much past characters and situations id seen before. I will happily admit that I'm being a little too harsh, though - I don't think this is a bad book, per se, there was just nothing here for me to enjoy. I kept reading to see how the romance would go, but sadly it was poorly developed. There's no real lead up to it, and it ended up being a disappointment before I DNFed at 50%.
Ughhhhh I think I'm just getting so sick of the medieval-like fantasy genre, and this book didn't offer much past characters and situations id seen before. I will happily admit that I'm being a little too harsh, though - I don't think this is a bad book, per se, there was just nothing here for me to enjoy. I kept reading to see how the romance would go, but sadly it was poorly developed. There's no real lead up to it, and it ended up being a disappointment before I DNFed at 50%.
May 14, 2016
This was very definitely tongue-in-cheek, and lots of fun. I really enjoyed the first part, though I found the second half a little more episodic and slower.
I should say, in case you're puzzled, while this is a three way friendship, the romantic parts are between Niklas and Sylvain. And I wanted more romantic bits I have to admit.
If there was a second book in the series I would buy it, but there doesn't seem to be one.
I should say, in case you're puzzled, while this is a three way friendship, the romantic parts are between Niklas and Sylvain. And I wanted more romantic bits I have to admit.
If there was a second book in the series I would buy it, but there doesn't seem to be one.
September 15, 2016
I loved the characters, and every interaction they had. But it feels a bit unfinished, or maybe like it's just an introduction. Definetely the best part was the very end, so looking forward the second book!!!
March 23, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. The only problem was that it was written in present tense, third person, which was a bit odd and kept jarring me. Would have been a 5 star if not for that.
January 4, 2015
3.5 stars
I read this for Rainbow Awards.
I read this for Rainbow Awards.
July 26, 2016
Can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews