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Pathfinder Tales #35
Pathfinder Tales: Shy Knives
A Quiet Place to Hide
Shaia "Shy" Ratani used to be a member of the most powerful thieves' guild in Taldor—right up until she cheated her colleagues by taking the money and running. The frontier city of Yanmass seems like a perfect place to lie low, until a job solving a noble’s murder reveals an invading centaur army ready to burn the place to the ground. Of course, Shy could stop that from happening, but doing so would reveal her presence to the former friends who now want her dead. Add in a holier-than-thou patron with the literal blood of angels in her veins, and Shy quickly remembers why she swore off doing good deeds in the first place...
From critically acclaimed fantasy author Sam Sykes comes a darkly comic tale of intrigue, assassination, and the perils of friendship, all set in the award-winning world of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Shaia "Shy" Ratani used to be a member of the most powerful thieves' guild in Taldor—right up until she cheated her colleagues by taking the money and running. The frontier city of Yanmass seems like a perfect place to lie low, until a job solving a noble’s murder reveals an invading centaur army ready to burn the place to the ground. Of course, Shy could stop that from happening, but doing so would reveal her presence to the former friends who now want her dead. Add in a holier-than-thou patron with the literal blood of angels in her veins, and Shy quickly remembers why she swore off doing good deeds in the first place...
From critically acclaimed fantasy author Sam Sykes comes a darkly comic tale of intrigue, assassination, and the perils of friendship, all set in the award-winning world of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2016
13 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Sam Sykes
90 books1,213 followersSam Sykes is the author of Tome Of The Undergates, a vast and sprawling story of adventure, demons, madness and carnage. Suspected by many to be at least tangentially related to most causes of human suffering, Sam Sykes is also a force to be reckoned with beyond literature.
At 25, Sykes is one of the younger authors to have arrived on the stage of literary fantasy. Tome Of The Undergates is his first book, published in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Holland, and Canada. He currently resides in the United States and is probably watching you read this right now.
At 25, Sykes is one of the younger authors to have arrived on the stage of literary fantasy. Tome Of The Undergates is his first book, published in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Holland, and Canada. He currently resides in the United States and is probably watching you read this right now.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 10, 2017
4.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2016/10/18/...
While this is only my third venture into the world of Pathfinder Tales, I swear the experience is only getting better with each book. And my latest read, Shy Knives, just completely stole the show.
Backing up a bit though, I was excited when I first learned that the wickedly funny Sam Sykes had been asked by Paizo to write a novel for them and that he would be joining the Pathfinder fun, but I think I would have jumped on this book even if I hadn’t been getting into the series already. I knew I was going to enjoy myself, but still—I had no idea just how much!
Shaia Ratani, Shy to her friends, is a scrappy young scoundrel who specializes in the kind of jobs that no one else can handle. For one thing, she’s not afraid to work outside the law. For another, she’s also not above getting her hands dirty. She has cheated, stolen, maimed, and killed—and though she doesn’t exactly condone or relish doing harm to others, it’s not like she can afford to regret her past decisions either. Sometimes a job is just a job, and nothing personal.
One day, Shy is approached by a young noblewoman with an interesting case. The Lady Dalaris Sidara is the sole remaining heir to a destitute house, her already precarious future shattered by the death of her betrothed just days before their wedding. They said that her fiancé had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time, overseeing his family’s trade business at a caravan stop when it was attacked by a marauding band of centaurs, but Dalaris suspects that there is more to the story. With the other nobles watching her like a hawk, she needs someone resourceful like our protagonist to poke around and shake out the truth. Some jobs may require heroes, but this one definitely calls for a rogue.
I loved the characters in this book. Shy’s voice is as delightful as they come, with her sharp mind and sharper tongue. Sam Sykes did a wonderful job with her personality, finding that perfect balance between “hardened criminal” and “rogue with a heart of gold” so that Shy came across as lovable protagonist without being too mawkishly sentimental. She also won me over from the very first page with her clever wit and hilarious anecdotes and one-liners. I could probably fill a dozen pages with my favorite quotes, easy. In multiple places, this book literally had me laughing out loud.
