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The Ways of Khrem
Cargill the Bookseller lives a quiet life, in a modest house, overlooking the vast city of Khrem...an ancient metropolis of cavernous streets, lofty spires, and dark secrets. But Cargill has a secret of his own. He once prowled Khrem's shadowed corners as one it's most accomplished thieves, before the rigors of that life drove him into retirement. Shaken and world weary, he retreated into the peaceful life of a book merchant, with nothing but the nightmares to remind him of his past.
Only now that tranquil retirement has been complicated.
His life is turned upside down when Captain Wilhelm Drayton of the City Watch arrives at Cargill's doorstep and confronts him with his criminal past. The idealistic young Watch Captain is on a mission, and he intends to put the former thief's experience to his own use. Now Cargill must assist him in solving mysteries in a city where the villain may not even be human, bringing all of his skills to bear as he finds himself at odds with gods, monsters, and psychopaths alike. He must try and protect his current life while once more dealing with a past both dark and tragic.
It's everything he ever feared catching up with him, but at the same time offers him a chance at something he never even knew he needed...
...redemption
Only now that tranquil retirement has been complicated.
His life is turned upside down when Captain Wilhelm Drayton of the City Watch arrives at Cargill's doorstep and confronts him with his criminal past. The idealistic young Watch Captain is on a mission, and he intends to put the former thief's experience to his own use. Now Cargill must assist him in solving mysteries in a city where the villain may not even be human, bringing all of his skills to bear as he finds himself at odds with gods, monsters, and psychopaths alike. He must try and protect his current life while once more dealing with a past both dark and tragic.
It's everything he ever feared catching up with him, but at the same time offers him a chance at something he never even knew he needed...
...redemption
- GenresFantasy
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2010
13 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 5, 2012
If you’re not a fan of author D. Nathan Hilliard, you should become one, right now. And I’m so not kidding. Drop whatever it is you are doing, hit the web or your local bookstore, and buy one or two or all of his books, now. I can’t recall the last time I made such an impassioned plea, but you will thank me for this. Hilliard is an explosive talent and, although I’ve only read two of his books, I am already forever a fan. THE WAYS OF KHREM is one of his earlier publications, but it is an amazing and entertaining read.
If you don’t recall, I reviewed one of Hilliard’s latest books a while back, titled DEAD STOP. With that book, he proved that he was talented enough to write horror, which is not an easy thing to do; with this book, Hilliard expands his showcase of talent and proves that he can write in a multitude of genres.
I wasn’t sure if I would like THE WAYS OF KHREM, considering that it is three stories in one volume, but wow...my reservations were completely unfounded! With just three short tales, Hilliard creates an intriguing and incredible world where things aren’t always what they seem and horrendous creatures are still a threat to be reckoned with. The rich tapestry that is Khrem is woven with intricate and precise detail, which puts the reader right into the heart of the story.
The character of Cargill is interesting with a colorful and eventful history. The desire he has for a peaceful life conflicts nicely with the mysteries that he finds himself involved with, and the inner turmoils he faces as well are sometimes humorous if not poignant. It’s very nice to see another anti-hero in a fantasy setting; I think the genre is overly saturated with the Lawful Good stereotype, so this is certainly refreshing.
THE WAYS OF KHREM is written very well and flows nicely. I tore through the book in two days, making it one of the fastest reads I’ve found so far this year. It is one of the few books that I will probably go back and revisit at some put in the coming months. For this reason, I am insisting that you put it high on your To Read list.
The book is available now in a variety of formats. Give it a look for sure.
If you don’t recall, I reviewed one of Hilliard’s latest books a while back, titled DEAD STOP. With that book, he proved that he was talented enough to write horror, which is not an easy thing to do; with this book, Hilliard expands his showcase of talent and proves that he can write in a multitude of genres.
I wasn’t sure if I would like THE WAYS OF KHREM, considering that it is three stories in one volume, but wow...my reservations were completely unfounded! With just three short tales, Hilliard creates an intriguing and incredible world where things aren’t always what they seem and horrendous creatures are still a threat to be reckoned with. The rich tapestry that is Khrem is woven with intricate and precise detail, which puts the reader right into the heart of the story.
The character of Cargill is interesting with a colorful and eventful history. The desire he has for a peaceful life conflicts nicely with the mysteries that he finds himself involved with, and the inner turmoils he faces as well are sometimes humorous if not poignant. It’s very nice to see another anti-hero in a fantasy setting; I think the genre is overly saturated with the Lawful Good stereotype, so this is certainly refreshing.
THE WAYS OF KHREM is written very well and flows nicely. I tore through the book in two days, making it one of the fastest reads I’ve found so far this year. It is one of the few books that I will probably go back and revisit at some put in the coming months. For this reason, I am insisting that you put it high on your To Read list.
The book is available now in a variety of formats. Give it a look for sure.
May 29, 2015
The story is reasonably common, with a reformed master thief semi-reluctantly being dragged back into the underworld of the city. There are shades of Scott Lynch and even hints of Conan in the plot and in the world building but there's plenty that's fresh and original as well.
There were a couple of things that really stand out for me. First, the book was atmospheric. The author has the skill to make me feel the places he describes, to experience them almost viscerally. I was totally engrossed in the city and looked forward to exploring more (I'd love a map as well).
Second was characterisation. This is almost always mentioned in reviews but I was really surprised at how good it was. I expect to like the likeable character(s) in a book but with this one I also enjoyed disliking the characters I was meant to hate. Unusual for me as I tend to either cringe or sigh and skim through sections of the book when this happens.
I'm very impressed. Mr Hilliard has serious talent and I'll definitely be in the queue for the next book.
There were a couple of things that really stand out for me. First, the book was atmospheric. The author has the skill to make me feel the places he describes, to experience them almost viscerally. I was totally engrossed in the city and looked forward to exploring more (I'd love a map as well).
Second was characterisation. This is almost always mentioned in reviews but I was really surprised at how good it was. I expect to like the likeable character(s) in a book but with this one I also enjoyed disliking the characters I was meant to hate. Unusual for me as I tend to either cringe or sigh and skim through sections of the book when this happens.
I'm very impressed. Mr Hilliard has serious talent and I'll definitely be in the queue for the next book.
January 21, 2023
This is such a good book for anyone looking for smaller-scale but not slice of life or cozy fantasy. One city, one POV character, and a small cast, this is tightly focused and well-written.
February 1, 2011
I haven't read many books in the fantasy genre, but this book was like you were discovering a completely plausible new world through the eyes of an old friend. Former thief turned bookseller, Cargill, tries to live a life on the up and up and draw as little attention to himself while he enjoys a comfortable upper middle class life. I found myself rooting for him the more I got to know him, from his memories of being an orphan on the streets of Khrem to his former life as a thief to his current life as a bookseller.
When a Captain of the Watch approaches Cargill for help using the knowledge of his less than legal past as leverage, he has no choice other than join forces with the police to track down a murderer. As the watchmen and Cargill learn that they can completely trust each other, the story really takes off in directions I didn't see coming.
This book is split into three smaller stories, each interconnecting with the same main characters and background, but just enough that you could easily read any of the three shorter parts and they would stand on their own. It was refreshing to find the evil doers in two of the stories weren't human, even though ultimately humans were involved. You get just enough of a taste of the secondary characters to whet your appetite and a full serving of Cargill's life, both what it was like in the past and his current life.
Each chapter has a verse or short piece that reads like it was straight from the history books of Khrem. They gave you a little preview of what was coming up in the chapter. I really enjoyed the little snippets of the past before delving into the chapter.
I definitely would like to read more about the adventures of Cargill. There are just enough questions left about both Cargill, the Captain, and a few other characters that made me believe there are many more capers left to be explored in the world of Khrem. And the city of Khrem itself is very interesting, with the likeness of Victorian Era London or Europe. The author's descriptions of the surroundings gave me a vivid idea of what this city looks like.
I give this book a 5 out of 5. There was the perfect mix of fantasy mystery, suspense, and thriller in these stories set in the past, where you would think things would be simpler but they certainly were not. I was so completely drawn into Cargill's exploits that I even almost missed my train stop twice! The Ways of Khrem is a very satisfying and well written book and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes fantasies or mysteries.
When a Captain of the Watch approaches Cargill for help using the knowledge of his less than legal past as leverage, he has no choice other than join forces with the police to track down a murderer. As the watchmen and Cargill learn that they can completely trust each other, the story really takes off in directions I didn't see coming.
This book is split into three smaller stories, each interconnecting with the same main characters and background, but just enough that you could easily read any of the three shorter parts and they would stand on their own. It was refreshing to find the evil doers in two of the stories weren't human, even though ultimately humans were involved. You get just enough of a taste of the secondary characters to whet your appetite and a full serving of Cargill's life, both what it was like in the past and his current life.
Each chapter has a verse or short piece that reads like it was straight from the history books of Khrem. They gave you a little preview of what was coming up in the chapter. I really enjoyed the little snippets of the past before delving into the chapter.
I definitely would like to read more about the adventures of Cargill. There are just enough questions left about both Cargill, the Captain, and a few other characters that made me believe there are many more capers left to be explored in the world of Khrem. And the city of Khrem itself is very interesting, with the likeness of Victorian Era London or Europe. The author's descriptions of the surroundings gave me a vivid idea of what this city looks like.
I give this book a 5 out of 5. There was the perfect mix of fantasy mystery, suspense, and thriller in these stories set in the past, where you would think things would be simpler but they certainly were not. I was so completely drawn into Cargill's exploits that I even almost missed my train stop twice! The Ways of Khrem is a very satisfying and well written book and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes fantasies or mysteries.
October 15, 2010
THE WAYS OF KHREM is definitely an entertaining read. The book contains three interconnected novellas featuring Cargill, the Bookseller and a supporting cast of fascinating characters.
Cargill has left his criminal past behind him, or so he thinks, to become a respected bookseller, until a knock on his door one day turns out to be Captain Wilhem Drayton of the City Watch. It seems that Captain Drayton knows all about Cargill’s criminal past, but is willing to overlook it for Cargill’s consulting services. Cargill has no choice, of course, and a tenuous partnership is born. Along with Drayton comes two City Watchmen, Heinryk, a veteran of the watch and the younger Poole whose most distinct characteristics are his single dark eyebrow and enough muscles for two men. The author weaves this trio throughout the novellas and I found that with each story, Mr. Hilliard cleverly reveals a little more about each of them and their own secrets.
I have to say though my favorite character is Grabel, Cargill’s manservant. Grabel’s main duty is to help Cargill “navigate the treacherous terrain of social intercourse” which he does with skill, efficiency and indifferent boredom. The banter back and forth between these two men had me laughing out loud on several occasions – each of them trying their best to torture the other. As Cargill says, Grabel “has the remarkable ability to roll his eyes without actually rolling his eyes.” Even though on the surface their relationship seems argumentative and testy, I got the impression that each of them looked out for the other in their own way.
I liked “The Ghost of Candlewalk Lane” the most of the 3 stories, but each story is quite enjoyable. I would definitely recommend that you pick up this book and allow Mr. Hilliard to introduce you to the city of Khrem and all that inhabit it, both above and below ground.
Cargill has left his criminal past behind him, or so he thinks, to become a respected bookseller, until a knock on his door one day turns out to be Captain Wilhem Drayton of the City Watch. It seems that Captain Drayton knows all about Cargill’s criminal past, but is willing to overlook it for Cargill’s consulting services. Cargill has no choice, of course, and a tenuous partnership is born. Along with Drayton comes two City Watchmen, Heinryk, a veteran of the watch and the younger Poole whose most distinct characteristics are his single dark eyebrow and enough muscles for two men. The author weaves this trio throughout the novellas and I found that with each story, Mr. Hilliard cleverly reveals a little more about each of them and their own secrets.
I have to say though my favorite character is Grabel, Cargill’s manservant. Grabel’s main duty is to help Cargill “navigate the treacherous terrain of social intercourse” which he does with skill, efficiency and indifferent boredom. The banter back and forth between these two men had me laughing out loud on several occasions – each of them trying their best to torture the other. As Cargill says, Grabel “has the remarkable ability to roll his eyes without actually rolling his eyes.” Even though on the surface their relationship seems argumentative and testy, I got the impression that each of them looked out for the other in their own way.
I liked “The Ghost of Candlewalk Lane” the most of the 3 stories, but each story is quite enjoyable. I would definitely recommend that you pick up this book and allow Mr. Hilliard to introduce you to the city of Khrem and all that inhabit it, both above and below ground.
February 11, 2011
The perfect mix of fantasy mystery, suspense, and thriller in these stories set in the past, where you would think things would be simpler but they certainly were not. I was so completely drawn into Cargill's exploits that I even almost missed my train stop twice! The Ways of Khrem is a very satisfying and well written book and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes fantasies or mysteries.
Read the full review here.
Read the full review here.
December 2, 2015
Fantastic read!
I read this book in one sitting as I honestly couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and a little humor made the story a very fascinating read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a story that is easy to get caught up in!
I read this book in one sitting as I honestly couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and a little humor made the story a very fascinating read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a story that is easy to get caught up in!
August 3, 2010
Great book!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews