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Spells, Swords, & Stealth #2
Split the Party
Fleeing from a vengeful king has sent the former NPCs across Solium’s borders, into the kingdom of Alcatham. As wanted fugitives, they head to the small farming village of Briarwillow, hoping to blend in, lay-low, and avoid trouble at all costs.
Unfortunately, Briarwillow has problems all its own, and its troubles quickly become theirs. If they hope to survive long enough to escape, they’ll have to tackle an all-but-forgotten mystery buried at the town’s border, as well as seek the wisdom of a mysterious group of mages.
With time, magic, and at least one god against them, it will take everything they’ve got to save Briarwillow, and themselves
Unfortunately, Briarwillow has problems all its own, and its troubles quickly become theirs. If they hope to survive long enough to escape, they’ll have to tackle an all-but-forgotten mystery buried at the town’s border, as well as seek the wisdom of a mysterious group of mages.
With time, magic, and at least one god against them, it will take everything they’ve got to save Briarwillow, and themselves
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2015
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1460 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 402 reviews
October 22, 2017
3.5 stars
Overall I finished this story enjoying the ride, but it took waaaaaaay too long to really get going for me. I was still contemplating whether this would be a DNF at about the 50% mark. At that point, things finally picked up for me and the second half of this story was much more the adventure I was hoping the book would be. I usually find books in a series have too much recapping in the first few chapters, but this time I almost wished there was a bit more (odd, since I just finished the first in the series a couple of weeks before I started this installment)
I'm uncertain whether I'd continue with the next in the series at this point, but (some of) the characters are growing on me and there was at least one string left dangling that has me curious enough that I might pick up the next one if I see it on sale.
Overall I finished this story enjoying the ride, but it took waaaaaaay too long to really get going for me. I was still contemplating whether this would be a DNF at about the 50% mark. At that point, things finally picked up for me and the second half of this story was much more the adventure I was hoping the book would be. I usually find books in a series have too much recapping in the first few chapters, but this time I almost wished there was a bit more (odd, since I just finished the first in the series a couple of weeks before I started this installment)
I'm uncertain whether I'd continue with the next in the series at this point, but (some of) the characters are growing on me and there was at least one string left dangling that has me curious enough that I might pick up the next one if I see it on sale.
January 15, 2016
After the pure, distilled joy NPCs brought me, I was eager to dive into the next book in the series. While Split the Party (which is such a bad idea there is even a book about aptly titled Don't Split the Party) was a great, action packed read, it lacked some of the charm the first book's premise brought to the table.
In this installment our once minions turned reluctant adventurers have more or less fully embraced the mantle of adventurers and all the baggage that entails:
As with NPCs, Hayes does an excellent job introducing both the reader, who may be unfamiliar with the cliches and tropes of RPGs, and the heroes to the life adventuring in a very seamless way. For most of their lives the heroes have lived in a town where a few gold coins was considered a lot of money. In adventuring a few gold is considered pocket change. When confronted by this harsh reality by the traveling merchant it becomes clear just how they are expected to build their wealth to be effective adventurers:
Even with all the hacking and slashing Hayes still finds space to further develop and grow his characters. We see Gabrielle worry over her value to the team, especially after her pilfered ax breaks and she feels like the others are far surpassing her abilities. We see Grumph's iron determination to protect his friends by risking life and limb to becomes a member of the Mage's Guild:
But is isn't all hacking and slashing and serious character development. Hayes expertly sprinkles in humor and real world wisdom as well:
In this installment our once minions turned reluctant adventurers have more or less fully embraced the mantle of adventurers and all the baggage that entails:
Eric realized how crazy that last part made him sound, only to conclude seconds later that it would have only seemed crazy if they weren't currently in need of exactly such information. Paranoia was only a hindrance where it didn't pay off.So our brave heroes are on the run from a power-mad king who wants to hunt them down for a magic item they had recovered in the previous book. Of course, being adventurers now in a world whose rules are bent to provide adventurers quests and challenges, they naturally stumble into those two things. Circumstances force them to, you guessed it, split the party to achieve their goals (which mostly involve staying alive).
As with NPCs, Hayes does an excellent job introducing both the reader, who may be unfamiliar with the cliches and tropes of RPGs, and the heroes to the life adventuring in a very seamless way. For most of their lives the heroes have lived in a town where a few gold coins was considered a lot of money. In adventuring a few gold is considered pocket change. When confronted by this harsh reality by the traveling merchant it becomes clear just how they are expected to build their wealth to be effective adventurers:
"Ah, just starting out then. I've seen plenty in that position on my travels as well. Nothing to worry about; once you slay your first dragon or mad wizard, there's bound to be a bounty of gold for you to scoop up. Not sure why they always have huge stacks of uninvested income lying around, but they do."When the rules of a table top RPG are the physical laws of a universe very strange things happen.
Even with all the hacking and slashing Hayes still finds space to further develop and grow his characters. We see Gabrielle worry over her value to the team, especially after her pilfered ax breaks and she feels like the others are far surpassing her abilities. We see Grumph's iron determination to protect his friends by risking life and limb to becomes a member of the Mage's Guild:
After coming this far, there was no way Grumph would allow himself to be halted by mere drizzle and a chance of painful death. It took far greater dangers than that to dissuade a half-Orc with his mind made up."We see Thistle continue to grow into his role as a Paladin and further his relationship with Grundle, the God of Minions whom he serves. Even poor, formerly mind controlled Timuscor begins to figure out what he really wants and how to achieve it. All said, as fun as the winks to RPGs were, the heart and soul of this series are the great characters and their relationships with each other. Even a person in complete ignorance of RPGs can appreciate the craft and care put into the characters and enjoy this for the adventure book that it is.
But is isn't all hacking and slashing and serious character development. Hayes expertly sprinkles in humor and real world wisdom as well:
"...They [undead] are by far the most dangerous enemy one can end up facing, and if you are lucky, you only end up being killed by them."Finally, on top of the great action, excellent character development, and well balanced humor, Hayes also advanced the greater plot of the series (how our world interacts with this fantastical one) and laid seeds for future developments (Gabrielle's new ax, MR. PEPPERS THE GREATEST PIG TO EVER BE SUMMONED, the machinations of gods, etc.). I wait in eager anticipation of the third installment, it cannot get here soon enough!
"Wow, that is really depressing. I was actually asking if you knew any ways to turn them back or drive them away. Glad to know we're in a 'hoping for death' situation, though."
~~~
In comparison to the multitude of plans that had been hatched throughout the history of their world, it was not a great one. In comparison to the ones created just in that year, it still fell pretty far short. In comparison to the drunken ravings of men soaked through with mead about how they would slay a dragon and become the new king, however, it was downright coherent.
~~~
Lying on the table as the priest removed his hands from the half-orc's chest and motioned for his sack of gold, Grumph realized that just because someone could call upon the power of the kind gods did not mean they themselves weren't something of an asshole.
April 2, 2016
Executive Summary: After a bit of a slow start, this one is as good as the first one, if not slightly better. I sure hope there will be a third book soon.
Audiobook: So here's the downside of a relatively unknown author, with an excellent narrator. The ebook of this looks have come out several months before the audio version. Roger Wayne does such a great job narrating this, that I want to keep listening if/when there is a third book. But can I hold out waiting an extra 6 months to do it?
If you're an audio book person, you should do this series in audio. Maybe that will help his audiobook publisher hurry the hell up! Audio books are big business these days. I get frustrated (and a bit dumbfounded) when the audio book doesn't come out the same day as the text. It seems especially common among lesser known authors though.
I'm going to make it a bit of crusade to increase Mr. Hayes popularity (with whatever little influence my reviews may have at least), for the selfish reason that I want book 3 in audio sooner rather than later. That and I think many of you will enjoy this one in audio like I did.
Full Review
I enjoyed NPCs so much, I rushed right out and got this one. I found the start a bit slow. That was short lived though. In fact there was only one other scene where I wasn't completely sucked into this book.
Not only do we get the excellent characters, and RPG in-jokes from the first, but there is a really cool overarching plot developing. So when do we get the third book? Is it now? I'd like it now. Please say it's in the works at least!
In this entry our favorite NPCs are back, and now joined by some excellent new characters. Meanwhile in the real world Tim and Russel are also back, but this time with other players more like those I played with in my 20s than the ones I sometimes suffered through in college.
I'm particularly interested to see where the main story will go, but in the meantime I enjoyed the main quest and side quests of this book quite a bit. I'm sure it's not a new idea, but I had never encountered a mage's guild with magic doors in various cities, but I totally love that idea, and wish my now bored/retired Wizard had been able to join.
My favorite addition is probably the traveling saleswoman though. Sadly between the audio and my general terrible memory (especially for names), I couldn't tell you her name. She makes a great addition to the already excellent cast of characters of this series.
Two books in, this series is a ton of fun. I have no idea how many more books Mr. Hayes has planned, but I'm eagerly hoping to get another one soon. In the meantime I'll continue to use whatever limited influence I have on goodreads to get more people to check out this series. If you're an RPG fan, I especially recommend this.
Grab your dice and roll along with the NPCs and the players as they take on many well-worn tropes in fun and often humorous fashion.
Audiobook: So here's the downside of a relatively unknown author, with an excellent narrator. The ebook of this looks have come out several months before the audio version. Roger Wayne does such a great job narrating this, that I want to keep listening if/when there is a third book. But can I hold out waiting an extra 6 months to do it?
If you're an audio book person, you should do this series in audio. Maybe that will help his audiobook publisher hurry the hell up! Audio books are big business these days. I get frustrated (and a bit dumbfounded) when the audio book doesn't come out the same day as the text. It seems especially common among lesser known authors though.
I'm going to make it a bit of crusade to increase Mr. Hayes popularity (with whatever little influence my reviews may have at least), for the selfish reason that I want book 3 in audio sooner rather than later. That and I think many of you will enjoy this one in audio like I did.
Full Review
I enjoyed NPCs so much, I rushed right out and got this one. I found the start a bit slow. That was short lived though. In fact there was only one other scene where I wasn't completely sucked into this book.
Not only do we get the excellent characters, and RPG in-jokes from the first, but there is a really cool overarching plot developing. So when do we get the third book? Is it now? I'd like it now. Please say it's in the works at least!
In this entry our favorite NPCs are back, and now joined by some excellent new characters. Meanwhile in the real world Tim and Russel are also back, but this time with other players more like those I played with in my 20s than the ones I sometimes suffered through in college.
I'm particularly interested to see where the main story will go, but in the meantime I enjoyed the main quest and side quests of this book quite a bit. I'm sure it's not a new idea, but I had never encountered a mage's guild with magic doors in various cities, but I totally love that idea, and wish my now bored/retired Wizard had been able to join.
My favorite addition is probably the traveling saleswoman though. Sadly between the audio and my general terrible memory (especially for names), I couldn't tell you her name. She makes a great addition to the already excellent cast of characters of this series.
Two books in, this series is a ton of fun. I have no idea how many more books Mr. Hayes has planned, but I'm eagerly hoping to get another one soon. In the meantime I'll continue to use whatever limited influence I have on goodreads to get more people to check out this series. If you're an RPG fan, I especially recommend this.
Grab your dice and roll along with the NPCs and the players as they take on many well-worn tropes in fun and often humorous fashion.
July 20, 2016
I'm in the process of reading another book by Mr. Hayes right and I've got to say I have yet to pick one up I haven't enjoyed, greatly.
Here we're following the adventures of a group of NPCs (Non-Player Characters) who have found themselves taking the part of (and ultimately becoming) "Adventurers".
This series is completely engaging for me and I find myself waiting and hoping for the next installment in the series. That is a bit odd for me as I also like his Super Powereds series and want to see it continue to. I've not tried his Accountant Vampire series...I've never been much on "cute" vampires. That said Hayes is such a good writer I may try it.
Look if you're a gamer I think you'll love this book and this series. Even if you're not I believe the humor and adventure will draw you in. So while I know "liking" any novel is a matter of taste I can highly recommend this great piece of brain candy.
Enjoy.
Oh...but I'd recommend you start the series from the first book. Don't miss the complete story.
Here we're following the adventures of a group of NPCs (Non-Player Characters) who have found themselves taking the part of (and ultimately becoming) "Adventurers".
This series is completely engaging for me and I find myself waiting and hoping for the next installment in the series. That is a bit odd for me as I also like his Super Powereds series and want to see it continue to. I've not tried his Accountant Vampire series...I've never been much on "cute" vampires. That said Hayes is such a good writer I may try it.
Look if you're a gamer I think you'll love this book and this series. Even if you're not I believe the humor and adventure will draw you in. So while I know "liking" any novel is a matter of taste I can highly recommend this great piece of brain candy.
Enjoy.
Oh...but I'd recommend you start the series from the first book. Don't miss the complete story.
March 24, 2017
I love this series, 4 1/2 stars, this 2nd book is better then the first the characters get more interesting and the new character's introduced are equally interesting and somewhat mysterious looking at you Fritz. I'm off to read volume three right now.
Character List
Character List
February 11, 2019
This is a delightful second installment, which says a lot since second books are often fairly weak, having come off the introduction but not yet settling into pace, flow, and characterizations.
As the story was going along, I was feeling entertained enough but never really invested. By the time I got to the end and looked back, I realized there were a lot of clever, silly, or interesting little things added to the overall story arc.
I liked that stereotypes that were ditched in the last book looked like they were going to be replaced with other cliches in this book but then those were turned on their sides, as well. The formerly 2-D NPCs are becoming rounded-out, as if their ultimate quest was to become fully realized.
There are more women in this story, doubling the number of female main characters; trials and tribulations are solved by lifeskills as much as by spells, swords, and stealth; and our adventurers unwittingly get to slip behind the scenes of campaign modules. There's some good stuff here.
So far, I am tickled with these books and will be continuing the series.
As the story was going along, I was feeling entertained enough but never really invested. By the time I got to the end and looked back, I realized there were a lot of clever, silly, or interesting little things added to the overall story arc.
I liked that stereotypes that were ditched in the last book looked like they were going to be replaced with other cliches in this book but then those were turned on their sides, as well. The formerly 2-D NPCs are becoming rounded-out, as if their ultimate quest was to become fully realized.
There are more women in this story, doubling the number of female main characters; trials and tribulations are solved by lifeskills as much as by spells, swords, and stealth; and our adventurers unwittingly get to slip behind the scenes of campaign modules. There's some good stuff here.
So far, I am tickled with these books and will be continuing the series.
March 19, 2018
Nice entertaining read. Humorous with good action and a nice flow to the story. A nice different fantasy story. Recommended
December 31, 2022
Split the Party is the second book in the Spells, Swords and Stealth series by Drew Hayes. After successfully escaping from the King of Solium, our former NPCs have traveled to the neighboring kingdom of Alcatham. In need of supplies, the party stops at the village of Briarwillow where all is not as it seems. Thistle's god Grumble has, in no uncertain terms, decided that Thistle, and therefor the party, will figure out what's going on and save the villagers or die trying.
This was a great sequel. I enjoy how much depth and growth our NPC party is taking on. Each of the former NPCs has fully embraced their adventuring role and is learning to make the most of it. Grumph gets some much needed training in the magical arts. Eric continues to use his experience as a guard to expand his rogue abilities. Gabrielle feels keenly frustrated at her lack of progress and finds help in an unlikely place. Poor Thistle is learning first hand just how demanding it can be to be a Paladin, even for one dedicated to the god of minions. I enjoyed the additions of Timiscore and Mr. Peppers to the party. The side characters were a lot of fun too - I hope we see some of them again in the future. I also apologize in advance if I get some of the spellings of names wrong as it can be hard to determine when listening to an audio book.
It's great that the PCs have ditched the bad apples and now seem to have a decent group. I started to find their new story line engaging. The hints at the larger mystery are fun too. I really hope this continues to be explored.
This was a great sequel. I enjoy how much depth and growth our NPC party is taking on. Each of the former NPCs has fully embraced their adventuring role and is learning to make the most of it. Grumph gets some much needed training in the magical arts. Eric continues to use his experience as a guard to expand his rogue abilities. Gabrielle feels keenly frustrated at her lack of progress and finds help in an unlikely place. Poor Thistle is learning first hand just how demanding it can be to be a Paladin, even for one dedicated to the god of minions. I enjoyed the additions of Timiscore and Mr. Peppers to the party. The side characters were a lot of fun too - I hope we see some of them again in the future. I also apologize in advance if I get some of the spellings of names wrong as it can be hard to determine when listening to an audio book.
It's great that the PCs have ditched the bad apples and now seem to have a decent group. I started to find their new story line engaging. The hints at the larger mystery are fun too. I really hope this continues to be explored.
January 27, 2019
A good sequel, but I wish I hadn't let so much time go by after the first. I was hazy on some details that might have made it more enjoyable. I definitely recommend reading them in order. There's definitely some character development. Fun characters, too.
This follows NPC (Non Playing Characters) who took up a quest. They're not real to us (or are they?) but NPCs in a D&D world. There's a really cute girl playing the Barbarian & the others are often just as strange, but really good.
It was slower than I recall the first being - more stretched out - with a lot of details I really didn't need. I'd guess 25% less would have been great. Still, I'm looking forward to the next.
This follows NPC (Non Playing Characters) who took up a quest. They're not real to us (or are they?) but NPCs in a D&D world. There's a really cute girl playing the Barbarian & the others are often just as strange, but really good.
It was slower than I recall the first being - more stretched out - with a lot of details I really didn't need. I'd guess 25% less would have been great. Still, I'm looking forward to the next.
August 27, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars
I really enjoyed this one, too! I would say this one is a LOT slower than the previous book. But there's still a lot to enjoy! The series is more like a campaign and not just a (single) game.
I especially loved Grumph
While it was certainly rather slow, it was interesting enough that Hubby decided he wanted to read the rest of it with me even though I was 1/2 way through the second book!
Reread: I enjoyed it even more this time. It's still slower than book 1 but lots of fun. It's almost better this second time as you see things and plots being set up for the next book(s).
I really enjoyed this one, too! I would say this one is a LOT slower than the previous book. But there's still a lot to enjoy! The series is more like a campaign and not just a (single) game.
I especially loved Grumph
While it was certainly rather slow, it was interesting enough that Hubby decided he wanted to read the rest of it with me even though I was 1/2 way through the second book!
Reread: I enjoyed it even more this time. It's still slower than book 1 but lots of fun. It's almost better this second time as you see things and plots being set up for the next book(s).
January 4, 2020
Notes:
I've become a fan of Roger Wayne's narration! He does a great job and makes the story come to life in my ears. =)
- Really cool twists & fun takes on well tried fantasy adventures.
- The characters came together & were much more approachable, relatable & alive in this book.
I've become a fan of Roger Wayne's narration! He does a great job and makes the story come to life in my ears. =)
- Really cool twists & fun takes on well tried fantasy adventures.
- The characters came together & were much more approachable, relatable & alive in this book.
May 24, 2020
This series is so delightful! I'm so glad I stumbled upon the audiobooks narrated by Roger Wayne on Libby. I hope the wait for book 3, Going Rogue, won't be too long.
August 27, 2017
Another intriguing story that elevated that of the first book! Newly introduced characters and knowledge about the PC NPC's works well. Once more, the story feels like something I could have played myself--which is awesome!
December 9, 2019
This rating is for the audio book version.
What a fun ride this was. While I enjoyed the first book in the series, "NPCs," this second book sealed the deal for me, and I am now a Drew Hayes fan.
Anyone who has done and serious tabletop rpg'ing will appreciate the serious attention and respect the author gives to the genre.
Roger Wayne's narration is straightforward, his characterization is distinctive. I loved it.
What a fun ride this was. While I enjoyed the first book in the series, "NPCs," this second book sealed the deal for me, and I am now a Drew Hayes fan.
Anyone who has done and serious tabletop rpg'ing will appreciate the serious attention and respect the author gives to the genre.
Roger Wayne's narration is straightforward, his characterization is distinctive. I loved it.
September 18, 2021
I found the pacing a bit slow this time around, but the story is still quite interesting.
I get confused sometimes when POV changes within a chapter; it takes a little while to figure out who we're following. Honestly, we could have done without some POVs .
The IRL story is also quite intriguing, and I find myself wanting more of it than I actually got. Maybe in the next book.
Anyway, good book.
I get confused sometimes when POV changes within a chapter; it takes a little while to figure out who we're following. Honestly, we could have done without some POVs .
The IRL story is also quite intriguing, and I find myself wanting more of it than I actually got. Maybe in the next book.
Anyway, good book.
May 6, 2021
Awesome. I love the characters in the Spells, Swords, and Stealth universe. The story is interesting and fun to read. I'm really excited to continue the story.
The narrator performs the story perfectly, with unique voices for each character. This is spoiling all other audiobooks for me. :)
The narrator performs the story perfectly, with unique voices for each character. This is spoiling all other audiobooks for me. :)
June 14, 2017
Audiobook DNF is an automatic one star. Ran out of library time despite eight listening attempts. It's probably fine.
June 7, 2017
The sequel to NPCs. More RPG influence. . .and spoilers for the first.
In our world, Russell is continuing to DM with a new group of players (except for the continuing Tim). A better set. One cleverly persuades Tim that his paladin would choose a different adventure hook, because of the greater number of people menaced. (Meanwhile, Russell is taking notes because last time, he thought the module rewrote itself.) But they're off, and one observes that Tim's original pick will be done with before they could double back.
Guess where our intrepid band of NPCs is headed? As the highest chance of safety, they take the road to the town with the magical plague. (Highest doesn't mean high.) They find the town full of people who think they are cured, but are feverish, and when Thistle finds out they performed a rite led by a priest without a name. . . .
Thistle also discovers that his god won't let him leave -- he has to save the day. Paladin, you know. Even to get help.
It involves a seller of magical items, a cynic from the stricken town, Grumph's going for a test really quickly, a dire turkey, Timuscor's childhood dream of becoming a paladin, a conjured boar, a cursed axe, and rather more.
Russell's party only runs in parallel, though there are hints for the future.
In our world, Russell is continuing to DM with a new group of players (except for the continuing Tim). A better set. One cleverly persuades Tim that his paladin would choose a different adventure hook, because of the greater number of people menaced. (Meanwhile, Russell is taking notes because last time, he thought the module rewrote itself.) But they're off, and one observes that Tim's original pick will be done with before they could double back.
Guess where our intrepid band of NPCs is headed? As the highest chance of safety, they take the road to the town with the magical plague. (Highest doesn't mean high.) They find the town full of people who think they are cured, but are feverish, and when Thistle finds out they performed a rite led by a priest without a name. . . .
Thistle also discovers that his god won't let him leave -- he has to save the day. Paladin, you know. Even to get help.
It involves a seller of magical items, a cynic from the stricken town, Grumph's going for a test really quickly, a dire turkey, Timuscor's childhood dream of becoming a paladin, a conjured boar, a cursed axe, and rather more.
Russell's party only runs in parallel, though there are hints for the future.
May 25, 2017
It got better as the book went on, or I just got used to it, but the old adage "show, don't tell" is completely ignored by this author, all the time. Thistle is definitely the worst offender of this, but every decision is explained in excruciating, unnecessary detail. It holds up the plot, makes the characters boring, and makes the reader feel talked down to. It also prevents the reader from suspending their disbelief, which is crucial for a story like this to work.
My second major complaint is that the most compelling part of the plot, the whole reason why I started reading this series and easily the most engaging part of the storyline--the fact that the D&D game affects the 'real world'--is almost entirely ignored in this book! I'm hoping that's because the author is setting up for it to be a bigger part of the third book, but honestly at this point, I'm not sure I want to read it. I was looking forward to reading a new twist on the fantasy/adventure genre, but so far have found nothing more than old, boring tropes.
Things I liked about this book:
-Timuscour
-Mr. Peppers
-Emerging into the sunlight holding a still beating heart
My second major complaint is that the most compelling part of the plot, the whole reason why I started reading this series and easily the most engaging part of the storyline--the fact that the D&D game affects the 'real world'--is almost entirely ignored in this book! I'm hoping that's because the author is setting up for it to be a bigger part of the third book, but honestly at this point, I'm not sure I want to read it. I was looking forward to reading a new twist on the fantasy/adventure genre, but so far have found nothing more than old, boring tropes.
Things I liked about this book:
-Timuscour
-Mr. Peppers
-Emerging into the sunlight holding a still beating heart
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2019
Even better than the first one...
February 10, 2020
As with the first book, I feel like I would get more out of this story were I an RPG player. As I am not, I do miss out on the references, and possibly a lot of the inside jokes and tropes. (To put things into perspective, I'm the sort of reader that had to google "paladin". I know next to nothing about RPGs).
However, I do appreciate that Hayes wrote this from two viewpoints, because it would feel very unnatural if the characters who should know certain information, suddenly stood up and explained to each other why for example, a paladin cannot leave a town once he has identified evil in it. However, the real world RPG players (i.e. Tim and Russell and their friends) can easily do this since they have novices among their group. It's an interesting approach to the "maid and butler" conversations.
In my review of NPCs I mentioned that character development wasn't very strong. However, I do feel like I've gotten to know the group a lot better now.
There are some excellent new characters, like Fritz, the female elf who peddles all sorts of expensive magical items and drives a horseless cart. She's definitely an interesting one, especially given the indications there's more to the chirpy elf than first meets the eye.
In terms of old characters, I do also have a growing fondness for Grumble, god of minions. He's such an interesting character, that I wish we saw more of him. But I suppose he's got better things to do than to constantly pop up in the story. (More than can be said for the Greek pantheon in the Iliad. Those guys meddled more than they should have!)
I didn't mind the side-quests either. Splitting the party in one way actually helped me to get to know the individual characters and their individual strengths better.
There were some grammar/spelling issues which could have benefitted from a second edit. But they were few, and didn't detract from the story.
Overall an enjoyable read, like the first book.
However, I do appreciate that Hayes wrote this from two viewpoints, because it would feel very unnatural if the characters who should know certain information, suddenly stood up and explained to each other why for example, a paladin cannot leave a town once he has identified evil in it. However, the real world RPG players (i.e. Tim and Russell and their friends) can easily do this since they have novices among their group. It's an interesting approach to the "maid and butler" conversations.
In my review of NPCs I mentioned that character development wasn't very strong. However, I do feel like I've gotten to know the group a lot better now.
There are some excellent new characters, like Fritz, the female elf who peddles all sorts of expensive magical items and drives a horseless cart. She's definitely an interesting one, especially given the indications there's more to the chirpy elf than first meets the eye.
In terms of old characters, I do also have a growing fondness for Grumble, god of minions. He's such an interesting character, that I wish we saw more of him. But I suppose he's got better things to do than to constantly pop up in the story. (More than can be said for the Greek pantheon in the Iliad. Those guys meddled more than they should have!)
I didn't mind the side-quests either. Splitting the party in one way actually helped me to get to know the individual characters and their individual strengths better.
There were some grammar/spelling issues which could have benefitted from a second edit. But they were few, and didn't detract from the story.
Overall an enjoyable read, like the first book.
July 26, 2017
Very enjoyable book! I'm really looking forward to the next books in the series.
I was a bit sad that the narrator changed the voice for Grumble, though I wasn't surprised to hear a voice very like Grumble's original voice used for another associated character toward the end of the book. I don't know if this was intentional, but I suspect it was accidental.
In any case, this is a very fun story and I'm interested to see where the plot takes us next.
(Full review is here.)
I was a bit sad that the narrator changed the voice for Grumble, though I wasn't surprised to hear a voice very like Grumble's original voice used for another associated character toward the end of the book. I don't know if this was intentional, but I suspect it was accidental.
In any case, this is a very fun story and I'm interested to see where the plot takes us next.
(Full review is here.)
September 23, 2021
A fun light read about a group of NPCs newly thrust into adventuring. I really love the premise of this series and the characters are all really fun and quirky. This book was a bit slow to get started and at times dragged on a bit but the narrator was excellent and that kept being enjoyable to listen through the entire time. I doubt I would have rated it as highly had I read it physically rather than as an audio book, but still worth the read. Also, as usually happens when I read these types of books I now have lots of new ideas that I would love to incorporate into my own TTRPGs. Origami monsters is a really fun concept, and the guild trial would be a lot of fun to run as a GM.
March 30, 2022
The gang is on the run and decides to visit a village experiencing a magical plague.
What I enjoyed:
* It was nice to see the characters grow in their abilities, especially Grumph and Thistle.
* Fritz was an interesting character
* I also really like Mr. Peppers and hope he stays with the group
* Russell is suspicious and I'm curious where that will lead
*
What could have been better:
* This book seemed a LOT slower than the first one
What I enjoyed:
* It was nice to see the characters grow in their abilities, especially Grumph and Thistle.
* Fritz was an interesting character
* I also really like Mr. Peppers and hope he stays with the group
* Russell is suspicious and I'm curious where that will lead
*
What could have been better:
* This book seemed a LOT slower than the first one
January 19, 2019
Loads of fun in this LitRPG romp with a unique group of NPC turned adventurers. The MC's grow into their characters quite a bit in this book with a few new additions to the cast that are just as great as the original four. Loved the unexpected twists to the normal quests found in typical stories in this genre. Really enjoying this series and recommend to fantasy / LitRPG lovers.
December 27, 2019
While Roger Wayne does have a sexy voice, he is IMO not the best choice for narrating the kind of books he usually does. He needs a variety of voices to truly show off his skill, and if there is some humor to be had, all the better. I still think his performance as John Charming is his best work, but he does great with this RPG fantasy series, too. Every character is distinct, and he delivers the sometimes over dramatic lines in a way that works very well for me.
Love this party of heroes, and enjoy following them and seeing them leveling up while staying loyal and true to their friends.
Love this party of heroes, and enjoy following them and seeing them leveling up while staying loyal and true to their friends.
December 29, 2020
I loved NPCs, the first book in the series. But, along the lines of similar reviews I've seen, this one lacks the "special something" the first book had.
It was an enjoyable read and I like the characters, setting and overall theme. It just didn't wow me.
I'll be continuing on with the series though as I feel invested in it now.
It was an enjoyable read and I like the characters, setting and overall theme. It just didn't wow me.
I'll be continuing on with the series though as I feel invested in it now.
October 31, 2024
Splendid sequel to “NPCs.” If you loved the first book you will love this continuation. It also, which I find is not always the case, leaves the reader wanting more. I am excited for the other entries in this nerdy D&D series.
July 24, 2017
The second installment in this series was fabulous. Highly recommended to nerds everywhere <3
August 11, 2018
It was definitely better than the first one. While it is story driven, we got to know the characters a little better as they got to know themselves better too. I really liked it :)
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