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Hand of the Trickster #1
Hand of the Trickster
Leverage meets Lankhmar in this sword-and-sorcery novella, as a thief who serves the Trickster God pulls daring heists in other gods' temples.
Since the War of Gods, the high gods have grown silent and distant. The Trickster, though, is still at large in the world, humbling the exalted and exalting the humble. And the Hand of the Trickster is the thief called Now You Don't.
He and his new crew are up for any challenge, whether it's stealing a book from Wisdom's library, dealing with a dark remnant from the War of Gods, or slipping the Grim Spear of the Inexorable Hand of Justice back into the heavily-guarded Justice Temple before it can be missed.
But can they truly rely on each other? Or will a tragic secret cause their most dangerous heist to fall apart?
Includes two bonus short stories, "Lock and Key" and "Wearing the Hat," previously published in The Sockdolager. Total word count: 41,000.
Since the War of Gods, the high gods have grown silent and distant. The Trickster, though, is still at large in the world, humbling the exalted and exalting the humble. And the Hand of the Trickster is the thief called Now You Don't.
He and his new crew are up for any challenge, whether it's stealing a book from Wisdom's library, dealing with a dark remnant from the War of Gods, or slipping the Grim Spear of the Inexorable Hand of Justice back into the heavily-guarded Justice Temple before it can be missed.
But can they truly rely on each other? Or will a tragic secret cause their most dangerous heist to fall apart?
Includes two bonus short stories, "Lock and Key" and "Wearing the Hat," previously published in The Sockdolager. Total word count: 41,000.
- GenresFantasy
161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2016
5 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Mike Reeves-McMillan
46 books194 followersFor someone with an English degree, Mike Reeves-McMillan has spent a surprising amount of time wearing a hard hat.
He lives in Auckland, New Zealand, the setting of his Auckland Allies contemporary urban fantasy series; and also in his head, where the weather is more reliable, and there are a lot more wizards.
He lives in Auckland, New Zealand, the setting of his Auckland Allies contemporary urban fantasy series; and also in his head, where the weather is more reliable, and there are a lot more wizards.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 19, 2017
Some light (but not light-hearted) fantasy with just enough of good world building.
July 26, 2016
In a world where people are devoted to different gods and are required to fulfill their duties, The Hand of the Trickster follows the male protagonist, Now You Don't, and his adventures.
Now You Don't does not reveal his true name. For one, he follows the Trickster god. For another, his goal in life is to remain hidden for he is capable of stealing objects and replacing them with a trick of his hands. He teams up with three very unique, very different characters to fulfill a couple of dangerous missions. Though he questions - can he truly trust all of them?
Such an enjoyable and very different kind of read. Reading the synopsis, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I came out pleasantly surprised. The author does a wonderful job in developing a unique world where magical features can exist and yet incorporating realistic aspects. Such as, bringing a group of people with varying skills to attempt to work together in order to accomplish a goal.
This short book was extremely well-written and had a cast of characters that were developed. In addition, the author slowly gives away Now's background story, which kept me wanting more and nicely leading up to its potential sequel. I recommend this read to those who like subtle fantasy and plots that have an air of mystery attached.
I received an ARC of Hand of the Trickster in exchange for an honest review.
Now You Don't does not reveal his true name. For one, he follows the Trickster god. For another, his goal in life is to remain hidden for he is capable of stealing objects and replacing them with a trick of his hands. He teams up with three very unique, very different characters to fulfill a couple of dangerous missions. Though he questions - can he truly trust all of them?
Such an enjoyable and very different kind of read. Reading the synopsis, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I came out pleasantly surprised. The author does a wonderful job in developing a unique world where magical features can exist and yet incorporating realistic aspects. Such as, bringing a group of people with varying skills to attempt to work together in order to accomplish a goal.
This short book was extremely well-written and had a cast of characters that were developed. In addition, the author slowly gives away Now's background story, which kept me wanting more and nicely leading up to its potential sequel. I recommend this read to those who like subtle fantasy and plots that have an air of mystery attached.
I received an ARC of Hand of the Trickster in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2016
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. I've read this author before, so went into this book with high expectations. I was not disappointed :)
Oh, this was good! The author establishes the fantasy setting and the main character so well you just don't notice that you've been drawn into another world. The setting simply unfolds in your mind so you can race through to follow the plot. The novella ended well, although I definitely want to read more about these characters! The two short stories included with the novella are also very good reads.
Go get a copy of this!
Oh, this was good! The author establishes the fantasy setting and the main character so well you just don't notice that you've been drawn into another world. The setting simply unfolds in your mind so you can race through to follow the plot. The novella ended well, although I definitely want to read more about these characters! The two short stories included with the novella are also very good reads.
Go get a copy of this!
May 19, 2017
A nice novel, and a couple of good short stories (especially the first one) at the end of it.
Slightly uncommon writing style, every now and then (jumping between topics in an unexpected way, or adding small details that have nothing to do with the main story)
Slightly uncommon writing style, every now and then (jumping between topics in an unexpected way, or adding small details that have nothing to do with the main story)
July 4, 2016
( I received this book from the author requesting an honest review. My opinions were not influenced in any way)
"...we don’t always reflect the nature of our patrons perfectly"
This book, as well as the added "bonus stories" is fantastic in more ways than one. Fantasy and "steampunk" are a newer genre for me. This tale of the Trickster is a very well written and "somewhat" believably tongue in cheek. I started to read it, and was quickly transported to this time and place, and very sad to have to leave when it was over. And it left me wanting more.
"...we don’t always reflect the nature of our patrons perfectly"
This book, as well as the added "bonus stories" is fantastic in more ways than one. Fantasy and "steampunk" are a newer genre for me. This tale of the Trickster is a very well written and "somewhat" believably tongue in cheek. I started to read it, and was quickly transported to this time and place, and very sad to have to leave when it was over. And it left me wanting more.
April 2, 2018
What a pleasant surprise! I stumbled over this on GR and got the e-book because it was cheap
and I needed a quick fix (yeah...), and went into it not expecting much, but I really enjoyed it and read it in one sitting. We get a heist story with a newly assembled crew whose leader works for the trickster god, aka Loki. Now we don't see much of Loki, which was a bit of a disappointment (because that was what had originally attracted me), but what we do get is a highly entertaning novella with a well developed story arch and fleshed out, believable characters along the lines of The Lies of Locke Lamora. The author characterizes his writing style as "smartass first person narrator", which happens to be a style I enjoy a lot.
Since this story is a novella, there isn't much space for extensive world building, but what little there is is well thought through and credible. You just get dumped into this world, and it works without making you feel you don't know enough or that there are plot holes being glossed over.
I found myself wishing this was a full-length novel (perhaps with sequels, too...). I'll definitely pick up book two and also some of Reeves-McMillan's other, longer works.
The volume also includes two short-stories not related to the main story. I liked these a bit less than the main narrative, but then I rarely like short-stories in general, and it seemed stingy to deduce a star for these when I had so much fun with the first story.
If you like humurous, light-hearted fantasy, snarky, self-deprecating narrators and heist stories, give this one a go!
and I needed a quick fix (yeah...), and went into it not expecting much, but I really enjoyed it and read it in one sitting. We get a heist story with a newly assembled crew whose leader works for the trickster god, aka Loki. Now we don't see much of Loki, which was a bit of a disappointment (because that was what had originally attracted me), but what we do get is a highly entertaning novella with a well developed story arch and fleshed out, believable characters along the lines of The Lies of Locke Lamora. The author characterizes his writing style as "smartass first person narrator", which happens to be a style I enjoy a lot.
Since this story is a novella, there isn't much space for extensive world building, but what little there is is well thought through and credible. You just get dumped into this world, and it works without making you feel you don't know enough or that there are plot holes being glossed over.
I found myself wishing this was a full-length novel (perhaps with sequels, too...). I'll definitely pick up book two and also some of Reeves-McMillan's other, longer works.
The volume also includes two short-stories not related to the main story. I liked these a bit less than the main narrative, but then I rarely like short-stories in general, and it seemed stingy to deduce a star for these when I had so much fun with the first story.
If you like humurous, light-hearted fantasy, snarky, self-deprecating narrators and heist stories, give this one a go!
August 2, 2024
Some light (but not light-hearted) fantasy with just enough of good world building.
January 26, 2017
The protagonist, Now You Don’t, is a rogue dedicated to his god, the Trickster. He has magical powers that are limited in nature, but oh-so handy! Teaming up with a few other vagabonds, he leads heists against the temples of other gods. Wry wit and humour abound, the action is satisfying, pacing quick, and magic interesting in how limited it (usually) is. Although Scorpion breaks that feeling … but he’s interesting as a character because, although he’s a barbarian, he’s thoughtful and kind. In fact I liked all the characters in this story, and that’s a rare thing. Given that this is novella-length, it’s impressive how Reeves-McMillan got me to care about each of the members in the crew.
The plot is well put together with subtle pieces being put together along the way. It felt like reading a role playing game at points, like when one person in the group would see something, I’d think, “She passed her spot check.” If you know anything about me, you’ll know that I enjoy this sort of thing.
