Blood and Coin:

The Ranger Archives #2

by Philip C. Quaintrell

From Philip C. Quaintrell, author of the popular fantasy series 'The Echoes Saga': 'For lovers of your classic Tolkien, this series has it all' - Alan Coleman - Amazon customer 'Best newcomer to the genre. Philip is up there with Feist and Sanderson' - Philip Spick - Amazon customer
Monsters breed legends... and legends breed monsters. This is the way of things. This is the way of the Ranger. Turned from the path of the assassin, Asher roams the world no better than a nomad, with naught to offer but his sword and grit. But woe betide the monster that believes his sword and grit will not be enough...
In a twisted chance of fate, the brash actions of Doran Heavybelly - a dwarven hunter with a lot to say - forces Asher back into the world of man. And so the ranger is brought into the light, into the gaze of Illian's greatest crime guilds and onto the lawless island of Dragorn.
A deal must be made, and with a creature far worse than any of the fiends Asher has put to his sword. To save those who cannot save themselves, the ranger must choose between his life and theirs. Should he make such a deal, 'tis not his life that would be forfeit but the man he has worked so hard to become.
In the end, it will all come down to blood and coin... -- ''The Echoes Saga' demonstrates a simple commitment to the power of story' - Stephen Dudley - Amazon customer

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Fiction, Audiobook, High Fantasy, Ebooks, Elves

568 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2022

About the author

Philip started his career as an emergency nurse and began writing the books he’d want to read as a hobby between shifts.

He published his first novel in 2016, and soon began his epic fantasy series, The Echoes Saga which went straight into the Amazon bestsellers list in 4 countries.

Now one of the best-selling indie authors worldwide, Philip lives in Manchester, England with his wife and two young children and is hoping this is just the beginning.

Reviews

[Henrique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood and Coin


Segundo livro de The Ranger Archive da trilogia prequel do Asher e eu gostei mais desse livro do que dó primeiro principalmente por termos de volta um personagem icônico da série principal que também é amigo do Asher e muito bom ver como eles se conheceram e tudo o que levou eles a formarem uma amizade e o plot desse livro foi muito sofrido para o nosso protagonista com ele tendo que se sacrificar mais um vez para salvar outras pessoas e o vilão desse livro foi simplesmente um merda da pior espécie juro que toda hora que ele aparecia para provocar o Asher eu ficava torcendo pra ele morrer que cara escroto mas tirando esse babaca gostei muito do ritmo do livro do desenvolvimento dos personagens e de como a trama se fechou nesse livro acho que esse é o legal dessa trilogia cada livro tem uma trama com um início meio e fim e mal posso esperar para ver qual vai ser o rolê do Asher no último livro da trilogia que imagino que já vai ter dado mais um salto temporal e nos deixará mais perto de onde começamos The Rise of The Ranger.

[Choko · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** 4.44

A great novel in the tradition of Sword and Sorcery and Dragonlance, this trilogy is the better set of books in the Ranger themed series by the author. I find myself really enjoying them. Monster hunting at its best, but even better, bromance between our Ranger and a displaced Dwarf 😃. Loved it! Perfect for the fans of the genre and nothing age inappropriate for any ages😃👍

[Andrew Rockwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 stars—-

“Blood and Coin” is another great installment in The Ranger Archives, this is self-publishing at its best. Each book of this trilogy is long, but Quaintrell has made them hard to put down by stuffing them with deadly monsters (think Witcher) and awesome fight scenes (think Daredevil). The dwarves made this one enjoyable on a level different from “Court of Assassins” by providing Asher with real friendship and support. The dwarves were great but book one’s lone wolf assassin vibes also worked for me, while overall enjoying it more because of Asher’s time at Nightfall.
I’m gonna jump into the future on Verda’s timeline and read some more of the Echoes Saga before I enjoy book three of this trilogy, “A Dance of Fang and Claw”.

[Barefoot Gypsy Jimerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Really Great Read. It was my pleasure read this book!