Then there’s Dalaris. My favorite description of her comes near the end, from an observation by Shy herself: “There are two types of people in this world: tough people beneath a layer of tears and teary people beneath a layer of toughness. Dalaris, thankfully, was the former.” Despite the relationship getting off to a rough start, this unassuming and ostensibly meek noblewoman ultimately earns Shy’s respect and friendship, and it’s easy to understand why once you get to know her strength (as well as some mind-blowing revelations about her past).
Now that I have three Pathfinder Tales novels under my belt, I’m also struck by the variety of stories. Despite them all taking place in the great wide world of Golarion, the setting for many of the events in the Pathfinder RPG, my reading experiences have vastly differed each time. I liked that Shy Knives doesn’t take itself too seriously, keeping a light tone and injecting a healthy dose of dry humor (which even includes several tongue-in-cheek jibes about D&D groups/adventuring parties). I wanted a fun, swashbuckling good read, and that was exactly what I got. At the same time though, the book is also a testament to the increasing quality of media tie-in novels. Their popularity is a growing trend, and nothing to be sneered at. I think entertaining well-written books like this one will keep helping the genre gradually shed its stigma of being disregarded as derivative, unsophisticated, or too commercial.
The nice thing too about Pathfinder Tales is that you can pretty much jump in anywhere, as most of the books in this series are written to be standalones (even though some authors will occasionally return to their previously established characters for more stories). While I have no idea if more Pathfinder novels are in Mr. Sykes’ future, if he does decide to do another one I hope he’ll consider bringing Shy back for another adventure. I just adored her character. Her humor and charms made Shy Knives an absolute pleasure to read, though I wouldn’t hesitate to give this book high marks just for being so damn enjoyable and addictive—so much so that I devoured most of it in one sitting. If I thought hard about it I could probably come up with some flaws, but quite frankly, I was having too much fun to care. Bottom line, if you’ve been curious about Pathfinder Tales, wait no longer—Shy Knives is the one you’ve just got to, have to, need to read.
While this is only my third venture into the world of Pathfinder Tales, I swear the experience is only getting better with each book. And my latest read, Shy Knives, just completely stole the show.
Backing up a bit though, I was excited when I first learned that the wickedly funny Sam Sykes had been asked by Paizo to write a novel for them and that he would be joining the Pathfinder fun, but I think I would have jumped on this book even if I hadn’t been getting into the series already. I knew I was going to enjoy myself, but still—I had no idea just how much!
Shaia Ratani, Shy to her friends, is a scrappy young scoundrel who specializes in the kind of jobs that no one else can handle. For one thing, she’s not afraid to work outside the law. For another, she’s also not above getting her hands dirty. She has cheated, stolen, maimed, and killed—and though she doesn’t exactly condone or relish doing harm to others, it’s not like she can afford to regret her past decisions either. Sometimes a job is just a job, and nothing personal.
One day, Shy is approached by a young noblewoman with an interesting case. The Lady Dalaris Sidara is the sole remaining heir to a destitute house, her already precarious future shattered by the death of her betrothed just days before their wedding. They said that her fiancé had simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time, overseeing his family’s trade business at a caravan stop when it was attacked by a marauding band of centaurs, but Dalaris suspects that there is more to the story. With the other nobles watching her like a hawk, she needs someone resourceful like our protagonist to poke around and shake out the truth. Some jobs may require heroes, but this one definitely calls for a rogue.
I loved the characters in this book. Shy’s voice is as delightful as they come, with her sharp mind and sharper tongue. Sam Sykes did a wonderful job with her personality, finding that perfect balance between “hardened criminal” and “rogue with a heart of gold” so that Shy came across as lovable protagonist without being too mawkishly sentimental. She also won me over from the very first page with her clever wit and hilarious anecdotes and one-liners. I could probably fill a dozen pages with my favorite quotes, easy. In multiple places, this book literally had me laughing out loud.
