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Egil and Nix #3
A Conversation in Blood
Egil and Nix, the hard-fighting, harder-drinking fortune hunters of "The Hammer and the Blade" and "A Discourse in Steel, "are back to test their mettle and tempt fickle fate.
Fantasy fiction has long welcomed adventurous rogues: Fritz Leiber s Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, George R. R. Martin s Dunk and Egg, and Scott Lynch s Locke Lamora and Jean Tannen have all made their mark. In his Egil & Nix series, "New York Times" bestselling author Paul S. Kemp introduces a daring new duo to the ranks of fantasy fame or is it infamy?
Nix is a nimble thief with just enough knowledge of magic to get into serious trouble. Egil is the only priest of a discredited god. Together, they seek riches and renown, but somehow it is always misadventure and mayhem that find them even in the dive bar they call home. And their luck has yet to change.
All Nix wants to do is cheer Egil up after a bout of heartbreak. And, of course, strike it so rich that they need never worry about their combined bar bill. But when the light-fingered scoundrel plunders a tomb and snatches mysterious golden plates covered in runes, the treasure brings terrifying trouble. Pursued by an abomination full of ravenous hunger and unquenchable wrath, Egil and Nix find all they hold dear including their beloved tavern in dire peril. To say nothing of the world itself.
Praise for Paul S. Kemp s thrilling Egil & Nix novels
""
Most heroes work up to killing demons. Egil and Nix start there and pick up the pace. Elaine Cunningham, author of "Honor Among Thieves"
Kemp delivers sword and sorcery at its rollicking best, after the fashion of Fritz Leiber s Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. "Library Journal"
""
Egil and Nix might not be the safest guys to go adventuring with, but they re sure good company. Ed Greenwood, bestselling creator of Forgotten Realms
Did I mention how much fun Egil and Nix are? So. Much. Damn. Fun. " Tor.com""
Fantasy fiction has long welcomed adventurous rogues: Fritz Leiber s Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, George R. R. Martin s Dunk and Egg, and Scott Lynch s Locke Lamora and Jean Tannen have all made their mark. In his Egil & Nix series, "New York Times" bestselling author Paul S. Kemp introduces a daring new duo to the ranks of fantasy fame or is it infamy?
Nix is a nimble thief with just enough knowledge of magic to get into serious trouble. Egil is the only priest of a discredited god. Together, they seek riches and renown, but somehow it is always misadventure and mayhem that find them even in the dive bar they call home. And their luck has yet to change.
All Nix wants to do is cheer Egil up after a bout of heartbreak. And, of course, strike it so rich that they need never worry about their combined bar bill. But when the light-fingered scoundrel plunders a tomb and snatches mysterious golden plates covered in runes, the treasure brings terrifying trouble. Pursued by an abomination full of ravenous hunger and unquenchable wrath, Egil and Nix find all they hold dear including their beloved tavern in dire peril. To say nothing of the world itself.
Praise for Paul S. Kemp s thrilling Egil & Nix novels
""
Most heroes work up to killing demons. Egil and Nix start there and pick up the pace. Elaine Cunningham, author of "Honor Among Thieves"
Kemp delivers sword and sorcery at its rollicking best, after the fashion of Fritz Leiber s Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. "Library Journal"
""
Egil and Nix might not be the safest guys to go adventuring with, but they re sure good company. Ed Greenwood, bestselling creator of Forgotten Realms
Did I mention how much fun Egil and Nix are? So. Much. Damn. Fun. " Tor.com""
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 24, 2017
23 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Paul S. Kemp
61 books941 followersBestselling speculative fiction author, creator of Egil and Nix, Erevis Cale, drinker of scotch, smoker of cigars, amiable dude. :-)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 16, 2018
So in the previous book Egil & Nix had rescued a couple of women but were ... not entirely successful. So as our new tale begins, they're both (Egil moreso) kind of moping. But, as is well known, there's nothing more effective at helping one climb back out of a funk than discovering that the random magical trinket one acquired recently is actually a potent and highly desired artifact; and having multiple wizards and indestructible monstrosities on one's tail does wonders to focus the mind ...
February 9, 2017
Review on my blog, Total Inability To Connect
I have a weird relationship with the Egil and Nix series.
On the one hand, I've got some significant criticisms with some of the aspects, writing decisions, odd resolutions, overused plot points. On the other hand, something about the buddy relationship of Egil and Nix, the comforting banter between them, the way their relationship makes you root for them always. The kind of lighthearted nature of the stories, the shorter format that makes them great 'junk food' style reads, the ones you plow through in a short amount of time because they're so entertaining and a great quick reprieve from heavy doorstoppers.
A Conversation In Blood, the third in the series, is no different from my previous feelings on the series. Despite giving somewhat lukewarm reviews to the previous books, including some hefty criticisms, I had found myself eagerly awaiting this entry, a seeming eternity between it and the second edition, due to Kemp's other writing obligations. When Goodreads showed it out last summer, I got extremely excited, and was very let down to find out that it was in error and not out until January 2017. There's *something* about this series that keeps drawing me back, keeps me excited for the next edition, and keeps me intrigued as to where it will go. It's 'junk food' for sure, but has a lot more serious aspect to it, an underlying story, a dark side that a lot of the other junk food series lacks.