Wow!!! Wow!!! What amazing writing it felt so real. I was drawn into this story and began to know what the man Asher is inside. I could feel every thrust of a sword as Inter the flesh as it is pulled out an smell the blood as it hits the ground. That is how clear the writing is.

Asher is a man with two souls one he wants to be an one he hates. When he is made to fight six Gladiators at the same time he just stands an waits. When his red blindfold is put over his eyes he becomes the man he hates the assassin he no longer wants to be. But he beings to hear their heart beats, smell their sick sweat running down there body's, the sand beneath their feet, the movement of the swords. With in a few heart beats they are all dead at his feet.

All Asher wants is to be is human, but the assassin is locked inside. He just wants to be alone. There are others who have other ideas. He doesn't know how to deal with the kindness they show him when he thinks he is a monster. He wants an has tried to end his life or have someone else that is better than himself to end it for him. This for me was very hard to read. When life is so wonderful to have. I have seen what that is like an show them life is a beautiful thing to have. An how one life has gone by there own had. Asher will find that people are the best thing to have in his life.

Philip Quaintrell has out done himself in this story. He brings life to all to fell what it means to live. This is one read that you have to read ,this series shows you what one man is fighting for... HIMSELF!!!!!! Thank for you for the best book I have read this year. As always a DAMN FINE READ.

[Kristine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars 🌟

This was another winner in a fantastic series. We are getting to see the back story and how Asher becomes the man that he is when we meet him in the first book of the Echoes Series - Rise of the Ranger.

The first book had Asher as a fairly solitary character as he began to try to learn how to deal with his new emerging conscience and the emotions of guilt and self loathing that came with them after a life as an assassin. He was faced with his ability to now make actual choices on the decisions that were going to impact his life. Instincts are hard to change.

In this book we meet and get to know Doran Heavybelly - a dwarven hunter. Their relationship is hilarious, considering that when they meet, Dorian ends up selling Asher into slavery for coin and tells the tribe who gets him that he is a fantastic cook. So, the initial meeting with Dorian did not leave me with happy feelings.

The fact that at the end of this series, I fell in love with the crazy Dwarf is amazing. Now that is a character redemptive arc :)

To me, this book did tend to slow down in the pacing during the middle (it tended to FEEL a bit long) and that is the only reason that it wasn't a five star read, but I loved seeing the changes in Asher and I am really loving the man he is growing into.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

May be the finest Quaintrell book l've read to date.

Asher continues his new path as a ranger. He feels he may finally be putting his past behind him. But assassin is always lurking just under the surface, ready to reappear.

Included in this book was Asher's first meeting with Doran, son of Dorain.

[Chichi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the second even more than the first; something I didn't think was possible.

[Paul Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4 Stars.

What would happen if you mixed The Witcher, Daredevil and Spartacus together? . . . why you would get, Blood and Coin, of course!

Very entertaining read coupled with good writing. Very much looking forward to the final volume in this, the Ranger Archive Trilogy. Good stuff.

[Rick Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Elar · Rating 3 out of 5]

In addition to Drizzt vibes it is also very Witcher like, although somewhat missing Slavic grimness, more westerly take on it.

[Jamey Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of "The Witcher" games/books/tv show, this is for you.

[Victor Varga · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars- A RANGER AND A DWARF ENTER AN INN



Well...what can i say... I'm not a professional reviewer, i'm just a fantasy fan and, most importantly, a Quaintrell's fan. His works always manage to move something in me difficult to explain with the right words. Sometimes there are simply those stories capable of vibrating with all your being. Quaintrell's stories have everything i look for in a fantasy, and in a story in general. Big and vivid worlds, classical elements of fantasy ( like dwarves, elves and dragona) but in an modern twist, incredible and cinematic action, and, most importantly, characters that feels human and real, with wich you can get attached and you can relate. This book in spefic managed to do this and more, it's absurd to see this evolution in Quaintrell's writing. This is the second book in the prequel trilogy about Asher. Usually people get frustrated about prequels because they think that authors do this to just get more money and more following using the name of the saga, and sometimes it can be like that, but not in this case. This feels like a personal and intimate story that Philip wanted to tell about the beginning of one of the best characters of The Echoes Saga, if not the best. Asher really is my favorite fantasy character, on par with Kaladin Stormblessed ( from the Stormlight Archive). I don't know why i find so compelling those type of brooding, solitary, self-loathing but still heroic characters. It's the conflict in them, their insecurities, their struggles with themselves other than with others. Their ability to go forward, no matter what, even if they stumble along the way. This is the aim of The Ranger Archives: to show the reader how a broken man can still bring beauty to a world full of Monsters, either being men or creatures, or himself. In this book we get to see him struggles more than ever to fight with the Arakesh ( Assassin in Elven) in him, because now he has a new Life, that of a Ranger, but it's not perfect. He hunts alone, he lives alone, he trusts no one. The Ranger Is real in him, but it's still a way to keep away the Assassin. He doesn't feel a Ranger 100%. He can't be a hero, not until he fights and wins against the Assassin. Without getting into spoiler, the story at a certain point forces Asher to be a weapon in the hands of another man once again, and the internal conflict was the most compelling thing ever, even more than the actual fights with monsters and men ( wich, believe me, are at their highest level here like in the other books). Every men he killed, every life taken, every order executed, was a step backwards for the Ranger, and two forward for the Assassin. Asher is a complicated and extremely conflicted character, and i have to say i teared up a couple of times just feeling his frustration and self-loathing.

And here it comes the most lovable dwarf of all time, Doran Heavybelly, one of the characters of The Echoes Saga and one of the most important person in Asher's life. Asher needs someone, he desperately needs to trust another person, to have a friend, a family...even if he doesn't know yet, and even if Doran doesn't know either. Their relationship infact was one of the most funny things of the book. I didn't expect that they would encounter from the get go, even less that they would put a spoke in the wheel of each other! They really kinda have a hate and love relation in the first half of the book, but of course, events force their characters to work together and know each other. They learn to see the other in themselves, with backgrounds really similar from a psychological point of view ( if you want to see more of Doran's character just do yourself a favor and read The Echoes Saga if you haven't, you'll get to see his backstory and psychological evolution , with many other things). They know they are similar, and so, a kinship is formed, and through various actions they learn to call the other "friend". Asher needs one, but he can't really be what he wants to be with the Assassin inside him, so we'll have to see how he gets to really become the Asher we know in the next book. Their relationship is extremely vivid and well written, i loved their friendship in The Echoes Saga and i love It even more now that i know where it came from. Doran's points of view are funny but useful at the same time. There's an evolution from his side too, and acquisition of maturity, and moreover, his chapters helps to give you a moment of respite from Asher's story, full of pain and struggle. They are the best comic and heartful duo i have ever read, i think, truly special. There's another important character in the story but i don't want to spoil too much.
The action scenes are excellent! The choreography is one of the strenghts of Philip's writing. I cannot wait to see all of this on screen, because it's Just plainly awesome. I am an action oriented guy, and this is top notch. Really, if you love like John Gwynne's actions scenes... Oh well, than is going to be your cup of tea!
Moreover, the monster are incredible, well imagined and original. You'll see a lot of beasts in this series, and in this book in particular given the location in wich Asher finds himself at a certain point. The creatures that Quaintrell brought up were all terrifying and powerful, wow. The action scenes with them were sublime!
I also have to add that the bestiary entries you can find at the start of every chapter lets you see how many monsters Philip came up with, it's a little thing but It helps you to feel in a real fantasy world.

The last thing i wanted to say is a big and eternal thank you to Philip Quaintrell. I really don't know why, but in this book, he decides to put ME in the book, and not as a secondary character, but as the main and brutal villain of the story!!! The villain, Viktor Varga, is a special gift for wich i will never be grateful enough! My name, meself, in a book. Of course, i'm not that despicable as a man ahahahha. Seeing my name and surname every time was an inexplicable feeling... I don't know what i did to deserve It, but it made this book one of the most special experiences of my life. Maybe it's a little thing, but for me, Is one of those gestures that really makes things better. He Is a great author, and a better man. Of course, Viktor Varga was the most hateful and disgusting villain, and his fate was fufilling and a bit disturbing for me of course ahahahhaha. It's a fascinating villain, i loved him, even outside the nature of his creation. It's the perfect villain for this part of Asher's life, and i couldn't ask for more. To be, in a way, an important stepstone in my favorite character's life, is incredible and Epic.

So yeah... It's been a wonderful journey, made even better by this gift, and i cannot wait, i truly cannot wait, for the conclusion of this trilogy, an incredible prequel, a perfect examination of Asher's character, and i cannot wait even more for what will come next, beacuse i know it will be EPIC.

Thank you Philip Quaintrell, this stories are in my heart Forever.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the Second Book in The Rangers Archives Trilogy. Some Spoilers.

As the book opens, former Arkesh assassin Asher is out doing ‘Ranger’ business hunting down a monster when he encounters a dwarf named Doran Heavybelly. Doran is a bounty hunter, tracking down the same monster, and they agree to work together and split the reward. Doran, however, knows the local language and cuts a deal in his favor, much to Asher’s chagrin, but in the end, things work out. It leaves Asher with a bitter taste in his mouth. After the events of the last book, he realizes he can trust no one.

A few months later, he encounters another dwarf, Danagarr Stormshield, who is desperately seeking help. A troll is living in the area above his homestead, showing signs of coming closer and closer to his farm. Asher agrees to go have a look, meets his wife Kilda and adorable daughter Deadora and likes them. He agrees to help them but who should show up but his old ‘friend’ Doran. They work together to help the family even if they don't like each other. During this adventure, Doran glimpses what Asher’s magic artifact can do, but Asher refuses to discuss it.

While there, Asher learns that both Daron and the Dwarf family are exiles from the Dwarven Kingdom, for different reasons. They mention some dwarf lore about the hierarchy and politics of their home, and later stories will revisit it.

During this time, Doran reveals he has fallen out with a crime magnet from the nearby island of Dragorn. He was to deliver a particular monster but couldn’t, and now the guy is after him. By going to the home of his friends, he has unwittingly put them in the line of fire. Asher agrees to help him, only because he likes the dwarf family, not because of Doran.

They try to make things right, arrive on the island, but things go south. In order to protect the family, Asher agrees to stay on the island and fight in the arena against other fighters and monsters. This is a much used theme of an arena or tournament where a person fights to protect someone else. This goes deeper than just throwing swords and drop kicks. Here Asher realizes the assassin in him is still there, close to the surface. It’s ridiculous to think you can simply walk away from a cult and everything is now sunshine and roses. Circumstances now force Asher to confront these deep issues in the arena.

There’s a version of Gollum/Smeagol interaction going on inside him (although it might be more in keeping with Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier or any other ‘am I evil or good when I had little choice in the matter’ thematic element of choice). A lot of angst. So while he fights the other combatants on the outside, he fights internally with himself.

The villain is a smart, cocky manipulative opportunist named Viktor who knows how to exploit what he has. He has surrounded himself with mages (magic welders) who protect him. He’s made Asher his prime attraction, publicly calling attention to the fact that Asher is an Arakesh.

Doran heads home and on the way finds out that Viktor had no intention of honoring his deal of leaving the family alone. Much fighting and adventuring ensues, but in the end he returns to the island to rescue Asher.

More adventuring, fighting and twists and turns.

This is a very exciting read, going deeper in to Ashers psychic and developing his emotional growth outside the ‘comfort’ of his old life and his eventual acceptance of some hard-earned truths about himself.

It’s a worthy successor to Court of Assassins.

[Wolfmantula · Rating 5 out of 5]

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MY ⭐️ RATING: 4.75/5
FORMAT: Kindle Whispersync

Court of Assassins walked so that Blood and Coincould run, and the key difference was Doran Heavybelly. I enjoyed Court of Assassins, don’t get me wrong, but it was missing something that I didn’t realize was missing until reading Blood & Coin. Fireworks exploded and the world rejoiced when two of my favorite characters from the Echoes saga got to meet for the first time, and the result is pure magic. Their banter is razor-sharp, blending wit and camaraderie in a way that feels like catching up with old friends. Every scene they share is a highlight, from playful jabs to moments of trust, making their partnership the heart of the story.

Doran’s past is expanded upon from what was learned in the original saga, which adds depth to his character, but it’s his impact on Asher that shines. Doran doesn’t just steal the show; he unlocks new layers in Asher from once being a stone-cold killer, to discovering more of his humanity. New characters like Viktor Varga, a cunning pitmaster who runs the brutal Blood and Coin fighting pit, push Asher deeper into that darkness, tempting him to embrace his demons. Meanwhile, introducing readers to how Asher met Salim Al-Anon and the Dwarven Stormshields, who also help ground him, pulling him toward his Ranger ideals. This tug-of-war makes Asher’s journey feel alive, showing his struggle to be more than a weapon.

What sets Blood and Coin apart is its ability to feel like a complete story, not just a bridge to something bigger. The gladiator-style arena, where Asher is forced to fight as Varga’s executioner, evokes the raw intensity of Spartacus, Viktor as a scheming Batiatus, Salim as a noble Crixus, and Asher as the conflicted hero. These fights aren’t just thrilling; they expose the corruption of Verda’s underbelly, from monstrous creatures to the greed of those in power. The action is relentless, with each clash in the pit carrying higher stakes and sharper tension than the first book’s quieter moments.

Steven Brand’s narration remains a strong point, his voice carrying a gravitas that suits the story’s darker tones, though it’s not without flaws. His delivery is polished, almost like a classic storyteller, but I found myself wanting more energy in the character moments. While Brand nails distinctions like age, gender, and race, the voices blend a bit, missing the chance to fully embody each character’s spirit. Blood and Coin is a triumph, blending heart-pounding action, deep character growth, and a vibrant world that never feels like a setup, this book delivers a journey worth savoring.

[Amyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And I don’t trust you because… Oh, that’s right. Because you drugged me and sold me into slavery.” Doran threw his arms up. “That again? Are ye never goin’ to let that go?”

Asher is a ranger, a former assassin, trying to atone for his deeds by saving others. He hunts monsters for a price, of course. Not that it pays well, it hardly pays at all, but atonement is about something other than gold. He crosses paths with a dwarf, a rare site in these parts, and joins him for a monster hunt. Little did he know that would lead him to be captured and forced to fight, using the skills he would rather forget to save a little girl, making up for the one he didn’t.

‘So stop yer complaining’ an’ start hitting’ it!” Asher was reacquainted with the twitch in his left eye.

I am such a massive fan of Asher! (I’m usually a fan of assassins in general). Initially from ‘The Echoes Saga’ by this author, this series tells us stories of Asher’s life as a ranger. The first series describes his backstory and history, so if you want to know more, go read that!

After being betrayed by the rangers in the previous book, this is the story of Asher meeting Dorian, a stubborn dwarf and his warhog mount, Pig. The two are an unlikely pair, and their dialogue is funny and enjoyable. It is a darker story, but the humour makes it worth it. Asher is trying to make up for his past, and he isn’t a happy character, but he is funny, has lots of skills, and his heart is in the right place. I liked Dorian’s character, he is what I imagine dwarfs should be in fantasy, loud, drunk and irritable.

A good story with assassins, humour, dwarfs, fights, villains, a cowardly horse and a pig that steals alcohol…

[KMK · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was not the greatest fan of the first installation of this series but figured I's still give it a shot whilst keeping my expectations low. It still managed to be a disappointment. I have not read the main series so perhaps most of the world and caracter building takes place there and the author did not want to repat himself but the whole book seemed incredibly hollow.
The world: Generic fantasy. Nothing unique or interesting about it. No descrpitions of surrondings that would breathe life into it either.
Caracters: incredibly shallow and BEYOND stupid. Every single caracter with maybe the exception of Asha (who has a a laundrylist of problems of his own) could be summarised in a single sentence, with hardly anything to add. No nuance, complexity or anything of the sort. What is worse is that they repeatedly make the most mindnumbingly stupid decisions purely for plot convenience. Rarely have I cringed this hard and this often. Villains are perhaps the worst of all. Completely one dimensional and lackeys act like robots to make sure MC would have something to fight. Painful to read.
Plot:It feels like a series of filler episodes of a show. Seems like the author had a list of plot points to prepare so everything would be set up for the main series and made up a series of incredibly hollow-feeling random encounters to get it done. Plot overall is not as bad as the caracters, as it does form a vaguely coherent whole, but is still bad.
Combat: It's fine if incredibly predictable. If fantasy combat is your thing and you are willing to overlook everything else being wrong with the book then maybe there is something here for you.

Overall I really don't understand why this is so highly rated. It is a bad book.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood And Coin • Philip C. Quaintrell • Rating: 9️⃣/🔟

"Hope. How many had died across the eons clinging to such a nebulous tether? How many had been tormented horribly only to perish believing to the bitter end that something would come along and take them away from the dark?"

This book picks up a few years after Court of Assassins, with Asher now a more seasoned ranger, navigating a dangerous world where his past is never far behind. When the mysterious Doran enters the story, everything changes. Bound by shared scars and dark deeds, the pair are thrust into a brutal new conflict that leads them from the wilderness to the sands of the arena 👀

I thought this was a brilliant continuation of Asher's story, and I really enjoyed seeing Asher grow into his new role as a Ranger 🏹 The introduction of Doran completely turned the story on its head, he's such a fascinating character! Much like Asher, he's done terrible things but is ultimately a good person at heart. Their dynamic and growing relationship is definitely the standout of this book 😍

I also loved the shift in tone, this book goes from The Witcher to Spartacus, throwing us right into the blood-soaked chaos of the arena. The fight scenes were a huge highlight for me, so detailed, brutal, and cinematic, showing just how ruthlessly capable Asher really is ⚔️ Viktor Varga was a great new villain, and the scenes with him and Asher were filled with so much tension! I also really enjoyed seeing how Asher first meets Salim, and finding a bit more out about his story 📖

🪬Book vibe🪬
- Monster hunter
- Arena combat
- Crime lord
- Unlikely alliance
- Brutal justice

Overall, this book was quite different to what I was expecting, but in the best way possible! A thrilling, bloody, and character-driven instalment, I absolutely loved it, and I can't wait to see how PCQ wraps up this trilogy in the final book 😁

[Jean-Francois Simard · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 Main Takeaways

1. Asher’s Internal Conflict: The story delves deeply into Asher’s struggle to reconcile his past as a trained assassin with his new life as a ranger. His journey of self-discovery, torn between violence and redemption, drives the narrative and adds emotional depth to his character.

2. Dynamic Duo with Doran Heavybelly: The introduction of Doran, a talkative and bold dwarven hunter, brings humor, heart, and camaraderie to the story. Their interplay provides comic relief and a grounding contrast to Asher’s darker struggles, making them a memorable pair.

3. Cinematic Action and Monsters: The book excels in delivering intense, well-choreographed action sequences. Quaintrell’s vivid descriptions of battles against terrifying, original monsters on Dragorn highlight his strength in crafting thrilling, immersive combat.

4. Rich World-Building: Set in the vibrant world of Illian, the story blends classic fantasy elements like dwarves and dragons with a modern twist. The lawless island of Dragorn and the crime guilds add gritty, political intrigue to the epic fantasy setting.

5. Compelling Villain: The main antagonist is a despicable figure whose actions challenge Asher’s moral compass. This villain’s role is pivotal, pushing Asher to confront his identity and making them a satisfying foe to root against.

These takeaways highlight the book’s strengths in character development, action, and world-building, making it a standout in The Ranger Archives trilogy.

[Liz Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in withdrawal, I need the next book

I cannot praise Philip Cantrell highly enough. He is one of my favourite authors and he is a first class storyteller. The world and the characters are all so detailed and engaging. I don't believe that anyone who has read these books has not grown to love the characters, especially the fact that they are all complex and have many shades of grey layers.
I don't write many reviews, because I want to start reading the next book. I would recommend all these books to anyone who enjoys a great story and complicated characters.
My only complaint is that I will have to wait to read the next book! Once I finish this trilogy I will re-read the other 9 books again. I have read them all 3 times in the last few years and will enjoy them all again.
So, thank you Mr Quaintrell, for sharing you wonderfully written and extremely enjoyable stories with me.
I hope that you are rewarded for your work and get fame and riches too.
Thank you for writing a series of books that I can read over and over again and never get bored of. The world is so very detailed and rich with history, races (like elves and dwarves) and legendary
heroes. Also, side stepping the usual tropes, like a young man or woman who has hidden parentage and their heroes journey with a cast of the usual characters to guide them. When they become the hero they discover they are royalty or super powerful magic wielder.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book of 2024, and I really enjoyed it! I'm a sucker for character driven fantasy adventures, where the characters mean as much if not more than the world or the central conflict. And man, is Asher a character!

I really enjoyed his origin as he decides to forgo the life of an assassin to that of a ranger/monster hunter, a purpose where he can use his murderous skills for saving people instead of killing them. Blood and Coin takes it to another level! Without giving away anything, one of my favorite things in this book is how Asher constantly has to fight becoming the "Assassin" again, despite being in situations where those skills are what needed to survive.

Loved, loved, loved the other characters in here as well! Doran Heavybelly, the monster hunter dwarf, Danaggar Stormshield and his family, Salim, and of course the baddy of this one Victor Varga and his posse.

Fans of the Witcher, D&D, and Joe Abercrombie's "The First Law" Trilogy will definitely fans of this series. You don't even have to have read the Echoes Saga first. I haven't, but based on how these two books as went, I'm pretty sure its next on the list after Dance of Fang and Claw.

[Lianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit by Mr Philip C. Quaintrell!! Asher is trying to leave the path of the assassin behind him, but life has other plans for him. On his wanderings, he will meet the Dwarf Doran Heavybelly. Doran has some 'issues' with a well known crime lord, and he unintentionally drags his friends into his misery. Asher can't help himself and chooses to help them.

I really loved the theme of trust and friendship in this book. Asher has been trained to trust no one, and an Arakesh has no friends. Being betrayed by someone he thought he could trust in the first book, he has little faith in him being able to make friends and trust people. The bond he creates with Doran is perfectly executed, and while it might have been a bumpy ride, is shown that not all people are untrustworthy.

It is again beautifully written. Fast paced, action packed, and high stakes. I also love the monster descriptions from the ranger bestiary at the start of every chapter. It teaches you about the different monsters in the world in a fun and non-infodumping way.

[Nothando · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t bad, but considering the author has written a multi book series in the same world, I expected better. My biggest issue is Doran. The character himself is not bad, it’s the constant “whats going on” vibe he has. For someone as old as him with decades of monster hunting under his belt, surely he shouldn’t be so oblivious. Those chapters annoyed me. Asher always had to come to his rescue, and yet when Asher wasn’t there he did just fine. And Asher getting stabbed by Mouse rubbish. A blind folded assassin with his guard down is vulnerable yes, but to be stabbed by Mouse? So dumb. It would have been so much better to have one of the Arakesh do it. The author had Asher losing so much in this book, but never with his blindfold on. That scene was a disgrace to the Assassin he spent so many chapters building up. Hoping the next book will be better. This one started great but disappointed me at the end.

[ShooF · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gladiator on steroids! Asher has now fully embraced being a Ranger, you find out later in the book that 4 years have passed. Through a bit of a convoluted story arc he ends up being a "gladiator", as part of that whole deal he's had to reveal that he is Arakesh to sweeten the deal. I actually expected that from that part forward Asher would be pitted against monsters but that never really happens. I won't put in any spoilers but suffice to say that there is a bit concerning a blue scarf that doesn't make any sense but read it & see what I mean, it's just basically impossible for that "reveal" to have not happened before.
Good fast paced & worthy of a read but I'm guessing that this is a multi book 'ology, beyond at least yet to be written No.3, so not sure if I would read a whole lot more.

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read! I have loved the deeper look into Asher that this trilogy is offering. Asher is just such an incredibly deep character. Seeing the inner battle between the Assassin and the Ranger often brought tears to my eyes and made me really think. I would get chills for both, wanting the Ranger to be the one to win over Asher, and other times I would cheer for the Assassin to correct the wrongs in Asher’s life. I said this in my review of the “the Court of Assassins”, and it’s even more true with “Blood and Coin”; reading these books have given me a greater appreciation for who Asher is in the Echos books. Thanks again Phillip for this work of art. So excited to jump straight into what I’m sure will be the epic conclusion. My only disappointment is that Phillip can’t right these books fast enough. : )

[Josephine Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood and Coin is in every aspect of this exceptional book!

This second book in the trilogy is an absolute thrill ride from beginning to end. The way that Doran and the Stormshields are introduced into Asher's environment is very important to both sides of his identity. The Ranger in him needs the family aspect that the Stormshield family offer. But so does the beasties! The Assassin inside of Asher needs the carnage that Victor Varga offers. I loved every minute of this book because it encompasses all. Adventure, monsters, dwarfs, and finally family and friendship. Absolute genius!! I cannot wait for the next book, A Dance of Fang and Claw. The title sounds very interesting and hopefully we'll see more of Doran.

[Ian Yarington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that these are self published books blows my mind. I can't imagine what it would be like as an editor that passed on the Echoes Saga and Ranger Archives.

Book one was fantastic but the vibe Doran and the Stormshield family brought was the support and love I felt Asher needed. It really made him feel like more than just an assassin. Not just that but the way he went above and beyond for the Stormshield's was heartwarming. The villain and his motives were fantastic and the way Quaintrell inserts monsters and monster hunting was fantastic! One of the best parts was the Ranger's Bestiary at the beginning of each chapter, the monster descriptions were amazing.

[Robert Toliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

It's a great prequel to the ranger series. Asher is an awesome character going from a "cold emotionless" assassin to becoming a ranger trying to atone for his past. Hes learning what it is to be a good person and just a killer. I truly love the books so far. Kinda disappointed with the portrayal of Doran Heavybelly in the beginning. Always thought dwarves were more bad ass but loved how he makes mistakes just like regular people lol. Honestly only disappointment I have is i wish books were done so I could read them all

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Monsters👹, Human👺 and Otherwise👾🐙🦀.
Asher🐺💪👊🗡🐎 turns away from his training as an assassin💀 to become a Ranger🐺💪👊🗡🐎 , a slayer🗡 of monsters. There are many monsters👹 in this medieval🕍🐎🗡 fantasy world, including many human👺 ones. The book has evil mages👺 and witches, too.
Asher🐺💪👊🗡🐎 is in the fight of his life to kill💀 the evils that lurk in the shadows everywhere. With the help of two dwarf warriors🐺💪👊🗡, he is holding his own.

Book 2 in a 3 Book Series📚
I got this e-book from Amazon with Kindle unlimited.

[Philip Spick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Asher story.

It's pleasing when you find an author who has a consistent character who goes from one story to another as well as Asher does. The danger has a frightening back story that is the burden he carries through his life. In a land of swords and magic, a man you want on your side. Please keep writing Philip and I will keep buying for the enjoyment of your tales of this world.

[Abdikani Mohamed · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again too slow even at the end. It seems the author wants everything bad to happen to Asher. I get it he wants to save the family but as a trained assassin he seems a bit naive. How could you take an immoral character at his word. At times I felt like throwing my kindle at the ground. Nothing good happens to him throughout the book. And again I feel like the book can be shortened to half its length and still contain all the information.