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Tales of Aedrea #2
Sword & Thistle
With age comes wisdom. For a seasoned adventurer, it also comes with back pain. Taking quests, exploring ruins, and camping under the stars. For Dobbin Thornhill, there’s no better life than that of an adventurer. Especially with a reputation like his. His current task? Acquiring the elusive dragonfire mushroom for one of Eastborne’s secret societies. To complete the quest, he’ll venture into Hells’ Crag, a dragon-ruined city still haunted by spirits half a millennia after the attack. Dangerous? Yes, but the pay is life-changing, even for him. While Dobbin’s past has led him to a life of solo adventures, some jobs can’t be done alone. Joining forces goes against his every instinct, but in a land of shadows, a cast of unlikely companions could be exactly what he needs to confront his own ghosts. If he can find the courage to let someone else in. Welcome to the enchanting world of Tales of Aedrea , where small-scale stories, low-stakes adventure, and cozy fantasy come to life within an epic, high-fantasy realm.
254 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2023
370 people are currently reading
1607 people want to read
About the author
S.L. Rowland
21 books589 followersS.L. Rowland is a cozy fantasy and LitRPG author known for crafting immersive worlds filled with adventure, heart, and a touch of humor. A lifelong gamer and fantasy enthusiast, he draws inspiration from tabletop RPGs, video games, and the fantastical. When he’s not writing, he enjoys weightlifting, hiking with his Shiba Inu, and enduring the heartbreak of being an Atlanta sports fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
May 31, 2024
★2.5 stars, rounded up
✎𓂃 “To life’s adventures and those we meet along the way.”
Well, it looks like my brother actually finished this two days ago so it was never a competition to finish anyways (but I still pretended like it was!! 🤣)
☆What to Expect:
Goblins. Dragons. Ghosts. Druids. Direhogs. Kobolds. Magic! Adventure! Found family!
☆My Thoughts:
Where Cursed Cocktails was at peak “sitting by the fireplace on a cold winter day, sipping on a hot toddy” level of cozy, Sword & Thistle was along the lines of a “sitting ‘round the blazing campfire on a chilly evening with too many people” kind of semi-cozy. It has potential, but not enough to keep me focused. This gave off more of a higher fantasy nature, as evidenced by the author’s desire to emulate his experiences with The Hobbit.
There were soooo many characters, particularly in the first half of the book, that I became a bit distracted trying to keep track of them all. I’ll freely admit I’m not a huge LOTR fan, and probably not the correct audience for this book, but I was hoping for more of the magic that captured me with Cursed Cocktails. Myrtle and Dobbins’ friendship was so heartwarming, and I especially loved her sarcasm. Also have to adore any story with a v good pet, and Snort the direhog was exactly that 🐗🤎
This will likely be the end of my journey with this series if it continues, but it was fun to experience some of my brother’s reads! 👯
* ゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜*
Pre-review:
Book 2 let’s go!! Saw my brother reading this as I was reading book 1…do we think she can finish this before him??? 🤔😎
✎𓂃 “To life’s adventures and those we meet along the way.”
Well, it looks like my brother actually finished this two days ago so it was never a competition to finish anyways (but I still pretended like it was!! 🤣)
☆What to Expect:
Goblins. Dragons. Ghosts. Druids. Direhogs. Kobolds. Magic! Adventure! Found family!
☆My Thoughts:
Where Cursed Cocktails was at peak “sitting by the fireplace on a cold winter day, sipping on a hot toddy” level of cozy, Sword & Thistle was along the lines of a “sitting ‘round the blazing campfire on a chilly evening with too many people” kind of semi-cozy. It has potential, but not enough to keep me focused. This gave off more of a higher fantasy nature, as evidenced by the author’s desire to emulate his experiences with The Hobbit.
There were soooo many characters, particularly in the first half of the book, that I became a bit distracted trying to keep track of them all. I’ll freely admit I’m not a huge LOTR fan, and probably not the correct audience for this book, but I was hoping for more of the magic that captured me with Cursed Cocktails. Myrtle and Dobbins’ friendship was so heartwarming, and I especially loved her sarcasm. Also have to adore any story with a v good pet, and Snort the direhog was exactly that 🐗🤎
This will likely be the end of my journey with this series if it continues, but it was fun to experience some of my brother’s reads! 👯
* ゜・。。・゜゜・。。・゜*
Pre-review:
Book 2 let’s go!! Saw my brother reading this as I was reading book 1…do we think she can finish this before him??? 🤔😎
June 12, 2025
More Myrtle please! :)
Still love it as much as before ❤️
Original review:
*Read for free with Kindle Unlimited *
----
Love finding new BookFamily :)
This has a different vibe than the previous but in a good way. I quickly grew to like Dobbin, ShadowMane and Snort. It felt like I was walking there beside them.
Myrtle,Gru, and Alina were great... hope we see more of them in future books 🙏 .Myrtle reminds me and Jessie hehe... Dobbin would probably be both amused and exasperated by all of us.