The gods and how they are described give a bit of a Greek feeling to the story. They’re paired and used to influence the world a great deal, although they lost some power somewhere in the past. It gives me a taste of what I’m doing to my own readers, eluding to an old war between the gods, but not going into great detail. I plan on writing about The Gods’ War one day. I wonder if Reeves-McMillan plans to do the same?
This is a rich world, and I look forward to reading more about it and the characters who dwell there!
Bonus: There are two short stories attached to the end, both of which were entertaining to read. I found Reeves-McMillan’s writing style to be easy to read and engaging across all three stories, so I have a feeling I’ll be working my way through the rest of his collection. I just hope I can keep the different worlds separate in my mind!
The plot is well put together with subtle pieces being put together along the way. It felt like reading a role playing game at points, like when one person in the group would see something, I’d think, “She passed her spot check.” If you know anything about me, you’ll know that I enjoy this sort of thing.
The gods and how they are described give a bit of a Greek feeling to the story. They’re paired and used to influence the world a great deal, although they lost some power somewhere in the past. It gives me a taste of what I’m doing to my own readers, eluding to an old war between the gods, but not going into great detail. I plan on writing about The Gods’ War one day. I wonder if Reeves-McMillan plans to do the same?
This is a rich world, and I look forward to reading more about it and the characters who dwell there!
Bonus: There are two short stories attached to the end, both of which were entertaining to read. I found Reeves-McMillan’s writing style to be easy to read and engaging across all three stories, so I have a feeling I’ll be working my way through the rest of his collection. I just hope I can keep the different worlds separate in my mind!
July 19, 2016
In a land of order and tradition, a devotee of the Trickster god called Now You Don't is an agent of chaos. He and his newfound troop of misfits must pull off two heists while doing their best to stay out of the city's politics and learning who they can - and cannot - trust.
My favorite thing about this novella, and the two short stories included in the book, was the author's incredible efficiency at creating an entire world. With only a few sentences, I could see the buildings of the city, hear the people in the marketplace, smell the dust or the trees, perfectly. Because of that skill and the wonderfully engaging characters, I am really looking forward to more stories in this series!
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a grown-up version of The Thief, and to those who love a good heist.
My favorite thing about this novella, and the two short stories included in the book, was the author's incredible efficiency at creating an entire world. With only a few sentences, I could see the buildings of the city, hear the people in the marketplace, smell the dust or the trees, perfectly. Because of that skill and the wonderfully engaging characters, I am really looking forward to more stories in this series!
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a grown-up version of The Thief, and to those who love a good heist.
July 11, 2016
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. There are a lot of interesting characters in this book-characters I would like to hear from again. Now You Don't assembles a motley group to help him with his latest heist. He is joined by a former priestess, a woman who is not quite human, and a man who has given up personal safety in exchange for supernatural strength. He completes one theft but his God, the Trickster, asks him to return something to a well fortified temple!
The story is well told and the book is fun to read.
The story is well told and the book is fun to read.
September 18, 2016
Good Book !
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was professionally done and his world was rich and colorful. His characters were believable, I finished the book in one sitting and thoroughly entertained.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was professionally done and his world was rich and colorful. His characters were believable, I finished the book in one sitting and thoroughly entertained.
March 27, 2017
This is a novella about a band of thieves that have come together to steal a book of questionable safety. Mostly we follow the character Now you see it. He is a a priest of the trickster cult that allows him to conjure up items. They have been commissioned to steal the book by a demon and things get tricky from there.
It took me a while to read this even though it isn't very long mainly because I'm not a fan of male protagonists but Now is an interesting man with a strong set of rules that fits interestingly with his complete lack of qualms about stealing things.
The story is set clearly into three acts so you really can read it in three parts as they are linked but also a bit separate. I'd like to see more of this world and there is some bonus material at the end of the book that gives you more of a view of the world this is all set in. I really enjoy good solid world building which this book has. The temples certainly play a central part in the city as the characters certainly end up in a few.
As a high fantasy there is much to like from this story and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes high fantasy as it has the feel of a David Eddings novel but shorter.
It took me a while to read this even though it isn't very long mainly because I'm not a fan of male protagonists but Now is an interesting man with a strong set of rules that fits interestingly with his complete lack of qualms about stealing things.
The story is set clearly into three acts so you really can read it in three parts as they are linked but also a bit separate. I'd like to see more of this world and there is some bonus material at the end of the book that gives you more of a view of the world this is all set in. I really enjoy good solid world building which this book has. The temples certainly play a central part in the city as the characters certainly end up in a few.
As a high fantasy there is much to like from this story and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes high fantasy as it has the feel of a David Eddings novel but shorter.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews