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Spells, Swords, & Stealth #6
Unconventional Classes
Where does one hide from a vengeful god?
That is the question set before the party of adventurers from Maplebark as they flee what remains of the Ardrane Estate. They need a place to shelter, to regroup, and to make preparations for the future.
Fortunately, the party has a lead on just such a place, even if it is somewhat… unusual.
At a university run by a goblin, the group discovers unusual lessons, buried secrets, and clues toward a mystery of their own. Yet all is not well on campus, as lingering dangers resurface while agents of a forgotten enemy search nearby, drawing steadily closer.
Old grudges return as the adventurers race to capitalize on an opportunity that might just give them the power they need to truly turn the tables. If they can survive it.
That is the question set before the party of adventurers from Maplebark as they flee what remains of the Ardrane Estate. They need a place to shelter, to regroup, and to make preparations for the future.
Fortunately, the party has a lead on just such a place, even if it is somewhat… unusual.
At a university run by a goblin, the group discovers unusual lessons, buried secrets, and clues toward a mystery of their own. Yet all is not well on campus, as lingering dangers resurface while agents of a forgotten enemy search nearby, drawing steadily closer.
Old grudges return as the adventurers race to capitalize on an opportunity that might just give them the power they need to truly turn the tables. If they can survive it.
664 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2026
About the author
Drew Hayes
8 books1 followerLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
This profile will contain more than one author. Others are listed below.
Drew Hayes (2^): Multiple series including Fred, the Vampire Accountant and also is a contributor to the Shingles universe of books
Drew Hayes (3^): (1969-2007) creator of the Poison Elves comic book series.
This profile will contain more than one author. Others are listed below.
Drew Hayes (2^): Multiple series including Fred, the Vampire Accountant and also is a contributor to the Shingles universe of books
Drew Hayes (3^): (1969-2007) creator of the Poison Elves comic book series.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 4, 2026
Loved it
This is another great book, I love the characters and their growth. And not only what is happening in the magical world, there is a lot going on with the players and their investigations on Broken Bridge Publishing. Can't wait to see what happens next.
This is another great book, I love the characters and their growth. And not only what is happening in the magical world, there is a lot going on with the players and their investigations on Broken Bridge Publishing. Can't wait to see what happens next.
October 27, 2026
Reading a book from this series feels like coming home. It’s got some of my favourite characters of all time and the plots, lore, and settings always find new ways to be engaging. If I had to have one critique, I’d say this book could have done with one more round of proofreading but it’s an extremely long book and some things are bound to slip through the cracks. Moment of appreciation for Gabrielle before I finish this review. Live laugh love Gabrielle. Also how dare the end of the book say “to be concluded in book 7” I don’t want the series to be overrrr, it will be a sad, sad day when it occurs, but also I will rejoice for any new SSS content ever. Anyway. Over and out
October 9, 2026
Dragons and lots of them
Book 6 of the Spells, Swords, and Stealth. It has been a minute since I read the last one and it took me a bit to remember that there are two parties. There is the regular adventure group and then the NPC group. The story was good, and perhaps the point of this one is to be a builder for the finale, but I did struggle more than any other books by Drew Hayes. Still sad to see the series close as there is a lot more that could happen with this series. Here is to book 7…
Book 6 of the Spells, Swords, and Stealth. It has been a minute since I read the last one and it took me a bit to remember that there are two parties. There is the regular adventure group and then the NPC group. The story was good, and perhaps the point of this one is to be a builder for the finale, but I did struggle more than any other books by Drew Hayes. Still sad to see the series close as there is a lot more that could happen with this series. Here is to book 7…
October 5, 2026
another smash!
As an avid fan of RPGs, I’ve always loved the behind-the-scenes feel of this series and the latest installment is no disappointment. Once again the heroes are set upon by adversity and once again, the outcome is not what would be expected. Since I love the discovery I won’t include any spoilers; but if you’ve already gotten into these books, this is an awesome read from start to transcendant finish!
As an avid fan of RPGs, I’ve always loved the behind-the-scenes feel of this series and the latest installment is no disappointment. Once again the heroes are set upon by adversity and once again, the outcome is not what would be expected. Since I love the discovery I won’t include any spoilers; but if you’ve already gotten into these books, this is an awesome read from start to transcendant finish!
October 8, 2026
I had been eagerly anticipating the arrival of this novel and I loved it! Book 5 ended with unanswered questions and most were quickly answered at the beginning of this one. The adventure continues in unexpected ways and I enjoyed being taken along for the ride. Alas, gods grant me the patience to endure the wait for book #7 and the possible conclusion of this merry adventure!
October 26, 2026
Drew Hayes never disappoints
I fell in love with this series from the first book, and each one only gets better, I love the uniqueness of the characters, as well as the well paced escalation of stakes. His other series are great, but this one will stay at the top of my list for a very long time.
I fell in love with this series from the first book, and each one only gets better, I love the uniqueness of the characters, as well as the well paced escalation of stakes. His other series are great, but this one will stay at the top of my list for a very long time.
October 12, 2026
Another Wonderful Story!!
Long time reader of Drew Hayes and he does not disappoint! It does get a little slow at around the 1/3 mark, but wow does the story finish strong. Great development of the characters and sorry. Looking forward to what he writes next!
Long time reader of Drew Hayes and he does not disappoint! It does get a little slow at around the 1/3 mark, but wow does the story finish strong. Great development of the characters and sorry. Looking forward to what he writes next!
October 25, 2026
Coming to the end
Another fantastic entry in the NPCs universe. The end of the book revealed that Book 7 will conclude the series.
Can't wait to read the finale and see what Drew Hayes comes up with next.
Another fantastic entry in the NPCs universe. The end of the book revealed that Book 7 will conclude the series.
Can't wait to read the finale and see what Drew Hayes comes up with next.
October 28, 2026
I really enjoyed the continuing adventures of the group. Seeing how their powers are growing is really fun. My only complaint was that the first 50 or so pages had a lot of setup. Which makes sense with the world and adventurers.
October 13, 2026
Excellent addition to the series
Sooo good. This one was very interesting, inspired a few elements for my game worlds. And still can't wait for next.
Sooo good. This one was very interesting, inspired a few elements for my game worlds. And still can't wait for next.
October 16, 2026
My Pasta has less twists than this book.
I finished this book over lunch which is Leftover Pasta, the kind that looks like a spiral.
I find it fitting: the amount of WTF and WTUH that came out during this book was massively enjoyable. I entered this book expecting a bit of sloth and foundational building but come in and it’s all systems GOOOOOO!!!!!
And I loved it.
That said, on the bit about Russel and his group… I feel like THAT was foundational work while his spiritual sibling’s group got built up big time….
I look forward to the next book and will confess that I hate the last ‘c’ word used in this release. (IYKYK)
I finished this book over lunch which is Leftover Pasta, the kind that looks like a spiral.
I find it fitting: the amount of WTF and WTUH that came out during this book was massively enjoyable. I entered this book expecting a bit of sloth and foundational building but come in and it’s all systems GOOOOOO!!!!!
And I loved it.
That said, on the bit about Russel and his group… I feel like THAT was foundational work while his spiritual sibling’s group got built up big time….
I look forward to the next book and will confess that I hate the last ‘c’ word used in this release. (IYKYK)
October 21, 2026
Continues to be Drew Hayes best series. To be concluded in Book 7! (A feat some fantasy authors struggle with...)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews