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Knight Watch #1
Knight Watch
MEN IN BLACK AT THE REN FAIRE!
John Rast went to the Ren Faire looking for a fight. Well, a simulated fight, with blunt swords and safety equipment. But when his final opponent turns into a living, fire-breathing dragon, it’s John or nothing stopping a disaster in its tracks—and the only real weapon at hand is his mom’s Volvo. So John decides to let it roll . . .
And that's when destiny comes to call. John is spirited away to the well-hidden base of Knight Watch, the organization that stands between humanity and the real nasties the rest of the world doesn’t know about.
Knight Watch would be John’s dream job—except for the storm goddess that destroys his parents’ house, the abandoned mall replete with too much dead, and the Fetch that aims to make John’s domain a final resting place. All this has John’s putative allies in the Knight Watch worried that John is the one bringing bad things into multiple worlds. John and his reluctant teammates have to figure out who, or what, is pulling the strings before all of Knight Watch falls prey to a well-concealed puppetmaster and far worse things enter this world.
About Knight's Watch :
“Buckle up and get ready for a fun ride. Tim Akers delivers an epic story about weekend ren faire warriors versus actual monsters. Best fictional use of a Volvo station wagon ever.”—Larry Correia
About Tim
“A must for all epic fantasy fans.”— Starburst
“Full of strong world building, cinematic and frequent battle scenes, high adventure, great characters, suspense, and dramatic plot shifts, this is an engaging, fast-paced entry in a popular subgenre."— Booklist (starred review)
“Take a bit of fantasy, mix in the horror of the demonic, and put in some top-notch writing and you’ll have Akers’ latest novel.”— Hellnotes
“Fast-paced . . . an epic fantasy story with action, intrigue and a good story.” — RPG
“Delivers enough twists and surprises to keep readers fascinated . . . contains action, grittiness, magic, intrigue and well created characters.”— Rising Shadow
“An extremely well-developed secondary world.”— SF Signal
John Rast went to the Ren Faire looking for a fight. Well, a simulated fight, with blunt swords and safety equipment. But when his final opponent turns into a living, fire-breathing dragon, it’s John or nothing stopping a disaster in its tracks—and the only real weapon at hand is his mom’s Volvo. So John decides to let it roll . . .
And that's when destiny comes to call. John is spirited away to the well-hidden base of Knight Watch, the organization that stands between humanity and the real nasties the rest of the world doesn’t know about.
Knight Watch would be John’s dream job—except for the storm goddess that destroys his parents’ house, the abandoned mall replete with too much dead, and the Fetch that aims to make John’s domain a final resting place. All this has John’s putative allies in the Knight Watch worried that John is the one bringing bad things into multiple worlds. John and his reluctant teammates have to figure out who, or what, is pulling the strings before all of Knight Watch falls prey to a well-concealed puppetmaster and far worse things enter this world.
About Knight's Watch :
“Buckle up and get ready for a fun ride. Tim Akers delivers an epic story about weekend ren faire warriors versus actual monsters. Best fictional use of a Volvo station wagon ever.”—Larry Correia
About Tim
“A must for all epic fantasy fans.”— Starburst
“Full of strong world building, cinematic and frequent battle scenes, high adventure, great characters, suspense, and dramatic plot shifts, this is an engaging, fast-paced entry in a popular subgenre."— Booklist (starred review)
“Take a bit of fantasy, mix in the horror of the demonic, and put in some top-notch writing and you’ll have Akers’ latest novel.”— Hellnotes
“Fast-paced . . . an epic fantasy story with action, intrigue and a good story.” — RPG
“Delivers enough twists and surprises to keep readers fascinated . . . contains action, grittiness, magic, intrigue and well created characters.”— Rising Shadow
“An extremely well-developed secondary world.”— SF Signal
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2020
About the author
Tim Akers
56 books171 followersTim Akers was born in deeply rural North Carolina, the only son of a theologian. He moved to Chicago for college, where he lives with his wife of thirteen years and their German shepherd. He splits his time between databases and fountain pens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 10, 2022
This is a SF novel about a company that decided to create dragons by using genetic engineering and sufficiently advanced technology, which, as it was said by Arthur C. Clarke, is indistinguishable from magic. I saw this book recommended in one of the SF magazines and finally got to it.
The protagonist is Noah Parker, who recently got his PhD with his thesis being guessing characteristics of a creature based on its DNA. Therefore, he is a great fit for Reptilian Corporation, which has already created dragons as night predators for hogs, which infested USA agricultural lands and now plans to shift to making pet dragons. There is a great demand for pets after a strange plague killed almost all dogs around the world. Noah also has a hidden motive of helping his younger brother, who has a genetic disorder.
The story is easy going and the protagonist is an old SF type of a competent man, even if his behavior sometimes is not very competent, but depending on pure chance and stupidity of others. It should be noted that this is a book published by Baen, the publisher that recently left from main SFF awards, chiefly because its share of the market is much smaller than Tor or Orbit. I mention it just because I am now also reading The Complete Debarkle: Saga of a Culture War, which noted a more conservative stand of Baen compared to other major SF players and I too noted the differences. The style, for better or worse, is closer to older SF, where readers know that a hero is a good guy, therefore his remarks are not sexist or racist (and other characters understand it). Therefore, he can think something like (from the very first page): I approached the security desk just inside, where a redhead in a sharp business suit greeted me… Damn, she was gorgeous. Probably twenty years old and so far out of my league it wasn’t even funny. or Friends meant Wong’s network of Chinese connections in the company. I liked to give him trouble that he seemed to know every Asian person in Phoenix, but sometimes I wondered if that really might be the case. Such statements aren’t malign per se but they are a rare sight in books by other SF publishers.
The protagonist is Noah Parker, who recently got his PhD with his thesis being guessing characteristics of a creature based on its DNA. Therefore, he is a great fit for Reptilian Corporation, which has already created dragons as night predators for hogs, which infested USA agricultural lands and now plans to shift to making pet dragons. There is a great demand for pets after a strange plague killed almost all dogs around the world. Noah also has a hidden motive of helping his younger brother, who has a genetic disorder.
The story is easy going and the protagonist is an old SF type of a competent man, even if his behavior sometimes is not very competent, but depending on pure chance and stupidity of others. It should be noted that this is a book published by Baen, the publisher that recently left from main SFF awards, chiefly because its share of the market is much smaller than Tor or Orbit. I mention it just because I am now also reading The Complete Debarkle: Saga of a Culture War, which noted a more conservative stand of Baen compared to other major SF players and I too noted the differences. The style, for better or worse, is closer to older SF, where readers know that a hero is a good guy, therefore his remarks are not sexist or racist (and other characters understand it). Therefore, he can think something like (from the very first page): I approached the security desk just inside, where a redhead in a sharp business suit greeted me… Damn, she was gorgeous. Probably twenty years old and so far out of my league it wasn’t even funny. or Friends meant Wong’s network of Chinese connections in the company. I liked to give him trouble that he seemed to know every Asian person in Phoenix, but sometimes I wondered if that really might be the case. Such statements aren’t malign per se but they are a rare sight in books by other SF publishers.
July 11, 2023
My simplest response to this book is "eh, it's fine". The book has a fascinating premise, and has some really compelling elements. Sadly though, it doesn't have the right combination to hook me or enough of a plot to keep the reader engaged.
While at a Renissance reenactment fair, a man turns into a Dragon, threatening to destroy everything, and our plucky main character John Rast drives his car straight into the Dragon, killing it. He is then recruited by a magical order, known as the "Knight Watch" to join their ranks in fighting evil creatures. However, there is more to this new job than meets the eye.
The best part of this book is actually right after the opening. The whole sequence where John is introduced to the Knight Watch and goes completely nuts was fun to read. Too often, when characters get pulled into a magical land or meet magical creatures, they accept it far too easily, and Tim Akers shows how someone would react to all of this craziness.
I also enjoyed learning how the various Knights members had different "domain" where they can retreat to. This reminded me of some "Wheel of Time" worldbuilding, and the exploration of the concept was great.
Sadly, the rest of the book didn't hold my attention. I thought that the villain was largely boring, and at times somewhat predictable. The primary plot doesn't really take off until around the last 130 pages.
Overall, the Worldbuilding and concept was interesting, but it didn't really hold my attention. 5 out of 10.
While at a Renissance reenactment fair, a man turns into a Dragon, threatening to destroy everything, and our plucky main character John Rast drives his car straight into the Dragon, killing it. He is then recruited by a magical order, known as the "Knight Watch" to join their ranks in fighting evil creatures. However, there is more to this new job than meets the eye.
The best part of this book is actually right after the opening. The whole sequence where John is introduced to the Knight Watch and goes completely nuts was fun to read. Too often, when characters get pulled into a magical land or meet magical creatures, they accept it far too easily, and Tim Akers shows how someone would react to all of this craziness.
I also enjoyed learning how the various Knights members had different "domain" where they can retreat to. This reminded me of some "Wheel of Time" worldbuilding, and the exploration of the concept was great.
Sadly, the rest of the book didn't hold my attention. I thought that the villain was largely boring, and at times somewhat predictable. The primary plot doesn't really take off until around the last 130 pages.
Overall, the Worldbuilding and concept was interesting, but it didn't really hold my attention. 5 out of 10.
January 7, 2021
Our narrator, John, opens with his account of killing a dragon with a car -- then he goes back and talks about picking up his friend Eric, and another attendee at the Renfair, Chesa -- and getting there in time to enter the fight.
Where his opponent turns into a dragon. Those who come to fight it suggest that he get out of the way, but he's the one who kills it. Chesa also fights, and he finds himself in an odd sort of hospital after. Chesa's there, too, and they end up with a job offer. Because while the things of fantasy aren't real, they still can intrude into real life.
It involves Chesa's elf cosplaying, a mall and a bookstore in it, phones that turn into tarot decks, what happened to Eric, unlearning cosplay sword-fighting, why the car should not have worked, and more
Where his opponent turns into a dragon. Those who come to fight it suggest that he get out of the way, but he's the one who kills it. Chesa also fights, and he finds himself in an odd sort of hospital after. Chesa's there, too, and they end up with a job offer. Because while the things of fantasy aren't real, they still can intrude into real life.
It involves Chesa's elf cosplaying, a mall and a bookstore in it, phones that turn into tarot decks, what happened to Eric, unlearning cosplay sword-fighting, why the car should not have worked, and more
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the editor in exchange for an honest review
3.5 stars
This book was a pleasant surprise. I am not saying that I was expecting something bad, but to be honest I was a bit skeptical. I was expecting something good to entertain you for a time, something not demanding and fast-paced, but nothing more. And in some ways I get all of this, but I get way more from this reading!
It is a book that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but that gives us quite a lot: we have action, interesting characters (and, overmost, characters with whom is very easy to simphatize because, let’s be honest: there is a bit of John in every one of us!), and a compelling worldbuilding, one which we definitely want to inhabit. Because for us, nerdy people, who are constantly living with our nose buried in a book (a fantasy one, at that), this is an amazing dream.
And we have also ton of humor, and banter. So, yeah… I don’t think we could ask for much more.
This book is like Hogwarts for grown-up, for crying it out loud! Ok, ok, we don’t have a magical school (and yes, I know, this is a shame!), and Hogwarts and the magic and the wizards are just so compelling, and fantastical, and amazing. I know, I know. But in there we have a magical world right next to our mundane one, we have the power of imagination, and we see the characters meet (or crashing, that would be more accurate) this new reality. A new and magical world exist right there, together with the one we are used to, and in creating the rules for this new world the author was quite bright, let me tell you this.
I know I am not being so informative here, but I don’t want to ruin something for you. To be completely honest, the best feature of this book is that is about a dream coming true, in some sense. And it is brilliant in some parts, fun and interesting enough. It is not boring, and John is such a reliable character. But the plot is somewhat standard, so I try and don’t say anything more about it, and the characters aren’t bad, are all quite relatable in some ways, and interesting, but they are not amazing. You won’t keep them around for a long time after finishing this reading. So yes, it is far from perfect, and it is not a masterpiece. All of this is true. But… yes, there is a big but.
This book is fascinating, it is fun and for us, nerdy fantasy people, it is like a dream coming true.
So yeah, it is far from the better book I have read this year, and ok, it is not near the top 10 even, but sometimes we don’t need masterpiece, we just need something to take our mind from all the worldly concerns, and just give us some respite, with a touch of fun. And this book would do exactly that!
3.5 stars
This book was a pleasant surprise. I am not saying that I was expecting something bad, but to be honest I was a bit skeptical. I was expecting something good to entertain you for a time, something not demanding and fast-paced, but nothing more. And in some ways I get all of this, but I get way more from this reading!
It is a book that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but that gives us quite a lot: we have action, interesting characters (and, overmost, characters with whom is very easy to simphatize because, let’s be honest: there is a bit of John in every one of us!), and a compelling worldbuilding, one which we definitely want to inhabit. Because for us, nerdy people, who are constantly living with our nose buried in a book (a fantasy one, at that), this is an amazing dream.
And we have also ton of humor, and banter. So, yeah… I don’t think we could ask for much more.
This book is like Hogwarts for grown-up, for crying it out loud! Ok, ok, we don’t have a magical school (and yes, I know, this is a shame!), and Hogwarts and the magic and the wizards are just so compelling, and fantastical, and amazing. I know, I know. But in there we have a magical world right next to our mundane one, we have the power of imagination, and we see the characters meet (or crashing, that would be more accurate) this new reality. A new and magical world exist right there, together with the one we are used to, and in creating the rules for this new world the author was quite bright, let me tell you this.
I know I am not being so informative here, but I don’t want to ruin something for you. To be completely honest, the best feature of this book is that is about a dream coming true, in some sense. And it is brilliant in some parts, fun and interesting enough. It is not boring, and John is such a reliable character. But the plot is somewhat standard, so I try and don’t say anything more about it, and the characters aren’t bad, are all quite relatable in some ways, and interesting, but they are not amazing. You won’t keep them around for a long time after finishing this reading. So yes, it is far from perfect, and it is not a masterpiece. All of this is true. But… yes, there is a big but.
This book is fascinating, it is fun and for us, nerdy fantasy people, it is like a dream coming true.
So yeah, it is far from the better book I have read this year, and ok, it is not near the top 10 even, but sometimes we don’t need masterpiece, we just need something to take our mind from all the worldly concerns, and just give us some respite, with a touch of fun. And this book would do exactly that!
September 23, 2020
Warning *** There be Dragons ahead - AS WELL AS SOME MINOR SPOILERS - So adventurers be wary and proceed at your own peril.
John Rast's life wasn't going EXACTLY how he would have liked it. He was living at home with his parents...the apartment he was supposed to be moving into had fallen through...the job that would have paid for THAT apartment was gone with the wind...his new car seemed to have a life of its own...annnnd...his girlfriend had left him. The only thing that was constant in his life was his closest friend Eric...and fighting "sword and board" at Renaissance Fairs. But...all that ended when he killed a dragon with the engine block of his mother's old Volvo station wagon (yeah...not so long of a story...but that would be telling!!!)
Now EVERYTHING in his life has changed and he finds himself the hero in a story he never wrote, fighting next to the girl that hates his guts.
What more could you want????!!!
In what I pray is the first in a potential series, Tim Akers unveils the new wonderful, fun, and exciting world MUNDANE ACTUAL and the KNIGHT WATCH. Akers gives us characters that are actually fun...and annoying...and annoyingly fun!!!...at the same time. Heroes and Villains who could be both or neither and the whole time writing with a humorous undertone that helps drive the story. He's taken both the world of LARPing and D&D and rolled them into an adventure using standard older tropes but adding new and exciting elements that kept me laughing and buried deep into the story. Having lived many of these types of real life experiences myself, I was able to immediately identify with Akers' characters having meet them...and...well, BEEN them...in my younger "wilder" days (hey...so what if it was last week). The main character, rather than being the epic hero that saves the world is rather the hub of all the others who rotate around him and actually do the heavy lifting.
Hopefully, new readers will have the chance to jump in here and experience Akers' writing and sense of humor and will send a message to Tim and his publisher that we want more.
John Rast's life wasn't going EXACTLY how he would have liked it. He was living at home with his parents...the apartment he was supposed to be moving into had fallen through...the job that would have paid for THAT apartment was gone with the wind...his new car seemed to have a life of its own...annnnd...his girlfriend had left him. The only thing that was constant in his life was his closest friend Eric...and fighting "sword and board" at Renaissance Fairs. But...all that ended when he killed a dragon with the engine block of his mother's old Volvo station wagon (yeah...not so long of a story...but that would be telling!!!)
Now EVERYTHING in his life has changed and he finds himself the hero in a story he never wrote, fighting next to the girl that hates his guts.
What more could you want????!!!
In what I pray is the first in a potential series, Tim Akers unveils the new wonderful, fun, and exciting world MUNDANE ACTUAL and the KNIGHT WATCH. Akers gives us characters that are actually fun...and annoying...and annoyingly fun!!!...at the same time. Heroes and Villains who could be both or neither and the whole time writing with a humorous undertone that helps drive the story. He's taken both the world of LARPing and D&D and rolled them into an adventure using standard older tropes but adding new and exciting elements that kept me laughing and buried deep into the story. Having lived many of these types of real life experiences myself, I was able to immediately identify with Akers' characters having meet them...and...well, BEEN them...in my younger "wilder" days (hey...so what if it was last week). The main character, rather than being the epic hero that saves the world is rather the hub of all the others who rotate around him and actually do the heavy lifting.
Hopefully, new readers will have the chance to jump in here and experience Akers' writing and sense of humor and will send a message to Tim and his publisher that we want more.
August 29, 2023
This book starts as a delightful romp through typical Renaissance Faire fantasies ("What would a life of fighting evil as my cosplay or gaming character really be like?") and then ends up another example of Akers' characteristically brilliant worldbuilding. "Men in Black meet the RenFest" is right on the nose. If you've ever daydreamed yourself into becoming a fantasy hero, whether in tabletop/online gaming, at a Ren Faire, or in medieval combat sports, this book is definitely for you.
September 9, 2020
A highly entertaining, fast paced, action packed and engrossing fantasy.
I liked the well thought characters and the plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I liked the well thought characters and the plot.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 12, 2025
fun read and an interesting world. added this series to the list
March 24, 2021
When a new cancer similar to the Tasmanian Devil Facial Tumor starts to wipe out man's best friend, dog lovers around the world are bereft and in search of new companions. Just previous to this a genius with his hands in multiple fields figured out how to genetically engineer dragons to deal with the feral hog problem in the Southwest US. That company saw the dogs dying out, knew that the hogs were mostly dealt with, and changed their name to Build-a-Dragon to fit the new business opportunity. Build-a-Dragon is trying to design dragons to fill the gaps dogs left. Guard dogs, seeing eye dogs, lap dogs will now become guard dragons, seeing eye dragons, and lap dragons...if they can just tweek the genes enough so the dragons won't take your face off as soon as they hatch.
Noah Parker has just gotten his doctorate in genetic engineering, and he's landed himself a job at Build-a-Dragon thanks to a lovely little program related to genetic engineering he wrote. They hope it will help them break the domestication barrier. He hopes it will allow him to outsmart the higher ups, hijack the system and get his brother the genetic help he needs. But he also kind of likes the dragons. The longer he is at the company, though, the more he finds out...and Build-a-Dragon is hiding some major secrets.
This was super smart, very scientifically based scifi. Just the way I like it. But I don't think there are so many sciency details it would turn off the less sciency-inclined. It also scratches the Jurassic Park/World itch just enough with a dash of How to Train Your Dragon thrown in while being entirely its own thing. There are interlude chapters from the customer service department of Build-a-Dragon that are HILARIOUS. And Noah takes up geocaching with his little dragon to help destress, which takes them on hikes through the desert; I think I've only read one other book in which a character does geocaching so it was a nice different hobby for a character (and it got to show off his dragon's skills). If you love dragons, smart scifi, geocaching, or stories of the "little guys" trying to outwit big baddish companies, snatch this up.
Notes on content: There is a fair amount of swearing, mostly mild with some strong profanity every once in a while. There's some heavy kissing but nothing beyond that. There's two brief scenes and one slightly bigger scene in which dragons and humans don't mix well and it ends badly for the humans. Only one death a bit described with blood and details.
Noah Parker has just gotten his doctorate in genetic engineering, and he's landed himself a job at Build-a-Dragon thanks to a lovely little program related to genetic engineering he wrote. They hope it will help them break the domestication barrier. He hopes it will allow him to outsmart the higher ups, hijack the system and get his brother the genetic help he needs. But he also kind of likes the dragons. The longer he is at the company, though, the more he finds out...and Build-a-Dragon is hiding some major secrets.
This was super smart, very scientifically based scifi. Just the way I like it. But I don't think there are so many sciency details it would turn off the less sciency-inclined. It also scratches the Jurassic Park/World itch just enough with a dash of How to Train Your Dragon thrown in while being entirely its own thing. There are interlude chapters from the customer service department of Build-a-Dragon that are HILARIOUS. And Noah takes up geocaching with his little dragon to help destress, which takes them on hikes through the desert; I think I've only read one other book in which a character does geocaching so it was a nice different hobby for a character (and it got to show off his dragon's skills). If you love dragons, smart scifi, geocaching, or stories of the "little guys" trying to outwit big baddish companies, snatch this up.
Notes on content: There is a fair amount of swearing, mostly mild with some strong profanity every once in a while. There's some heavy kissing but nothing beyond that. There's two brief scenes and one slightly bigger scene in which dragons and humans don't mix well and it ends badly for the humans. Only one death a bit described with blood and details.
August 18, 2021
Domesticating Dragons is a fast-paced and fun novel by Dan Koboldt, the author of the Gateways to Alissia portal fantasy series and, full disclosure, creator and writer of The Triangle which I was lucky enough to be invited to as a co-writer. Koboldt's latest creation, described as "Build-A-Bear workshop meets Jurassic Park", is a fantastic tech thriller with genetic engineering, corporate intrigue, romance, and dragons! The near-future story is told through a variety of formats; the main narrative centers around Noah Parker but his story is interspersed with excerpts from news articles, customer service tickets at Reptilian and the Dragon Owner's manual.
The story opens in a high-tech near-future world of bio-luxuries on a backdrop of the harsh Arizona desert. Before you know it, you are immersed in a Michael Crichton style page-turner, caring more about bio-engineered dragon experiments than you might have ever thought possible.
Koboldt uses his background as a geneticist to take the fantasy genre's favorite creature and turn it into the star of a science fiction tech-thriller. He shares just enough about genetics research and next-generation DNA sequencing to enhance the story without dragging us down into complicated details.
A likeable protagonist, an intelligent and active love interest and a tiny dragon that will make you wish you could scritch his head form the center of this fast-paced and yet wholesome story about a young man who may talk a big talk but at his core, he really just wants to save the world. What follows is a fast-pace romp which comes together for an unabashedly happy ending.
This novel is a rare thing: a fun and fast-paced read that makes me feel smarter for having read it.
The story opens in a high-tech near-future world of bio-luxuries on a backdrop of the harsh Arizona desert. Before you know it, you are immersed in a Michael Crichton style page-turner, caring more about bio-engineered dragon experiments than you might have ever thought possible.
Koboldt uses his background as a geneticist to take the fantasy genre's favorite creature and turn it into the star of a science fiction tech-thriller. He shares just enough about genetics research and next-generation DNA sequencing to enhance the story without dragging us down into complicated details.
A likeable protagonist, an intelligent and active love interest and a tiny dragon that will make you wish you could scritch his head form the center of this fast-paced and yet wholesome story about a young man who may talk a big talk but at his core, he really just wants to save the world. What follows is a fast-pace romp which comes together for an unabashedly happy ending.
This novel is a rare thing: a fun and fast-paced read that makes me feel smarter for having read it.
November 4, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the premise and plot of the book. As a cosplay-loving Ren Faire fanatic myself I can absolutely get into the concept of being thrust into the world you’ve always dreamed of, and the action sequences that follow this setup are really great. The book had some really unique concepts such as the domains where each hero recharges between missions, and the plot progression did far more than paint by the numbers. Overall, Akers created an action-packed, inventive world with just enough whimsy to not get too dark. It’s like a grown-up, evolved version of Percy Jackson (and I mean that as a compliment).
Now let’s get to the bad part: the characters. Honestly there wasn’t a single like-able character in the entire book, which is rough when the characters drive most of the plot. Our protagonist, John Rast, is an accurate representation of the twentysomething male struggling to find his way in life. However, his maturity in how he goes about this is more akin to a thirteen year-old than an adult with some real-world experience. Every female character in this book is “othered” into some form of the mysterious, aloof, yet somehow beautiful bitch that no male could possibly figure out. There was no depth to any of these women and let’s be honest, just because a woman is strong doesn’t mean she needs to be written as cold. I feel like I would have enjoyed Matthew and Tembo but didn’t get to know them well enough. I’m hoping Akers can delve deeper into these characters in his next book and fix some of the stereotypes upon which they are based.
Now let’s get to the bad part: the characters. Honestly there wasn’t a single like-able character in the entire book, which is rough when the characters drive most of the plot. Our protagonist, John Rast, is an accurate representation of the twentysomething male struggling to find his way in life. However, his maturity in how he goes about this is more akin to a thirteen year-old than an adult with some real-world experience. Every female character in this book is “othered” into some form of the mysterious, aloof, yet somehow beautiful bitch that no male could possibly figure out. There was no depth to any of these women and let’s be honest, just because a woman is strong doesn’t mean she needs to be written as cold. I feel like I would have enjoyed Matthew and Tembo but didn’t get to know them well enough. I’m hoping Akers can delve deeper into these characters in his next book and fix some of the stereotypes upon which they are based.
November 28, 2022
This is a really fun book. I takes a lot of themes that any fan of fantasy media can associate with, and sort of mish mashes them together.
The lore behind what is happening doesn't ever completely make sense, which adds to some of the jokes when characters are explaining things. This works, since the novel never takes itself seriously. However, it might throw some readers off.
Despite the lighter tone, there are some really cool moments here, particularly in the way that Akers describes the Doppleganger and some of the mythic realms. Our glimpses into other beings is the best part of the book, the Janitors I particularly loved. So weird, so intriguing.
Our characters are passable, but I don't think our main characters are all that interesting. I really liked the established members of the Knights Watch, they are really cool, and I wanted to know more about them. John, our main character, is sort of an everyman, not quite heroic or put together enough to ever really feel heroic. I imagine later books, now that he is established, rectifies this.
I think my main complaint is that the ending just didn't quite work for me. It felt rushed. I never felt like our protagonist took control. He never felt as cool as the other characters, which other characters even point out. I would have liked some further reveals of his powers.
Overall, I liked this book. If I could give .5 stars it would probably be a 3.5 for me. One I am glad I read, but not in a rush to read further in the series.
The lore behind what is happening doesn't ever completely make sense, which adds to some of the jokes when characters are explaining things. This works, since the novel never takes itself seriously. However, it might throw some readers off.
Despite the lighter tone, there are some really cool moments here, particularly in the way that Akers describes the Doppleganger and some of the mythic realms. Our glimpses into other beings is the best part of the book, the Janitors I particularly loved. So weird, so intriguing.
Our characters are passable, but I don't think our main characters are all that interesting. I really liked the established members of the Knights Watch, they are really cool, and I wanted to know more about them. John, our main character, is sort of an everyman, not quite heroic or put together enough to ever really feel heroic. I imagine later books, now that he is established, rectifies this.
I think my main complaint is that the ending just didn't quite work for me. It felt rushed. I never felt like our protagonist took control. He never felt as cool as the other characters, which other characters even point out. I would have liked some further reveals of his powers.
Overall, I liked this book. If I could give .5 stars it would probably be a 3.5 for me. One I am glad I read, but not in a rush to read further in the series.
March 29, 2022
This was a total love letter to the D&D fanatics, the LARPers, the Ren Faire regulars, and the underdogs.
This is a story of a haphazard hero who gets the Men In Black treatment and recruited into a realm beyond his tabletop dreams. There is a realm beyond out own where strange happenings occur and sometimes blur into our 'mundane' realm. You may think it's just a parade float of a Dragon, or it's just a storm rather than a Harpy, but the Knight Watch sees all and protects the silly humans from the evil forces that lie beyond.
Throughout the book it's questionable when out protagonist will actually get his courage and become the hero he's expected to be, but he continues to stumble his way though, lacking the confidence in himself, though surviving some pretty hefty battles. I was hoping for more of a transformation in the character or that he would fully embody his realized potential. The face off at the end shows him with some perseverance, though I was more intrigued to see the story from Chesa's perspective and dive into her becoming the ruler of her domain.
The story was fun with plenty of levity but also plenty of serious moments and high stakes action mixed in. It was an exciting introduction to Akers writing and while browsing his collection of miniatures on his instagram, you can kinda see where this story may get some of it's inspiration.
This is a story of a haphazard hero who gets the Men In Black treatment and recruited into a realm beyond his tabletop dreams. There is a realm beyond out own where strange happenings occur and sometimes blur into our 'mundane' realm. You may think it's just a parade float of a Dragon, or it's just a storm rather than a Harpy, but the Knight Watch sees all and protects the silly humans from the evil forces that lie beyond.
Throughout the book it's questionable when out protagonist will actually get his courage and become the hero he's expected to be, but he continues to stumble his way though, lacking the confidence in himself, though surviving some pretty hefty battles. I was hoping for more of a transformation in the character or that he would fully embody his realized potential. The face off at the end shows him with some perseverance, though I was more intrigued to see the story from Chesa's perspective and dive into her becoming the ruler of her domain.
The story was fun with plenty of levity but also plenty of serious moments and high stakes action mixed in. It was an exciting introduction to Akers writing and while browsing his collection of miniatures on his instagram, you can kinda see where this story may get some of it's inspiration.
September 9, 2020
Any novel that starts "I killed my first dragon with a blunt sword and the engine block of a 1977 Volvo" has a certain level of snark. This novel has that, but it also has serious, high-stakes drama in it as well.
Our narrator and hero is John Rust, a college senior and Ren Faire participant. He's home for the summer, and goes to Ren Faire with a couple of old friends. What was supposed to be a mock combat turns very real and very deadly. To the surprise of everybody including himself, John not only lives but kills the dragon. Then things get really weird.
I'm a friend of the author, and I bought this book based on a reading he did of an early chapter at a convention. I'm glad that I did. Much of Tim Akers' other work is high fantasy in a secondary-world setting. This is fantasy, but set in the here-and-now, although the stakes are just as high. Our world is at risk, and John Rast, unlikely hero, has to try and save it.
I found the characters engaging and the plot intriguing. Although the back cover talks about "Men in Black at the Ren Faire," the Knight Watch organization is neither all-powerful nor being oppressed by an Evil Government. It just is a group of people trying to do the right thing. Overall, I highly recommend this book.
Our narrator and hero is John Rust, a college senior and Ren Faire participant. He's home for the summer, and goes to Ren Faire with a couple of old friends. What was supposed to be a mock combat turns very real and very deadly. To the surprise of everybody including himself, John not only lives but kills the dragon. Then things get really weird.
I'm a friend of the author, and I bought this book based on a reading he did of an early chapter at a convention. I'm glad that I did. Much of Tim Akers' other work is high fantasy in a secondary-world setting. This is fantasy, but set in the here-and-now, although the stakes are just as high. Our world is at risk, and John Rast, unlikely hero, has to try and save it.
I found the characters engaging and the plot intriguing. Although the back cover talks about "Men in Black at the Ren Faire," the Knight Watch organization is neither all-powerful nor being oppressed by an Evil Government. It just is a group of people trying to do the right thing. Overall, I highly recommend this book.
April 17, 2021
3,5*
Svižná, zábavná jednohubka. Hlavní hrdina John je takový věčný vtipálek, ať už se ocitá v jakékoli situaci, reaguje na to vždy vtipnou hláškou. Aneb když se na LARP akci váš protivník promění v opravdového, oheň chrlícího draka, není nutno ztrácet smysl pro humor, když už hrozí, že ztratíte život :D
Celková myšlenka je zajímavá, nicméně něco tomu chybělo. Možná trochu více vysvětlení historie Knight Watch, více propracované postavy...A také mi přišlo, že se autor docela snadno zbavuje složitých situací - například reakce rodičů Johna, když jim rozzuřená Storm goddess téměř zničí dům (samozřejmě že rodiče jako mundanes nadpřirozenou postavu nevidí) a John pak oznámí, že na nějakou dobu musí odjet s těma lidma v černém, co po incidentu přijeli... Ok synku, běž si :D
Jinak John je jako hlavní postava sympaťák, takový ten pohodář, který je pořád v ohrožení života a je mu jasné, že není hrdina, i když se očekává, že to v sobě má a najde to, ale on pořád pochybuje, jestli to v sobě opravdu má.
Svižná, zábavná jednohubka. Hlavní hrdina John je takový věčný vtipálek, ať už se ocitá v jakékoli situaci, reaguje na to vždy vtipnou hláškou. Aneb když se na LARP akci váš protivník promění v opravdového, oheň chrlícího draka, není nutno ztrácet smysl pro humor, když už hrozí, že ztratíte život :D
Celková myšlenka je zajímavá, nicméně něco tomu chybělo. Možná trochu více vysvětlení historie Knight Watch, více propracované postavy...A také mi přišlo, že se autor docela snadno zbavuje složitých situací - například reakce rodičů Johna, když jim rozzuřená Storm goddess téměř zničí dům (samozřejmě že rodiče jako mundanes nadpřirozenou postavu nevidí) a John pak oznámí, že na nějakou dobu musí odjet s těma lidma v černém, co po incidentu přijeli... Ok synku, běž si :D
Jinak John je jako hlavní postava sympaťák, takový ten pohodář, který je pořád v ohrožení života a je mu jasné, že není hrdina, i když se očekává, že to v sobě má a najde to, ale on pořád pochybuje, jestli to v sobě opravdu má.
June 17, 2024
John Rast is a slacker in his early 20s who enjoys nothing more than dressing up as a knight and fighting with blunted weapons at renaissance fairs. But things take an unexpected turn when John finds himself facing off against a real dragon (which he slays with some automotive assistance). He is subsequently drafted into Knight Watch, an organization tasked with keeping the forces of Unreality from gaining a foothold in the mundane world.
I love the concept, I love the protagonist and the supporting characters, with one exception. The character of Chesa was such an annoying, obnoxious Mary Sue that I lopped off one star. Given later developments, this may have been an intentional move by the author. We’ll see what happens in subsequent books. There is a tremendous amount of potential in this series, and I’m curious to see where it goes from here.
I love the concept, I love the protagonist and the supporting characters, with one exception. The character of Chesa was such an annoying, obnoxious Mary Sue that I lopped off one star. Given later developments, this may have been an intentional move by the author. We’ll see what happens in subsequent books. There is a tremendous amount of potential in this series, and I’m curious to see where it goes from here.
February 12, 2024
This book is weird, but I had fun with it. I am the type of person that does well with things I can see in my mind, and I’m fairly imaginative. I had trouble imagining some of the scenes in this book. Akers does well with the abstract concepts, and weirdness that is the very meta magic system in the book. I could see it being a turn off for some readers.
The main character also just kind of… allows things to happen around him for most of the book. A side character holds a grudge against him for a dumb reason for most of the book, that could be cleared up with clear communication. I don’t like that. It’s not how people work, it’s a cheap way to manufacture drama, and its just lazy writing. The “exposed half truths threatening the relationship” is a troupe I want to see die.
The main character also just kind of… allows things to happen around him for most of the book. A side character holds a grudge against him for a dumb reason for most of the book, that could be cleared up with clear communication. I don’t like that. It’s not how people work, it’s a cheap way to manufacture drama, and its just lazy writing. The “exposed half truths threatening the relationship” is a troupe I want to see die.
August 17, 2020
Okay, I’m going to round this one up to 4 stars instead of going down to 3. It’s a good solid action fantasy. Nothing brilliant but a fun read. It’s a Baen published book so you know it’s going to be a fast paced action read because that’s what Baen publishes.
I think this novel is aimed more towards a male reader. It’s a wish fulfillment hero fantasy. But any ren faire or SCA person will have a good time with this book. It’s a love letter to both groups. :-)
For any fantasy reader that just wants a quick bit of classic escapism though this is a good read. Bonus points also for being a stand alone though he could potentially write another.
I think this novel is aimed more towards a male reader. It’s a wish fulfillment hero fantasy. But any ren faire or SCA person will have a good time with this book. It’s a love letter to both groups. :-)
For any fantasy reader that just wants a quick bit of classic escapism though this is a good read. Bonus points also for being a stand alone though he could potentially write another.
February 10, 2021
John Rast is a college, student home for the summer, who likes competing in sword duels in the local Renaissance Fair. He didn’t expect opponent to turn into a dragon, and he also didn’t expect to use his mother’s volvo to kill the thing. That gets him selected for Knight Watch (paper from Baen) along with an ex-girl friend who wants to be an elfin queen. The organization keeps the unreal from interacting with the mundane, and there’s an evil stirring in John’s town that needs all their efforts to keep the world safe. Tim Akers has an exciting romp that gets a bit nightmarish at times. I look forward to John’s next adventure.
November 15, 2023
The book has an interesting concept, but ends up with far too much overly complicated world building which ends up being confusing rather than explanatory. Plus, Mr. Akers definitely needed a good copy editor. Characters in scenes sometimes disappear--and I don't mean magical exits, and actions are unexplainably undone later (in one memorable case medics wipe blood off a table but a few paragraphs late two heroes, at different times, lay their weapons on the same table while trying to keep them out of the blood.)
September 19, 2020
Fun fun FUN. This book is a Percy-Jackson/Men in Black type of story, where you find out fantasy, fairy tale, and biblical creatures and heroes are REAL. Tim Akers handles this with not just great action, but humor that really hits the spot. He has produced a fun and original fantasy story and a good satire of Ren Faire, RPG, and LARP culture. While doing this, he manages not to talk down to or insult the people he satirizes. If you like a fun, quick read, I highly recommend KNIGHT WATCH.
September 26, 2020
Pretty typical story about a world where fantasy is just outside the edge of the normal world. The protagonist is pretty generic ren faire fighter. There is a deeper mystery (for certain values of deeper) tied into how he is first introduced into the fantasy world. There isn't a lot here to recommend the book if you've read anything similar. If you haven't this is a typical example of this type of story and it is done well.
November 10, 2021
This was an enjoyable romp with a nice knockabout energy. I liked that the science was spot on (author is a genticist) and the necessary handwavium to make the science in the book work was just given a mystic spin and then ignored. A nice touch, the handwavium doesn't always need to be explored.
This is a debut novel and I am afraid the characters are a little wooden and one-dimensional. However, this did not detract greatly from my enjoyment of the book.
It's a recommend from me.
This is a debut novel and I am afraid the characters are a little wooden and one-dimensional. However, this did not detract greatly from my enjoyment of the book.
It's a recommend from me.
April 5, 2022
I enjoyed reading this. It had a delightful Warehouse 13 feel without being anything like the show's plot.
Poor John flounders through his new reality. Sad for him but entertaining for the reader. I'm quite intrigued by the snippets that suggest greater secrets are still waiting to be revealed. Glad there's more to come.
I did receive a complimentary copy; all opinions are my own and willingly shared.
Poor John flounders through his new reality. Sad for him but entertaining for the reader. I'm quite intrigued by the snippets that suggest greater secrets are still waiting to be revealed. Glad there's more to come.
I did receive a complimentary copy; all opinions are my own and willingly shared.
April 13, 2022
Guardians of Mythology
Not a bad read. Definitely aimed at a younger audience than me. I learned about it because the sequel was just released. I am hoping this book laid the foundation for an even better story. It was not a bad book, just not as fleshed out as I would like. Lots of characters, but we know very little about them. Hopefully, future books will rectify this situation.
Not a bad read. Definitely aimed at a younger audience than me. I learned about it because the sequel was just released. I am hoping this book laid the foundation for an even better story. It was not a bad book, just not as fleshed out as I would like. Lots of characters, but we know very little about them. Hopefully, future books will rectify this situation.
October 13, 2020
Knight Watch was the most fun book I’ve read in a while. In a year like 2020 where it seems that there’s some new horror every day, a book that doesn’t take itself seriously is refreshing. John Rast’s ability to put a humorous spin on the darkest situation might be his greatest magic and is something many of us in the ‘mundane’ world could learn to do a little better at.
January 31, 2021
An engaging adventure from Dan Kobaldt
Noah Parker is a young genetic engineer who joins the Reptilian Corporation to help his younger brother only to discover an actual passion for designing real dragons. Along the way we are treated to beautiful vistas of the Arizona desert, an introduction to geocaching, and a sweetly comic friendship between a dragon and a pig.
Noah Parker is a young genetic engineer who joins the Reptilian Corporation to help his younger brother only to discover an actual passion for designing real dragons. Along the way we are treated to beautiful vistas of the Arizona desert, an introduction to geocaching, and a sweetly comic friendship between a dragon and a pig.
February 22, 2021
Well.
I was really excited for this book. And then I disliked the main character so much that I put the book down about two-thirds of the way through and didn't pick it up again for weeks. The premise is very cool and the story is interesting, although I went back and reread the last couple chapters because I wasn't sure what happened. YMMV.
I was really excited for this book. And then I disliked the main character so much that I put the book down about two-thirds of the way through and didn't pick it up again for weeks. The premise is very cool and the story is interesting, although I went back and reread the last couple chapters because I wasn't sure what happened. YMMV.
April 17, 2021
Modern Day Jurassic Park
I absolutely loved this book! The characters are so relatable and I loved the premise. Literally the only thing that didn't make this five stars were there were a significant number of typos that pulled me (briefly) out of the story. TOTALLY worth the read.
I absolutely loved this book! The characters are so relatable and I loved the premise. Literally the only thing that didn't make this five stars were there were a significant number of typos that pulled me (briefly) out of the story. TOTALLY worth the read.
May 21, 2022
Enjoyed this one
To me this book started slowly, probably because I had developed the wrong vision of where it was going from the preview I read. But Dan did a good job of introducing new characters and building the plot up so that by the end I felt it had became a page turner that couldn't be put down.
To me this book started slowly, probably because I had developed the wrong vision of where it was going from the preview I read. But Dan did a good job of introducing new characters and building the plot up so that by the end I felt it had became a page turner that couldn't be put down.
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