Then there’s Dalaris. My favorite description of her comes near the end, from an observation by Shy herself: “There are two types of people in this world: tough people beneath a layer of tears and teary people beneath a layer of toughness. Dalaris, thankfully, was the former.” Despite the relationship getting off to a rough start, this unassuming and ostensibly meek noblewoman ultimately earns Shy’s respect and friendship, and it’s easy to understand why once you get to know her strength (as well as some mind-blowing revelations about her past).
Now that I have three Pathfinder Tales novels under my belt, I’m also struck by the variety of stories. Despite them all taking place in the great wide world of Golarion, the setting for many of the events in the Pathfinder RPG, my reading experiences have vastly differed each time. I liked that Shy Knives doesn’t take itself too seriously, keeping a light tone and injecting a healthy dose of dry humor (which even includes several tongue-in-cheek jibes about D&D groups/adventuring parties). I wanted a fun, swashbuckling good read, and that was exactly what I got. At the same time though, the book is also a testament to the increasing quality of media tie-in novels. Their popularity is a growing trend, and nothing to be sneered at. I think entertaining well-written books like this one will keep helping the genre gradually shed its stigma of being disregarded as derivative, unsophisticated, or too commercial.
The nice thing too about Pathfinder Tales is that you can pretty much jump in anywhere, as most of the books in this series are written to be standalones (even though some authors will occasionally return to their previously established characters for more stories). While I have no idea if more Pathfinder novels are in Mr. Sykes’ future, if he does decide to do another one I hope he’ll consider bringing Shy back for another adventure. I just adored her character. Her humor and charms made Shy Knives an absolute pleasure to read, though I wouldn’t hesitate to give this book high marks just for being so damn enjoyable and addictive—so much so that I devoured most of it in one sitting. If I thought hard about it I could probably come up with some flaws, but quite frankly, I was having too much fun to care. Bottom line, if you’ve been curious about Pathfinder Tales, wait no longer—Shy Knives is the one you’ve just got to, have to, need to read.
March 18, 2017
Shaia "Shy" is an irrepressible con artist, thief, sometimes assassin, and looking out for herself. She also has, certainly not a heart of gold, but a heart which loves gold, and might have a only slightly tarnished bit of silver in it. She at least has a soft spot for those in need, if it doesn't require her going too far above and beyond.
So when she's offered a chance to investigate a murder for a slightly down on her luck minor noble, it sounds like easy money, and a way to line her pockets with much needed gold at little risk to herself. Little does she expect she'll get embroiled in a plot against the city involving rebel centaurs and dark magics. Armed with a fast quip and faster dagger (preferably used in someone's back, which makes it far easier than a fair fight), and some manipulative schemes, can Shy survive her "easy job" with her life and (lack of scruples) intact?
I'm always a fan of clever likable rogues adventures, and Shy Knives delivers a fun romp of a story, and manages to still pack an emotional punch in a few places as Shy does some self-examination as to her own nature. It's also refreshing to see a story like this featuring a female protagonist, as this particular style of adventure tale almost always features sly male rogues. It's good to see women adventures continuing to break the glass ceiling and not being limited to sexy sorceresses and chain mail bikini clad barbarians.
So when she's offered a chance to investigate a murder for a slightly down on her luck minor noble, it sounds like easy money, and a way to line her pockets with much needed gold at little risk to herself. Little does she expect she'll get embroiled in a plot against the city involving rebel centaurs and dark magics. Armed with a fast quip and faster dagger (preferably used in someone's back, which makes it far easier than a fair fight), and some manipulative schemes, can Shy survive her "easy job" with her life and (lack of scruples) intact?
I'm always a fan of clever likable rogues adventures, and Shy Knives delivers a fun romp of a story, and manages to still pack an emotional punch in a few places as Shy does some self-examination as to her own nature. It's also refreshing to see a story like this featuring a female protagonist, as this particular style of adventure tale almost always features sly male rogues. It's good to see women adventures continuing to break the glass ceiling and not being limited to sexy sorceresses and chain mail bikini clad barbarians.
October 19, 2019
I listened to this on audio, and although I was enjoying it and the narration was really good, I had a terrible time finishing it. Actually, I have been having a terrible time finishing anything lately, so I suspect my own distraction impacted my enjoyment of this book. Without this distraction, this may have been a 4 star read? To be honest, I can't find much to complain about with this story, other than my own inability to concentrate.
I will say that, although this is written several years earlier, it is quite similar to the only other book I'v read by Sykes, Seven Blades in Black. Shy and Sal are quite similar in a lot of ways, so this felt kind of like a blueprint of the later book, except I didn't enjoy it as much. So perhaps it was a case of reading things that were similar too close together? I did like the plotting of this, as the action plows forward at a decent clip, and I enjoyed Shy and her relationships. There was just something missing for me.
I will say that, although this is written several years earlier, it is quite similar to the only other book I'v read by Sykes, Seven Blades in Black. Shy and Sal are quite similar in a lot of ways, so this felt kind of like a blueprint of the later book, except I didn't enjoy it as much. So perhaps it was a case of reading things that were similar too close together? I did like the plotting of this, as the action plows forward at a decent clip, and I enjoyed Shy and her relationships. There was just something missing for me.
December 6, 2017
Sam Sykes does it again.
Shy Ratani is a thief and a killer. Someone who lurks in the shadows, while just as often spouting witty insults. She's hired by a down on her luck (and funds) noblewoman, to find her husband's killer.
And so, Shy stumbles into a hot mess. Running from murderous jilted lovers, infiltrating centaur herds, breaking free OwlBear creatures, and getting invloved with beings from Heaven and Hell alike.
This book is pure fun. With a lot, and I mean alot, of neck stabbings.
4.75/5
Shy Ratani is a thief and a killer. Someone who lurks in the shadows, while just as often spouting witty insults. She's hired by a down on her luck (and funds) noblewoman, to find her husband's killer.
And so, Shy stumbles into a hot mess. Running from murderous jilted lovers, infiltrating centaur herds, breaking free OwlBear creatures, and getting invloved with beings from Heaven and Hell alike.
This book is pure fun. With a lot, and I mean alot, of neck stabbings.
4.75/5
February 22, 2022
The only thing I know about Pathfinder is that it's what they were originally using for Critical Role before they started streaming it, but I really like Sykes' books so I thought I'd check this out. I'm sure there are things I missed out on because I'm not familiar with the overall world but I don't think you need to really know anything about Pathfinder to enjoy this story. It's pretty straight-forward and has a lot of like very standard High Fantasy Nonsense but it's also fun and I'm pretty sure Sykes and I have the same taste in women so I'm happy to add another queer knife wife to my collection ;)
February 3, 2017
Previously published at TheQwillery.com
Sam Sykes has joined the Pathfinder world. I know there are a lot of readers out there excited to find this out. Sykes brings his humor that has won him many fans in the past to a gripping who dunit mystery set in the Pathfinder world entitled Shy Knives.
Shaia ‘Shy’ Ratani, a thief with a heart of bronze who hasn’t quiet decided to turn away from her roguish ways is hired by Dalaris, a grieving woman whose betrothed was murdered. Everyone says he was murdered by centaurs, but Dalaris believes there are hidden forces working against her and her now dead fiancé. It becomes Shy’s job to find out who really killed him and why. As is common in most of these murder mysteries dealing with the upper class, nothing is as it first appears, including the characters.
Sykes does a wonderful job making Shy a truly engaging rogue. Her wit is always on point and often gets herself into trouble as she has no filter on what she says. This is where the majority of the famous Sykes’ humor comes into play. I also enjoyed the fact that Shy was still and foremost a rogue and wasn’t afraid to look after herself and break and bend rules to get the job done. Dalaris is also a wonderfully complex character who at first doesn’t appear to have a lot of depth but then you learn she too holds her secrets.
