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The Backwards Knight
When the magic that can shape the world is tainted, can hope survive?
Centuries have passed since The Paladin outlawed magic in the sequestered lands stolen from the elves, but eldritch forces rarely remain sealed forever.
This ancient magic seeks hosts, marking mortal flesh to herald devastation.
An old knight clings to the hope that he can discover why magic has returned corrupted.
A frightened farm boy marked by magic must escape the knights hunting him.
An elf bound in service to The Paladin stalks mages to bring them to justice.
Destruction binds them, but can it also save them?
Centuries have passed since The Paladin outlawed magic in the sequestered lands stolen from the elves, but eldritch forces rarely remain sealed forever.
This ancient magic seeks hosts, marking mortal flesh to herald devastation.
An old knight clings to the hope that he can discover why magic has returned corrupted.
A frightened farm boy marked by magic must escape the knights hunting him.
An elf bound in service to The Paladin stalks mages to bring them to justice.
Destruction binds them, but can it also save them?
310 pages, Paperback
Published July 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 27, 2025
The Backwards Knight (TBK) is the first entry in the Eldritch Remnants series that has been a passion project of Matthew’s for many years. This dark fantasy novel, as the series name suggests, has horror elements. It concerns the struggle Orn, Laela, and Gaulf face regarding the return of some pretty twisted magic to their world. Orn is the knight who tasks himself with determining why, while Laela is an elf (perhaps the last of her kind) who hunts those marked by magic, and Gaulf is the poor soul who ends up on the run from her.
I’m in a Discord server with the author, so I’ve heard a lot about TBK. I also attended some of Matthew’s streams on Twitch where he worked on the book live. Even though horror is not a genre I read, this early exposure whetted my appetite for the book. I looked forward to its release a lot. So, I leapt at the chance to read the ARC.
The world that TBK takes place in felt almost like traveling through a darker version of Skyrim as I accompanied the characters on their journey. I could visualize the villages and their inhabitants quite clearly, as well as the forests and various ruins visited along the way. Matthew did a great job bringing the characters and environment to life without being heavy-handed with info dumps or drawn-out pieces of exposition.
I did struggle with the beginning of the book. I feel the prologue could have been left out and its information sprinkled throughout the book instead, and that might have smoothed out the introduction of the other characters. There are other wrinkles in the initial chapters, such as the abrupt introduction of Laela’s point of view while the reader is still in the midst of catching up with Gaulf’s past. These things threw me out of the story. At times I also felt confused about what was actually happening when the strange occurrences starting cropping up, but this might be due more to my lack of experience with eldritch-themed material than anything else. But thankfully, the book picked up and smoothed out as I continued reading, and by the end I was absolutely hankering for more.
Laela was by far my favorite character. She is very well written and I enjoyed her snarky, stabby, take-no-shit attitude very much. I’m looking forward to seeing more of her! I always felt so badly for poor Gaulf, who just couldn’t seem to catch a break at any turn. I did wonder how he managed to not starve to death on his journey. And then there was Orn. His unrelenting devotion to his mission was admirable, and remained realistic as the book progressed and more challenges came his way.
The last 20% of the book is quite the ride and certainly the portion I enjoyed the most. Matthew nailed the ending. The pace was great, the writing excellent. I could see, smell, touch, hear, and even taste what the characters were going through. The conclusion was enough to leave me satisfied while still being open-ended to lead into the next book. Well done.
All in all, I enjoyed The Backwards Knight. I think this book will definitely speak to readers who enjoy Lovecraftian material while bringing in the best aspects of fantasy. Four stars!
I’m in a Discord server with the author, so I’ve heard a lot about TBK. I also attended some of Matthew’s streams on Twitch where he worked on the book live. Even though horror is not a genre I read, this early exposure whetted my appetite for the book. I looked forward to its release a lot. So, I leapt at the chance to read the ARC.
The world that TBK takes place in felt almost like traveling through a darker version of Skyrim as I accompanied the characters on their journey. I could visualize the villages and their inhabitants quite clearly, as well as the forests and various ruins visited along the way. Matthew did a great job bringing the characters and environment to life without being heavy-handed with info dumps or drawn-out pieces of exposition.
I did struggle with the beginning of the book. I feel the prologue could have been left out and its information sprinkled throughout the book instead, and that might have smoothed out the introduction of the other characters. There are other wrinkles in the initial chapters, such as the abrupt introduction of Laela’s point of view while the reader is still in the midst of catching up with Gaulf’s past. These things threw me out of the story. At times I also felt confused about what was actually happening when the strange occurrences starting cropping up, but this might be due more to my lack of experience with eldritch-themed material than anything else. But thankfully, the book picked up and smoothed out as I continued reading, and by the end I was absolutely hankering for more.
Laela was by far my favorite character. She is very well written and I enjoyed her snarky, stabby, take-no-shit attitude very much. I’m looking forward to seeing more of her! I always felt so badly for poor Gaulf, who just couldn’t seem to catch a break at any turn. I did wonder how he managed to not starve to death on his journey. And then there was Orn. His unrelenting devotion to his mission was admirable, and remained realistic as the book progressed and more challenges came his way.
The last 20% of the book is quite the ride and certainly the portion I enjoyed the most. Matthew nailed the ending. The pace was great, the writing excellent. I could see, smell, touch, hear, and even taste what the characters were going through. The conclusion was enough to leave me satisfied while still being open-ended to lead into the next book. Well done.
All in all, I enjoyed The Backwards Knight. I think this book will definitely speak to readers who enjoy Lovecraftian material while bringing in the best aspects of fantasy. Four stars!
August 30, 2025
I purchased this book on pre-order. I had read the author's other work, The Dark Side of Super, and wanted to see his take on fantasy too. I think any fantasy and magic lover is going to adore this book (and the subsequent sequels to come).
The title follows three characters through a fantasy world in which magic has been eradicated (probably erroneously), but like any good infestation, magic is a lot harder to simply "remove" than people might have thought. Instead, magic has turned up as a twisted and warped echo, invading select liminal spaces and drawing average people out to "mark" them - use them as conduits for some unknown end. Gaulf, an innocent farm boy, is one person in a long string of civilians who magic has recruited to its cause by drawing him out and marking him with a sigil, allowing him to utilize the magic of fire but causing chaos and confusion in his mind. Since magic is forbidden and seen negatively, Gaulf is deemed a "mage" and driven from his hometown. Orn, a not-knight knight (he claims he is not a knight) who is beholden to no one, has dedicated his life to unraveling the mystery to what magic wants and why it's targeting random people. Lastly, Laela, an elf under the thumb of the revered The Paladin (who is the face of magic eradication), is forced to track down and bring back to The Paladin these marked magic users who they assume are all "mages" and dabbling in magic willingly... But she doesn't believe it entirely. Their paths converge as they try to figure out what magic wants from their world.
We spend much of the book in the confusion of Gaulf's mind, trying to figure out what is real and what isn't, one eye in the past and one in the present. Siadak's writing provides a fresh look of distorted magic that doesn't care for things like "purity of heart" or intention... Instead it would rather . Meanwhile, Laela can't stop stabbing people (or threatening to stab them), and Orn just wants a good bit of shut-eye without having to sleep with one eye open... or at least some good whiskey.
Overall a fun ride and an easy read. The chapters are relatively short and I found myself thinking "just one more chapter, it's not that long. Just one..." over and over again. Siadak has very clearly put in the work on this, and has two more titles to follow these characters and their world in the full. Can't wait to dig my teeth into the next one!
The title follows three characters through a fantasy world in which magic has been eradicated (probably erroneously), but like any good infestation, magic is a lot harder to simply "remove" than people might have thought. Instead, magic has turned up as a twisted and warped echo, invading select liminal spaces and drawing average people out to "mark" them - use them as conduits for some unknown end. Gaulf, an innocent farm boy, is one person in a long string of civilians who magic has recruited to its cause by drawing him out and marking him with a sigil, allowing him to utilize the magic of fire but causing chaos and confusion in his mind. Since magic is forbidden and seen negatively, Gaulf is deemed a "mage" and driven from his hometown. Orn, a not-knight knight (he claims he is not a knight) who is beholden to no one, has dedicated his life to unraveling the mystery to what magic wants and why it's targeting random people. Lastly, Laela, an elf under the thumb of the revered The Paladin (who is the face of magic eradication), is forced to track down and bring back to The Paladin these marked magic users who they assume are all "mages" and dabbling in magic willingly... But she doesn't believe it entirely. Their paths converge as they try to figure out what magic wants from their world.
We spend much of the book in the confusion of Gaulf's mind, trying to figure out what is real and what isn't, one eye in the past and one in the present. Siadak's writing provides a fresh look of distorted magic that doesn't care for things like "purity of heart" or intention... Instead it would rather . Meanwhile, Laela can't stop stabbing people (or threatening to stab them), and Orn just wants a good bit of shut-eye without having to sleep with one eye open... or at least some good whiskey.
Overall a fun ride and an easy read. The chapters are relatively short and I found myself thinking "just one more chapter, it's not that long. Just one..." over and over again. Siadak has very clearly put in the work on this, and has two more titles to follow these characters and their world in the full. Can't wait to dig my teeth into the next one!
July 17, 2025
Been yearning for something as dark as Coldfire ever since and not finding it? Feel like there isn't enough body horror and gross squelchy stuff in your high fantasy? Come, then, and let me tell you about TBK. Friend, these woods are dark and deep. Is there a messed-up deer? It makes me sad that you felt the need to ask.
We've got a world here so disfigured by malice and past tragedy they felt the need to change its name. Everyone is either 1) an end-of-level villain, 2) a despicable henchman, or 3) completely screwed. One of the things I found most interesting about this story was that the overwhelming majority of the damage is caused by people from group 3, and not purposefully, because they made a choice: they're victims in their villainy, dragged into the center of the plot against their will by forces no one still living understands.
I'm not a horror person myself but I am *nothing* if not an ancient mystery/ magical secret/ Important Stuff Forgotten or Hidden person. Eeeeee I love that as a trope, and TBK delivers in spades with the ???(!)?! Ruins, research, people trying to learn the truth while fighting for their lives, this stuff is why I read fantasy! The story came to a really satisfying end, too, that balanced resolving its own biggest question - basically wtf even is happening? - while leaving so many questions on the table. Why did Queen A want this? Is magic inherently flawed? When do we get to murder The Paladin and resurrect him and murder him again?
The one other thing that really stood out to me in this book is the imagery. I like weird, weird is A+ happy place for me, and some of the creepy eldritch sensations and visions the characters experienced were just dazzling to imagine. Super highly recommend.
We've got a world here so disfigured by malice and past tragedy they felt the need to change its name. Everyone is either 1) an end-of-level villain, 2) a despicable henchman, or 3) completely screwed. One of the things I found most interesting about this story was that the overwhelming majority of the damage is caused by people from group 3, and not purposefully, because they made a choice: they're victims in their villainy, dragged into the center of the plot against their will by forces no one still living understands.
I'm not a horror person myself but I am *nothing* if not an ancient mystery/ magical secret/ Important Stuff Forgotten or Hidden person. Eeeeee I love that as a trope, and TBK delivers in spades with the ???(!)?! Ruins, research, people trying to learn the truth while fighting for their lives, this stuff is why I read fantasy! The story came to a really satisfying end, too, that balanced resolving its own biggest question - basically wtf even is happening? - while leaving so many questions on the table. Why did Queen A want this? Is magic inherently flawed? When do we get to murder The Paladin and resurrect him and murder him again?
The one other thing that really stood out to me in this book is the imagery. I like weird, weird is A+ happy place for me, and some of the creepy eldritch sensations and visions the characters experienced were just dazzling to imagine. Super highly recommend.
June 18, 2025
I really loved The Backwards Knight. It’s one of those books that you can get engrossed in and, before you know it, it’s 2am and you’re up for work in 4 hours.
The story has the feel of a classic fantasy tale - a wise-cracking knight, a realm under the control of a not-so-nice ruler, a young farm boy with a power he doesn’t understand. But then there are some slight twists on this formula to liven things up. BUT THEN there is the approach to magic in this secondary world - that it’s almost like a sickness and it ‘marks’ people - that is explored and utilised so wonderfully that this simply had to go down as a 5 star read.
I should add that the characterisation is great here because Siadak pays attention to the exact thing he should pay attention to - the relationships between the characters. Because of this, he strikes that beautiful balance of an intimate story in a big world with big stakes.
In case you hadn’t guessed, I highly recommend The Backwards Knight (and am very excited that it’s the first in a series!).
I received an ARC of this novel in order to leave an honest review.
The story has the feel of a classic fantasy tale - a wise-cracking knight, a realm under the control of a not-so-nice ruler, a young farm boy with a power he doesn’t understand. But then there are some slight twists on this formula to liven things up. BUT THEN there is the approach to magic in this secondary world - that it’s almost like a sickness and it ‘marks’ people - that is explored and utilised so wonderfully that this simply had to go down as a 5 star read.
I should add that the characterisation is great here because Siadak pays attention to the exact thing he should pay attention to - the relationships between the characters. Because of this, he strikes that beautiful balance of an intimate story in a big world with big stakes.
In case you hadn’t guessed, I highly recommend The Backwards Knight (and am very excited that it’s the first in a series!).
I received an ARC of this novel in order to leave an honest review.
July 1, 2025
If you need a hearty dose of pessimism with your optimism, this is the book for you! It has an elf, a boy, and an old man battling inner demons and the Eldritch. There’s adventure, confusion, and a somewhat masochistic romance. Every time I read a Siadak story, I wish my writing was a little more fantastical! He has a way with the pen that etches these flawed characters in your mind and by the end of this winding tale, you’ll be marked. Dive in and drink up, but save room for seconds because you’ll want more!
For transparency, I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. Also, this is the first book in an intended series, but don't let that stop you. Siadak has a wonderful way of walking his readers into the sunset. Think the song "The Way" by Fastball or the short story "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" by Ursula K. Le Guin. So while you sit on a front porch sipping bitter, black tea waiting for darkness to creep over the land once again, you could reread The Backwards Knight again or Siadak's other story The Dark Side of Super!
For transparency, I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. Also, this is the first book in an intended series, but don't let that stop you. Siadak has a wonderful way of walking his readers into the sunset. Think the song "The Way" by Fastball or the short story "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas" by Ursula K. Le Guin. So while you sit on a front porch sipping bitter, black tea waiting for darkness to creep over the land once again, you could reread The Backwards Knight again or Siadak's other story The Dark Side of Super!
August 17, 2025
I very much enjoyed The Backwards Knight. It was refreshing to have a fantasy done right in only 372 pages, but at the same time I wish I could have spent 800 pages with these characters and story. It's some of my favorite fantasy tropes done to perfection. There's a mystery to solve, friends to save, evil to overthrow, monsters to slay, and so much more. I definitely need more, and can't wait for more of our adventure.
March 19, 2026
A dark and compelling fantasy that weaves mystery, magic, and destiny into an unforgettable journey. With rich world-building and complex characters, the story grips you from start to finish. A powerful tale of hope amid chaos. Absolutely mesmerizing!.
August 27, 2025
I discovered this book at a popular convention in Indianapolis called Gencon. In a convention space dominated by different games, artists, and writers, this ended up being my favorite discovery of the entire week.
‘The Backwards Knight’ takes classic fantasy and melds that with its own twists of eldritch horror. As a ravenous enjoyer of both genres I found this to be inventive, dynamic, and extremely enjoyable. Matthew Siadak's world and the lands of Embrosi feel alive, packed full of dynamic characters, secrets, and mystery.
All and all, ‘The Backwards Knight’ is an excellent read, and I think lovers of horror, fantasy, and eldritch mystery will love it just as much as I
‘The Backwards Knight’ takes classic fantasy and melds that with its own twists of eldritch horror. As a ravenous enjoyer of both genres I found this to be inventive, dynamic, and extremely enjoyable. Matthew Siadak's world and the lands of Embrosi feel alive, packed full of dynamic characters, secrets, and mystery.
All and all, ‘The Backwards Knight’ is an excellent read, and I think lovers of horror, fantasy, and eldritch mystery will love it just as much as I
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews