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The Envoys of Chaos #0.5
The Pawns of Havoc
No Mercy, No Questions Asked.
Cork has quickly made a name for himself among the Kosellan mercenaries, but now his boss has come to him with an unusual job. Cork’s erstwhile countrymen, the Winn, have hired him to travel into the barren Frozen Lands and destroy a convoy, leaving only one survivor.
Cork isn’t sure he can trust the Winn. He feels like a pawn in their political game. However, his mother is sick and the Winn have promised to heal her if Cork does the job. And killing is what Cork does best.
To make matters worse. Cork’s crew has been decided for him: Arabella, an inexperienced and infuriating archer, and Nessa, a gloomy criminal with murder on her mind.
Cork will have to figure out how to complete the job, avoid Winn treachery, and manage conflicts with Arabella and Nessa along the way.
It's going to be chaos.
Cork has quickly made a name for himself among the Kosellan mercenaries, but now his boss has come to him with an unusual job. Cork’s erstwhile countrymen, the Winn, have hired him to travel into the barren Frozen Lands and destroy a convoy, leaving only one survivor.
Cork isn’t sure he can trust the Winn. He feels like a pawn in their political game. However, his mother is sick and the Winn have promised to heal her if Cork does the job. And killing is what Cork does best.
To make matters worse. Cork’s crew has been decided for him: Arabella, an inexperienced and infuriating archer, and Nessa, a gloomy criminal with murder on her mind.
Cork will have to figure out how to complete the job, avoid Winn treachery, and manage conflicts with Arabella and Nessa along the way.
It's going to be chaos.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2025
9 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Dave Lawson
5 books96 followersDave Lawson is an Oklahoma-based fantasy novelist. He received an MFA in Fiction Writing from The New School in 2009 and published some contemporary literary fiction, before spending several years doing absolutely nothing with his degree. Now, he's returned to his first love--and what he enjoys reading--fantasy. His first fantasy novel, The Envoys of War, will be published in October of 2024. He enjoys writing about conniving rakes and creative liars who do whatever they must to get what they desire. However, Dave's not like his characters. Pinky swear.
When he's not writing, he teaches high school English and Drama. He lives with his wife and their dog, Rowena, who is a ball of energy. In a past life, Dave was surely a pirate.
When he's not writing, he teaches high school English and Drama. He lives with his wife and their dog, Rowena, who is a ball of energy. In a past life, Dave was surely a pirate.
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November 21, 2025*I read this for SFINCS3, this is just my opinion and may not represent the whole team*
The Pawns of Havoc was a lot of fun for me, as an epic fantasy reader/writer who reads more dark than cozy. Based on what I knew about Envoys of War, the first book in the Envoys of Chaos series, I was not expecting Pawns to be as dark and morally ambiguous as it was, but considering the level of banter, the breeziness of the writing, and the touch of romance, I would classify it more as a dark sword and sorcery tale than anything resembling grimdark.
Cork’s mother is a member of the mysterious and feared Winn, but has apparently had a falling out with her people and left their island. The problem: when Winn mages leave their homeland, they suffer a wasting disease that eventually leads to death without the constant use of an expensive tonic. And though she and her son are not accepted in their new home, Cork’s mother refuses to go back to the Winn. This puts Cork in a tough spot; in order to afford the tonic, he’s been selling his sword—or rather, his giant axe. At the beginning of this novella, Cork is offered a job he can’t refuse by the very people his mother is running from—the Winn.
We’re never told why Cork doesn’t suffer the same wasting disease as his mother (is it because Cork is a fighter instead of a mage?) and we’re also not given much background about the Winn, other than their fearsome reputation. I think this may be because Pawns of Havoc is a prequel novella written specifically to tell Cork’s backstory. Cork is an easy character to root for. He’s down to earth, pragmatic, a little snarky, but generally, I found it easy to sympathize with his plight even as he started making questionable moral decisions.
I really appreciated that Lawson didn’t shy away from the moral ambiguity inherent in the plot. When it came time to go there—he went.
My only complaint is that I thought the story wrapped up a little too quickly. While the story definitely went difficult places without cheating, it didn't spend a whole lot of time dealing with the aftermath or the consequences of Cork's actions. I feel like this might also have had something to do with the story being a prequel novella, but as my introduction to the series (I haven't read Book 1), I would have appreciated an ending that was a little less neat.
I would recommend this to epic fantasy readers who like a touch of darkness to their adventure stories but who don't want to go on full-on grimdark, and also to readers looking for a light romantic subplot that isn't romantasy. Arabella and Cork's relationship was a highlight of the story for me--no enemies to lovers here, more shades of an old-fashioned historical (not the spicy kind) done sword and sorcery style.
The Pawns of Havoc was a lot of fun for me, as an epic fantasy reader/writer who reads more dark than cozy. Based on what I knew about Envoys of War, the first book in the Envoys of Chaos series, I was not expecting Pawns to be as dark and morally ambiguous as it was, but considering the level of banter, the breeziness of the writing, and the touch of romance, I would classify it more as a dark sword and sorcery tale than anything resembling grimdark.
Cork’s mother is a member of the mysterious and feared Winn, but has apparently had a falling out with her people and left their island. The problem: when Winn mages leave their homeland, they suffer a wasting disease that eventually leads to death without the constant use of an expensive tonic. And though she and her son are not accepted in their new home, Cork’s mother refuses to go back to the Winn. This puts Cork in a tough spot; in order to afford the tonic, he’s been selling his sword—or rather, his giant axe. At the beginning of this novella, Cork is offered a job he can’t refuse by the very people his mother is running from—the Winn.
We’re never told why Cork doesn’t suffer the same wasting disease as his mother (is it because Cork is a fighter instead of a mage?) and we’re also not given much background about the Winn, other than their fearsome reputation. I think this may be because Pawns of Havoc is a prequel novella written specifically to tell Cork’s backstory. Cork is an easy character to root for. He’s down to earth, pragmatic, a little snarky, but generally, I found it easy to sympathize with his plight even as he started making questionable moral decisions.
I really appreciated that Lawson didn’t shy away from the moral ambiguity inherent in the plot. When it came time to go there—he went.
My only complaint is that I thought the story wrapped up a little too quickly. While the story definitely went difficult places without cheating, it didn't spend a whole lot of time dealing with the aftermath or the consequences of Cork's actions. I feel like this might also have had something to do with the story being a prequel novella, but as my introduction to the series (I haven't read Book 1), I would have appreciated an ending that was a little less neat.
I would recommend this to epic fantasy readers who like a touch of darkness to their adventure stories but who don't want to go on full-on grimdark, and also to readers looking for a light romantic subplot that isn't romantasy. Arabella and Cork's relationship was a highlight of the story for me--no enemies to lovers here, more shades of an old-fashioned historical (not the spicy kind) done sword and sorcery style.
May 22, 2025
This review was originally published on Before We Go Blog
Dave Lawson delivers blood, banter, blossoming romance, and brutal gut punches in The Pawns of Havoc. Set twelve years before the start of The Envoys of War, this standalone prequel novella gives a glimpse into the mysterious backstory of the enigmatic Cork, and you better believe it’s not a happy tale.
Now, out of all the many exceptionally intriguing characters from The Envoys of War, Cork was easily a standout for me, so I was just about jumping with joy to get a peek into his past. We follow our broken, broody mercenary as he gets hired by his erstwhile countrymen, the notorious Winn, who promise to heal his ailing mother if he carries out their unusual job. So, together with the aspiring archer Arabella and the murderous criminal Nessa, he sets out into the barren Frozen Lands where danger, treachery and death lurk around every corner.
In The Envoys of War, Lawson already proved that he has a true gift for creating morally ambiguous characters who you just can’t help but root for (even if you want to strangle them for their actions as well), but he takes that skill to the next level in The Pawns of Havoc. I was instantly reminded why I loved Cork so much as a side character in book 1, and I think he shines even more as a protagonist here.
See, Cork might come across as just another cold-hearted, broody and snarky mercenary, but he really is so much more than that. Yes, he can be brutal and will not hesitate to get difficult shit done, but we also get to see his more tender and emotional side shine through, be that through his undying love for his mother or his growing affection and blossoming feelings for the feisty Arabella (who honestly deserves her own novella, what a gem!). Plus, I really enjoyed getting a bit of a deeper look into the culture of the enigmatic Winn, especially through the eyes of someone who has such a complicated relationship with his own people.
Moreover, the man just has one hell of a strong character voice, and the strong emotional hook planted during the very first few pages just had me fully invested in his tumultuous journey here. The Pawns of Havoc definitely goes down some darker and more disturbing paths than The Envoys of War as it examines just how far one is willing to go to protect their loved ones, but it’s also still got a ton of Lawson’s quintessential witty humour, snappy banter, and surprising heart.
Between the riveting intrigue, fun character dynamics, high-stakes action, and brisk pacing, The Pawns of Havoc just had me so hooked that I devoured this dark little adventure in one sitting. Whether you are already a fan of The Envoys of Chaos series or use this novella as an enticing taste test of Lawson’s rich imagination and strong storytelling skills, I think The Pawns of Havoc is a true treat for anyone who likes their fantasy character-driven, action-packed, and full of heart and dark humour.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Pawns of Havoc is scheduled for release on 29 May, 2025.
Dave Lawson delivers blood, banter, blossoming romance, and brutal gut punches in The Pawns of Havoc. Set twelve years before the start of The Envoys of War, this standalone prequel novella gives a glimpse into the mysterious backstory of the enigmatic Cork, and you better believe it’s not a happy tale.
Now, out of all the many exceptionally intriguing characters from The Envoys of War, Cork was easily a standout for me, so I was just about jumping with joy to get a peek into his past. We follow our broken, broody mercenary as he gets hired by his erstwhile countrymen, the notorious Winn, who promise to heal his ailing mother if he carries out their unusual job. So, together with the aspiring archer Arabella and the murderous criminal Nessa, he sets out into the barren Frozen Lands where danger, treachery and death lurk around every corner.
In The Envoys of War, Lawson already proved that he has a true gift for creating morally ambiguous characters who you just can’t help but root for (even if you want to strangle them for their actions as well), but he takes that skill to the next level in The Pawns of Havoc. I was instantly reminded why I loved Cork so much as a side character in book 1, and I think he shines even more as a protagonist here.
See, Cork might come across as just another cold-hearted, broody and snarky mercenary, but he really is so much more than that. Yes, he can be brutal and will not hesitate to get difficult shit done, but we also get to see his more tender and emotional side shine through, be that through his undying love for his mother or his growing affection and blossoming feelings for the feisty Arabella (who honestly deserves her own novella, what a gem!). Plus, I really enjoyed getting a bit of a deeper look into the culture of the enigmatic Winn, especially through the eyes of someone who has such a complicated relationship with his own people.
Moreover, the man just has one hell of a strong character voice, and the strong emotional hook planted during the very first few pages just had me fully invested in his tumultuous journey here. The Pawns of Havoc definitely goes down some darker and more disturbing paths than The Envoys of War as it examines just how far one is willing to go to protect their loved ones, but it’s also still got a ton of Lawson’s quintessential witty humour, snappy banter, and surprising heart.
Between the riveting intrigue, fun character dynamics, high-stakes action, and brisk pacing, The Pawns of Havoc just had me so hooked that I devoured this dark little adventure in one sitting. Whether you are already a fan of The Envoys of Chaos series or use this novella as an enticing taste test of Lawson’s rich imagination and strong storytelling skills, I think The Pawns of Havoc is a true treat for anyone who likes their fantasy character-driven, action-packed, and full of heart and dark humour.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Pawns of Havoc is scheduled for release on 29 May, 2025.
July 11, 2025
4.5 but GR doesn't do halves so I rounded up.
Full RTC!
Full RTC!
May 6, 2025
The Pawns of Havoc is like a battle axe.
It's brilliant, sharp, heavy at times and without embellishments, but it's also the perfect instrument for this exercise.
This is part of Cork's backstory and it's superb how much punch [cutting power?] Dave manages to squeeze in such a small page count. And we get to know more of him and we get to partake more in the worldbuilding, which always a plus.
The humor is spot on and the prose is of a higher level than his previous work "The Envoys of War".
I loved the character dynamics in the party, and I want to know more of what happens with Arabella, not asking for more Cork, because I believe we'll get it on the Envoys follow-up.
If I keep writing I'll be near making it as long as Pawns 🤣
Go grab it! It's worth your time!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's brilliant, sharp, heavy at times and without embellishments, but it's also the perfect instrument for this exercise.
This is part of Cork's backstory and it's superb how much punch [cutting power?] Dave manages to squeeze in such a small page count. And we get to know more of him and we get to partake more in the worldbuilding, which always a plus.
The humor is spot on and the prose is of a higher level than his previous work "The Envoys of War".
I loved the character dynamics in the party, and I want to know more of what happens with Arabella, not asking for more Cork, because I believe we'll get it on the Envoys follow-up.
If I keep writing I'll be near making it as long as Pawns 🤣
Go grab it! It's worth your time!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2025
Love the expansion on the lore of the Winn! Characters that are only introduced in Envoys of War.
Cork, one of the Winn (kinda), is one of my favorite characters from Envoys of War, and getting a peek into his past was so fun. He’s a good son, but an absolute DOG. 10/10 would not change a thing.
Dave once again delivers a deeply disturbing and dark tale, with so much snark and humor that you almost forget things are dark and disturbing. Almost.
Dave also tries to make you cry.
Cork, one of the Winn (kinda), is one of my favorite characters from Envoys of War, and getting a peek into his past was so fun. He’s a good son, but an absolute DOG. 10/10 would not change a thing.
Dave once again delivers a deeply disturbing and dark tale, with so much snark and humor that you almost forget things are dark and disturbing. Almost.
Dave also tries to make you cry.
July 30, 2025
“The company had made camp for the night, and she’d been shooting arrows into the trees as a bit of a laugh. Cork had stepped into the trees for a piss and had almost ended up with an arrow in his back. “She’s a pain in the arse.””
Returning to what has literally become my favorite sub genre: Indie epic fantasy prequel novella, this one was a great read. I jumped into this without having read book 1 and I really like the writing. It was accessible, crisp, and just a lot of fun. And when I say fun, I mean fun in the dark, epic fantasy kinda way - a lot of murder, a great twist, a magical religious order, and giant wolves. Coming to the characters, our main group is a giant axe wielding tank, a ruthless dagger wielding assassin who threatens to kill the members of her band every 2 minutes and a skilled archer but one who is a newbie to the mercenary profession- in short the perfect group for excellent banter.
In the vein of Joe Abercrombie, these characters are properly morally ambiguous and are forced into a plot which makes them question what they are doing. And again in a similar vein, it gets properly bloody as they travel across a harsh, unforgiving landscape. I think it’s best to go in blind, so I’ll just stop talking about the book more here. I will only say that I am perfectly hooked into this story and world and I’m glad that the main book #1 is already out there for me to read next.
Returning to what has literally become my favorite sub genre: Indie epic fantasy prequel novella, this one was a great read. I jumped into this without having read book 1 and I really like the writing. It was accessible, crisp, and just a lot of fun. And when I say fun, I mean fun in the dark, epic fantasy kinda way - a lot of murder, a great twist, a magical religious order, and giant wolves. Coming to the characters, our main group is a giant axe wielding tank, a ruthless dagger wielding assassin who threatens to kill the members of her band every 2 minutes and a skilled archer but one who is a newbie to the mercenary profession- in short the perfect group for excellent banter.
In the vein of Joe Abercrombie, these characters are properly morally ambiguous and are forced into a plot which makes them question what they are doing. And again in a similar vein, it gets properly bloody as they travel across a harsh, unforgiving landscape. I think it’s best to go in blind, so I’ll just stop talking about the book more here. I will only say that I am perfectly hooked into this story and world and I’m glad that the main book #1 is already out there for me to read next.
July 8, 2025
This review was originally posted on sffinsiders.com
Have I, along with many others, been banging on Dave’s door for more books? Yes, however I seem to do that much too often and bog myself with endless ARCs, and so this review comes out far, far later than I hoped. My apologies. Or, as Cork would say, bugger off.
Pawns of Havoc is a short prequel novella to Dave’s debut, Envoys of War, highlighting the backstory of one of the more major players; Cork, a mercenary for hire originally from the island of Winn, Cork takes on work on the mainland to help buy tonics for his mother; a dying Winn mage. Could she get healed if she went back to her homeland? Yes, but she refuses, and so Cork takes on jobs here and there bashing skulls in with his axe to keep her alive.
One such job presents itself at the beginning of the story. Cork must raid a caravan, destroy it and not just the people protecting it, but also the common folk aboard. Then, a sole survivor must be left. Normal, every day work for Cork. But then he meets his contractor, and he’s no longer so sure if what he’s doing is right. Made worse by two obnoxious yet lovable mercenaries hired alongside him.
Nessa is a rude, bloodthirsty, dagger-wielding menace. She’s also a lot of fun, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't rooting for her over the others, even when she said she was going to kill them. Arabella, the other member of their ragtag party, is prim and proper and has quite literally no experience as a mercenary. That doesn’t stop her from trying to run the show, beginning a slew of funny interactions with Cork and Nessa.
As I’ve read Envoys of War many months ago, I was already quite familiar with the world (or at least the world-building) here. While it isn’t expanded on too much, this is certainly a welcome addition to the series. They travel together through frozen wastes, bash some heads in, and try to call it a day. I’ll leave you to read and find out how that ends up.
Cork, from Envoys of War, seemed like a great guy. Funny, good with an axe, blunt in an almost charming way. I DID NOT expect him to be so unhinged with the axe here though. I welcome it entirely. The fight scenes were very well choreographed and fast-paced, leading from one page to the next until we’re finished with the book before we know it. Dave did a great job pacing this story, which can be hard for novellas when the natural progression is to pack as much in there and make it drag, or get it over with quick and make it rush. Dave does neither, yet leaves us wanting more in the best of ways.
There is a small hint of romance here, similar to Envoys of War. Though unlike Envoys of War, I thought the romantic subplot worked a lot more and felt more natural in a way. I’m just wondering if Dave is going to tell us exactly what happens between Cork and Arabella in the time between Paws of Havoc and Envoys of War…Who knows.
The character work for Cork was really good, showing us his inner turmoil, though I do wish there was a bit more to it. Mercenaries that show remorse? Crazy. But there were times it seemed Cork was progressing just to cast that away for his original bruiser stereotype of bashing skulls and taking names.
All in all, Pawns of Havoc by Dave Lawson was a joy to read, and one that went by way too quick, in the best of ways. If you liked his previous work you’ll certainly like this, and if this is your introduction to Dave’s world, go on to Envoys of War, what are you waiting for?? Perfect for fans of dungeons and dragons and stories with all sorts of things going wrong at every turn (Dave’s words, not mine), you don’t want to miss this one.
Have I, along with many others, been banging on Dave’s door for more books? Yes, however I seem to do that much too often and bog myself with endless ARCs, and so this review comes out far, far later than I hoped. My apologies. Or, as Cork would say, bugger off.
Pawns of Havoc is a short prequel novella to Dave’s debut, Envoys of War, highlighting the backstory of one of the more major players; Cork, a mercenary for hire originally from the island of Winn, Cork takes on work on the mainland to help buy tonics for his mother; a dying Winn mage. Could she get healed if she went back to her homeland? Yes, but she refuses, and so Cork takes on jobs here and there bashing skulls in with his axe to keep her alive.
One such job presents itself at the beginning of the story. Cork must raid a caravan, destroy it and not just the people protecting it, but also the common folk aboard. Then, a sole survivor must be left. Normal, every day work for Cork. But then he meets his contractor, and he’s no longer so sure if what he’s doing is right. Made worse by two obnoxious yet lovable mercenaries hired alongside him.
Nessa is a rude, bloodthirsty, dagger-wielding menace. She’s also a lot of fun, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't rooting for her over the others, even when she said she was going to kill them. Arabella, the other member of their ragtag party, is prim and proper and has quite literally no experience as a mercenary. That doesn’t stop her from trying to run the show, beginning a slew of funny interactions with Cork and Nessa.
As I’ve read Envoys of War many months ago, I was already quite familiar with the world (or at least the world-building) here. While it isn’t expanded on too much, this is certainly a welcome addition to the series. They travel together through frozen wastes, bash some heads in, and try to call it a day. I’ll leave you to read and find out how that ends up.
Cork, from Envoys of War, seemed like a great guy. Funny, good with an axe, blunt in an almost charming way. I DID NOT expect him to be so unhinged with the axe here though. I welcome it entirely. The fight scenes were very well choreographed and fast-paced, leading from one page to the next until we’re finished with the book before we know it. Dave did a great job pacing this story, which can be hard for novellas when the natural progression is to pack as much in there and make it drag, or get it over with quick and make it rush. Dave does neither, yet leaves us wanting more in the best of ways.
There is a small hint of romance here, similar to Envoys of War. Though unlike Envoys of War, I thought the romantic subplot worked a lot more and felt more natural in a way. I’m just wondering if Dave is going to tell us exactly what happens between Cork and Arabella in the time between Paws of Havoc and Envoys of War…Who knows.
The character work for Cork was really good, showing us his inner turmoil, though I do wish there was a bit more to it. Mercenaries that show remorse? Crazy. But there were times it seemed Cork was progressing just to cast that away for his original bruiser stereotype of bashing skulls and taking names.
All in all, Pawns of Havoc by Dave Lawson was a joy to read, and one that went by way too quick, in the best of ways. If you liked his previous work you’ll certainly like this, and if this is your introduction to Dave’s world, go on to Envoys of War, what are you waiting for?? Perfect for fans of dungeons and dragons and stories with all sorts of things going wrong at every turn (Dave’s words, not mine), you don’t want to miss this one.
August 19, 2025
I was gifted a free (autographed!!!) paperback copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
From the very first scene, this book lured me in. Despite the guarantee of a dark world with violence and gore, this book commences with a different and closer sense of conflict which makes the reader see the softer side of the protagonist Cork Winn. Due to unspecified reasons, Cork's mother abandons the Winn mage (creepy cult) island. As either a punishment or some kind of mystery magic debt, she is suffering from a crippling chronic skin disease that is slowly killing her.
Cork is officially also considered to be a member of the cult due to his strange tattooed arms. However, so far he has not suffered from any visible physical ailment like his mother. The book never specifies the exact reason why she is suffering so much, whereas he remains healthy. Given Cork is never revealed to use ice manipulation or healing spells, either he is not considered to be a full Winn because his biological father is a normal person or he was never initiated.
At any rate, the love revealed by Cork towards caring for his mother is touching and instantly makes the reader care about him. I believe this was a brilliant way to begin the book. Not every action story needs to commence in a battlefield and this first chapter easily reveals Cork's motivations.
Things get weird when Cork's boss orders him to accept a job in exchange for a huge monetary reward. Sufficient money to purchase the tonic that keeps his mother alive for a few years. Like any job that seems too good to be true, the strings attached involve an unpleasant task, annoying coworkers and constantly being observed by two Winn. Whether the job was legit or not, all signs point it was a setup to further punish him for his mother's decisions.
I love how the author combines action, the relatively dreary wasteland, and how Cork battles against the way society forces men to hide their true emotions in public. Prosewise the book is immaculate and there isn't anything wrong I could say of it. I like the author's writing style that combines moving everything forward with polished prose that doesn't veer too much into purplely velvety territory. Arabella is described by the protagonist to be annoying, although every scene she seems pretty decent. Any complaints from Cork seem to stem more from his tendency towards hiding his emotions and not so because of Arabella. The third partner Nessa is violent, haughty and reminded me of Raven from Teen Titans if the character had become a villain instead of superhero.
If there was any complaints I had from this book, it might be the lack of POV chapters from Arabella. I would have loved a chapter where she confronts Nessa, which would have further cemented the big AHA! scene later in the book of why Nessa ended up the way she did. It isn't that the book handles the trio interactions poorly, but by only having Cork as the POV the entire book, I was yearning a bit for a softer female perspective in this dangerous world filled with brigands and thugs.
Anyhow, if readers don't mind that issue, it was a fabulous read and I would certainly like to read the full-fledged series sometime.
From the very first scene, this book lured me in. Despite the guarantee of a dark world with violence and gore, this book commences with a different and closer sense of conflict which makes the reader see the softer side of the protagonist Cork Winn. Due to unspecified reasons, Cork's mother abandons the Winn mage (creepy cult) island. As either a punishment or some kind of mystery magic debt, she is suffering from a crippling chronic skin disease that is slowly killing her.
Cork is officially also considered to be a member of the cult due to his strange tattooed arms. However, so far he has not suffered from any visible physical ailment like his mother. The book never specifies the exact reason why she is suffering so much, whereas he remains healthy. Given Cork is never revealed to use ice manipulation or healing spells, either he is not considered to be a full Winn because his biological father is a normal person or he was never initiated.
At any rate, the love revealed by Cork towards caring for his mother is touching and instantly makes the reader care about him. I believe this was a brilliant way to begin the book. Not every action story needs to commence in a battlefield and this first chapter easily reveals Cork's motivations.
Things get weird when Cork's boss orders him to accept a job in exchange for a huge monetary reward. Sufficient money to purchase the tonic that keeps his mother alive for a few years. Like any job that seems too good to be true, the strings attached involve an unpleasant task, annoying coworkers and constantly being observed by two Winn. Whether the job was legit or not, all signs point it was a setup to further punish him for his mother's decisions.
I love how the author combines action, the relatively dreary wasteland, and how Cork battles against the way society forces men to hide their true emotions in public. Prosewise the book is immaculate and there isn't anything wrong I could say of it. I like the author's writing style that combines moving everything forward with polished prose that doesn't veer too much into purplely velvety territory. Arabella is described by the protagonist to be annoying, although every scene she seems pretty decent. Any complaints from Cork seem to stem more from his tendency towards hiding his emotions and not so because of Arabella. The third partner Nessa is violent, haughty and reminded me of Raven from Teen Titans if the character had become a villain instead of superhero.
If there was any complaints I had from this book, it might be the lack of POV chapters from Arabella. I would have loved a chapter where she confronts Nessa, which would have further cemented the big AHA! scene later in the book of why Nessa ended up the way she did. It isn't that the book handles the trio interactions poorly, but by only having Cork as the POV the entire book, I was yearning a bit for a softer female perspective in this dangerous world filled with brigands and thugs.
Anyhow, if readers don't mind that issue, it was a fabulous read and I would certainly like to read the full-fledged series sometime.
October 12, 2025
After loving The Envoys of War, I knew I had to grab this one the moment the audiobook was released and I was not disappointed!
This one follows Cork, a side character in Envoys although I believe this story is set before the events of Envoys. Where Envoys have more silly streaks this one also has plenty of humour and great character work.
It's a novella and a quick read but that doesn't mean there isn't loads of action and heart packed into it. I particularly enjoyed some of the more serious internal monologue from Cork after things had gone to sh!t, it helped flesh out sides of him I had worried wouldn't ever be addressed despite all the bloody mayhem.
As with Envoys, the characters all had strong voices and solid motivations. I've seen some people call this dark but I think gritty fits better. The darkness is only applied in faint streaks in my opinion, as a seasoning that isn't overpowering the banter and fun battles.
This one follows Cork, a side character in Envoys although I believe this story is set before the events of Envoys. Where Envoys have more silly streaks this one also has plenty of humour and great character work.
It's a novella and a quick read but that doesn't mean there isn't loads of action and heart packed into it. I particularly enjoyed some of the more serious internal monologue from Cork after things had gone to sh!t, it helped flesh out sides of him I had worried wouldn't ever be addressed despite all the bloody mayhem.
As with Envoys, the characters all had strong voices and solid motivations. I've seen some people call this dark but I think gritty fits better. The darkness is only applied in faint streaks in my opinion, as a seasoning that isn't overpowering the banter and fun battles.
April 22, 2025
ARC Review
This prequel novella is filled with love, heartbreak, hatred, and adventures. This is set before the Envoys of War, and you follow our favorite side character, Cork.
This was a fantastic novella with Cork's life before book 1, faced paced, keeps you on the edge, funny, awesome characters you don't want to miss, and an epic small adventure.
This prequel novella is filled with love, heartbreak, hatred, and adventures. This is set before the Envoys of War, and you follow our favorite side character, Cork.
This was a fantastic novella with Cork's life before book 1, faced paced, keeps you on the edge, funny, awesome characters you don't want to miss, and an epic small adventure.
March 27, 2025
full review to come, but 4.5 stars rounding up! A fast-paced, engaging novella focused on one of my favorite characters from Envoys. Hell yes.
May 29, 2025
Surprisingly dark yet solid novella
Damn this was good. I was a little iffy at first because it’s one pov and I think Dave’s strongest writing skill in Envoys was a distinct narrative voice for each character but the story here didn’t call for that. Very impressed with the last few chapters
Damn this was good. I was a little iffy at first because it’s one pov and I think Dave’s strongest writing skill in Envoys was a distinct narrative voice for each character but the story here didn’t call for that. Very impressed with the last few chapters
June 27, 2025
Another solid story in the Envoys of Chaos world! Dave knows how to write a fun, blood-soaked, sharp-tongued adventure while also providing some great moments of character introspection. This was a good time and a worthy addition to the series.
May 8, 2025
Just pretend...
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November 28, 2025rtc
May 27, 2025
In The Pawns of Havoc, Dave Lawson pulls no punches. This tightly woven prequel to The Envoys of War throws us into the frigid wilds of the Frozen Lands and into the heart of one of the series' most enigmatic characters-Cork.
Cork takes centre stage with a story that’s equal parts harrowing and heartfelt. Haunted by his past and desperate to save his dying mother, he finds himself in the service of the Winn, his estranged people, on a mission laced with secrets, danger, and impossible choices. Alongside him are Arabella, a fiery archer with a heart of gold, and Nessa, a walking nightmare with a bloodied blade. Their dynamic crackles with tension and reluctant camaraderie as they face what lies ahead.
Lawson’s greatest strength lies in his characters, and The Pawns of Havoc is a testament to that. Cork isn’t just a brooding mercenary—he’s raw, layered, and painfully human. His voice is sharp, his pain palpable, and his loyalty bone-deep. There’s humour here too, cutting through the bleakness like a blade, and moments of unexpected tenderness that make the gut punches land even harder.
Fast-paced, and emotionally rich, this novella proves Lawson can deliver character-driven fantasy. Whether you’re a fan of the series or new to the world, The Pawns of Havoc is a sharp, haunting read that leaves its mark in all the best ways.
Cork takes centre stage with a story that’s equal parts harrowing and heartfelt. Haunted by his past and desperate to save his dying mother, he finds himself in the service of the Winn, his estranged people, on a mission laced with secrets, danger, and impossible choices. Alongside him are Arabella, a fiery archer with a heart of gold, and Nessa, a walking nightmare with a bloodied blade. Their dynamic crackles with tension and reluctant camaraderie as they face what lies ahead.
Lawson’s greatest strength lies in his characters, and The Pawns of Havoc is a testament to that. Cork isn’t just a brooding mercenary—he’s raw, layered, and painfully human. His voice is sharp, his pain palpable, and his loyalty bone-deep. There’s humour here too, cutting through the bleakness like a blade, and moments of unexpected tenderness that make the gut punches land even harder.
Fast-paced, and emotionally rich, this novella proves Lawson can deliver character-driven fantasy. Whether you’re a fan of the series or new to the world, The Pawns of Havoc is a sharp, haunting read that leaves its mark in all the best ways.
July 3, 2025
Cork is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Tired of risking his neck, but desperate to help his sick mother, he takes on yet another mercenary mission: kill a convoy in the Frozen Lands. Simple... except for the two companions he's required to take with him. Arabella is woefully inexperienced but good with a bow and Nessa's only thought is murder.
Gripping from the start, we sucked in to Cork's miserable little life and watch with bated breath as he handles dreadful things like socializing. Lawson has outdone himself with this one. Everything in this novella hits right. The personal stakes, the nuanced characterization, and the concise plot come together to create a truly memorable story.
My favorite part was watching Cork deal with two very different personalities in Arabella and Nessa while juggling his own baggage. I also really liked seeing a bit more of Cork in general since he was introduced in The Envoys of War fairly late.
I don't want to say much else for risk of spoilers, but the ending was visceral and satisfying.
The Pawns of Havoc is a great addition to the Envoys of Chaos series by deepening the world started with The Envoys of War. I recommend The Pawns of Havoc to anybody who likes witty banter, action-packed fights, and crushing emotions.
Gripping from the start, we sucked in to Cork's miserable little life and watch with bated breath as he handles dreadful things like socializing. Lawson has outdone himself with this one. Everything in this novella hits right. The personal stakes, the nuanced characterization, and the concise plot come together to create a truly memorable story.
My favorite part was watching Cork deal with two very different personalities in Arabella and Nessa while juggling his own baggage. I also really liked seeing a bit more of Cork in general since he was introduced in The Envoys of War fairly late.
I don't want to say much else for risk of spoilers, but the ending was visceral and satisfying.
The Pawns of Havoc is a great addition to the Envoys of Chaos series by deepening the world started with The Envoys of War. I recommend The Pawns of Havoc to anybody who likes witty banter, action-packed fights, and crushing emotions.
September 8, 2025
Such a fun read and a great introduction to the Envoys of War universe! Lawson has a great talent of establishing world, character, and plot with an economy of words. Despite being just shy of 130 pages, the detail and depth of the story were not lacking and I felt fully immersed in it. I'm excited to see what Lawson does with more page space in Envoys of War and future novels.
December 21, 2025
4.6. This made me desperate to read Envoy, I was so hooked. I loved the epic fantasy feel in bite sized form here. Cork is an amazing character and the (light) romance was an added bonus. I wouldn't call it grimdark but it has an edge to it. Dave's prose, especially his dialogue are chef's kiss. Full review to come.
May 17, 2025
Review of Pawns of Havoc
By Dave Lawson
After completing my ARC read of this wonderful novella, I was struck by how apt the title is, as indeed our MC’s are pawns in a game with no rules, except to kill without question or you and yours will meet a fate most grim. Also, it is not a continuation of Envoys of War, but its own tale set in the same realm. Look at the maps, because maps rule, and you will see where everything is taking place. Yes, I’m a map nerd. Sue me.
We start with the MMC, Cork, who is at his wit’s end ministering futilely to his deathly ill mother. She is his sole motivation for doing the work he does for Meldred, a former mercenary turned businessman. This seems to generally involve protecting merchant convoys and the like. The occasional wealthy client. But the newest job is anything but normal.
Two others have been hired to help Cork in this endeavor; a bloodthirsty assassin, Nessa, who enjoys stabbing people, and the daughter of the town’s cobbler, Arabella, who also happens to be Meldred’s niece. She’s added because apparently, she’s a crack shot with a bow. And to Cork, a brain numbing chatterbox. Nessa just wants to stab her and loot her stuff.
There is a shadowy religious zealot group who also happen to be powerful mages, The Winn, that are the target of fear and loathing. But mostly fear. And deservedly so. Cork’s mother hails from this group, but chose to leave because of their extreme stance about how you live, where you live, have you gone to worship with enough fervor today, and she didn’t want her son to be brainwashed by them. It seems that those who do leave fall deathly ill, with almost no hope of a cure. Unless you want to rejoin the crazies, (the Flock), which is a no go for Cork and his mother. But imagine being watched at all times, even though you can’t spot them… No thanks! Oh, did I mention they have GIANT WOLVES that they ride?? Well, they do. I secretly want one, but that’s another story.
There are some painfully brutal scenes in this book, and they come from a soul-wrenching encounter that does a number on the most tender hearted, Arabella. She wanted an adventure, and boy did she get one! I don’t think she expected it to be quite so bloody.
Throughout the travels of our disparate trio, a rather touching development arises; Cork is falling for Arabella, which she encourages, much to his gruff embarrassment. It’s adorable. He questions his sanity on a few occasions, because CHATTERBOX. There is an interesting dynamic within this group that really develops beautifully, brutally, and really cemented how great a character writer David Lawson really is. He also brings to life the settings and tones of the places throughout, and the denizens who occupy them. It’s very tactile, which I enjoy immensely. For example, when bringing Arabella onboard, they’re met with some resistance from a trio of thugs. Arabella apparently owes money to the wrong people. Each of the three receives a name in Cork’s mind based on appearance. Belly is one. “Belly grunted. Apparently, he was not a statue after all.” There are many of these wonderful, pithy observations of Cork’s that had me chuckling throughout the book.
I highly recommend picking this novella up. It’s a nice bit of additional lore and worldbuilding to complement The Envoys of War. So get cracking and stop hedging!
By Dave Lawson
After completing my ARC read of this wonderful novella, I was struck by how apt the title is, as indeed our MC’s are pawns in a game with no rules, except to kill without question or you and yours will meet a fate most grim. Also, it is not a continuation of Envoys of War, but its own tale set in the same realm. Look at the maps, because maps rule, and you will see where everything is taking place. Yes, I’m a map nerd. Sue me.
We start with the MMC, Cork, who is at his wit’s end ministering futilely to his deathly ill mother. She is his sole motivation for doing the work he does for Meldred, a former mercenary turned businessman. This seems to generally involve protecting merchant convoys and the like. The occasional wealthy client. But the newest job is anything but normal.
Two others have been hired to help Cork in this endeavor; a bloodthirsty assassin, Nessa, who enjoys stabbing people, and the daughter of the town’s cobbler, Arabella, who also happens to be Meldred’s niece. She’s added because apparently, she’s a crack shot with a bow. And to Cork, a brain numbing chatterbox. Nessa just wants to stab her and loot her stuff.
There is a shadowy religious zealot group who also happen to be powerful mages, The Winn, that are the target of fear and loathing. But mostly fear. And deservedly so. Cork’s mother hails from this group, but chose to leave because of their extreme stance about how you live, where you live, have you gone to worship with enough fervor today, and she didn’t want her son to be brainwashed by them. It seems that those who do leave fall deathly ill, with almost no hope of a cure. Unless you want to rejoin the crazies, (the Flock), which is a no go for Cork and his mother. But imagine being watched at all times, even though you can’t spot them… No thanks! Oh, did I mention they have GIANT WOLVES that they ride?? Well, they do. I secretly want one, but that’s another story.
There are some painfully brutal scenes in this book, and they come from a soul-wrenching encounter that does a number on the most tender hearted, Arabella. She wanted an adventure, and boy did she get one! I don’t think she expected it to be quite so bloody.
Throughout the travels of our disparate trio, a rather touching development arises; Cork is falling for Arabella, which she encourages, much to his gruff embarrassment. It’s adorable. He questions his sanity on a few occasions, because CHATTERBOX. There is an interesting dynamic within this group that really develops beautifully, brutally, and really cemented how great a character writer David Lawson really is. He also brings to life the settings and tones of the places throughout, and the denizens who occupy them. It’s very tactile, which I enjoy immensely. For example, when bringing Arabella onboard, they’re met with some resistance from a trio of thugs. Arabella apparently owes money to the wrong people. Each of the three receives a name in Cork’s mind based on appearance. Belly is one. “Belly grunted. Apparently, he was not a statue after all.” There are many of these wonderful, pithy observations of Cork’s that had me chuckling throughout the book.
I highly recommend picking this novella up. It’s a nice bit of additional lore and worldbuilding to complement The Envoys of War. So get cracking and stop hedging!
May 10, 2025
4.5 stars - ARC
This little novella is cute. Haha, I'm just kidding. It's dark and it made me cry.
I just love Cork. I need the world to know that. When he first was introduced he seemed like a simple man, but he is so much more. One of my favourite things with the series this far is the way Lawson write his characters. They are all a product of their experiences, some are full of layers, some has just ended up full on crazy.
The humor we got to know in The Envoys of War is still there in the dark. I can't wait to see where this series is going. Lawson will probably make me both laugh and cry so... yeah.. As I said, I can't wait.
This little novella is cute. Haha, I'm just kidding. It's dark and it made me cry.
I just love Cork. I need the world to know that. When he first was introduced he seemed like a simple man, but he is so much more. One of my favourite things with the series this far is the way Lawson write his characters. They are all a product of their experiences, some are full of layers, some has just ended up full on crazy.
The humor we got to know in The Envoys of War is still there in the dark. I can't wait to see where this series is going. Lawson will probably make me both laugh and cry so... yeah.. As I said, I can't wait.
July 28, 2025
Great addition to the Envoys of Chaos world! This was a great follow up novella from Dave Lawson. I enjoyed getting to know more about Connick, sorry I meant Cork, and his backstory. I can't wait to read more from Lawson in the future (book #2 in 2026? Come on man!)
November 24, 2025
I really enjoyed the first Envoys of Chaos novel and was excited to see that a novella set in the same world was out. I have to admit to some disappointment as I felt this novella lacked the depth that the novel offered. Will definitely read the next Envoy book though
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April 27, 2025The Pawns of Havoc is a standalone prequel novella following Cork, one of the side characters from the Envoys of War. I had a lot of fun writing this novella. It’s a little darker than Envoys, but still full of banter! I hope you enjoy it!
November 16, 2025
Fantastic novella!! However, the repetitiveness of certain slang words became overbearing like “kirth”, “bollocks” and “buggers/buggered”. But still a wonderful story.
May 1, 2025
This was a great prequel novella to accompany The Enoys of War. There is some lore expansion on the Winn which I enjoyed. Cork was one of my favorite characters from The Envoys of War so it was to get a bit of background from him. There are a ton of emotions wrapped in this fast-paced adventure! And of course, plenty of banter! If you enjoyed the Envoys of War, you don't want to miss this one!!
April 30, 2025
Thank you to Dave Lawson for the ARC.
Plot 4/5
Characters 4.25/5
Ending 4.25/5
Interest 4.5/5
Overall 4.25/5
-For a novella, I really enjoyed this book. It felt complete enough for me to feel satisfied by reading it without it feeling too rushed. I do kind of wish that it was longer so as to get more details and more scenes but it was still great the way it was. The plot line of the quest / mission was very intriguing and I was definitely anticipating what was going to happen.
-I really liked the characters. They were so fun to read about and all of the relationship dynamics were great. I kind of wish that I knew more about them but the mystery keeps things very interesting.
-The ending was satisfactory. I liked how there is a lot to be desired but enough explained so that I don’t need a sequel. I wonder if in the official series we’ll see a lot more of these characters.
Plot 4/5
Characters 4.25/5
Ending 4.25/5
Interest 4.5/5
Overall 4.25/5
-For a novella, I really enjoyed this book. It felt complete enough for me to feel satisfied by reading it without it feeling too rushed. I do kind of wish that it was longer so as to get more details and more scenes but it was still great the way it was. The plot line of the quest / mission was very intriguing and I was definitely anticipating what was going to happen.
-I really liked the characters. They were so fun to read about and all of the relationship dynamics were great. I kind of wish that I knew more about them but the mystery keeps things very interesting.
-The ending was satisfactory. I liked how there is a lot to be desired but enough explained so that I don’t need a sequel. I wonder if in the official series we’ll see a lot more of these characters.
December 1, 2025
4.25-4.5 stars
This was a solid novella! It was definitely darker than Envoys, but I appreciated the deeper dive into the world and the Winn. The humor added an element of balance for sure. Cork is so funny. It was difficult reading about some of his decisions, but I kind of liked that the novella didn't take the easy way out and just make everything happy. The characters were forced to look at their own humanity and how far they would go for the ones they love. Thank you to the author for an early copy to read and review!
Update: Just listened to the audiobook version of the story. Narration was wonderful!
This was a solid novella! It was definitely darker than Envoys, but I appreciated the deeper dive into the world and the Winn. The humor added an element of balance for sure. Cork is so funny. It was difficult reading about some of his decisions, but I kind of liked that the novella didn't take the easy way out and just make everything happy. The characters were forced to look at their own humanity and how far they would go for the ones they love. Thank you to the author for an early copy to read and review!
Update: Just listened to the audiobook version of the story. Narration was wonderful!
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December 30, 2025https://beforewegoblog.com/sfincs-rev...
Dave Lawson is an author I’ve been meaning to read for ages, and I’m glad I got the opportunity to do so through SFINCS. His entry, the secondary world fantasy, The Pawns of Havoc, is a prequel story in his Envoys of Chaos series, but is presented here as a standalone. Although the setting is clearly epic, with all the detailed particularity expected from the genre, Pawns is easy to follow and Lawson keeps the lens zoomed-in on present action, conflict, and only the most relevant worldbuilding. With its mercenaries, ne’er do wells, and mysterious baddies, it should appeal to epic fantasy fans who enjoy a mixture of humour and Marvel-style banter with a dash of edginess. Although it won’t rewrite the genre, it’s a smooth, polished read and, I suspect, a crowd-pleaser.
The Pawns of Havoc follows Cork, a deceptively simple man who has been forced into a mercenary lifestyle out of desperation. Cork is part human and part Winn–the Winn being an isolated and mysterious species who are viewed with suspicion outside their homeland. Part of this suspicion is due to the Winn’s affliction, which prevents anyone who has spent an extended period of time in their homeland from safely existing outside it without developing a debilitating illness that precedes their death. Cork’s mother is just so stricken, and it is out of the necessity to afford medicines to heal her that Cork reluctantly takes a job to assemble a team and attack a convoy. Of course, there is more to the seemingly straightforward task than meets the eye, and the moral quandary over whether or not to fulfill the contract heightens the already palpable tension between Cork and his two teammates: the archer Arabella and the merciless Nessa.
The writing in Pawns is incredibly smooth and polished, and the novella is an easy read that steadily clips along thanks to Lawson’s strong command of character voice and dialogue. Although there are hidden motivations and subtle nuances to Cork’s character, in terms of his presentation and speech he’s very straightforward, and Lawson wisely chooses to honour that through sparse use of narration and an emphasis on the back-and-forth between Cork and his teammates. While there’s not much in the way of sentence variation, I’m unsure whether that’s truly an issue when it feels as though it’s part of Cork’s character. That said, one of the few areas where there was some awkwardness was, for me, in Cork’s accent. Accents in fiction are a contentious topic no matter the author, and while Cork’s didn’t ruin the novella by any means, it was distracting and challenging to place (both Cork’s name and some of the characteristics of his speech suggest Ireland, but I suspect this was a fantastic version of a type of Irish accent). Certainly, it communicates a kind of fictional Irishness that’s not uncommon in fantasy and helps sketch Cork as an archetype. For me, it did a bit of a disservice to Lawson’s characterization of Cork, who otherwise bucks against expectation as the story unfolds.
Much of the heart of the novella came through for me in its latter half, and it’s here where Lawson explores Cork as a person more fully. While the plucky feel of the intro and the familiarity of the fantasy set pieces in the opening are likely to draw readers in, its in the darker and more intimate moments of the second half of the novella that Lawson most shines as a writer. Both Arabella and Nessa remain largely archetypal (Arabella the feisty but ultimately soft-hearted love interest and Nessa the ruthless female warrior), yet since the focus of Pawns is really in crafting a more well-rounded picture of Cork, this isn’t necessarily an issue so much as a way of foregrounding the aspects of the story that the reader ought to pay attention to. While Arabella is thus largely a sounding board that allows entry into Cork’s character, I was happy for her to do so and I was able to more fully feel Cork on page due to their shared scenes later on. There’s a bit of a tonal shift from the humour of the first half to the harsh moral choices of the second, and reader responses to this will likely be highly personal, but it’s also a shift that arguably allows Lawson to showcase the range of what one might find in the larger Envoys series. That Lawson is more than capable of achieving both tones on page speaks to his abilities as a writer and sets him up as a writer to watch.
From the perspective of a newcomer to the Envoys series, The Pawns of Havoc did a great job introducing me to the world, showcasing Lawson’s talent, and making me curious about the roles of both Cork and the Winn in the larger series. While it stands on its own as a story, it left me wanting to read more about Lawson’s characters and world. The Winn in particular are enjoyably weird and I’m a sucker for cursed ailments, isolated cultures, and moral ambiguity. Although Pawns is dependent on a lot of well-worn epic fantasy motifs and elements, there’s enough that’s intriguing that I can recommend picking it up to see if its mysteries intrigue you the way they did me, and for epic fantasy fans who prefer the familiar to books focused on upsetting the genre, Pawns is a fantastic introduction to what indie fantasy has to contribute to the tradition.
Dave Lawson is an author I’ve been meaning to read for ages, and I’m glad I got the opportunity to do so through SFINCS. His entry, the secondary world fantasy, The Pawns of Havoc, is a prequel story in his Envoys of Chaos series, but is presented here as a standalone. Although the setting is clearly epic, with all the detailed particularity expected from the genre, Pawns is easy to follow and Lawson keeps the lens zoomed-in on present action, conflict, and only the most relevant worldbuilding. With its mercenaries, ne’er do wells, and mysterious baddies, it should appeal to epic fantasy fans who enjoy a mixture of humour and Marvel-style banter with a dash of edginess. Although it won’t rewrite the genre, it’s a smooth, polished read and, I suspect, a crowd-pleaser.
The Pawns of Havoc follows Cork, a deceptively simple man who has been forced into a mercenary lifestyle out of desperation. Cork is part human and part Winn–the Winn being an isolated and mysterious species who are viewed with suspicion outside their homeland. Part of this suspicion is due to the Winn’s affliction, which prevents anyone who has spent an extended period of time in their homeland from safely existing outside it without developing a debilitating illness that precedes their death. Cork’s mother is just so stricken, and it is out of the necessity to afford medicines to heal her that Cork reluctantly takes a job to assemble a team and attack a convoy. Of course, there is more to the seemingly straightforward task than meets the eye, and the moral quandary over whether or not to fulfill the contract heightens the already palpable tension between Cork and his two teammates: the archer Arabella and the merciless Nessa.
The writing in Pawns is incredibly smooth and polished, and the novella is an easy read that steadily clips along thanks to Lawson’s strong command of character voice and dialogue. Although there are hidden motivations and subtle nuances to Cork’s character, in terms of his presentation and speech he’s very straightforward, and Lawson wisely chooses to honour that through sparse use of narration and an emphasis on the back-and-forth between Cork and his teammates. While there’s not much in the way of sentence variation, I’m unsure whether that’s truly an issue when it feels as though it’s part of Cork’s character. That said, one of the few areas where there was some awkwardness was, for me, in Cork’s accent. Accents in fiction are a contentious topic no matter the author, and while Cork’s didn’t ruin the novella by any means, it was distracting and challenging to place (both Cork’s name and some of the characteristics of his speech suggest Ireland, but I suspect this was a fantastic version of a type of Irish accent). Certainly, it communicates a kind of fictional Irishness that’s not uncommon in fantasy and helps sketch Cork as an archetype. For me, it did a bit of a disservice to Lawson’s characterization of Cork, who otherwise bucks against expectation as the story unfolds.
Much of the heart of the novella came through for me in its latter half, and it’s here where Lawson explores Cork as a person more fully. While the plucky feel of the intro and the familiarity of the fantasy set pieces in the opening are likely to draw readers in, its in the darker and more intimate moments of the second half of the novella that Lawson most shines as a writer. Both Arabella and Nessa remain largely archetypal (Arabella the feisty but ultimately soft-hearted love interest and Nessa the ruthless female warrior), yet since the focus of Pawns is really in crafting a more well-rounded picture of Cork, this isn’t necessarily an issue so much as a way of foregrounding the aspects of the story that the reader ought to pay attention to. While Arabella is thus largely a sounding board that allows entry into Cork’s character, I was happy for her to do so and I was able to more fully feel Cork on page due to their shared scenes later on. There’s a bit of a tonal shift from the humour of the first half to the harsh moral choices of the second, and reader responses to this will likely be highly personal, but it’s also a shift that arguably allows Lawson to showcase the range of what one might find in the larger Envoys series. That Lawson is more than capable of achieving both tones on page speaks to his abilities as a writer and sets him up as a writer to watch.
From the perspective of a newcomer to the Envoys series, The Pawns of Havoc did a great job introducing me to the world, showcasing Lawson’s talent, and making me curious about the roles of both Cork and the Winn in the larger series. While it stands on its own as a story, it left me wanting to read more about Lawson’s characters and world. The Winn in particular are enjoyably weird and I’m a sucker for cursed ailments, isolated cultures, and moral ambiguity. Although Pawns is dependent on a lot of well-worn epic fantasy motifs and elements, there’s enough that’s intriguing that I can recommend picking it up to see if its mysteries intrigue you the way they did me, and for epic fantasy fans who prefer the familiar to books focused on upsetting the genre, Pawns is a fantastic introduction to what indie fantasy has to contribute to the tradition.
March 29, 2025
Question: What do you get when you put a big burly guy with two fierce and emotionally complex women and have them go off to attack a convoy of people? I’ll tell you, an amazingly powerful story that doesn’t shy away from the harshness and pain that surrounds the world. Think of this story as if Game of Thrones and The Hunger Games had a bouncing baby. Why? Because of the Death, killing, and being in the cold all the time.
Cork is a man with a good heart and intelligence, but with one really good skill set, killing. He’s like that guy who is tough on the outside, but deep down just wants his life to be a good one. Cork, however, is a mercenary, which fits him well, to a point. It’s like one of those jobs you’re amazingly good at but leaves you feeling empty inside, like being a postal worker! As a mercenary he needs to kill people, he doesn’t kill because he likes it, but since money is hard to come by. I mean who is going to hire this big dude to teach or be a part of society when his very existence frightens people? Why is the population afraid of him? Because he has the tattoos of his estranged people, the Winn, who most everyone in Sarakan fears and despises. Speaking of the Winn, they have a mission for Cork, a mission that will test his morals and what he knows is right and yet knows he must do. Cork's mother is sick and slowly dying. The Winn have a way to save her, but they won't do it unless Cork does what they say. Cork is accompanied by a prickly and unkind assassin named Nessa and a naïve, yet kind archer named Arabella. And Cork doesn’t know how to deal with them, he’s just a guy trying to make his way through a harsh world.
This story adds onto the backstory of this fan favorite character from the book The Envoys of War! And goodness is winter coming because Cork is fantastically brutal in this! He is a force to be reckoned with in this story and truly shines here. Despite his outward gruffness Cork has a big heart and truly cares about others. He knows how hard the world is, but the story explores how he feels and thinks in a beautiful way. And can I just say. He needs a hug. Because this large over 6-foot man is honestly great, and he doesn't see it in himself.
Pawns, as I’ve been calling it, has amazing dialogue that gives the characters life, grounded visuals that bring the story to the forefront, and character descriptions that help flesh out everyone. I absolutely love Arabella as she grows in the story but still holds onto her kindness. She is nobility in spirit, and I totally relate to her! Nessa is like that one goth friend who plays with knives all the time and always seems to bring up your own imminent demise. She’s dangerous, but her story is tragically explored, and it explains her behavior. This story broke my tender little heart, but I honestly couldn't see it as going any other way. So, if you’re interested in a novella that is filled with treachery, amazing world building and characters, and I would be remiss to exclude the authors trademark humor, and yes, this story has humor in it, then The Pawns of havoc is for you! I can't recommend this story enough!
Cork is a man with a good heart and intelligence, but with one really good skill set, killing. He’s like that guy who is tough on the outside, but deep down just wants his life to be a good one. Cork, however, is a mercenary, which fits him well, to a point. It’s like one of those jobs you’re amazingly good at but leaves you feeling empty inside, like being a postal worker! As a mercenary he needs to kill people, he doesn’t kill because he likes it, but since money is hard to come by. I mean who is going to hire this big dude to teach or be a part of society when his very existence frightens people? Why is the population afraid of him? Because he has the tattoos of his estranged people, the Winn, who most everyone in Sarakan fears and despises. Speaking of the Winn, they have a mission for Cork, a mission that will test his morals and what he knows is right and yet knows he must do. Cork's mother is sick and slowly dying. The Winn have a way to save her, but they won't do it unless Cork does what they say. Cork is accompanied by a prickly and unkind assassin named Nessa and a naïve, yet kind archer named Arabella. And Cork doesn’t know how to deal with them, he’s just a guy trying to make his way through a harsh world.
This story adds onto the backstory of this fan favorite character from the book The Envoys of War! And goodness is winter coming because Cork is fantastically brutal in this! He is a force to be reckoned with in this story and truly shines here. Despite his outward gruffness Cork has a big heart and truly cares about others. He knows how hard the world is, but the story explores how he feels and thinks in a beautiful way. And can I just say. He needs a hug. Because this large over 6-foot man is honestly great, and he doesn't see it in himself.
Pawns, as I’ve been calling it, has amazing dialogue that gives the characters life, grounded visuals that bring the story to the forefront, and character descriptions that help flesh out everyone. I absolutely love Arabella as she grows in the story but still holds onto her kindness. She is nobility in spirit, and I totally relate to her! Nessa is like that one goth friend who plays with knives all the time and always seems to bring up your own imminent demise. She’s dangerous, but her story is tragically explored, and it explains her behavior. This story broke my tender little heart, but I honestly couldn't see it as going any other way. So, if you’re interested in a novella that is filled with treachery, amazing world building and characters, and I would be remiss to exclude the authors trademark humor, and yes, this story has humor in it, then The Pawns of havoc is for you! I can't recommend this story enough!
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