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The Warden #2
Necrobane
Aelis de Lenti, Lone Pine's newly assigned Warden, is in deep trouble. She has just opened the crypts of Mahlgren, releasing an army of the undead into the unprotected backwoods of Ystain.
To protect her village, she must unearth a source of immense Necromantic power at the heart of Mahlgren. The journey will wind through waves of undead, untamed wilderness, and curses far older than anything Aelis has ever encountered. But as strong as Aelis is, this is one quest she cannot face alone.
Along with the brilliant mercenary she's fallen for, her half-orc friend, and a dwarven merchant, Aelis must race the clock to unravel mysteries, slay dread creatures, and stop what she has set in motion before the flames of a bloody war are re-ignited.
To protect her village, she must unearth a source of immense Necromantic power at the heart of Mahlgren. The journey will wind through waves of undead, untamed wilderness, and curses far older than anything Aelis has ever encountered. But as strong as Aelis is, this is one quest she cannot face alone.
Along with the brilliant mercenary she's fallen for, her half-orc friend, and a dwarven merchant, Aelis must race the clock to unravel mysteries, slay dread creatures, and stop what she has set in motion before the flames of a bloody war are re-ignited.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2024
161 people are currently reading
3685 people want to read
About the author
Daniel M. Ford
9 books329 followersDaniel M. Ford was born and raised near Baltimore, Maryland. He holds a B.A. in English from Villanova University, an M.A. in Irish Literature from Boston College and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, concentrating in Poetry, from George Mason University. As a poet, his work has appeared most recently in Soundings Review, as well as Phoebe, Floorboard Review, The Cossack, and Vending Machine Press. He teaches English at a college prep high school in North East, Maryland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
May 27, 2024
I was looking forward to Necrobane, the follow-up book to The Warden, not the least of which is that The Warden ended on a bit of a cliff-hanger. Surprisingly, what I remembered as a life-or-death moment was speedily dealt with–not an issue of immediate danger, but of long-term safety. Aelis’ mission becomes eradicating the potential skeleton hordes for both safety and political reasons.
The world is a sword-and-sorcery medieval world that will feel familiar to role-players. To date, we’ve met a dwarf, a half-orc, a half-elf, and learned that there is an uneasy peace with the orcs. Magic is fairly uncommon, with certain trained wizards becoming justicars, those that maintain legal order in the rural areas. Unlike many authors, Ford does a nice job of bringing the local village to life, both in character and in the type of labor it takes to survive.
I found characterization a mixed experience. Told in third-person, it primarily reflects Aelis’ viewpoint. She has an academic outlook, and while she notices the people around her, she doesn’t always credit them with capability. Integrating into the village continues to be a challenge. I felt unsure if this was due to inconsistent characterization or growth process. She can be challenging, so reader enjoyment may vary based on the extent one prefers to identify with main characters.
Unusually for the genre, Aelis has a significant romantic interest and this installment has her furthering her relationship with a half-elven woman, Maurenia. While the S&S fantasy tends to a love-em-and-leave-em philosophy, the relationship humanizes Aelis, as well as serving for a narrative foil for explanatory dialogue. I was ambivalent about it; while it didn’t feel forced, it did occasionally feel intrusive, often distracting from the plotting.
Like The Warden, I enjoyed the writing. I continued to find the plotting mildly unpredictable, perhaps because Ford doesn’t telegraph every plot point and the pacing is unusual. I found that rather than a typical ‘find-the-McGuffin’ fantasy plot, it tended to feel like a family vacation with young children instead of a straight-forward quest. Things that seem very important in one chapter (Aelis’ ankle, Maurenia) become shoved aside until much later, only to become a crisis again. Maybe that’s life, but honestly, it left me unsure of how much to believe what Aelis (or the author) had said. In the last section of the book, we literally have a prolonged recovery section that, while realistic, felt more like an extended epilogue and transition to the next book. While I appreciate the nod to the mundane life (see above), there’s a reason most books skip over the day-to-day.
What I really wanted was more necromancy, or necrobane activity, as the case may be. Aside from two major works, magic felt rare. Still, it kept me reasonably interested and I would consider it re-readable, which is remarkable for a fantasy these days. Consider it a recommendation with caveats.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Tor/Forge for an advanced e-copy of the book. All opinions my own, as always.
The world is a sword-and-sorcery medieval world that will feel familiar to role-players. To date, we’ve met a dwarf, a half-orc, a half-elf, and learned that there is an uneasy peace with the orcs. Magic is fairly uncommon, with certain trained wizards becoming justicars, those that maintain legal order in the rural areas. Unlike many authors, Ford does a nice job of bringing the local village to life, both in character and in the type of labor it takes to survive.
I found characterization a mixed experience. Told in third-person, it primarily reflects Aelis’ viewpoint. She has an academic outlook, and while she notices the people around her, she doesn’t always credit them with capability. Integrating into the village continues to be a challenge. I felt unsure if this was due to inconsistent characterization or growth process. She can be challenging, so reader enjoyment may vary based on the extent one prefers to identify with main characters.
Unusually for the genre, Aelis has a significant romantic interest and this installment has her furthering her relationship with a half-elven woman, Maurenia. While the S&S fantasy tends to a love-em-and-leave-em philosophy, the relationship humanizes Aelis, as well as serving for a narrative foil for explanatory dialogue. I was ambivalent about it; while it didn’t feel forced, it did occasionally feel intrusive, often distracting from the plotting.
Like The Warden, I enjoyed the writing. I continued to find the plotting mildly unpredictable, perhaps because Ford doesn’t telegraph every plot point and the pacing is unusual. I found that rather than a typical ‘find-the-McGuffin’ fantasy plot, it tended to feel like a family vacation with young children instead of a straight-forward quest. Things that seem very important in one chapter (Aelis’ ankle, Maurenia) become shoved aside until much later, only to become a crisis again. Maybe that’s life, but honestly, it left me unsure of how much to believe what Aelis (or the author) had said. In the last section of the book, we literally have a prolonged recovery section that, while realistic, felt more like an extended epilogue and transition to the next book. While I appreciate the nod to the mundane life (see above), there’s a reason most books skip over the day-to-day.
What I really wanted was more necromancy, or necrobane activity, as the case may be. Aside from two major works, magic felt rare. Still, it kept me reasonably interested and I would consider it re-readable, which is remarkable for a fantasy these days. Consider it a recommendation with caveats.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Tor/Forge for an advanced e-copy of the book. All opinions my own, as always.
March 4, 2024
Gonna stick with my previous review and again say that aelis and i should still kiss
Read
January 9, 2024Another super fun ride with some surprise complications that—well let’s just say I was hoping this was a duology so I wouldn’t have to wait on tenterhooks for a year, but I’m so glad there will be more of these characters. Maurenia!!! Tun!!!!!
(I also love the way Aelis/Maurenia is handle in this. It’s so good!)
(I also love the way Aelis/Maurenia is handle in this. It’s so good!)
May 13, 2024
Book 2 of an ongoing series. Bisexual necromancer and smiter of the undead Aelis has just unwisely opened a crypt complex full of bone constructs-- rather unfortunately poised to wreak havoc on the village that Aelis is personally responsible for. Aelis, along with her girlfriend, a half-orc forester, and a dwarf mercenary, need to find a way to close the crypt and stop the necromantic horrors from overrunning the border and causing a diplomatic incident-- all on her very badly sprained ankle.
The worldbuilding here is a rather transparent gloss over a standard sword and sorcery dungeons and dragons type setting. The real draw is Aelis herself, who's a fantastically written character. She is of course absolutely insufferable, which makes her an acquired taste, but all of her quirks are so clearly based in being a star student who breezed through university and now is just starting to face the real world burdened with the overweening confidence of someone who's convinced that she's both infallible and immortal. Needless to say, this gets her into a number of pickles. Women will literally kill their achilles tendon and resurrect its corpse to walk around on it rather than let their sprained ankle rest for two weeks, etcetera etcetera. There's also a rather telling incident where she has to trade her darkest secrets for necromantic assistance and the thing that immediately comes to mind is the time where she wrote a girl's entire essay for her in order to get into her pants. A truly horrific and beautifully written portrayal of a character with Ambitious Student Syndrome. It's a lot of fun watching her destroy bone constructs.
A massively fun bit of sword and sorcery shenanigans. I can't believe I have to wait another year for the sequel (it ends on a sequel hook). Recommended for people who loved The Unspoken Name.
The worldbuilding here is a rather transparent gloss over a standard sword and sorcery dungeons and dragons type setting. The real draw is Aelis herself, who's a fantastically written character. She is of course absolutely insufferable, which makes her an acquired taste, but all of her quirks are so clearly based in being a star student who breezed through university and now is just starting to face the real world burdened with the overweening confidence of someone who's convinced that she's both infallible and immortal. Needless to say, this gets her into a number of pickles. Women will literally kill their achilles tendon and resurrect its corpse to walk around on it rather than let their sprained ankle rest for two weeks, etcetera etcetera. There's also a rather telling incident where she has to trade her darkest secrets for necromantic assistance and the thing that immediately comes to mind is the time where she wrote a girl's entire essay for her in order to get into her pants. A truly horrific and beautifully written portrayal of a character with Ambitious Student Syndrome. It's a lot of fun watching her destroy bone constructs.
A massively fun bit of sword and sorcery shenanigans. I can't believe I have to wait another year for the sequel (it ends on a sequel hook). Recommended for people who loved The Unspoken Name.
May 13, 2024
For the most part I like the continuation of this story Daniel Ford does a good job of continuing this trilogy without making this feel like a filler book. It has its own resolutions while still setting up action for the final book in the trilogy.
The only thing I didn't really care for was a conflict about 60% into the book where I felt Aelis was blamed too harshly for something that wasn't entirely her fault. Other than that I continue to enjoy this story and look forward to book 3 eventually.
The only thing I didn't really care for was a conflict about 60% into the book where I felt Aelis was blamed too harshly for something that wasn't entirely her fault. Other than that I continue to enjoy this story and look forward to book 3 eventually.
July 16, 2024
Okay PURRRR cliffhanger?! Was NOT was I was expecting but I cannot WAIT for the next book to come out. Also, we got another one of my favorite troupes, the sad gays 🥰 WE CAN'T HAVE SHIT!! WE'RE SO MISERABLE!! /pos It's so good I can't lie. I hatteeeee having to wait for more books to come out but I will wait long and hard for another good one like this, believe you me. So good. Ugh. Stunning.
May 5, 2024
Aelis experiencing some growth *cough*consequencesfromheractions*cough* and Tun just existing made this even better than book one. The cast of this world is so much damn fun and I love all the mysteries and side quests constantly keeping things interesting. A lot of heart in this one and I'm truly loving seeing Aelis grow into her position and open up a little, both to the townspeople and to her role as their warden. She can be a frustrating MC with her stubbornness and lack of forethought, but seeing the other characters not let it slide and calling her out, and subsequently causing her to actually examine her impulsiveness and work on it, even a little, is supremely satisfying. But really, I'm primarily here for Tunbridge, possibly one of the greatest fantasy characters out there. I want to be his travel companion. And his best friend.
April 23, 2024
I think this is a series for readers who enjoy tabletop rpgs. But it’s original, it’s good and the main character is interesting. For me it’s a five star book. I can’t wait to see what happens in book three, For someone who just wants a straight forward adventure fantasy four stars perhaps. For someone who’s a bit pickier and wants substance and meaning in their fantasy probably not your book…. It’s a solid adventure story and a fun page turner and not too deep. But a great deal of fun. 200 books would be a slow year for me and these two have still been in my top 20 or so each of these last two years because they put a smile on my face and Aelis has been the best fish out of water.
January 28, 2026
There is something about this writing style that I really love for a fantasy book. The story is adventurous and unpredictable. It meanders a lot like a real adventure would, but still never gets boring, because the characters are so well written. In a way, Aelis reminds me of Emily from the Emily Wilde series, because she is a capable and confident adult who uses her expertise to handle complicated situations. She makes mistakes and does not wallow, but regrets, adapts, improvises and stays determined to help the people around her. She has quirks and flaws that she acknowledges, but she also knows her strengths and uses them to her advantage. I really love her as a main character and I cannot wait to read the final book in the series (though I will have to, because there is a 20-week waitlist at the library).
September 25, 2024
I loved the first book, and this one is just as fun and exciting. Aelis has to travel into the wilds with her allies to stop a terrible thing that she accidentally unleashed, but it's never quite so simple. Enjoyed the relationship building and the new and changing mysteries in this world. Can't believe I fell for a cliffhanger again, but I'm not even that mad.
August 19, 2024
Solid follow up, and if nothing else, I am in for next volume, as it's about to take an Ace Attorney turn. Be aware that this focuses on the immediate follow up to the cliffhanger from last book, and all the complications that stem from it, and is realistic about the constraints of the world our main is working in.
September 16, 2024
that i have to wait til 2025 for the next book is a criminal offense
December 20, 2024
Fun, once again nothing groundbreaking, but some good shit
April 26, 2024
Fortsetzung, nach einem groben Fehler am Ende des ersten Buches muss Aelis die dadurch entstandenen Probleme lösen. Diesmal ist sie allerdings nicht als Einzelkämpferin unterwegs, sondern mit ein paar Freunden als Team. Das Buch endet wieder mit einem Cliffhanger.
July 11, 2025
I’m in my feels about a fictional lesbian couple again
January 6, 2025
could not stop reading this
I loved this series so so so so much. I devoured this book and could not stop reading it…I need 3-4 more of this series stat please.
I loved this series so so so so much. I devoured this book and could not stop reading it…I need 3-4 more of this series stat please.
October 10, 2025
Immediately following this book with its predecessor is definitely a good idea, as it starts exactly in the same place it left off. It honestly felt like the first half of this book could have just been added on to the end of the last, but I don’t pretend to be knowledgeable of the inner workings of writing and publishing a book, so I nothing more to say about that.
Aelis’ flaws are explored more, though I feel like she is still not learning from them, but simply using them as comedic relief.
Still very good, I liked this one more than the previous, and I’m excited for the next one!
Aelis’ flaws are explored more, though I feel like she is still not learning from them, but simply using them as comedic relief.
Still very good, I liked this one more than the previous, and I’m excited for the next one!
August 1, 2024
Necrobane picks up right where The Warden left off and I really enjoyed this book! There is more adventure in this one! Aelis is a determined main character to do her job of being the Warden of Lone Pine while being her sarcastic self. I liked the growth in this book for her. There were times that as a reader I shook my head at her choices but I liked the development of her friendships she made this book- especially with Tun and determining things with Maurenia. And I liked that Timmuk joined them too. I also liked how Tun and Maurenia called Aelis out to open up to them because they care about her. I also liked that she was caring more about Lone Pine and was starting to call it "home". Like book 1, book 2 ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for book 3!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2024
3.75 stars
🎧 Audiobook 🎧 is wonderfully read by the same narrator as the first book. Great characterizations.
I love this world: the characters, the magical system, the countryside, descriptions of other lands & times, and the different friendships. Though, I didn’t love this book quite as much as the first.
The romantic relationship is fraught, and drawn-out to excess in this second book. It’s absolutely clear that the two don’t see eye-to-eye on the most important of values, while being pulled together mainly physically. Totally fine, if that’s what they want - but the slow, ongoing maturation of the main character doesn’t align with the lack of awareness here, and she thinks she is “in love”. Further, her being solely blamed for what ultimately occurs to her lover is ludicrous. The fact that everyone, including herself, places full blame on her sat really wrong with me.
Honestly, I think that now I mainly shun fantasy and sci.fi books written by straight white men (of immense privilege), there are always fundamental relationship and world-building aspects that frustrate me greatly. Mainly, with the vast privilege that they hold, the world-building maintains the power dynamics that most benefit them rather than creating a world in which marginalized folks actually have the opportunity to thrive. Plus, the relationship dynamics very rarely feel valid, especially with female mains. While Daniel M Ford is one cishet, white male authors that I really enjoy, his Aelis maintains very strong male energy (and, her lover, even more so). Fundamentally, these glaring holes pull me out of full enjoyment of this story, as my belief is jarred loose.
The last third of the book feels quite slow, in comparison with the first book and first two-thirds of this book …. only to have a very sudden cliffhanger appear at the tail end of the last chapter, teasing the plot of a third volume. Ugh - capitalism. Ugh - marketing ploys as plot.
So, all-in-all, this is a lovely romp through adventure in a wonderfully-constructed world … but with bigger faults than book one. I truly hope that the third instalment redeems itself.
🎧 Audiobook 🎧 is wonderfully read by the same narrator as the first book. Great characterizations.
I love this world: the characters, the magical system, the countryside, descriptions of other lands & times, and the different friendships. Though, I didn’t love this book quite as much as the first.
The romantic relationship is fraught, and drawn-out to excess in this second book. It’s absolutely clear that the two don’t see eye-to-eye on the most important of values, while being pulled together mainly physically. Totally fine, if that’s what they want - but the slow, ongoing maturation of the main character doesn’t align with the lack of awareness here, and she thinks she is “in love”. Further, her being solely blamed for what ultimately occurs to her lover is ludicrous. The fact that everyone, including herself, places full blame on her sat really wrong with me.
Honestly, I think that now I mainly shun fantasy and sci.fi books written by straight white men (of immense privilege), there are always fundamental relationship and world-building aspects that frustrate me greatly. Mainly, with the vast privilege that they hold, the world-building maintains the power dynamics that most benefit them rather than creating a world in which marginalized folks actually have the opportunity to thrive. Plus, the relationship dynamics very rarely feel valid, especially with female mains. While Daniel M Ford is one cishet, white male authors that I really enjoy, his Aelis maintains very strong male energy (and, her lover, even more so). Fundamentally, these glaring holes pull me out of full enjoyment of this story, as my belief is jarred loose.
The last third of the book feels quite slow, in comparison with the first book and first two-thirds of this book …. only to have a very sudden cliffhanger appear at the tail end of the last chapter, teasing the plot of a third volume. Ugh - capitalism. Ugh - marketing ploys as plot.
So, all-in-all, this is a lovely romp through adventure in a wonderfully-constructed world … but with bigger faults than book one. I truly hope that the third instalment redeems itself.
November 20, 2024
The Warden by Daniel M Ford was released last year & I thoroughly enjoyed it. It tells the story of a young necromancer, Aelis, & her adventures in Two Pines, the town she protects.
Necrobane picks up directly where the Warden ends and takes the Reader straight into the wilds, w/ plenty of romantic tension, character development, adventure, and magic, as Aelis battles the unquiet dead to protect her friends and home. The start can be a bit brain jarring if you haven’t done a reread of the Warden in preparation; a small synopsis of the previous book or some skillful exposition to soften the transition would be helpful.
Aelis as a character is highly intelligent, principled, prickly, and difficult. I really enjoyed her arc in this book as we get to see her softening into someone more humane and relatable, as she grows to care for those around her. Her growing romance with Maurenia, her deepening friendships with the people of Lone Pine - all serve as excellent opportunities for Aelis to become more.
Tun, Aelis’ closet friend, continues mysterious, but we get more of his story and I can’t wait for the Author to do a book that really dives into his arc. He’s an excellent foil to Aelis, and I like that there is no mingling of sexual tension in their friendship. It’s one built on respect and understanding, not attraction.
The world-building is intriguing and I love that the many moons of their world dictate how the magic works, when Aelis will be at her strongest or her foes at their most potent. I would love to see more history of how the world came to struggle so with the necromantic arts, and to see more of the world in general.
There are at least 3 books planned, but I would love to see even more in the expanded world. The story has the feel of large-scale adventure fantasy; if you played Skyrim & loved it, you’ll enjoy this book - the world is inspired by D&D and you can feel it - it captures some of the same feeling of fun.
I’d give comps as Bonesmith - but cozier, Sabriel, The Crystal Shard, & the Fall of Radiance. If you like bones, adventure fantasy, strong FMC’s, F/F romance, & unexpected friendships that overcome boundaries, this is for you.
Necrobane picks up directly where the Warden ends and takes the Reader straight into the wilds, w/ plenty of romantic tension, character development, adventure, and magic, as Aelis battles the unquiet dead to protect her friends and home. The start can be a bit brain jarring if you haven’t done a reread of the Warden in preparation; a small synopsis of the previous book or some skillful exposition to soften the transition would be helpful.
Aelis as a character is highly intelligent, principled, prickly, and difficult. I really enjoyed her arc in this book as we get to see her softening into someone more humane and relatable, as she grows to care for those around her. Her growing romance with Maurenia, her deepening friendships with the people of Lone Pine - all serve as excellent opportunities for Aelis to become more.
Tun, Aelis’ closet friend, continues mysterious, but we get more of his story and I can’t wait for the Author to do a book that really dives into his arc. He’s an excellent foil to Aelis, and I like that there is no mingling of sexual tension in their friendship. It’s one built on respect and understanding, not attraction.
The world-building is intriguing and I love that the many moons of their world dictate how the magic works, when Aelis will be at her strongest or her foes at their most potent. I would love to see more history of how the world came to struggle so with the necromantic arts, and to see more of the world in general.
There are at least 3 books planned, but I would love to see even more in the expanded world. The story has the feel of large-scale adventure fantasy; if you played Skyrim & loved it, you’ll enjoy this book - the world is inspired by D&D and you can feel it - it captures some of the same feeling of fun.
I’d give comps as Bonesmith - but cozier, Sabriel, The Crystal Shard, & the Fall of Radiance. If you like bones, adventure fantasy, strong FMC’s, F/F romance, & unexpected friendships that overcome boundaries, this is for you.
June 14, 2024
On my blog.
Rep: bi mc, sapphic li, gay side characters
Actual rating 2.5
Galley provided by publisher
Necrobane is, I think, a book that would have benefitted from me reading it much sooner after The Warden than I was ultimately able to. I realise I say this a lot of the time, but I think it’s more true in this case than most. Not least because, having had that year-plus long break, I remembered very little of the first book.
The story picks up almost immediately after the last chapter of that book, so, in a way, it’s not too much of a problem if you forget because you’re chucked straight back into the swing of things. You pick it back up as you read (although there were definitely some things that I just had to shrug and go along with).
There are two things that really stood out to me in this one as issues — and probably, if I’m honest, at least one was something I thought about the first book, but was hoping would get remedied in the second. Alas, it did not, so here I am. Let’s take that one first though.
The worldbuilding is, to put it bluntly, flimsy. It seems to me to rely a lot on shared concepts of fantasy worlds within the readers, the familiarity of them, instead of building a complete world in itself. Sure, to an extent, a lot of fantasy books do this, but this was a case where I could feel it. This was not to its detriment in book one — it let you pick up the world pretty quickly. But in book two I wanted more (and surely, was not helped by reading The Fellowship of the Ring at the same time because boy, does Tolkien know how to worldbuild). More is what I didn’t get, except to introduce new characters and magical concepts without any grounding in the worldbuilding. However, YMMV on this one: I know I lean on the in-depth worldbuilding side of things, but for others the lack of it will be a draw.
My second point lies, oddly enough, in how clever the main character is. Now, this is not to say I don’t want clever characters: of course I do! A plot resting on sheer stupidity is, unless amusing, guaranteed to irritate me no end. But there’s clever and then there’s this. The issue here is that Aelis is almost too clever. She can solve every problem, usually within a few pages, and a lot of the time she just doesn’t slip up. It’s like a scaling issue: she’s too powerful (read: intelligent) for the world she’s in and the problems she faces. As such, none of the stakes in this book feel that high. I’m sure they’re meant to be, but it just feels like an oddly low stakes high fantasy book (while clearly having stakes which are not meant to be low). Take, for example, the ease with which the big bad is killed at the end (assuming he’s genuinely been killed this time, of course). It happens within a few pages and all the build up to it (aka the entire rest of the book) feels a little pointless. Except to introduce the magical equivalent of modern Doctor Who’s sonic screwdriver which resolves every issue that Aelis can’t on her own. (I’m sure there’s a word for this, not deus ex machina, though I suppose that sort of works, but anyway…) As such, it’s all a bit like …oh well, okay, there goes that obstacle. (Although, as before, this is probably another YMMV point. Turns out my mileage is… not far.)
As I said, though, this is probably a book I’d have enjoyed more if I’d read it straight after the first one. Maybe then, I’d have managed to overlook all of this.
Rep: bi mc, sapphic li, gay side characters
Actual rating 2.5
Galley provided by publisher
Necrobane is, I think, a book that would have benefitted from me reading it much sooner after The Warden than I was ultimately able to. I realise I say this a lot of the time, but I think it’s more true in this case than most. Not least because, having had that year-plus long break, I remembered very little of the first book.
The story picks up almost immediately after the last chapter of that book, so, in a way, it’s not too much of a problem if you forget because you’re chucked straight back into the swing of things. You pick it back up as you read (although there were definitely some things that I just had to shrug and go along with).
There are two things that really stood out to me in this one as issues — and probably, if I’m honest, at least one was something I thought about the first book, but was hoping would get remedied in the second. Alas, it did not, so here I am. Let’s take that one first though.
The worldbuilding is, to put it bluntly, flimsy. It seems to me to rely a lot on shared concepts of fantasy worlds within the readers, the familiarity of them, instead of building a complete world in itself. Sure, to an extent, a lot of fantasy books do this, but this was a case where I could feel it. This was not to its detriment in book one — it let you pick up the world pretty quickly. But in book two I wanted more (and surely, was not helped by reading The Fellowship of the Ring at the same time because boy, does Tolkien know how to worldbuild). More is what I didn’t get, except to introduce new characters and magical concepts without any grounding in the worldbuilding. However, YMMV on this one: I know I lean on the in-depth worldbuilding side of things, but for others the lack of it will be a draw.
My second point lies, oddly enough, in how clever the main character is. Now, this is not to say I don’t want clever characters: of course I do! A plot resting on sheer stupidity is, unless amusing, guaranteed to irritate me no end. But there’s clever and then there’s this. The issue here is that Aelis is almost too clever. She can solve every problem, usually within a few pages, and a lot of the time she just doesn’t slip up. It’s like a scaling issue: she’s too powerful (read: intelligent) for the world she’s in and the problems she faces. As such, none of the stakes in this book feel that high. I’m sure they’re meant to be, but it just feels like an oddly low stakes high fantasy book (while clearly having stakes which are not meant to be low). Take, for example, the ease with which the big bad is killed at the end (assuming he’s genuinely been killed this time, of course). It happens within a few pages and all the build up to it (aka the entire rest of the book) feels a little pointless. Except to introduce the magical equivalent of modern Doctor Who’s sonic screwdriver which resolves every issue that Aelis can’t on her own. (I’m sure there’s a word for this, not deus ex machina, though I suppose that sort of works, but anyway…) As such, it’s all a bit like …oh well, okay, there goes that obstacle. (Although, as before, this is probably another YMMV point. Turns out my mileage is… not far.)
As I said, though, this is probably a book I’d have enjoyed more if I’d read it straight after the first one. Maybe then, I’d have managed to overlook all of this.
October 9, 2024
I am kind of obsessed with this series that I found completely by accident! I read the first one and was pleasantly surprised then excited to see there's a sequel, and now I cannot wait for the next in the series! I have a feeling this will wrap up after 3, but I hope I'm wrong because I could read stuff in this world for a long time. Also, I probably should go back and mention this in my review for the first book, but I just sort of found this on Kindle Unlimited and a LOT of stuff I read there (pretty much all lesbian romance/fantasy-romance) is low quality so I just had NO idea what to expect here and was blown away - but halfway through I went to look at the book details to see if the next book was out or not, and was surprised this is a male author. I don't know why, but something about the way he treats the characters in general and the female main character especially I just assumed it was a woman. Go figure and/or good job? IDK.
January 2, 2024
I admit I was hanging on to this one, waiting to savor it on my vacation, and it did not disappoint. Well, Aelis being a dumbass about self care disappointed a little, but the action and adventure that picks up at breakneck speed from the previous book was perfect. I enjoyed the story arc (argh! Trying to avoid spoilers!) I’m having a hard time about the Morenia development; I like the accountability demanded for Aelis (although I think that it’s also a harsh standard); I wasn’t expecting the ending at all and am Jonesing for the next book immediately! If you liked the first, it’s more of the same in a great way.
Advanced Readers Copy provided by edelweiss
Advanced Readers Copy provided by edelweiss
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2024
The second installment of this series was even better than the first. I simply cannot wait for the next.
March 9, 2025
I have not yet left a review of the first book, which I ought to go back and do at some point. My feelings are similar between the first and this; I really enjoyed both, though I had some quibbles about pacing and characterization.
I write this review first though to make special mention of the editing... which is to say, I think it needed more of it? There is a section in chapter 6 where a paragraph is restated twice in a row, just worded slightly differently. I've seen typos crop up here or there--between the two books and others, sure--but I don't think I've seen something like this before. It feels it had been a paragraph that was retooled and was being cut and slot into a different spot in the chapter but then the original paragraph was left in? I'm not sure how to describe it, but it was a little jarring, to say the least.
Overall though, even when it was at its slowest, I really enjoyed Necrobane. Some might not like the prolonged recovery section of the second half; someone described it as feeling like an extended epilogue and I somewhat agree. Sometimes, I think the big action lacks oomph and is placed with the same narrative weight as the less "exciting" portions. But I like the less "exciting" portions quite a lot; I love mundanity in the midst of the fantastic, so I can't complain overmuch.
The characterization, or sometimes the way the characters react to things (over and under), was a bit more prevalent in this book than the first. Particularly, I found a section in mid to be a bit jarring. When Maurenia bounces between anger and light-hearted acceptance to fury to hopping into the sack (notably several times over) with Aelis after Aelis, in her brash handlings with an unknown fey-like entity, caused Maurenia to be stuck fast in its place, unable to leave the confines of the valley the entity occupied... especially after, being met with the fury, Aelis propositioned her since they had the whole of the cabin to themselves. It felt...sort of weird? But I realize this may be a staple of the S&S genre that I admittedly haven't much experience with reading. Amidst Aelis' continued back-and-forth on how competent or incompetent she finds others around her, which is interesting to see as progress in growth is non-linear but can make her a bit difficult to swallow at times... Even if it's not what you might come to expect of a typical protagonist, I love her all the same, very deeply.
I rarely preorder books, but I have gone ahead and preordered the third book of the series, Advocate, due out in April, and I cannot wait to see what it holds.
4.5 stars out of 5, rounded up.
I write this review first though to make special mention of the editing... which is to say, I think it needed more of it? There is a section in chapter 6 where a paragraph is restated twice in a row, just worded slightly differently. I've seen typos crop up here or there--between the two books and others, sure--but I don't think I've seen something like this before. It feels it had been a paragraph that was retooled and was being cut and slot into a different spot in the chapter but then the original paragraph was left in? I'm not sure how to describe it, but it was a little jarring, to say the least.
Overall though, even when it was at its slowest, I really enjoyed Necrobane. Some might not like the prolonged recovery section of the second half; someone described it as feeling like an extended epilogue and I somewhat agree. Sometimes, I think the big action lacks oomph and is placed with the same narrative weight as the less "exciting" portions. But I like the less "exciting" portions quite a lot; I love mundanity in the midst of the fantastic, so I can't complain overmuch.
The characterization, or sometimes the way the characters react to things (over and under), was a bit more prevalent in this book than the first. Particularly, I found a section in mid to be a bit jarring. When Maurenia bounces between anger and light-hearted acceptance to fury to hopping into the sack (notably several times over) with Aelis after Aelis, in her brash handlings with an unknown fey-like entity, caused Maurenia to be stuck fast in its place, unable to leave the confines of the valley the entity occupied... especially after, being met with the fury, Aelis propositioned her since they had the whole of the cabin to themselves. It felt...sort of weird? But I realize this may be a staple of the S&S genre that I admittedly haven't much experience with reading. Amidst Aelis' continued back-and-forth on how competent or incompetent she finds others around her, which is interesting to see as progress in growth is non-linear but can make her a bit difficult to swallow at times... Even if it's not what you might come to expect of a typical protagonist, I love her all the same, very deeply.
I rarely preorder books, but I have gone ahead and preordered the third book of the series, Advocate, due out in April, and I cannot wait to see what it holds.
4.5 stars out of 5, rounded up.
September 7, 2024
Book Summary:
Once upon a time (not all that long ago, really), Aelis de Lenti thought she was being insulted or shunned when assigned to be the Warden of Lone Pine. Now, she cherishes her role in the village and would do anything to protect them.
Even if that means walking out into the dark and facing a monster before it can reach them. In her quest for answers, Aelis may have kicked off something much bigger than herself, and it’ll take everything she has to stop it before a war begins anew.
My Review:
Necrobane is the second novel in Daniel M. Ford’s Warden series, and I have SO been looking forward to seeing what happens next. The last book left us on a bit of a cliffhanger, leaving me all sorts of anxious and worried.
The events that follow are exactly what I was hoping for. It resolved everything from the last book while finding new and different ways to up the ante. In other words, it’s a perfect fantasy sequel.
I am sad that Necrobane is shorter than its predecessor. I feel like a few areas could have been explored further (like the whole conclusion). Maybe that’s just me because I want to learn everything about this world.
There are two major twists in this book. The first comes about halfway through, and it’s heavy. Good, but heavy. The second comes at the end and will certainly set the tone for the next novel, which I’m already looking forward to.
Highlights:
Necromancers & Trials
Adventure Fantasy
Part of a Series
LGBTQ+
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
Once upon a time (not all that long ago, really), Aelis de Lenti thought she was being insulted or shunned when assigned to be the Warden of Lone Pine. Now, she cherishes her role in the village and would do anything to protect them.
Even if that means walking out into the dark and facing a monster before it can reach them. In her quest for answers, Aelis may have kicked off something much bigger than herself, and it’ll take everything she has to stop it before a war begins anew.
My Review:
Necrobane is the second novel in Daniel M. Ford’s Warden series, and I have SO been looking forward to seeing what happens next. The last book left us on a bit of a cliffhanger, leaving me all sorts of anxious and worried.
The events that follow are exactly what I was hoping for. It resolved everything from the last book while finding new and different ways to up the ante. In other words, it’s a perfect fantasy sequel.
I am sad that Necrobane is shorter than its predecessor. I feel like a few areas could have been explored further (like the whole conclusion). Maybe that’s just me because I want to learn everything about this world.
There are two major twists in this book. The first comes about halfway through, and it’s heavy. Good, but heavy. The second comes at the end and will certainly set the tone for the next novel, which I’m already looking forward to.
Highlights:
Necromancers & Trials
Adventure Fantasy
Part of a Series
LGBTQ+
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | The Book Review Crew | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Reedsy
April 28, 2025
The story picks up right after the end of book one (The Warden) in the series.
Our main character, Warden Aelis, and her friend Woodsman Tun (half-orc) are now joined on a new adventure by Maurenia (half-elf) and Timmuk (dwarf).
Along the way they encounter and make a deal with Rhunival, and this entire section brings up some fun questions for the reader.
I did not realize how much I had come to care for Aelis and Tun after following them through trials in the first book - until a fight scene had me misty-eyed and worried in this story.
“That’s why I like you, Aelis. You cannot stand to see a challenge and not take it up. It is why I fear for you. You barrel forward into things. One day the thing you charge at its going to be too big for you.” - Tun
It’s easy to envision the people, places, and spaces depicted by the author. The steady pacing is easily enjoyed and the second half of the story really sinks its claws into you. There are multiple problems for our main character and her friends to overcome, and they unfold nicely as the story progresses.
Tun & Aelis’s friendship, trust, and support are heartwarming and are among the best elements of this series.
Chef’s kiss of an ending for Necrobane - let book three (Advocate) begin!
Our main character, Warden Aelis, and her friend Woodsman Tun (half-orc) are now joined on a new adventure by Maurenia (half-elf) and Timmuk (dwarf).
Along the way they encounter and make a deal with Rhunival, and this entire section brings up some fun questions for the reader.
I did not realize how much I had come to care for Aelis and Tun after following them through trials in the first book - until a fight scene had me misty-eyed and worried in this story.
“That’s why I like you, Aelis. You cannot stand to see a challenge and not take it up. It is why I fear for you. You barrel forward into things. One day the thing you charge at its going to be too big for you.” - Tun
It’s easy to envision the people, places, and spaces depicted by the author. The steady pacing is easily enjoyed and the second half of the story really sinks its claws into you. There are multiple problems for our main character and her friends to overcome, and they unfold nicely as the story progresses.
Tun & Aelis’s friendship, trust, and support are heartwarming and are among the best elements of this series.
Chef’s kiss of an ending for Necrobane - let book three (Advocate) begin!
November 23, 2025
“You people made some right fucking horrors,” Timmuk growled as he shrugged out of his pack and unlimbered his axe. “How do you fight it?”
This is the attitude we needed from a book full of skeletal animations and dark spirits. Necrobane didn’t let me down! I was so happy to be back with my friends at Lone Pine and beyond.
These books are a slow journey and an unfurling of secrets. If you want fast paced then maybe they’re not for you? I happen to adore the character development and found family vibes. And it’s earned friendship, these are not bonds that are bubbly or rushed. There is tension, but it’s valid! There are arguments and vows of loyalty. I appreciate that so much. It made the characters very real for me (I was going to say “very human” in their flaws and quirks, but many of them are indeed not human at all).
There were also some great quotes I found meaningful throughout, like:
“There is nothing in this world that cannot be a craft, even an art, if it is practiced with due care.”
I’m pleased with how things ended here. I feel like most of book one and two are wrapped up, BUT there are some loose threads and a mini cliffhanger to keep things slightly ajar for book three. It will be a definite read for 2026, as soon as I get my hands on a hardcover copy.
This is the attitude we needed from a book full of skeletal animations and dark spirits. Necrobane didn’t let me down! I was so happy to be back with my friends at Lone Pine and beyond.
These books are a slow journey and an unfurling of secrets. If you want fast paced then maybe they’re not for you? I happen to adore the character development and found family vibes. And it’s earned friendship, these are not bonds that are bubbly or rushed. There is tension, but it’s valid! There are arguments and vows of loyalty. I appreciate that so much. It made the characters very real for me (I was going to say “very human” in their flaws and quirks, but many of them are indeed not human at all).
There were also some great quotes I found meaningful throughout, like:
“There is nothing in this world that cannot be a craft, even an art, if it is practiced with due care.”
I’m pleased with how things ended here. I feel like most of book one and two are wrapped up, BUT there are some loose threads and a mini cliffhanger to keep things slightly ajar for book three. It will be a definite read for 2026, as soon as I get my hands on a hardcover copy.
May 13, 2024
Picking up right where we left off in book one, Ford does it again!
Being the second book in the series, the focus of the story is more about the race against the clock and the discoveries Aelis and Co. make along the way and features less of those cozy, fish out of water vibes the first book had. Aelis is more confident and sure of her place in Lone Pine and may even be beginning to find some charm in the humble farm town.
I felt as though the problem introduced at the end of book one was solved rather quickly in book two, however, if I'm being fair book one WAS kind of a setup for the first half of this book so maybe I should look at it as one big book instead. That's really the only issue I remember having as I was reading.
As for what I liked, quite a lot! My previous issues with Aelis and Maurenia's relationship has been solved as I thought they would be. It's confirmed they're in a kind of hookup phase right now and aren't going so far as to call it a relationship just yet. Timmuk gets a touch more attention which is nice, more characterization for many of the townsfolk. Tun is without a doubt the greatest friend Aelis will ever have and I suspect that goes both ways. By far my favorite inclusion was Rhunival. Without saying too much, he reminds me of a mix between Tom Bombadil and Nivellen from the Witcher series. I mean that in a good way, I know some don't care for Tom. I also really enjoyed the "spirit" within the Matrix, he was surprisingly charming.
Once again Ford sneaks in a huge cliffhanger right at the last second and it seems book 3, Advocate, will be continuing right where we left off in Necrobane. Can't wait to see where we go from here, this series is a treat!
Being the second book in the series, the focus of the story is more about the race against the clock and the discoveries Aelis and Co. make along the way and features less of those cozy, fish out of water vibes the first book had. Aelis is more confident and sure of her place in Lone Pine and may even be beginning to find some charm in the humble farm town.
I felt as though the problem introduced at the end of book one was solved rather quickly in book two, however, if I'm being fair book one WAS kind of a setup for the first half of this book so maybe I should look at it as one big book instead. That's really the only issue I remember having as I was reading.
As for what I liked, quite a lot! My previous issues with Aelis and Maurenia's relationship has been solved as I thought they would be. It's confirmed they're in a kind of hookup phase right now and aren't going so far as to call it a relationship just yet. Timmuk gets a touch more attention which is nice, more characterization for many of the townsfolk. Tun is without a doubt the greatest friend Aelis will ever have and I suspect that goes both ways. By far my favorite inclusion was Rhunival. Without saying too much, he reminds me of a mix between Tom Bombadil and Nivellen from the Witcher series. I mean that in a good way, I know some don't care for Tom. I also really enjoyed the "spirit" within the Matrix, he was surprisingly charming.
Once again Ford sneaks in a huge cliffhanger right at the last second and it seems book 3, Advocate, will be continuing right where we left off in Necrobane. Can't wait to see where we go from here, this series is a treat!
November 20, 2024
Wizards, Wishes and Workings
Warden2
I almost didn’t start this, because I devoured The Warden in one sitting. The Advocate isn’t out until next year… but, I couldn’t resist.
Necrobane delivers the same sense of pacing and energy as Warden - yay!
Aelis is setting in with her responsibilities to the village and environs, even as she strives to discharge the onus placed upon her by the Archmagister. The volume of work dumped in her lap provoked her competitive spirit and abilities; but, her inexperience outmatched her creativity.
In searching out the rest of the barracks-crypts, she has more help and more consequences. Aelis is gaining knowledge by the barrel full, and competence by mistakes and successes.
The village is coming to accept her, in ways that stretch her methods of meeting the world; money is an easement, but, so is courtesy (aka verbal niceties).
The greatest change, though, are the people who refuse to be held at a distance, and can tell when she prevaricates. It’s reaching back to them, that drives Aelis’ growth as a person, and lets her voice her foibles and vulnerabilities.
Great book.
Warden2
I almost didn’t start this, because I devoured The Warden in one sitting. The Advocate isn’t out until next year… but, I couldn’t resist.
Necrobane delivers the same sense of pacing and energy as Warden - yay!
Aelis is setting in with her responsibilities to the village and environs, even as she strives to discharge the onus placed upon her by the Archmagister. The volume of work dumped in her lap provoked her competitive spirit and abilities; but, her inexperience outmatched her creativity.
In searching out the rest of the barracks-crypts, she has more help and more consequences. Aelis is gaining knowledge by the barrel full, and competence by mistakes and successes.
The village is coming to accept her, in ways that stretch her methods of meeting the world; money is an easement, but, so is courtesy (aka verbal niceties).
The greatest change, though, are the people who refuse to be held at a distance, and can tell when she prevaricates. It’s reaching back to them, that drives Aelis’ growth as a person, and lets her voice her foibles and vulnerabilities.
Great book.
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