My only complaint is a personal one. I have never been a fan of first person narratives. I know this is a personal preference. For me it’s harder to get immersed into a story. It also makes me always wonder if I can trust the POV of the character. Another part of this story that might be an issue for other readers is the humor. It’s not a comedy by any means, but Sykes’s humor is unique and I can see if you don’t like his style you might find the book irritating. Some readers like their fantasy dark and serious, so take that into consideration.
Shy Knives is a perfect rogue’s tale. Sam Sykes knows how to write an interesting and humorous fantasy murder mystery. If any of those things are interesting to you, I would highly suggest you read this book. There are minor adult situations, language and violence so I would recommend it to older teens and adults.
Sam Sykes has joined the Pathfinder world. I know there are a lot of readers out there excited to find this out. Sykes brings his humor that has won him many fans in the past to a gripping who dunit mystery set in the Pathfinder world entitled Shy Knives.
Shaia ‘Shy’ Ratani, a thief with a heart of bronze who hasn’t quiet decided to turn away from her roguish ways is hired by Dalaris, a grieving woman whose betrothed was murdered. Everyone says he was murdered by centaurs, but Dalaris believes there are hidden forces working against her and her now dead fiancé. It becomes Shy’s job to find out who really killed him and why. As is common in most of these murder mysteries dealing with the upper class, nothing is as it first appears, including the characters.
Sykes does a wonderful job making Shy a truly engaging rogue. Her wit is always on point and often gets herself into trouble as she has no filter on what she says. This is where the majority of the famous Sykes’ humor comes into play. I also enjoyed the fact that Shy was still and foremost a rogue and wasn’t afraid to look after herself and break and bend rules to get the job done. Dalaris is also a wonderfully complex character who at first doesn’t appear to have a lot of depth but then you learn she too holds her secrets.
My only complaint is a personal one. I have never been a fan of first person narratives. I know this is a personal preference. For me it’s harder to get immersed into a story. It also makes me always wonder if I can trust the POV of the character. Another part of this story that might be an issue for other readers is the humor. It’s not a comedy by any means, but Sykes’s humor is unique and I can see if you don’t like his style you might find the book irritating. Some readers like their fantasy dark and serious, so take that into consideration.
Shy Knives is a perfect rogue’s tale. Sam Sykes knows how to write an interesting and humorous fantasy murder mystery. If any of those things are interesting to you, I would highly suggest you read this book. There are minor adult situations, language and violence so I would recommend it to older teens and adults.
November 22, 2020
Sykes is good at stringing words together in a readable way, but the plot's full of conveniences and the protagonist has internalised the world's negative perception of her in some deeply unhealthy ways. I prefer to read about people who aren't convinced that they are fundamentally dysfunctional and self-sabotage their opportunities to reinforce that world view.
January 5, 2022
I would say 90% of this book is awesome, the last 10% however felt rushed and the ending wasn't satisfying for me, I don't know the writing restrictions of the Pathfinder Tales I know they get many other writers to make all the books so maybe Sam just was hitting a dead end and had to crank it out, totally understandable and I don't fault them for that. But the characters and the build-up is really well wrote, you start to care for the characters early on. And I'll admit this book tugged on a few of my heart strings. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Best Quote From The Book
"She's in all of us, you know. Someone small, timid and trembling, We build up around her with our walls and our weapons and our scars and our proud talk until we can't see her anymore. But when we realize how big the world is and how very alone we are in it, all of that goes away. Walls come down, weapons rust, scars fade, proud talk falters. And all that's left is that little girl" - Page (111)
Best Quote From The Book
"She's in all of us, you know. Someone small, timid and trembling, We build up around her with our walls and our weapons and our scars and our proud talk until we can't see her anymore. But when we realize how big the world is and how very alone we are in it, all of that goes away. Walls come down, weapons rust, scars fade, proud talk falters. And all that's left is that little girl" - Page (111)
February 15, 2020
A pathfinder tale about a rogue, scheming nobles in Taldor and centaurs. There were some very nice sentences and scenes in here. But the story was quite a dime a dozen and I did not really connect with the main characters.
November 7, 2020
I actually liked this book. I'm only giving it three stars due to Sykes' reputation
i feel like if it wasn't for this i would have given this a five (the characters are written well and i wasn't confused while reading it) but i just can't get myself to give a good review to a creep like Sam Sykes
i feel like if it wasn't for this i would have given this a five (the characters are written well and i wasn't confused while reading it) but i just can't get myself to give a good review to a creep like Sam Sykes
May 19, 2017
Not bad for my first Sam Sykes novel. The story was great throughout and had me laughing a lot. The ending was a bit anti-climactic but overall a great read.
April 20, 2018
the story was good, but the writing style not so.
August 31, 2018
Sam Sykes at his finest. Shy is imperfect in a way that makes her lovable. There are centaurs, magic, plots, and the signature humour that cuts through all the feelings.
January 7, 2021
snappy dialogue
likes the protagonist
know nothing about the world
so I probably missed some of the
details
likes the protagonist
know nothing about the world
so I probably missed some of the
details
July 6, 2021
Just never grabbed me.
November 12, 2016
A fantasy beach read... entertaining and enjoyable
August 29, 2022
Shy Knives had the political intrigue, the action, the hint of gayness and also centaurs. I'm not kidding. Centaurs. There's a murder mystery to solve, and also you realize that the villainess in the story is a bit of a terrible person, when she has a incubus locked up in her basement and uses him, along with being paranoid (like a certain hybrid from a certain show), but I really enjoyed this one. It was different, the action was fast-paced, and there were a small, just a small, yearing in the book, but sadly it never happened.
Since I don't remember what happened in the rest of the book, just know that I really enjoyed it.
Since I don't remember what happened in the rest of the book, just know that I really enjoyed it.
November 10, 2016
Shy Knives provided me with everything I expect from a good sword & sorcery novel: great action, an engaging quest, and interesting set pieces. Sometimes it even goes above and beyond that with its intricate relationships between well-developed characters. This isn’t Sykes’ breakout novel—he already had that with The City Stained Red—but it is proof that Paizo’s commitment to bringing established and exciting young writers to the Pathfinder Tales line is paying dividends. With all its referential humor, Shy Knives might work a bit better for readers familiar with Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder, or tabletop gaming in general, but even newbies will find a novel that’s punchy and tough to put down. As for me? I’m hoping this isn’t the last time Sykes sets foot in Golarion.
Full review: https://www.tor.com/2016/11/10/book-r...
Full review: https://www.tor.com/2016/11/10/book-r...
February 24, 2017
Shaia "Shy" Ratani is one messed up and broken person. She's a rogue to the extreme, and will spill your guts in a heartbeat. When she's hired by a Yanmass noble, Dalaris, Shy finds herself having to face her own emotional hang-ups in order to get the job done.
I really enjoyed this book. It has a dark, sarcastic sense of humour that appealed to me. Told in first person, Shy has a strong voice and her personality bleeds through the page.
Embroiled in noble politics, the mystery takes a few unexpected twists and turns. It's helped along by the Pathfinder setting, which allows for some moments of batshit crazyness.
Also, the centaurs are badass.
I'm not overly familiar with the Pathfinder Tales world, but I don't think you need to be to enjoy Shy Knives. It's a stand alone book. After reading this I'm definitely going to check out Sam Sykes's other work.
I really enjoyed this book. It has a dark, sarcastic sense of humour that appealed to me. Told in first person, Shy has a strong voice and her personality bleeds through the page.
Embroiled in noble politics, the mystery takes a few unexpected twists and turns. It's helped along by the Pathfinder setting, which allows for some moments of batshit crazyness.
Also, the centaurs are badass.
I'm not overly familiar with the Pathfinder Tales world, but I don't think you need to be to enjoy Shy Knives. It's a stand alone book. After reading this I'm definitely going to check out Sam Sykes's other work.
October 23, 2016
This is a reading of an Advanced Uncorrected Proof of, Shy Knives. I won a copy for pre-reading (I think I'm supposed to mention this in the review, so... I did).
I should also mention that I have been playing tabletop RPGs for a large portion of my life. Of the RPGs I have played, PathFinder is my favorite.
While both of these aspects should influence how I review this book, it will not.
I do not review very many books on Goodreads because I have a problem with the five star rating system. I also have a problem with rating all books within the same category (i.e. all literature as equal). My review of this book, should be considered a review of the book inside the subgenre of books that exist within the RPG community. I say this, because personally, some books with a 3-star rating are actually a one-star (when compared to long standing works of art... if we are to consider all literature equal. I do not.).
Although I only gave this book three stars, it is probably one of the more enjoyable books set within a gaming system/campaign. I would not consider this a Grim Dark, sub genre of fantasy. I would, however, consider it to be close to Grim Dark within the gaming community's novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed the aspects of Shy (main character), and her attitude and violence that persisted throughout the novel. For me it is refreshing to see the novel (within a gaming community) that is more towards an adult style of theme/game play in RPG settings.
However, it still reads like a novel set inside of a campaign setting. Sometimes you have a desire to read serious literature, and there are also times when you just want to read something to be entertained. This would be that kind of literature... kind of like the difference between having a four-course meal and just enjoying some popcorn while watching a movie. This is popcorn. Microwave popcorn while watching a show at home...
I should also mention that I have been playing tabletop RPGs for a large portion of my life. Of the RPGs I have played, PathFinder is my favorite.
While both of these aspects should influence how I review this book, it will not.
I do not review very many books on Goodreads because I have a problem with the five star rating system. I also have a problem with rating all books within the same category (i.e. all literature as equal). My review of this book, should be considered a review of the book inside the subgenre of books that exist within the RPG community. I say this, because personally, some books with a 3-star rating are actually a one-star (when compared to long standing works of art... if we are to consider all literature equal. I do not.).
Although I only gave this book three stars, it is probably one of the more enjoyable books set within a gaming system/campaign. I would not consider this a Grim Dark, sub genre of fantasy. I would, however, consider it to be close to Grim Dark within the gaming community's novels.
I thoroughly enjoyed the aspects of Shy (main character), and her attitude and violence that persisted throughout the novel. For me it is refreshing to see the novel (within a gaming community) that is more towards an adult style of theme/game play in RPG settings.
However, it still reads like a novel set inside of a campaign setting. Sometimes you have a desire to read serious literature, and there are also times when you just want to read something to be entertained. This would be that kind of literature... kind of like the difference between having a four-course meal and just enjoying some popcorn while watching a movie. This is popcorn. Microwave popcorn while watching a show at home...
November 7, 2016
The humor in the book sometimes went a bit heavy on the "this would be this... except NOT, because I'm awesome" style of narration. But the action was pretty good, and I liked the characters. Definitely one of the most rogue-y depictions of a fantasy rogue that I've read, but in a way that didn't feel cheap or artificial, which I liked quite a bit. Overall quite good.
January 4, 2017
A fun tale set in the (new to me) Pathfinder fantasy world. Quick read (< 300 pages), with a fun female lead and all the trappings of a fantasy role playing game campaign - centaurs, double crosses, complex villainous schemes, wine, whiskey and the stabbing of necks. So many necks stabbed in this story. Wouldn't mind reading more of Shaia's adventures.
October 29, 2016
A decent story.
November 11, 2016
Some of the narrator's inner discussions were frankly hysterical. a fun read.
November 16, 2016
Really, 3.5/5. Review forthcoming on Fantasy-Faction.com
March 28, 2020
A pot boiler fantasy that has anachronisms and paper thin plotting.
I kept going because of the setting and as I GM.
Average - but could do a lot better.
I kept going because of the setting and as I GM.
Average - but could do a lot better.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews