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Dragon Slayers' Guild: Dark Fantasy Action and Adventure
★★★★★ “Reading Dragon Slayer's Guild provided an escape into a rich, beautiful world and high-stakes story. It also shone a light on how... our ability to stand up for others is key to truly living a full life, even if we think our own voice/imprint on this world is too small to count.” – USA Today Bestselling Fantasy Author Katherine D. Graham
Three outcasts against the world. Can they steal a relic and slay a dragon without killing each other first?
Selene is a dark elf assassin exiled to seek enlightenment. To atone for past sins, she metes out justice from the shadows with swift fists and silent blades. But rumors haunt the night of a dragon whose fiery wrath burns the just and unjust alike. And that cannot stand.
Abbey is the jaded new gnome in town. The same jealous rivals that drove her father to his death have ousted her from the guilds. All she wants now is to lie low and be forgotten. If only she could turn a blind eye to the corruption all around her...
Silver-tongued thief Solomon needs only the money in his (or your) pocket and the girl on his arm. Although becoming king of the criminal underworld sounds nice too. Unless it kills him. Sol should know by ambition’s a bitch.
When their entangled fates threaten to strangle them all, this trio of outsiders have but two band together or die alone.
Dragon Slayers' Guild is the back-alley brawl where heroic fantasy trades blows with dungeon punk and urban fantasy. If you like gritty storytelling, rogue antiheroes, and dark humor, you’ll love the Hand of Fate.
Three outcasts against the world. Can they steal a relic and slay a dragon without killing each other first?
Selene is a dark elf assassin exiled to seek enlightenment. To atone for past sins, she metes out justice from the shadows with swift fists and silent blades. But rumors haunt the night of a dragon whose fiery wrath burns the just and unjust alike. And that cannot stand.
Abbey is the jaded new gnome in town. The same jealous rivals that drove her father to his death have ousted her from the guilds. All she wants now is to lie low and be forgotten. If only she could turn a blind eye to the corruption all around her...
Silver-tongued thief Solomon needs only the money in his (or your) pocket and the girl on his arm. Although becoming king of the criminal underworld sounds nice too. Unless it kills him. Sol should know by ambition’s a bitch.
When their entangled fates threaten to strangle them all, this trio of outsiders have but two band together or die alone.
Dragon Slayers' Guild is the back-alley brawl where heroic fantasy trades blows with dungeon punk and urban fantasy. If you like gritty storytelling, rogue antiheroes, and dark humor, you’ll love the Hand of Fate.
- GenresEpic FantasyDark Fantasy
426 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2023
10 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Brink
75 books41 followersIf taking a college fencing class, eating from the trash can, and smelling like an animal were qualifications for becoming a sword-swinging barbarian, J. D. Brink might be Conan’s protégé.
Instead, he joined the Navy… twice. He’s served aboard a warship in the Pacific, collected intel from foreign submarines, trained corpsmen to save Marines, and cared for patients at hospitals in Kuwait and Japan.
Today (New Years, 2023), he’s a civilian, a freelance writer, nurse, and educator. They ask that he not wear the Viking helmet in front of actual people…
Sign up for his newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.com/jdbrink...
Instead, he joined the Navy… twice. He’s served aboard a warship in the Pacific, collected intel from foreign submarines, trained corpsmen to save Marines, and cared for patients at hospitals in Kuwait and Japan.
Today (New Years, 2023), he’s a civilian, a freelance writer, nurse, and educator. They ask that he not wear the Viking helmet in front of actual people…
Sign up for his newsletter at https://www.subscribepage.com/jdbrink...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 30, 2023
Brink blends powerful magic and ancient myths with street-level concerns and humorous misfortunes, creating a light and complex gritty high fantasy tale.
Abbey Ax’l—alchemist, mage, engineer, and detective—is determined to start a new life in Overlook and has more than enough talents to do it; however, the same people who stole her father’s legacy also ruined her name within the Guilds, so she needs a new one. Solomon—gentleman thief and forger—struggles to be the best member of a gang he hates; but can’t leave without leaving the girl he loves. Selene—former criminal and assassin—is on a mystical path to enlightenment; assuming she can avoid the charming rogue from her past. Each of them has enough problems, and none of them would pick the others to solve them; but fate keeps tangling them up and—with a dragon supposedly eating people and conspiracies seemingly everywhere—they just can’t avoid working with each other.
At the start of the novel, each of the protagonists has clear personal goals, unconnected to the others. Through plausible chance and realistic character choices, the protagonists’ efforts to achieve their goals intersect briefly, then less briefly, drawing them ever closer together. However, unlike the team-gathering arc of many fantasy tales, this takes place over most of the book rather than merely being the first segment. Thus, while readers are likely to realise the characters are each involved with a different part of the same issues, the characters lack the broader context to put it together. This both adds to the tension and prevents the dilution of individual narrative that can happen with some group quests.
Brink’s world is equally formed of myriad threads: places have more than one name, with the name people use for them being driven by a personal mix of racial, political, and aesthetic reasons rather than a simple binary; in some cities, various races live together, while in others a particular race is seen as strange or even dangerous; status—even royalty—overlaps but does not equal wealth; some are members of multiple trade or professional guilds while others are members of none. This produces a background of complex allegiances, motives, and power that both feels like a real society and supports the overarching narrative of the characters being tied together more by external necessity than internal choice.
While the narrative voices have individual character, they are all active rather than introspective, casual rather than formal or academic, and display moments of wry or grim humour. This contrasts well with the complexity of the setting, creating a sense of fast-paced and amusing adventure without losing the feeling of depth and real threat.
Both the main arc and the three protagonists’ personal arcs are brought to a satisfying conclusion; however, a number of other larger-scale matters underlying them remain unresolved. Thus, although there are clear signs this is the first book in a series, the novel has a clean enough end that it stands alone.
Brink does not ignore the physical and social aspects of Abby being a gnome, but neither does he inflate their weight above her other traits; thus, she sometimes needs a stool to reach things at human height but is just as likely to be stymied by the jealously over her talents as she is by prejudice over her race.
Solomon is an engaging character, but reader sympathy is likely to come from contrast rather than a desire for good to triumph; compared to his confederates and those involved in the various conspiracies he intersects, he is decent enough, but he is still self-interested rather than heroic.
Selene is, as befits someone pursuing a quest for enlightenment, the one of the three not driven by vengeance or profit; however, she is at the stage of her path where her mentor has sent her out to discover the path for herself so—while she is driven by the goal of doing the right thing—she is still focused on not being the violent criminal she was, meaning she is just as defined by baser motives as the others.
The supporting cast are a solid balance of, mostly human, characters of varied professions, interests, and personalities. While they, plausibly, display group loyalties and traits, they are not defined by them, adding to the sense of a real and complex world of which this story is merely part.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers seeking gritty fantasy that isn’t grim.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
Abbey Ax’l—alchemist, mage, engineer, and detective—is determined to start a new life in Overlook and has more than enough talents to do it; however, the same people who stole her father’s legacy also ruined her name within the Guilds, so she needs a new one. Solomon—gentleman thief and forger—struggles to be the best member of a gang he hates; but can’t leave without leaving the girl he loves. Selene—former criminal and assassin—is on a mystical path to enlightenment; assuming she can avoid the charming rogue from her past. Each of them has enough problems, and none of them would pick the others to solve them; but fate keeps tangling them up and—with a dragon supposedly eating people and conspiracies seemingly everywhere—they just can’t avoid working with each other.
At the start of the novel, each of the protagonists has clear personal goals, unconnected to the others. Through plausible chance and realistic character choices, the protagonists’ efforts to achieve their goals intersect briefly, then less briefly, drawing them ever closer together. However, unlike the team-gathering arc of many fantasy tales, this takes place over most of the book rather than merely being the first segment. Thus, while readers are likely to realise the characters are each involved with a different part of the same issues, the characters lack the broader context to put it together. This both adds to the tension and prevents the dilution of individual narrative that can happen with some group quests.
Brink’s world is equally formed of myriad threads: places have more than one name, with the name people use for them being driven by a personal mix of racial, political, and aesthetic reasons rather than a simple binary; in some cities, various races live together, while in others a particular race is seen as strange or even dangerous; status—even royalty—overlaps but does not equal wealth; some are members of multiple trade or professional guilds while others are members of none. This produces a background of complex allegiances, motives, and power that both feels like a real society and supports the overarching narrative of the characters being tied together more by external necessity than internal choice.
While the narrative voices have individual character, they are all active rather than introspective, casual rather than formal or academic, and display moments of wry or grim humour. This contrasts well with the complexity of the setting, creating a sense of fast-paced and amusing adventure without losing the feeling of depth and real threat.
Both the main arc and the three protagonists’ personal arcs are brought to a satisfying conclusion; however, a number of other larger-scale matters underlying them remain unresolved. Thus, although there are clear signs this is the first book in a series, the novel has a clean enough end that it stands alone.
Brink does not ignore the physical and social aspects of Abby being a gnome, but neither does he inflate their weight above her other traits; thus, she sometimes needs a stool to reach things at human height but is just as likely to be stymied by the jealously over her talents as she is by prejudice over her race.
Solomon is an engaging character, but reader sympathy is likely to come from contrast rather than a desire for good to triumph; compared to his confederates and those involved in the various conspiracies he intersects, he is decent enough, but he is still self-interested rather than heroic.
Selene is, as befits someone pursuing a quest for enlightenment, the one of the three not driven by vengeance or profit; however, she is at the stage of her path where her mentor has sent her out to discover the path for herself so—while she is driven by the goal of doing the right thing—she is still focused on not being the violent criminal she was, meaning she is just as defined by baser motives as the others.
The supporting cast are a solid balance of, mostly human, characters of varied professions, interests, and personalities. While they, plausibly, display group loyalties and traits, they are not defined by them, adding to the sense of a real and complex world of which this story is merely part.
Overall, I enjoyed this novel greatly. I recommend it to readers seeking gritty fantasy that isn’t grim.
I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.
April 19, 2023
I received an advance reader copy of Dragon Slayers’ Guild for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For everything blurbs can do wrong—and everything they can do right—it's rare that four words from one can so succinctly tell the reader everything they need to know about the book’s tone, informing them about whether it’s up their alley. Dragon Slayers’ Guild’s blurb is one of these rarities. But “high fantasy goes slumming” does just that.
To be fair, the rest of Dragon Slayers’ Guild’s blurb sets the scene and lets readers know what they’re in for, but “high fantasy goes slumming” seals the deal in a way that is perfectly emblematic of the book. This is a high fantasy novel where the stakes aren’t as high as readers would usually expect from the genre. It's more akin to Discworld. If the author continues the book’s world for as long as Pratchett continued Discworld, I would be very happy.
The author has not only created a wonderful fantasy world, but he has populated it with a fun plot that doesn’t take itself too seriously, great characters, and prose that captures the spirit of the story. I had a great time reading this, and the book feels very much like the author had a great time writing it. From the book’s beginning to its end, it is unadulterated fun that hooks the reader and doesn’t let them go until they’ve finished the book.
While not particularly long for a high fantasy, it is long for one where the major focus is fun and shenanigans over gravitas. For anyone with a distaste for prologues and epilogues, this has two of each. I see them as good or as bad as the book allows them to be, and they work beautifully here, bookending the novel with looks at characters in the story’s periphery while setting up the world and providing a wonderful coda. While the story isn’t as sweeping as many a high fantasy, there's enough happening throughout it to warrant the book’s length. The pacing is on point, moving through the story quickly, while also developing its characters and providing plenty of worldbuilding.
This pacing is aided by fantastic prose, which casts an inviting tone. It is clean and always clear, making for a smooth reading. The book isn’t peppered with purple prose; instead, it takes the reader on a journey through which it tells them a 450 page plus in-joke. Written in a witty style that suits the story, it helps the overall joy that the book sparks. Not only does the writing convey the plot, and describe its characters and events, it paints the world in vivid detail while providing plenty of background information about the world, which serves to deepen the story further. While providing such detail can often hamper a story’s flow, it all transitions so beautifully that the book never loses momentum.
The world is as fantastic as it is fantastical. While very much taking place in a high fantasy setting, the world is unique. It doesn’t feel like it takes place in the middle ages, but instead in a world of its own. It may feature fantasy standards like elves and dragons, but it also takes a left turn with less featured races like gnomes, as well as others not mentioned in the blurb. But no matter the creature, whether it’s well-worn in high fantasy or not, the author puts a unique spin on them.
The characters feel and sound like they come from recent times. This adds to the book’s atmosphere thanks to their charm. The three main characters, Selene, an elf, Solomon Dustwalker, a human, and Abbey Norm’l all provide the book’s POV through clearly signposted chapters, and all could have easily served as the book’s sole POV character. The side characters add further vivacity to the world. The dialogue pops as the characters bounce off one another.
This may be the first book in a series, and if you’re dissuaded by books promising a series because you’re concerned about not getting a full story, it stands alone well enough that it makes for a thoroughly engaging standalone story. While there’s more story to tell, as beautifully teased within its pages, The Dragon Slayers’ Guild feels like a complete experience.
The Dragon Slayers’ Guild is a great fantasy tale made even greater by its sense of humour. Never taking itself too seriously, it's full of wonderful characters and brilliant worldbuilding.
My full review will be available on my website from 1 May 2023. To read it, and a host of other reviews, click here.
For everything blurbs can do wrong—and everything they can do right—it's rare that four words from one can so succinctly tell the reader everything they need to know about the book’s tone, informing them about whether it’s up their alley. Dragon Slayers’ Guild’s blurb is one of these rarities. But “high fantasy goes slumming” does just that.
To be fair, the rest of Dragon Slayers’ Guild’s blurb sets the scene and lets readers know what they’re in for, but “high fantasy goes slumming” seals the deal in a way that is perfectly emblematic of the book. This is a high fantasy novel where the stakes aren’t as high as readers would usually expect from the genre. It's more akin to Discworld. If the author continues the book’s world for as long as Pratchett continued Discworld, I would be very happy.
The author has not only created a wonderful fantasy world, but he has populated it with a fun plot that doesn’t take itself too seriously, great characters, and prose that captures the spirit of the story. I had a great time reading this, and the book feels very much like the author had a great time writing it. From the book’s beginning to its end, it is unadulterated fun that hooks the reader and doesn’t let them go until they’ve finished the book.
While not particularly long for a high fantasy, it is long for one where the major focus is fun and shenanigans over gravitas. For anyone with a distaste for prologues and epilogues, this has two of each. I see them as good or as bad as the book allows them to be, and they work beautifully here, bookending the novel with looks at characters in the story’s periphery while setting up the world and providing a wonderful coda. While the story isn’t as sweeping as many a high fantasy, there's enough happening throughout it to warrant the book’s length. The pacing is on point, moving through the story quickly, while also developing its characters and providing plenty of worldbuilding.
This pacing is aided by fantastic prose, which casts an inviting tone. It is clean and always clear, making for a smooth reading. The book isn’t peppered with purple prose; instead, it takes the reader on a journey through which it tells them a 450 page plus in-joke. Written in a witty style that suits the story, it helps the overall joy that the book sparks. Not only does the writing convey the plot, and describe its characters and events, it paints the world in vivid detail while providing plenty of background information about the world, which serves to deepen the story further. While providing such detail can often hamper a story’s flow, it all transitions so beautifully that the book never loses momentum.
The world is as fantastic as it is fantastical. While very much taking place in a high fantasy setting, the world is unique. It doesn’t feel like it takes place in the middle ages, but instead in a world of its own. It may feature fantasy standards like elves and dragons, but it also takes a left turn with less featured races like gnomes, as well as others not mentioned in the blurb. But no matter the creature, whether it’s well-worn in high fantasy or not, the author puts a unique spin on them.
The characters feel and sound like they come from recent times. This adds to the book’s atmosphere thanks to their charm. The three main characters, Selene, an elf, Solomon Dustwalker, a human, and Abbey Norm’l all provide the book’s POV through clearly signposted chapters, and all could have easily served as the book’s sole POV character. The side characters add further vivacity to the world. The dialogue pops as the characters bounce off one another.
This may be the first book in a series, and if you’re dissuaded by books promising a series because you’re concerned about not getting a full story, it stands alone well enough that it makes for a thoroughly engaging standalone story. While there’s more story to tell, as beautifully teased within its pages, The Dragon Slayers’ Guild feels like a complete experience.
The Dragon Slayers’ Guild is a great fantasy tale made even greater by its sense of humour. Never taking itself too seriously, it's full of wonderful characters and brilliant worldbuilding.
My full review will be available on my website from 1 May 2023. To read it, and a host of other reviews, click here.
May 29, 2023
Gnome mage Abigail Ax'l left her life as a detective behind to finally avenge her father. Then she meets a thief. And an assassin...
**I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the author and Reedsy Discovery. Receiving a free copy did not in any way impact my review. This is an honest, spoiler-free review, and any opinions expressed within are solely my own.**
Abigail Ax'l is a strong, smart woman, who wants nothing more than to find her sister, avenge her father's death, and then possibly lay low for a while.
But when dragons are said to be wreaking havoc on a human town, the values-drive, headstrong heroine cannot help but try to face her fate head-on and deduce what is behind the attacks. When the locals are not as keen to have a gnome mage on the case, though, Abigail's trail quickly takes a darker (but more exciting turn) as she takes finding the dragon(s) into her own hands.
Dragon Slayers' Guild is a refreshing sword/sorcery tale that truly kept me on the edge of my seat. Brink's work rises to meet the highest (and harshest) fantasy expectations set by the classics, but also breathes a new life into epic fantasy for a new generation of readers.
I appreciated how Abigail, the main character, is both a minority and an underdog, but she doesn't let the status her birth granted her determine her future. She rises to meet adversity head-on, but does so in a wise, open-minded way.
Abigail and Selene (one of two other characters who share an occasional point of view in the book) are both written as strong, competent women, but not to the point of being over-powered, arrogant, or broken. This strength by no means implies that they are perfect, as each of them carries their own shadows and demons, but Brink has woven what it truly means to be human into all three of the 'outcast' main characters. They may be outcasts, but they live perhaps some of the fullest lives, with purpose (even if flawed).
While Dragon Slayers' Guild holds some classic epic fantasy challenges, it also works in real-life morals and struggles. Reading Dragon Slayer's Guild provided an escape into a rich, beautiful world and high-stakes story. It also shone a light on how, while enemies may not be dragons, the way we treat others and our ability to stand up for others is key to truly living a full life, even if we think our own voice/imprint on this world is too small to count.
I can completely see Dragon Slayer's Guild as growing into a fantastic series. I'm only sad that I'm going to have to wait to read more.
**I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the author and Reedsy Discovery. Receiving a free copy did not in any way impact my review. This is an honest, spoiler-free review, and any opinions expressed within are solely my own.**
Abigail Ax'l is a strong, smart woman, who wants nothing more than to find her sister, avenge her father's death, and then possibly lay low for a while.
But when dragons are said to be wreaking havoc on a human town, the values-drive, headstrong heroine cannot help but try to face her fate head-on and deduce what is behind the attacks. When the locals are not as keen to have a gnome mage on the case, though, Abigail's trail quickly takes a darker (but more exciting turn) as she takes finding the dragon(s) into her own hands.
Dragon Slayers' Guild is a refreshing sword/sorcery tale that truly kept me on the edge of my seat. Brink's work rises to meet the highest (and harshest) fantasy expectations set by the classics, but also breathes a new life into epic fantasy for a new generation of readers.
I appreciated how Abigail, the main character, is both a minority and an underdog, but she doesn't let the status her birth granted her determine her future. She rises to meet adversity head-on, but does so in a wise, open-minded way.
Abigail and Selene (one of two other characters who share an occasional point of view in the book) are both written as strong, competent women, but not to the point of being over-powered, arrogant, or broken. This strength by no means implies that they are perfect, as each of them carries their own shadows and demons, but Brink has woven what it truly means to be human into all three of the 'outcast' main characters. They may be outcasts, but they live perhaps some of the fullest lives, with purpose (even if flawed).
While Dragon Slayers' Guild holds some classic epic fantasy challenges, it also works in real-life morals and struggles. Reading Dragon Slayer's Guild provided an escape into a rich, beautiful world and high-stakes story. It also shone a light on how, while enemies may not be dragons, the way we treat others and our ability to stand up for others is key to truly living a full life, even if we think our own voice/imprint on this world is too small to count.
I can completely see Dragon Slayer's Guild as growing into a fantastic series. I'm only sad that I'm going to have to wait to read more.
August 1, 2023
Abbey, Selene and Sol are all outsiders to Overlook. Yet they come together through a series of strange circumstances and care enough to try to right some wrongs.
This book quickly swept me away to another world. One that has been that has been completely developed and filled with three dimensional characters. I fell in love with Abbey while Sol reminded me of a few ex-boyfriends. And don’t get me started on Sargent Hob.
Overall, I found DRAGON SLAYERS’GUILD to be a delightful story. There are a few editing errors including exchanging taught for taut throughout the book but if those were corrected, this book would be a five star read.
.. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book quickly swept me away to another world. One that has been that has been completely developed and filled with three dimensional characters. I fell in love with Abbey while Sol reminded me of a few ex-boyfriends. And don’t get me started on Sargent Hob.
Overall, I found DRAGON SLAYERS’GUILD to be a delightful story. There are a few editing errors including exchanging taught for taut throughout the book but if those were corrected, this book would be a five star read.
.. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 14, 2025
A thief, a mage who has a mastery of multiple skills, and an assassin team up
All unknown to each other, they form a friendship that carries them through the dangers of the city of Overlook. Solomon, a very capable human thief who ignores good advice from his friends and even his own conscience. Abbey, a gnome certified in 4 different Guild registries, is seeking a life in a new city, Overlook. Selene, an elf assassin, a member of the Sun Shadows, is seeking new experiences, as well as making restitution for her past as a thief and enforcer, so that she can become Eclipsed. She is skilled in stealth, investigation, and combat.
Be sure to use the link in the book to download the free book 'Guild Glossary'.
All unknown to each other, they form a friendship that carries them through the dangers of the city of Overlook. Solomon, a very capable human thief who ignores good advice from his friends and even his own conscience. Abbey, a gnome certified in 4 different Guild registries, is seeking a life in a new city, Overlook. Selene, an elf assassin, a member of the Sun Shadows, is seeking new experiences, as well as making restitution for her past as a thief and enforcer, so that she can become Eclipsed. She is skilled in stealth, investigation, and combat.
Be sure to use the link in the book to download the free book 'Guild Glossary'.
May 6, 2023
Was a great read; full of adventure, wit and sarcasm, and lewd humour. The action scenes kept me wanting more and the character development was paced just right to want to see more while not so fast as to have seen too much too quick as other stories are wont to do.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to a hopefully epic series of continuations and prequels.
I received a free version of this story to give my honest and impartial review upon completion.
I really enjoyed this and look forward to a hopefully epic series of continuations and prequels.
I received a free version of this story to give my honest and impartial review upon completion.
April 14, 2023
Interesting story and array of characters, put me in mind of a Terry Pratchett type vibe. I wouldn’t say I was engrossed but I did find it readable.
Hopefully in future books there would be a bit more backstory to the lead characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Hopefully in future books there would be a bit more backstory to the lead characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
May 4, 2023
Similar to a D&D campaign
I wasn't expecting much from this story and it really surprised me. The characters, their races, their back stories and their abilities are well thought out and even the locale setting is unique. With a mystery and plenty or magic and thievery, this is a fun start to a series.
I wasn't expecting much from this story and it really surprised me. The characters, their races, their back stories and their abilities are well thought out and even the locale setting is unique. With a mystery and plenty or magic and thievery, this is a fun start to a series.
May 21, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. Though a pretty large, I read it in a blink of an eye, because I just didn’t want to put it down. It is well written and well executed. Though there were many sub-plots, the author brought everything together beautifully. I can’t wait to read the next one!
April 20, 2023
A fantastic beginning for a series. Can't wait for more!
June 17, 2023
Excellent fantasy reading with multiple characters and their points of view,original and imaginative world building made this a fun read, and a night stand favorite!
September 5, 2023
Great book! Really enjoyed this one. Really loved the characters and the story arcs. Would definitely read more from the author.
May 29, 2023
Gnome mage Abigail Ax'l left her life as a detective behind to finally avenge her father. Then she meets a thief. And an assassin...
**I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the author and Reedsy Discovery. Receiving a free copy did not in any way impact my review. This is an honest, spoiler-free review, and any opinions expressed within are solely my own.**
Abigail Ax'l is a strong, smart woman, who wants nothing more than to find her sister, avenge her father's death, and then possibly lay low for a while.
But when dragons are said to be wreaking havoc on a human town, the values-drive, headstrong heroine cannot help but try to face her fate head-on and deduce what is behind the attacks. When the locals are not as keen to have a gnome mage on the case, though, Abigail's trail quickly takes a darker (but more exciting turn) as she takes finding the dragon(s) into her own hands.
Dragon Slayers' Guild is a refreshing sword/sorcery tale that truly kept me on the edge of my seat. Brink's work rises to meet the highest (and harshest) fantasy expectations set by the classics, but also breathes a new life into epic fantasy for a new generation of readers.
I appreciated how Abigail, the main character, is both a minority and an underdog, but she doesn't let the status her birth granted her determine her future. She rises to meet adversity head-on, but does so in a wise, open-minded way.
Abigail and Selene (one of two other characters who share an occasional point of view in the book) are both written as strong, competent women, but not to the point of being over-powered, arrogant, or broken. This strength by no means implies that they are perfect, as each of them carries their own shadows and demons, but Brink has woven what it truly means to be human into all three of the 'outcast' main characters. They may be outcasts, but they live perhaps some of the fullest lives, with purpose (even if flawed).
While Dragon Slayers' Guild holds some classic epic fantasy challenges, it also works in real-life morals and struggles. Reading Dragon Slayer's Guild provided an escape into a rich, beautiful world and high-stakes story. It also shone a light on how, while enemies may not be dragons, the way we treat others and our ability to stand up for others is key to truly living a full life, even if we think our own voice/imprint on this world is too small to count.
I can completely see Dragon Slayer's Guild as growing into a fantastic series. I'm only sad that I'm going to have to wait to read more.
**I received a free copy of this book courtesy of the author and Reedsy Discovery. Receiving a free copy did not in any way impact my review. This is an honest, spoiler-free review, and any opinions expressed within are solely my own.**
Abigail Ax'l is a strong, smart woman, who wants nothing more than to find her sister, avenge her father's death, and then possibly lay low for a while.
But when dragons are said to be wreaking havoc on a human town, the values-drive, headstrong heroine cannot help but try to face her fate head-on and deduce what is behind the attacks. When the locals are not as keen to have a gnome mage on the case, though, Abigail's trail quickly takes a darker (but more exciting turn) as she takes finding the dragon(s) into her own hands.
Dragon Slayers' Guild is a refreshing sword/sorcery tale that truly kept me on the edge of my seat. Brink's work rises to meet the highest (and harshest) fantasy expectations set by the classics, but also breathes a new life into epic fantasy for a new generation of readers.
I appreciated how Abigail, the main character, is both a minority and an underdog, but she doesn't let the status her birth granted her determine her future. She rises to meet adversity head-on, but does so in a wise, open-minded way.
Abigail and Selene (one of two other characters who share an occasional point of view in the book) are both written as strong, competent women, but not to the point of being over-powered, arrogant, or broken. This strength by no means implies that they are perfect, as each of them carries their own shadows and demons, but Brink has woven what it truly means to be human into all three of the 'outcast' main characters. They may be outcasts, but they live perhaps some of the fullest lives, with purpose (even if flawed).
While Dragon Slayers' Guild holds some classic epic fantasy challenges, it also works in real-life morals and struggles. Reading Dragon Slayer's Guild provided an escape into a rich, beautiful world and high-stakes story. It also shone a light on how, while enemies may not be dragons, the way we treat others and our ability to stand up for others is key to truly living a full life, even if we think our own voice/imprint on this world is too small to count.
I can completely see Dragon Slayer's Guild as growing into a fantastic series. I'm only sad that I'm going to have to wait to read more.
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