Hell's Crag was fascinating and foreboding...gave me chills. The history and the aftermath and the trapped spirits:(
Finding out the cause of it... makes you angry even if you understood why. The destruction makes sense... I would have been pissed too.
The one part after
Loved seeing tie ins from the first book too.
Looking forward to the next books in this wonderful world.
Still love it as much as before ❤️
Original review:
*Read for free with Kindle Unlimited *
----
Love finding new BookFamily :)
This has a different vibe than the previous but in a good way. I quickly grew to like Dobbin, ShadowMane and Snort. It felt like I was walking there beside them.
Myrtle,Gru, and Alina were great... hope we see more of them in future books 🙏 .Myrtle reminds me and Jessie hehe... Dobbin would probably be both amused and exasperated by all of us.
Hell's Crag was fascinating and foreboding...gave me chills. The history and the aftermath and the trapped spirits:(
Finding out the cause of it... makes you angry even if you understood why. The destruction makes sense... I would have been pissed too.
The one part after
Loved seeing tie ins from the first book too.
Looking forward to the next books in this wonderful world.
September 29, 2023
I was given an e-ARC of Sword & Thistle by the author. This review, my thoughts and my opinions are completely my own. Sword & Thistle is the second book in the Tales of Aedrea series, Cursed Cocktails is the first book, but you can read the second book as a standalone as well. Which I did, I haven’t read Cursed Cocktails (yet).
Oh boy, oh boy! I really got thrown back to my days in the beginning of playing World of Warcraft, mix it in with Dungeons and Dragons and The Lord of the Rings and you have the perfect cozy fantasy!
I think the characters are delightful, I love Snort, and I love how snarky some of the characters can be and you still love them!
The writing style is beautiful, I have several sentences outlined and saved them as favorites.
I loved (sorry for using that word so much, but I just loved too much of the book…) the worldbuilding, for me as someone with aphantasia it’s sometimes hard to follow in a book with just the written word, but not at all in Sword & Thistle!
I have stated already that I NEED to go and read book 1; Cursed Cocktails. I don’t think that I can go without it now! It was thát good! Therefore I give it 5 ⭐.
Oh boy, oh boy! I really got thrown back to my days in the beginning of playing World of Warcraft, mix it in with Dungeons and Dragons and The Lord of the Rings and you have the perfect cozy fantasy!
I think the characters are delightful, I love Snort, and I love how snarky some of the characters can be and you still love them!
The writing style is beautiful, I have several sentences outlined and saved them as favorites.
I loved (sorry for using that word so much, but I just loved too much of the book…) the worldbuilding, for me as someone with aphantasia it’s sometimes hard to follow in a book with just the written word, but not at all in Sword & Thistle!
I have stated already that I NEED to go and read book 1; Cursed Cocktails. I don’t think that I can go without it now! It was thát good! Therefore I give it 5 ⭐.
November 24, 2023
A great follow up to the amazing first book of the series. It falls just short of it, because I'm biased and just love a story about people opening a tavern, but the adventuring spirit of this second entry braught a wanderlust with it, making me want to explore ancient ruins, go camping and travel lots and lots.
Love the bonds that were made along the way and the subversion of expectations in more than one situation!
Love the bonds that were made along the way and the subversion of expectations in more than one situation!
November 26, 2025
3.5 Stars★★★✯☆ - exactly the kind of cozy story I hoped it’d be
For the full review, check out: https://medium.com/@kemerysjourneythr...
What's the story about: Unlike many books, Sword & Thistle's synopsis is exactly what this story is about. It is a shorter quest of a older adventurer as he takes one last journey to find an item of immense value. It's about the joy of the journey, the unexpected friends and events along the way, and facing perils outside and within.
Sword & Thistle is at its best when it is an ode to story itself, written like a love letter to adventure and wonder and the love of the unexpected. While possessing low tension, the characters involved get enjoyably appropriate stakes to what they're doing. There is a fond familiarity to the worldbuilding elements from all areas of the genre that is effectively implemented while not being purposeless or unwieldy. Rowland takes the wonderful elements from the genre and lovingly weaves them into this world's tapestry that had me smiling often as I made my way through this story. Sword & Thistle invites you to sit and relax into the narrative and scenes within and in this way it is absolutely perfect. If you're looking to see if cozy fantasy books are worth your time, this is the perfect book to try the subgenre out on.
For the full review, check out: https://medium.com/@kemerysjourneythr...
What's the story about: Unlike many books, Sword & Thistle's synopsis is exactly what this story is about. It is a shorter quest of a older adventurer as he takes one last journey to find an item of immense value. It's about the joy of the journey, the unexpected friends and events along the way, and facing perils outside and within.
Sword & Thistle is at its best when it is an ode to story itself, written like a love letter to adventure and wonder and the love of the unexpected. While possessing low tension, the characters involved get enjoyably appropriate stakes to what they're doing. There is a fond familiarity to the worldbuilding elements from all areas of the genre that is effectively implemented while not being purposeless or unwieldy. Rowland takes the wonderful elements from the genre and lovingly weaves them into this world's tapestry that had me smiling often as I made my way through this story. Sword & Thistle invites you to sit and relax into the narrative and scenes within and in this way it is absolutely perfect. If you're looking to see if cozy fantasy books are worth your time, this is the perfect book to try the subgenre out on.
December 20, 2023
It weirdly enough wasn't for me.
It's competently written, has an interesting story, executed the D&D/WoW-alike worldbuilding competently enough, and doesn't blunder in the character department, so it's hard for me to put my finger on why I had at times problems to pick it back up.
If I had to venture a guess, I'd say I'm not the target for the cozy label, if it is executed this way. There is barely any major conflict with serious sudden setbacks or unforseen problems in the book; the protagonist gets his quest, prepares (lengthily), travels to the site (without major problems) and solves every problem within a page or two, or via the plans and initiatives of others.
I can see people liking this book, so I'll not go lower than 3 stars. But I guess I'm not the target audience.
It's competently written, has an interesting story, executed the D&D/WoW-alike worldbuilding competently enough, and doesn't blunder in the character department, so it's hard for me to put my finger on why I had at times problems to pick it back up.
If I had to venture a guess, I'd say I'm not the target for the cozy label, if it is executed this way. There is barely any major conflict with serious sudden setbacks or unforseen problems in the book; the protagonist gets his quest, prepares (lengthily), travels to the site (without major problems) and solves every problem within a page or two, or via the plans and initiatives of others.
I can see people liking this book, so I'll not go lower than 3 stars. But I guess I'm not the target audience.
March 14, 2024
For me, it feels like the rules of cozy fiction are still being written. Alongside Travis baldree, S. L. Rowland is at the forefront of the genre. The writing alone was engaging and enjoyable but the characters were endearing without being boring, one-dimensional good guys with no faults, and possibly the most important aspect for me, the worldbuilding felt practical and not bogged down in the plot trying to explain every nuance.
The conclusion came rushing in and I feel I could have spent an extra 100 pages in this world building up to it but I think it's a good example of how enjoyable the writing is that it wouldn't be a slog to spend more time buried in it. I love stories that feels like the early sessions of a DnD campaign and this absolutely hit the mark.
The conclusion came rushing in and I feel I could have spent an extra 100 pages in this world building up to it but I think it's a good example of how enjoyable the writing is that it wouldn't be a slog to spend more time buried in it. I love stories that feels like the early sessions of a DnD campaign and this absolutely hit the mark.
June 6, 2024
I read Cursed Cocktails a few months ago and loved the story and the author's writing - so I was very hopeful with the second book in the series. And this one was great! The ending was a bit rushed, but that is my only small complaint.
I really enjoyed following along Dobbin as he went on his adventures as he is in search of some mushrooms.
Looking forward to reading more from this author!
I really enjoyed following along Dobbin as he went on his adventures as he is in search of some mushrooms.
Looking forward to reading more from this author!
October 7, 2023
Cute but I didn't connect to the characters as much as I did with the first book.
3.7 stars
3.7 stars
September 30, 2023
Fantastic
An excellent read! Dobbin's adventure is fascinating, and I quite enjoyed following. The Easter eggs were a nice touch as well.
Gives you a nice sense of a bustling world outside of the quest.
An excellent read! Dobbin's adventure is fascinating, and I quite enjoyed following. The Easter eggs were a nice touch as well.
Gives you a nice sense of a bustling world outside of the quest.
October 14, 2023
I received this as an ARC from the lovely author in return for a genuine review.
I absolutely loved this book!
I originally read Curses & Cocktails and fell in love with the Rowland's style instantly. He's an expert with background worldbuilding, and can build just the right amount of tension to keep the plot intersting while maintaining a cosy atmosphere. The characters are all so fun, with lots of great interactions and you just want more.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It's perfect for a cosy evening read, with a guarantee you'll fall in love with everyone in it. You don't need to read Curses & Cocktails first, but it adds more to the world and is excellent too!
I absolutely loved this book!
I originally read Curses & Cocktails and fell in love with the Rowland's style instantly. He's an expert with background worldbuilding, and can build just the right amount of tension to keep the plot intersting while maintaining a cosy atmosphere. The characters are all so fun, with lots of great interactions and you just want more.
I cannot recommend this book enough. It's perfect for a cosy evening read, with a guarantee you'll fall in love with everyone in it. You don't need to read Curses & Cocktails first, but it adds more to the world and is excellent too!
October 23, 2023
- A journey and a quest
- Goblins and gnomes
- Some nice book and library vibes
I really enjoyed this book. It was a warm and cozy story set in an interesting world. There were some really fun characters and cute creatures. (Did someone say piglets?)
You can read this without first reading Cursed Cocktails, I did, but I'm sure reading that one first would add to the experience. (I will be reading it when I get my hands on it!)
I received a review copy of the audiobook.
- Goblins and gnomes
- Some nice book and library vibes
I really enjoyed this book. It was a warm and cozy story set in an interesting world. There were some really fun characters and cute creatures. (Did someone say piglets?)
You can read this without first reading Cursed Cocktails, I did, but I'm sure reading that one first would add to the experience. (I will be reading it when I get my hands on it!)
I received a review copy of the audiobook.
October 28, 2024
This is the second book in the series and I have to say it’s quite different but lots of fun still. The story picks up in the same world as the Cursed Cocktails, but we’re following a traveller who only makes a brief appearance in book 1. His name is Dobbin and he’s an adventurer who collects unusual foods for his patrons. He’s travelled all over to find the rare and exotic, but his latest mission will take him to Hell’s crag, a scarred and burned piece of earth which is uninhabitable after a dragon attack.
Dobbin as a character is super easy to like as he’s a bit rough around the edges and he has some flaws like his guilt over his beast friend’s death. He is a bit of a loner and although he gets on well with some and has some long time buddies, he also seems to like his own company. He has a horse who he travels with and relies on, and later on he meets up with another ‘pet’ too. He’s a good soul and even though he does work for coin, he doesn’t let that interfere with his integrity.
The world in this book felt like a journey through different towns and places. Whilst the first story is largely rooted in one place we see more of the world in this story and we get to see Dobbin face his own internal battles as he journeys through it, overcoming prejudices (of his own) and challenging himself to continue even when times are tough.
The magic of this world comes in various forms through magical beings and although Dobbin isn’t magical as such he does know some tricks to keep himself safe. Later in he also meets other characters who are much more deeply rooted in magic and able to cast it, so there’s never a dull moment.
In the end I think this is a bit more of an epic adventure and journey than the first which felt a little more cosy, but despite the differing tone I personally still really enjoyed this. It’s refreshing and it was pleased to continue in this world. I will absolutely be buying the third once it’s released and I intend to try more by this author too. 4*s.
Dobbin as a character is super easy to like as he’s a bit rough around the edges and he has some flaws like his guilt over his beast friend’s death. He is a bit of a loner and although he gets on well with some and has some long time buddies, he also seems to like his own company. He has a horse who he travels with and relies on, and later on he meets up with another ‘pet’ too. He’s a good soul and even though he does work for coin, he doesn’t let that interfere with his integrity.
The world in this book felt like a journey through different towns and places. Whilst the first story is largely rooted in one place we see more of the world in this story and we get to see Dobbin face his own internal battles as he journeys through it, overcoming prejudices (of his own) and challenging himself to continue even when times are tough.
The magic of this world comes in various forms through magical beings and although Dobbin isn’t magical as such he does know some tricks to keep himself safe. Later in he also meets other characters who are much more deeply rooted in magic and able to cast it, so there’s never a dull moment.
In the end I think this is a bit more of an epic adventure and journey than the first which felt a little more cosy, but despite the differing tone I personally still really enjoyed this. It’s refreshing and it was pleased to continue in this world. I will absolutely be buying the third once it’s released and I intend to try more by this author too. 4*s.
October 7, 2023
Shouldn’t Be Surprised How GOOD This Is
Like a lot of folks entering the cozy fantasy genre, I started with Legends & Lattes. Starving for more, I came across Rowland’s Cursed Cocktails and was awed and delighted by the delicately crafted world building and care to detail of the characters’ personalities and backgrounds. I was immediately obsessed and impressed by this taste of Aedrea that when I found out about Sword & Thistle, I immediately bought it with no regrets about it being in my least favorite format (ebook). I tried to savor this first reading of it versus gobbling it up like my food-motivated cat at dinner time. I succeeded somewhat, and man oh man, what a rare treat this is. Definitely more adventurous than Cursed Cocktails, but the same dedication and care went into this wonderful story. Like before, the characters are multifaceted in their personalities and histories, the world and environment has a sense of realism for grounding without losing the fantastical element that is necessary in fantasy adventures. Can’t wait to get the physical copy so I don’t have to worry about a dead battery 😆
Like a lot of folks entering the cozy fantasy genre, I started with Legends & Lattes. Starving for more, I came across Rowland’s Cursed Cocktails and was awed and delighted by the delicately crafted world building and care to detail of the characters’ personalities and backgrounds. I was immediately obsessed and impressed by this taste of Aedrea that when I found out about Sword & Thistle, I immediately bought it with no regrets about it being in my least favorite format (ebook). I tried to savor this first reading of it versus gobbling it up like my food-motivated cat at dinner time. I succeeded somewhat, and man oh man, what a rare treat this is. Definitely more adventurous than Cursed Cocktails, but the same dedication and care went into this wonderful story. Like before, the characters are multifaceted in their personalities and histories, the world and environment has a sense of realism for grounding without losing the fantastical element that is necessary in fantasy adventures. Can’t wait to get the physical copy so I don’t have to worry about a dead battery 😆
January 7, 2026
Having just discovered this author, I read through Cursed Cocktails and immediately spent another Audible credit to get the next book in the series. WHICH... was even better than the first. This was straight-up the adventurer-on-a-quest trope, and I am here for it. While the first book leaned into the cozy-fantasy-set-up-shop trope that has recently become popular (and I'm not complaining), this one ventured into the wilds looking for dragons and hallucinogenic mushroom marvels (or are they? hmmm...). For coin.
Myrtle was awesome. Also, I might add, the narrator on Audible has KILLED it with this series.
I would rate this book either a PG-13 or an R. Forgive me, dear reader, I can't remember how many F bombs were in this and that's the only reason why. Otherwise it would be a PG-13 for some adventure/action violence, alcohol consumption, some adult humor, and some adult content.
Original review posted 1/6/26.
Myrtle was awesome. Also, I might add, the narrator on Audible has KILLED it with this series.
I would rate this book either a PG-13 or an R. Forgive me, dear reader, I can't remember how many F bombs were in this and that's the only reason why. Otherwise it would be a PG-13 for some adventure/action violence, alcohol consumption, some adult humor, and some adult content.
Original review posted 1/6/26.
September 4, 2025
4.75/5 ⭐ I was totally absorbed into this story. While more serious in some ways than the first book, the cozy vibes do continue. I wish the ending was just a little longer and more filled out, but that is not so much a complaint as a desire to dig deeper into the lore of this portion of Aedrea. S. L. Rowland's writing combined with the narration of Eric Jason Martin just hits in all the best ways.
November 16, 2023
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author's Reddit giveaway. Fun and cozy. I really enjoy low stakes stories once in a while. I'm interested in reading S.L. Rowland's other work. I've done Cursed Cocktails already and enjoyed it too.
January 14, 2026
I didn’t think I’d like this book as much as the first book, Cursed Cocktails, but the ending really got me. It was good and would have been 4 ⭐️ but the ending had me crying in my classroom during lunch. Onto the next book!
January 17, 2026
The first cosy-adventure story I've read and its a blast!
September 18, 2023
It was nice to see more of Aedrea and it’s creatures. I never knew I could like a pig so much
September 26, 2023
An enjoyable and funny tale of an adventurer who works alone, solid rule #1.
But with his latest, and finial, quest circumstances are not with him.
When he tries to infiltrate the Hells’ Crag he finds help in unusual places, help he needs to complete the quest.
A quick and easy read set in the same place as Cursed Cocktails, with some characters mentioned.
I received an arc of this book.
But with his latest, and finial, quest circumstances are not with him.
When he tries to infiltrate the Hells’ Crag he finds help in unusual places, help he needs to complete the quest.
A quick and easy read set in the same place as Cursed Cocktails, with some characters mentioned.
I received an arc of this book.
October 10, 2023
Sword and Thistle is the second book in the low stakes epic fantasy series Tales of Aedrea. This second standalone story follows Dobbin Thornhill, a seasoned adventurer on a quest for some dragonfire mushrooms commissioned by his wealthy patron. He must travel to the haunted centuries-abandoned Hells’ Crag that was once decimated by a dragon.
Although still a low stakes fantasy, it did not have the same cosy vibes as Cursed Cocktails did. This is a far more traditional quest fantasy, but just with less complications and no world-ending ramifications.
It is very much about Dobbin’s journey and the things he encounters and learns along the way as he grapples with some mistakes from his past that has led him to become a solo adventurer. He gains for himself a new perspective, friends, a lover, and even a pet direhog.
There were moments that it started to feel episodic, but I do think that’s just the nature of quest fantasies. I wish some of the more episodic elements like new characters or lessons learned were brought back or referenced in the main storyline at some point to tie everything together.
Sword and Thistle is still a delightful fantasy read, but it could have been cosier.
Although still a low stakes fantasy, it did not have the same cosy vibes as Cursed Cocktails did. This is a far more traditional quest fantasy, but just with less complications and no world-ending ramifications.
It is very much about Dobbin’s journey and the things he encounters and learns along the way as he grapples with some mistakes from his past that has led him to become a solo adventurer. He gains for himself a new perspective, friends, a lover, and even a pet direhog.
There were moments that it started to feel episodic, but I do think that’s just the nature of quest fantasies. I wish some of the more episodic elements like new characters or lessons learned were brought back or referenced in the main storyline at some point to tie everything together.
Sword and Thistle is still a delightful fantasy read, but it could have been cosier.
February 19, 2024
Am enjoyable read but not as good as Cursed Cocktails. This was much more of an action and adventure fantasy novel. There's just a smidgen of romance at the end. I really enjoyed the last 100 pr so pages but the first half was slow going.
January 22, 2026
After reading the first book in this series I was excited to continue the series. I had read a few reviews who said this book had a different vibe than the first book and I am glad I knew that beforehand so I went in not expecting the same type of book. And that helped a lot as Sword & Thistle is way more adventure style cozy fantasy than the settle down and start a shop type cozy fantasy of the first book. It still took me some time to adjust to the different type of story, but I did end up enjoying this one. And this one still has the cozy vibes and found family theme that the first book had too.
Sword & Thistle is told from the point of view of Dobbin, he is an adventurer who has done this type of work for a long time and always finishes his quests. In this book he gets his hardest quest yet, to go find a rare mushroom which can only be found in Hell's Crag, a ruined city filled with ghosts, wraiths and other types of spirits after it got destroyed by dragon's fire. Dobbin starts his journey in Eastshade and there was a fun scene were he meets the main character form book 1 and we get to see that scene from Dobbin's point of view. After that he hits the library and visits stores to prepare for this adventure.
This book has a very adventure filled quest vibe. And I liked how the author still brought the cozy vibe into this book as well. This quest is dangerous and I felt that came across, but at the same time I knew things would turn out okay. There's also something Dobbin has been struggling with, namely the dead of his best friend seven years ago and I liked how throughout this quest he eventually has the chance to process all of that. I also liked seeing how Dobbin and the rest figured out what happened to hell's Crag and what caused the dragon to attack.
I liked Dobbin. I liked the way he prepared for his quest instead of just rushing into things and how he approached things cautiously and in a smart manner, but was also willing to go into dangerous situations. He could be a bit stubborn and gruff at times too, but I felt that it fit his personality and made sense why he was that way. And I also liked how later on how he isn't too proud to admit he was wrong and changes his opinion about a species. I liked seeing him interact with the characters he meets along the way. I liked Snort, the direhog he finds and who joins him on his journey, she was so cute and fun. There is a hint of romance and I would've liked a bit more about that, but at the same time I felt this worked well enough with the focus staying on his quest. I especially liked Myrthle and Grunt he meets later on and the banter between Dobbin and Myrthle, which was so fun. I also liked the goblins tribe.
The narrator was the same one as for book 1 and I really enjoyed listening to this one. It was pleasant listening to this one and I enjoyed the different voices and calm vibe the narrator has.
To summarize: I had a great time following Dobbin's adventure in this book. It's very different than the first book in this series and has a very different type of story, while still feeling cozy. Luckily I had some reviews beforehand and knew this book would be different, despite that it still took some time to get used to that. This book is way more adventurous and deals with a difficult quest Dobbin has taken on to find a rare mushroom in the haunted ruins of a once great city. I ended up enjoying this book. Dobbin is a likable character and there's a great group of side characters around him. There's a hint of romance as well. I really liked Snort, Myrthle and Gru. I enjoyed seeing Dobbin complete his quest, deal with the loss of his best friend that he hasn't been able to process for seven years and also find out what happened to Hell's Crag. I look forward to the next book in this series.
Sword & Thistle is told from the point of view of Dobbin, he is an adventurer who has done this type of work for a long time and always finishes his quests. In this book he gets his hardest quest yet, to go find a rare mushroom which can only be found in Hell's Crag, a ruined city filled with ghosts, wraiths and other types of spirits after it got destroyed by dragon's fire. Dobbin starts his journey in Eastshade and there was a fun scene were he meets the main character form book 1 and we get to see that scene from Dobbin's point of view. After that he hits the library and visits stores to prepare for this adventure.
This book has a very adventure filled quest vibe. And I liked how the author still brought the cozy vibe into this book as well. This quest is dangerous and I felt that came across, but at the same time I knew things would turn out okay. There's also something Dobbin has been struggling with, namely the dead of his best friend seven years ago and I liked how throughout this quest he eventually has the chance to process all of that. I also liked seeing how Dobbin and the rest figured out what happened to hell's Crag and what caused the dragon to attack.
I liked Dobbin. I liked the way he prepared for his quest instead of just rushing into things and how he approached things cautiously and in a smart manner, but was also willing to go into dangerous situations. He could be a bit stubborn and gruff at times too, but I felt that it fit his personality and made sense why he was that way. And I also liked how later on how he isn't too proud to admit he was wrong and changes his opinion about a species. I liked seeing him interact with the characters he meets along the way. I liked Snort, the direhog he finds and who joins him on his journey, she was so cute and fun. There is a hint of romance and I would've liked a bit more about that, but at the same time I felt this worked well enough with the focus staying on his quest. I especially liked Myrthle and Grunt he meets later on and the banter between Dobbin and Myrthle, which was so fun. I also liked the goblins tribe.
The narrator was the same one as for book 1 and I really enjoyed listening to this one. It was pleasant listening to this one and I enjoyed the different voices and calm vibe the narrator has.
To summarize: I had a great time following Dobbin's adventure in this book. It's very different than the first book in this series and has a very different type of story, while still feeling cozy. Luckily I had some reviews beforehand and knew this book would be different, despite that it still took some time to get used to that. This book is way more adventurous and deals with a difficult quest Dobbin has taken on to find a rare mushroom in the haunted ruins of a once great city. I ended up enjoying this book. Dobbin is a likable character and there's a great group of side characters around him. There's a hint of romance as well. I really liked Snort, Myrthle and Gru. I enjoyed seeing Dobbin complete his quest, deal with the loss of his best friend that he hasn't been able to process for seven years and also find out what happened to Hell's Crag. I look forward to the next book in this series.
September 14, 2023
Sword & Thistle is the second book in the "Tales of Aedrea" series. You dont need to have read the first book, to understand this one, but I would highly recommend it because its just that good.
Just as with the first book Cursed Cocktails the world building is amazingly done without taking away from the story. S.L. Rowland manages to paint an entizing picture of the world and the creatures and people without having to resort to too many descriptions, which I personally enjoyed very much. As with the first book there was a slow enjoyable build to the adventure, not a rush to the finish line. Here you can enjoy Dobbins journey with him, meet people along the way, who might come back or might not. As Dobbin embarked on this journey he also embarked on a mental one. Old grief and maybe survivors guilt is often hard to overcome. I enjoyed the way it was taken up here. The quest in itself was very well done and had just the right amount of everything to keep me engaged and I couldn't put the book down, then I was finished...and started again.
All in all I loved this book, everything was well written, the world build is amazing and easy to understand, the characters are all likable. Especially that with these books we have an older character here, who already lived a full life, and is in the middle of still doing so.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoyes adventures and fantasies.
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review (first time ever, thank you, Mr Rowland)
Just as with the first book Cursed Cocktails the world building is amazingly done without taking away from the story. S.L. Rowland manages to paint an entizing picture of the world and the creatures and people without having to resort to too many descriptions, which I personally enjoyed very much. As with the first book there was a slow enjoyable build to the adventure, not a rush to the finish line. Here you can enjoy Dobbins journey with him, meet people along the way, who might come back or might not. As Dobbin embarked on this journey he also embarked on a mental one. Old grief and maybe survivors guilt is often hard to overcome. I enjoyed the way it was taken up here. The quest in itself was very well done and had just the right amount of everything to keep me engaged and I couldn't put the book down, then I was finished...and started again.
All in all I loved this book, everything was well written, the world build is amazing and easy to understand, the characters are all likable. Especially that with these books we have an older character here, who already lived a full life, and is in the middle of still doing so.
I would highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoyes adventures and fantasies.
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review (first time ever, thank you, Mr Rowland)
September 30, 2023
Woohoo this was great!! I was so excited for Sword & Thistle, Cursed Cocktails (the first book) is one of my favourite cosy fantasies and I really enjoyed the worldbuilding when I read it.
This did not disappoint! Dobbin is grieving the loss of a friend and goes where the coin takes him. When he’s hired by a foodie to retrieve a rare mushroom that only grows in desolate places, the journey brings him unexpected places & friendships.
The first 75% of this book (everything except the last few scenes of conflict) are SO cosy, full of:
- lovely lush descriptions of food and taverns and songs
- found family
- a sweet romance I wasn’t expecting
- a pet baby pig you’ll fall in love with
- a wonderful world, I really enjoyed how much went into building all this, everyone and every place felt very real to me. I really enjoyed the magic too
- an ending that makes you go ‘awww’
This was really, really good. I can see myself rereading this for sure, Dobbin was a great character to learn about and I read this in one sitting.
This did not disappoint! Dobbin is grieving the loss of a friend and goes where the coin takes him. When he’s hired by a foodie to retrieve a rare mushroom that only grows in desolate places, the journey brings him unexpected places & friendships.
The first 75% of this book (everything except the last few scenes of conflict) are SO cosy, full of:
- lovely lush descriptions of food and taverns and songs
- found family
- a sweet romance I wasn’t expecting
- a pet baby pig you’ll fall in love with
- a wonderful world, I really enjoyed how much went into building all this, everyone and every place felt very real to me. I really enjoyed the magic too
- an ending that makes you go ‘awww’
This was really, really good. I can see myself rereading this for sure, Dobbin was a great character to learn about and I read this in one sitting.
January 21, 2024
I really enjoyed Sword & Thistle!
It's the second book in the Tales of Aedrea series, though each book in the series so far can be read as a standalone.
This book also had quite a different vibe from Cursed Cocktails, which is the first book in the series and is still my favourite one so far!
Though Sword & Thistle was still really good!
This book actually reminded me a bit of The Hobbit with a quest that leads to a dragon ruined city haunted by spirits.
While this sounds dark It is actually quite a cozy read.
It also had some great characters that I really loved, and I really hope we will see more of them in the sequels.
My favourite, though, was definitely Snort as they were absolutely adorable, and now I want a pet piglet!
All in all, this was a great, cozy fantasy that was different from others I've read. I definitely recommend this whole series, and I'm really excited to pick up the next book when it releases!
It's the second book in the Tales of Aedrea series, though each book in the series so far can be read as a standalone.
This book also had quite a different vibe from Cursed Cocktails, which is the first book in the series and is still my favourite one so far!
Though Sword & Thistle was still really good!
This book actually reminded me a bit of The Hobbit with a quest that leads to a dragon ruined city haunted by spirits.
While this sounds dark It is actually quite a cozy read.
It also had some great characters that I really loved, and I really hope we will see more of them in the sequels.
My favourite, though, was definitely Snort as they were absolutely adorable, and now I want a pet piglet!
All in all, this was a great, cozy fantasy that was different from others I've read. I definitely recommend this whole series, and I'm really excited to pick up the next book when it releases!
March 1, 2024
I loved this book more than the first one.
I read the author blurb at the end and he pulled a lot of inspiration from The Hobbit and as that being one of my most favorite stories of all time, I really found that the inspiration really ran deep with this one.
The elements of this world are so beautiful. Rowland truly writes amazing characters with amazing stories. This still did feel like cozy fantasy like The Hobbit. And while Cursed Cocktails, had much lower stakes and cozier vibes, even with the adventurous aspect of this story I still all the cozy vibes.
I reeeeeeally hope this author writes more in Aedrea. I need more of this kind of story. I need more of these adorable characters in this beautifully fleshed out world ♥️
I read the author blurb at the end and he pulled a lot of inspiration from The Hobbit and as that being one of my most favorite stories of all time, I really found that the inspiration really ran deep with this one.
The elements of this world are so beautiful. Rowland truly writes amazing characters with amazing stories. This still did feel like cozy fantasy like The Hobbit. And while Cursed Cocktails, had much lower stakes and cozier vibes, even with the adventurous aspect of this story I still all the cozy vibes.
I reeeeeeally hope this author writes more in Aedrea. I need more of this kind of story. I need more of these adorable characters in this beautifully fleshed out world ♥️
August 3, 2025
Sword & Thistle is a standalone cozy fantasy set in the same world as Cursed Cocktails, following Dobbin Thornhill—an older adventurer carrying the weight of grief, regrets, and more than a few scars from the past. When he's sent on a quest to retrieve a rare mushroom from a cursed city, he ends up on a much deeper journey—one of friendship, healing, and self-forgiveness.
I absolutely loved this book for its characters and rich world building. Dobbin’s emotional arc really hit home—watching him slowly begin to forgive himself and find peace with his thoughts was incredibly moving. The friendships built along the way felt genuine and warm, and the dynamics within the group brought both laughter and quiet depth.
Special shoutout to Snort and Gru, who completely stole my heart. I loved the teasing, the banter, and just how much joy they brought to the story. Their presence added such a charming, wholesome layer to the adventure.
And honestly—I really hope we get a book with Myrtle as the main character one day. She's intriguing, and I feel like there’s so much more to explore with her!
This is a book that made me smile, tear up a little, and most of all, feel comforted. It’s about finding light after darkness and realizing it’s never too late to start over. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys low-stakes fantasy with high emotional payoff.
I absolutely loved this book for its characters and rich world building. Dobbin’s emotional arc really hit home—watching him slowly begin to forgive himself and find peace with his thoughts was incredibly moving. The friendships built along the way felt genuine and warm, and the dynamics within the group brought both laughter and quiet depth.
Special shoutout to Snort and Gru, who completely stole my heart. I loved the teasing, the banter, and just how much joy they brought to the story. Their presence added such a charming, wholesome layer to the adventure.
And honestly—I really hope we get a book with Myrtle as the main character one day. She's intriguing, and I feel like there’s so much more to explore with her!
This is a book that made me smile, tear up a little, and most of all, feel comforted. It’s about finding light after darkness and realizing it’s never too late to start over. Highly recommend for anyone who enjoys low-stakes fantasy with high emotional payoff.
September 29, 2023
Sword & Thistle brings us back into the world of Aedrea with a new tale packed with enjoyable characters and magnificent locations.
This story manages to maintain a similarly cozy vibe to Cursed Cocktails while adding some adventure and exploration to the mix, allowing us to get out and explore some of what Aedrea has to offer.
If you are a fan of the rapidly-growing cozy fantasy genre, I highly recommend this book as I believe it truly brings something new and fun to the table while still maintaining the low-stakes, chill vibes that are staples of the genre.
This story manages to maintain a similarly cozy vibe to Cursed Cocktails while adding some adventure and exploration to the mix, allowing us to get out and explore some of what Aedrea has to offer.
If you are a fan of the rapidly-growing cozy fantasy genre, I highly recommend this book as I believe it truly brings something new and fun to the table while still maintaining the low-stakes, chill vibes that are staples of the genre.
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