The novel picks up with a restless Nix eager for something to shake up his bland existence. Egil is in a depressive state after the happenings of the second book, drinking away his sorrows on a daily basis, in a funk he cannot seem to get out of, nor has any interest in such. Pushed on by mutual friends, Nix manages to snap Egil out of it, and with the help of a returning friend from a previous adventure, the duo embark on yet another of their serial adventures. This time, they find themselves in possession of some mysterious metal plates (straight up Mormon-style), of which they soon find themselves the target of the hunting of a mysterious creature hellbent on recovering the plates.
The story unfolds as the trio learn the unfortunate reality of the plates, and of the creature chasing them to recover aforementioned plates. There's some depth to this storyline, as well as the creature - The Afterbirth - that slowly unfolds and becomes more and more intriguing. It also opens the door to take a bit more of a view into Nix's past as a sorcerer in training, as well as into the true depth of the friendship between the pair (hetero life mates). I thought the majority of this was very well handled, and very interesting - the plates did not feel overly original at first, even when we started dealing with the history of them, and the magical school Nix was an outcast from. However, I felt no real sense of familiarity when it came to the actual details, especially when The Afterbirth was involved, as it was a fairly unique character to me, one which Kemp gives just enough depth to in order to keep it interesting, but also leave it mysterious until the unraveling of the story details at the end.
Oh, and what an ending. An emotional rollercoaster to conclude the book - even feeling as though Egil and Nix were protected by obvious plot armor, there was significant drama and excitement, and I found the conclusion to be very heartwarming. That said, it was not without flaw, which is part of my frustration with each book in this series. Jime (guessing at spelling, I did audio), the third character in the novel, felt from the very beginning as Ensign Expendable, an additional side character that served no purpose other than eventual sacrifice, and - spoiler alert - that is exactly what he was. As the ending was unfolding, I was riveted, but I knew that somehow he would end up being sacrificed for the sake of the story, and it went down almost exactly as I imagined. It was interesting, it was a fun ending, but it was VERY disappointing to have such an obvious sacrifice along the entire time, serving little to no purpose aside from dying while the main characters lived. It was almost frustrating that it played out the way it did, because I wanted MORE from Kemp in this instance.
Some of my criticisms are the same as previous books. I love the banter between the duo, their familiar nature, the jabs at each other that were so obviously well-meaning, despite seeming harsh. Kemp does a terrific job showing their appreciation of each other, the deep bond the pair share, and how their adventures have shaped and changed them. However, the whole Egil-as-a-priest-of-an-obscure-god thing is just as worn out and lame as it was before. It's brought up constantly, he's referred to as 'the priest', or Nix will make comments about how he's the one who is a priest, etc. However, as with before, there is ZERO impact on the story related to his worship of this god, there's just no reason for it to even be a thing other than to mention it constantly. I wish there was more substance to it, but there still is not, after 3 books.
That said, I could nitpick it just like I could with any book, but in the end I still enjoyed this one quite a bit. I blasted through it quickly, enjoying the ride and especially the conclusion, even with the Ensign Expendable aspects of it. The pair continue to be so endearing, the dialogue between them entertaining as hell, and there's always multiple laugh-out-loud moments in the stories. I like Kemp's style in general, and this series does fit a very specific niche for me, one that only a series like this can fulfill, and it's my favorite of the junk-food-sword-and-sorcery style books. It's what Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser would be if they were more modern, I think. I enjoy that the series is fairly 'adult', not necessarily with graphic sex or violence, but with just enough profanity, dark plot pieces, and adult themes to separate it from some of the similar, but more lighthearted, stories of it's ilk.
Overall, a flawed but fun adventure, the books continue to get better with each edition.
Rating: 4 / 5
I have a weird relationship with the Egil and Nix series.
On the one hand, I've got some significant criticisms with some of the aspects, writing decisions, odd resolutions, overused plot points. On the other hand, something about the buddy relationship of Egil and Nix, the comforting banter between them, the way their relationship makes you root for them always. The kind of lighthearted nature of the stories, the shorter format that makes them great 'junk food' style reads, the ones you plow through in a short amount of time because they're so entertaining and a great quick reprieve from heavy doorstoppers.
A Conversation In Blood, the third in the series, is no different from my previous feelings on the series. Despite giving somewhat lukewarm reviews to the previous books, including some hefty criticisms, I had found myself eagerly awaiting this entry, a seeming eternity between it and the second edition, due to Kemp's other writing obligations. When Goodreads showed it out last summer, I got extremely excited, and was very let down to find out that it was in error and not out until January 2017. There's *something* about this series that keeps drawing me back, keeps me excited for the next edition, and keeps me intrigued as to where it will go. It's 'junk food' for sure, but has a lot more serious aspect to it, an underlying story, a dark side that a lot of the other junk food series lacks.
The novel picks up with a restless Nix eager for something to shake up his bland existence. Egil is in a depressive state after the happenings of the second book, drinking away his sorrows on a daily basis, in a funk he cannot seem to get out of, nor has any interest in such. Pushed on by mutual friends, Nix manages to snap Egil out of it, and with the help of a returning friend from a previous adventure, the duo embark on yet another of their serial adventures. This time, they find themselves in possession of some mysterious metal plates (straight up Mormon-style), of which they soon find themselves the target of the hunting of a mysterious creature hellbent on recovering the plates.
The story unfolds as the trio learn the unfortunate reality of the plates, and of the creature chasing them to recover aforementioned plates. There's some depth to this storyline, as well as the creature - The Afterbirth - that slowly unfolds and becomes more and more intriguing. It also opens the door to take a bit more of a view into Nix's past as a sorcerer in training, as well as into the true depth of the friendship between the pair (hetero life mates). I thought the majority of this was very well handled, and very interesting - the plates did not feel overly original at first, even when we started dealing with the history of them, and the magical school Nix was an outcast from. However, I felt no real sense of familiarity when it came to the actual details, especially when The Afterbirth was involved, as it was a fairly unique character to me, one which Kemp gives just enough depth to in order to keep it interesting, but also leave it mysterious until the unraveling of the story details at the end.
Oh, and what an ending. An emotional rollercoaster to conclude the book - even feeling as though Egil and Nix were protected by obvious plot armor, there was significant drama and excitement, and I found the conclusion to be very heartwarming. That said, it was not without flaw, which is part of my frustration with each book in this series. Jime (guessing at spelling, I did audio), the third character in the novel, felt from the very beginning as Ensign Expendable, an additional side character that served no purpose other than eventual sacrifice, and - spoiler alert - that is exactly what he was. As the ending was unfolding, I was riveted, but I knew that somehow he would end up being sacrificed for the sake of the story, and it went down almost exactly as I imagined. It was interesting, it was a fun ending, but it was VERY disappointing to have such an obvious sacrifice along the entire time, serving little to no purpose aside from dying while the main characters lived. It was almost frustrating that it played out the way it did, because I wanted MORE from Kemp in this instance.
Some of my criticisms are the same as previous books. I love the banter between the duo, their familiar nature, the jabs at each other that were so obviously well-meaning, despite seeming harsh. Kemp does a terrific job showing their appreciation of each other, the deep bond the pair share, and how their adventures have shaped and changed them. However, the whole Egil-as-a-priest-of-an-obscure-god thing is just as worn out and lame as it was before. It's brought up constantly, he's referred to as 'the priest', or Nix will make comments about how he's the one who is a priest, etc. However, as with before, there is ZERO impact on the story related to his worship of this god, there's just no reason for it to even be a thing other than to mention it constantly. I wish there was more substance to it, but there still is not, after 3 books.
That said, I could nitpick it just like I could with any book, but in the end I still enjoyed this one quite a bit. I blasted through it quickly, enjoying the ride and especially the conclusion, even with the Ensign Expendable aspects of it. The pair continue to be so endearing, the dialogue between them entertaining as hell, and there's always multiple laugh-out-loud moments in the stories. I like Kemp's style in general, and this series does fit a very specific niche for me, one that only a series like this can fulfill, and it's my favorite of the junk-food-sword-and-sorcery style books. It's what Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser would be if they were more modern, I think. I enjoy that the series is fairly 'adult', not necessarily with graphic sex or violence, but with just enough profanity, dark plot pieces, and adult themes to separate it from some of the similar, but more lighthearted, stories of it's ilk.
Overall, a flawed but fun adventure, the books continue to get better with each edition.
Rating: 4 / 5
August 31, 2018
Another excellent Sword and Sorcery volume in the series. I hope Kemp keeps writing more Egil and Nix. It's one of my favorite fantasy series around. Love these guys.
March 2, 2017
The third and most recent in this exciting, pleasurable Sword-and-Sorcery buddy-action series is finished. Tucked away nice and neat into my brain. Well, maybe not "neat," as this particular entry contains some goddamned HEAVY, thinky tones.
But the action is the same, well-written and nearly non-stop. And the beautiful camaraderie, the uber-bromance that IS Egil & Nix, is as lovely to read as ever.
This series has completely won me over, and I await the next book eagerly.
But the action is the same, well-written and nearly non-stop. And the beautiful camaraderie, the uber-bromance that IS Egil & Nix, is as lovely to read as ever.
This series has completely won me over, and I await the next book eagerly.
February 6, 2017
Paul S. Kemps Egil and Nix series is some of my favorite books I have read so far. It has everything you ever want in a book; humor, sword fights and suspense. This book is no different, Sword n Sorcery at its frolicking best. The moment you realize what has been goingon since the beginning of the book is absolutely mind blowing. I literally sat there and stared at the book for atleast 15 minutes trying to process what the fack I just read
October 6, 2019
These books are so much fun... Hoping for more in the future!!!
January 23, 2017
Official Synopsis:
Nix is a nimble thief with just enough knowledge of magic to get into serious trouble. Egil is the only priest of a discredited god. After a bout of heartbreak, all Nix wants to do is cheer up Egil. And, of course, strike it so rich that they need never worry about their combined bar bill. But when Nix plunders a tomb and snatches mysterious golden plates covered in runes, the treasure brings terrifying trouble. Pursued by an abomination full of ravenous hunger and unquenchable wrath, Egil and Nix find all they hold dear—including their beloved tavern—in dire peril. To say nothing of the world itself...
**Minor Spoilers**
I was fortunate to review one of Paul S. Kemp’s previous books, Lords of the Sith, so I was very interested in checking out another of his books when the opportunity arose. A Conversation in Blood, being of the fantasy genre, was right up my alley.
A Conversation in Blood is the third book in Paul Kemp’s Egil and Nix series, and I was a bit concerned to start as I have not read the previous books. My mind was immediately put at ease. You are introduced to the characters in such a way that makes it easy to jump right into the story without feeling lost. I was brought up to speed with just enough info to get me by, but not enough to ruin the previous stories should I decide to go back and read those as well. Which I plan to, by the way.
So, that concern aside, I was able to comfortably sink into the story and get swept away with the immensely fun and appealing lead characters, Egil and Nix — one a priest, the other a thief with a workable knowledge of magic. I read a fair amount of fantasy and sword and sorcery tales, but these two characters felt completely fresh. Their humor and camaraderie ooze off the page in the best way possible. You buy these two immediately.
Nix has come into possession of magical plates, and while seeking knowledge of exactly what they are and what they portend, he ends up with one wizard willing to do anything to acquire them, and pursued by a monstrosity, known as the Afterbirth, leaving devastation in its wake. All the while, his companion, Egil — not the biggest fan of anything even remotely magical — fights at his side even though the cost may prove to be a steep one. They are joined in this adventure by a seemingly minor character from their past named Jyme, who ends up being more important than any of them realize.
Egil and Nix, in a bid to be more respectable and responsible, also own a brothel. The characters found there play more of a supporting role here. Without knowledge of the first two books, I’m not sure how much more integral they are to the overall storyline. However, for the brief time they are encountered within this story, they are well-developed and interesting.
The pacing of the book is quick and no time is wasted. The suspense builds and doesn’t let up till the breathtaking and surprising finale. The book works quite well as a stand-alone story, but with the added bonus of being an on-going series.
The humorous banter between Egil and Nix led to a few laugh-out-loud moments, as well as a few heartwarming moments. Even without the knowledge of the first two books, it is clear how much these two care for one another. Best friends through whatever they encounter — through love, loss, and death, whether sober or drunk. You’ll find yourself wishing you could join Egil and Nix on their next rousing adventure!
Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing a copy of this book for review purposes.
This review can also be found on Coffee With Kenobi and Net Galley.
Nix is a nimble thief with just enough knowledge of magic to get into serious trouble. Egil is the only priest of a discredited god. After a bout of heartbreak, all Nix wants to do is cheer up Egil. And, of course, strike it so rich that they need never worry about their combined bar bill. But when Nix plunders a tomb and snatches mysterious golden plates covered in runes, the treasure brings terrifying trouble. Pursued by an abomination full of ravenous hunger and unquenchable wrath, Egil and Nix find all they hold dear—including their beloved tavern—in dire peril. To say nothing of the world itself...
**Minor Spoilers**
I was fortunate to review one of Paul S. Kemp’s previous books, Lords of the Sith, so I was very interested in checking out another of his books when the opportunity arose. A Conversation in Blood, being of the fantasy genre, was right up my alley.
A Conversation in Blood is the third book in Paul Kemp’s Egil and Nix series, and I was a bit concerned to start as I have not read the previous books. My mind was immediately put at ease. You are introduced to the characters in such a way that makes it easy to jump right into the story without feeling lost. I was brought up to speed with just enough info to get me by, but not enough to ruin the previous stories should I decide to go back and read those as well. Which I plan to, by the way.
So, that concern aside, I was able to comfortably sink into the story and get swept away with the immensely fun and appealing lead characters, Egil and Nix — one a priest, the other a thief with a workable knowledge of magic. I read a fair amount of fantasy and sword and sorcery tales, but these two characters felt completely fresh. Their humor and camaraderie ooze off the page in the best way possible. You buy these two immediately.
Nix has come into possession of magical plates, and while seeking knowledge of exactly what they are and what they portend, he ends up with one wizard willing to do anything to acquire them, and pursued by a monstrosity, known as the Afterbirth, leaving devastation in its wake. All the while, his companion, Egil — not the biggest fan of anything even remotely magical — fights at his side even though the cost may prove to be a steep one. They are joined in this adventure by a seemingly minor character from their past named Jyme, who ends up being more important than any of them realize.
Egil and Nix, in a bid to be more respectable and responsible, also own a brothel. The characters found there play more of a supporting role here. Without knowledge of the first two books, I’m not sure how much more integral they are to the overall storyline. However, for the brief time they are encountered within this story, they are well-developed and interesting.
The pacing of the book is quick and no time is wasted. The suspense builds and doesn’t let up till the breathtaking and surprising finale. The book works quite well as a stand-alone story, but with the added bonus of being an on-going series.
The humorous banter between Egil and Nix led to a few laugh-out-loud moments, as well as a few heartwarming moments. Even without the knowledge of the first two books, it is clear how much these two care for one another. Best friends through whatever they encounter — through love, loss, and death, whether sober or drunk. You’ll find yourself wishing you could join Egil and Nix on their next rousing adventure!
Thank you to Penguin Random House for providing a copy of this book for review purposes.
This review can also be found on Coffee With Kenobi and Net Galley.
February 2, 2017
Paul S. Kemp does it again with A Conversation in Blood knocking out another awesome sword and sorcery adventure with Egil and Nix. The two lead characters get into trouble with wizards as an abomination from a previous era comes after them. It turns out their treasure hunting has dug up a relic so dangerous that everyone is willing to kill them for it. When the stakes are this high, Egil and Nix are at their best, and Kemp does not disappoint.
One of the things I love about Kemp’s novels is how he takes a fun tale and makes it epic. At the center of things is Egil and Nix. Egil is a priest of the momentary god, Nix and expelled sorcerer, and the two of them tomb robbers extraordinaire. Add to that their witty dialog, and you have a story with an amusement level through the roof. It’s easy to get lost in the conversations and swept away, many of them bringing a smile to your face.
Then again, that fun banter leads to mischief, adventure, and inevitably doom. The stakes are never small with these two and that’s where the epic quality kicks in. Throughout the series, we’ve caught glimpses of a greater world and a rich past. A Conversation in Blood boldly goes forth to reveal the world’s greatest secret and the origin of some of its most familiar landmarks. The story explores the wizarding world of the Conclave, the origins of the Arch Bridge and Ool’s Clock, and the mystery of the Great Spell. These are things that make the story epic. That, and the things that said adventure costs.
Without revealing too much about the story, one other aspect worth mentioning is the bad guy of the story. The monster that haunts the adventure is a thing of great power. It’s relentless, nigh invincible, and murderous. Many people are slain in its wake. It’s easy to hate a monster like that. Yet Kemp takes the time to tell parts of the story from the monster’s perspective. The reader is given an idea of why this creature does the things that it does. We find out what drives it, where it came from, and its purpose in the world. It’s a compelling subplot made even richer by the ending and it’s the kind of thing that will leave you pondering the possibilities.
Lavished with great prose and outstanding dialog that drives the story and gives it character, A Conversation in Blood is a top notch story. The players in the tale keep it entertaining and suspenseful as Nix and Egil deal with thieves, wizards and monsters in a quest to starve off boredom. What starts out as a drunken night of barhopping turns into an adventure that will change the world. It’s classic sword and sorcery with its own unique flavor, making it a delectable read. I give it a five out of five and highly recommend it, whether you’re new to the series or not, it’s easy to jump into.
One of the things I love about Kemp’s novels is how he takes a fun tale and makes it epic. At the center of things is Egil and Nix. Egil is a priest of the momentary god, Nix and expelled sorcerer, and the two of them tomb robbers extraordinaire. Add to that their witty dialog, and you have a story with an amusement level through the roof. It’s easy to get lost in the conversations and swept away, many of them bringing a smile to your face.
Then again, that fun banter leads to mischief, adventure, and inevitably doom. The stakes are never small with these two and that’s where the epic quality kicks in. Throughout the series, we’ve caught glimpses of a greater world and a rich past. A Conversation in Blood boldly goes forth to reveal the world’s greatest secret and the origin of some of its most familiar landmarks. The story explores the wizarding world of the Conclave, the origins of the Arch Bridge and Ool’s Clock, and the mystery of the Great Spell. These are things that make the story epic. That, and the things that said adventure costs.
Without revealing too much about the story, one other aspect worth mentioning is the bad guy of the story. The monster that haunts the adventure is a thing of great power. It’s relentless, nigh invincible, and murderous. Many people are slain in its wake. It’s easy to hate a monster like that. Yet Kemp takes the time to tell parts of the story from the monster’s perspective. The reader is given an idea of why this creature does the things that it does. We find out what drives it, where it came from, and its purpose in the world. It’s a compelling subplot made even richer by the ending and it’s the kind of thing that will leave you pondering the possibilities.
Lavished with great prose and outstanding dialog that drives the story and gives it character, A Conversation in Blood is a top notch story. The players in the tale keep it entertaining and suspenseful as Nix and Egil deal with thieves, wizards and monsters in a quest to starve off boredom. What starts out as a drunken night of barhopping turns into an adventure that will change the world. It’s classic sword and sorcery with its own unique flavor, making it a delectable read. I give it a five out of five and highly recommend it, whether you’re new to the series or not, it’s easy to jump into.
February 2, 2017
If you're already a fan of Egil & Nix, then you won't be disappointed. It's a hell of a lot of fun.
If you're not a fan of Egil & Nix, then this book isn't going to change your mind--and I probably won't want to have a drink with you...unless you're buying :)
Personally I like how the entire story was contained in and around Dur Follin; it gave us the chance to learn more about the setting. And once things get going, it hardly lets up.
Another great one from Paul S. Kemp. I cannot wait for the next one!
If you're not a fan of Egil & Nix, then this book isn't going to change your mind--and I probably won't want to have a drink with you...unless you're buying :)
Personally I like how the entire story was contained in and around Dur Follin; it gave us the chance to learn more about the setting. And once things get going, it hardly lets up.
Another great one from Paul S. Kemp. I cannot wait for the next one!
October 27, 2016
Everything I hoped for and more in this latest entry in the Egil & Nix series. A perfect read for Sword & Sorcery fans overflowing with humor, action, adventure, and a surprisingly good story. This reminded me of why I fell in love with this sub-genre as a teen and brought me back to when I discovered Fritz Leiber, Robert E. Howard, and Michael Moorcock. It can be read as a standalone but why would you want to miss the fun of the first two books?
September 25, 2019
I will say I kinda picked this up on accident. I don't usually pick up books in the middle of the series, mostly because there is too much to figure out and it's better to start from the beginning in most cases. But I read the inside and was instantly drawn in by the comparisons to Fafhrd & the Gray Mouser and seemingly ignored the rest until I got home. But we are here now, aren't we?
A Conversation in Blood takes Egil and Nix (#3 in the series) on an adventure after the previous experience (book) ensured that Egil was going to drink himself to death. Fast forward to the present, Nix has gotten himself a hold of some very special and magical plates and has talked Egil into joining him in this rousing time. However, these plates eventually draw the ire of a powerful mage named Kerfallen. But this is the only the beginning of their troubles.
There is also a monstrosity simply named the Afterbirth scuttling around and killing everything in his path which becomes the focus of the story. I do really like the way it is written with clever writing and a good sense of story. Egil & Nix are the kinda guys you want to hang out with unless it's 2AM and the bar has closed. It was easy to figure out their backstory and despite this being the third book, I don't think I missed any crucial plot points.
However, this is a zero sum book. Overall character advancement or growth is non-existent. The characters without giving anything away are in the exact same place before and after it started. It is a fun piece but there are no meat on the bones. There is no set up for a future story and we don't feel that the next book will be something bright and exciting. It's just there. Maybe that's why I was able to figure things out so easily.
In the end, I would recommend this to fans of the series. Surely they want to read about the latest mishaps with their favorite priest and rogue and it does have many clever sections. Kemp is certainly a talented writer and I do remember favorably reading some of his Forgotten Realms work about ten years ago. But for me, this hangs in the air like a familiar smell that isn't pungent but yet isn't entirely welcome. Perhaps when I see the first volume in the future, I'll pick it up and see if it changes my mind. Take care and enjoy.
A Conversation in Blood takes Egil and Nix (#3 in the series) on an adventure after the previous experience (book) ensured that Egil was going to drink himself to death. Fast forward to the present, Nix has gotten himself a hold of some very special and magical plates and has talked Egil into joining him in this rousing time. However, these plates eventually draw the ire of a powerful mage named Kerfallen. But this is the only the beginning of their troubles.
There is also a monstrosity simply named the Afterbirth scuttling around and killing everything in his path which becomes the focus of the story. I do really like the way it is written with clever writing and a good sense of story. Egil & Nix are the kinda guys you want to hang out with unless it's 2AM and the bar has closed. It was easy to figure out their backstory and despite this being the third book, I don't think I missed any crucial plot points.
However, this is a zero sum book. Overall character advancement or growth is non-existent. The characters without giving anything away are in the exact same place before and after it started. It is a fun piece but there are no meat on the bones. There is no set up for a future story and we don't feel that the next book will be something bright and exciting. It's just there. Maybe that's why I was able to figure things out so easily.
In the end, I would recommend this to fans of the series. Surely they want to read about the latest mishaps with their favorite priest and rogue and it does have many clever sections. Kemp is certainly a talented writer and I do remember favorably reading some of his Forgotten Realms work about ten years ago. But for me, this hangs in the air like a familiar smell that isn't pungent but yet isn't entirely welcome. Perhaps when I see the first volume in the future, I'll pick it up and see if it changes my mind. Take care and enjoy.
February 6, 2017
Kemp crafts some of the best fantasy stories I have ever had the privilege of reading. A Conversation in Blood is no different and may, in fact, be his best effort to date. As is his norm, Kemp fashions high-paced actions scenes, engrossing plot with wonderful twists, and amazingly relatable characters. This time around, I felt a deeper connection with the characters than ever before. I felt as though I could have held a conversation with Egil as though I was Nix and he may not know the difference, given I use the curse "Fak" enough. The banter between the two main characters literally had me laughing aloud. It feels extremely natural and is very refreshing in darker stories such as this. One of the things that initially drew me to Kemp's work was his ability to create a villain in so many shades of grey, forcing the reader to somehow emotionally connect with them on some level as well. The antagonist of this novel is done just as well if not better than his other works, and sure paints a terrifying picture. If you've ever enjoyed a Kemp tale, you need to add this to your collection. If you're a new reader to the Kemp books, I would highly recommend this novel over and over and over again. Kemp is, in my mind, one of the big names in fantasy right now, and his Egil and Nix tales are a staple in any fantasy readers library.
March 1, 2017
3.5 Review coming soon at www.fantasyliterature.com
February 7, 2017
The wait is over, for me at least. A Conversation in Blood is the third novel in Paul S. Kemp's tales of Egil and Nix. After 4 years this newest story is out, and I could not be more happy.
What I enjoyed the most about this latest novel is how it really brings me back to the head space I was in when reading the first two. First we have Egil, a priest of the Momentary God. He is the muscle of the duo but I also find he is soft at heart. Then you have Nix, a thief/rogue who is known as the brains of the operation. Together they make and awesome team, nicely balanced between brains and brawn. I find when reading about the two together that it is very believable.
My favorite thing about A Conversation in Blood is that when I am reading it, I am actually in Dur Follin. I become a part of the world that Paul has created for us in this novel. This, in my opinion, is a hard thing for an author to do. Sometimes you will get half way there, but still know that you are reading a book. Not with a Conversation in Blood.
Paul does and exquisite job of giving his characters believable personalities, and makes their struggles seem of the utmost importance. No only is this a serious novel, but it also has a comedic side that has always kept me interested. I love the insults and profanity that is done in a way foreign to how people actually use slang, but totally believable in the same right. My friends all look at me like I am mad when I call them "slubbers"
I firstly would recommend that you check out any and all of Paul's work, from the Forgotten Realms, to Star Wars, to Egil and Nix, Paul's talent is something you should not miss. Secondly I would say that if you haven't read the two previous Egil and Nix novels (The Hammer and Blade / A Discourse in Steel) you should definitely check them out.
Lastly, if you are looking at A Conversation in Blood and are on the fence, let me give you a gentle nudge to the buy side. This is by far the best of the three novels.
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What I enjoyed the most about this latest novel is how it really brings me back to the head space I was in when reading the first two. First we have Egil, a priest of the Momentary God. He is the muscle of the duo but I also find he is soft at heart. Then you have Nix, a thief/rogue who is known as the brains of the operation. Together they make and awesome team, nicely balanced between brains and brawn. I find when reading about the two together that it is very believable.
My favorite thing about A Conversation in Blood is that when I am reading it, I am actually in Dur Follin. I become a part of the world that Paul has created for us in this novel. This, in my opinion, is a hard thing for an author to do. Sometimes you will get half way there, but still know that you are reading a book. Not with a Conversation in Blood.
Paul does and exquisite job of giving his characters believable personalities, and makes their struggles seem of the utmost importance. No only is this a serious novel, but it also has a comedic side that has always kept me interested. I love the insults and profanity that is done in a way foreign to how people actually use slang, but totally believable in the same right. My friends all look at me like I am mad when I call them "slubbers"
I firstly would recommend that you check out any and all of Paul's work, from the Forgotten Realms, to Star Wars, to Egil and Nix, Paul's talent is something you should not miss. Secondly I would say that if you haven't read the two previous Egil and Nix novels (The Hammer and Blade / A Discourse in Steel) you should definitely check them out.
Lastly, if you are looking at A Conversation in Blood and are on the fence, let me give you a gentle nudge to the buy side. This is by far the best of the three novels.
Comment|Thank you for your review.
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February 4, 2017
Read the full review on Nerdophiles.com.
Jumping into a series without having read it from the start can be daunting, but A Conversation In Blood welcomes new readers with open arms and quickly immerses them in the rough and tumble, magical world of Egil and Nix – the series’ two main protagonists.
Egil is the only priest of a discredited god, while Nix is a roguish thief with only enough knowledge of magic to get them into trouble and not always out of it. They’re not-quite-respected business owners who recently found themselves with a lot of downtime after, presumably, the events of the previous book, A Discourse in Steel.
Hints at previous adventures, friends, and foes have me interested in starting the series from the beginning, as A Conversation in Blood does well to cover events without spoiling too much of their outcome. Clearly, something devastating happened to leave Egil and Nix in this state, but the hows and the whys are explored only so far as readers need to know about the plates.
Jumping into a series without having read it from the start can be daunting, but A Conversation In Blood welcomes new readers with open arms and quickly immerses them in the rough and tumble, magical world of Egil and Nix – the series’ two main protagonists.
Egil is the only priest of a discredited god, while Nix is a roguish thief with only enough knowledge of magic to get them into trouble and not always out of it. They’re not-quite-respected business owners who recently found themselves with a lot of downtime after, presumably, the events of the previous book, A Discourse in Steel.
Hints at previous adventures, friends, and foes have me interested in starting the series from the beginning, as A Conversation in Blood does well to cover events without spoiling too much of their outcome. Clearly, something devastating happened to leave Egil and Nix in this state, but the hows and the whys are explored only so far as readers need to know about the plates.
February 4, 2017
Paul S. Kemp has done it again. I lost myself in the world of Nix and Egil as they undertook yet another adventure. The strength of Kemp's writing is his character development, and his latest work is no different. I felt as if I was traveling with old friends, and sharing an ale with comrades at the "Slick Tunnel". I was fully engrossed in the story and felt disappointment when the story concluded. This disappointment was not because the story fell flat. IT DIDN'T. I was disappointed because my adventures with my new friends was over...for now. The plot kept me on the edge as we slowly discover more details, which led to an ending I did not foresee. I wait with baited breath to rejoin my comrades for yet another adventure; filled with wimsey, wit, wizards, and wonder.
February 4, 2017
A new Egil and Nix adventure and I couldn't be happier! Great story and I love the characters.
September 22, 2017
This is the third installment in the Egil and Nix books. This pair of miscreants are a mercenary pair, working for money doing anything that will get them coin, mostly. They have friends and are part owner of a brothel and tavern called the Slick Tunnel. They seem to find themselves continually at odds with powerful forces and those who control or manifest them. This tale is no different. Our story begins with the pair doing what they do, except Egil, the lone priest of a goddess who doesn't care or perhaps doesn't even exist, is drinking himself into a stupor, nightly. Nix, the stealthy thief and magic dabbler of the pair finds him and brings him to his senses with the promise of adventure and coin. Nix carries upon his person a pair of plates found in an ancient ruins some while back (book #2), and in the earlier part of this book an abomination is loosed, tracking these plates. In truth the plates are the Great Spell, which is ultimately powerful. Nix makes a mistake to show them to a possible wizard who can translate them, and he covets them himself, to the point of sending his army of construct through the streets, trying to capture the plate for himself. Nix doesn't understand the big deal but runs away anyhow. The pair begs and bribes the Thieves Guild to shelter them (the ran afoul of them in book #2) until they can break into the great Wizard conclave of the city. They do this and are chased by this aberration who seeks the plates. The end result is a spectacular event that I will not spoil here. Great book!
The selling points here are the conversations and the banter back and forth between our heroes. Having a magical key that demands random produce and fruit to operate, but that can open any door, is also a selling point here. The supporting characters are funny and wise and dead......a lot of dead. This is a raucous romp through a fantasy city and beyond, and it is a fun ride throughout. Really, you should read this. It's just good. I prefer the first two books a little more, but this is a wonderful addition to the series.
Danny
The selling points here are the conversations and the banter back and forth between our heroes. Having a magical key that demands random produce and fruit to operate, but that can open any door, is also a selling point here. The supporting characters are funny and wise and dead......a lot of dead. This is a raucous romp through a fantasy city and beyond, and it is a fun ride throughout. Really, you should read this. It's just good. I prefer the first two books a little more, but this is a wonderful addition to the series.
Danny
June 16, 2023
Interesting third volume in the series. I had hope that he will expand the arc of the bartender, that has a lot of mystery surrounding him, or that it will get some conclusion with the love interest from the previous volume. None of this things happened.
The beginning had a lot of situations that were also in the previous volumes and was going nowhere for some time. Yeah, kind of boring. And that`s why I hadn`t had high hopes for this one.
I could speculate that he had like a small crisis, that some of the writers have after the first book, when you don`t know what to do with your characters and, in short, you blow it!
But, rest assured, until the end he makes a good story, not so impactful or personal, like in the previous ones, but still effective and dramatic. Also, the scene in the end was very masterful and surprising, leaving us to deal with a lot of questions and few answers. Still, a good touch that redeems the slow pacing and the thin story of this one.
There are still some unresolved promises, but, maybe in a future book they will be exploited to their full potential.
Anyway, if you`re a fan of the two characters then this is a must read also, and you have to remember that all the three stories have originality and a different idea all together.
I really hope that he will expand this universe with more novels and stories because there is a lot of potential behind it.
The beginning had a lot of situations that were also in the previous volumes and was going nowhere for some time. Yeah, kind of boring. And that`s why I hadn`t had high hopes for this one.
I could speculate that he had like a small crisis, that some of the writers have after the first book, when you don`t know what to do with your characters and, in short, you blow it!
But, rest assured, until the end he makes a good story, not so impactful or personal, like in the previous ones, but still effective and dramatic. Also, the scene in the end was very masterful and surprising, leaving us to deal with a lot of questions and few answers. Still, a good touch that redeems the slow pacing and the thin story of this one.
There are still some unresolved promises, but, maybe in a future book they will be exploited to their full potential.
Anyway, if you`re a fan of the two characters then this is a must read also, and you have to remember that all the three stories have originality and a different idea all together.
I really hope that he will expand this universe with more novels and stories because there is a lot of potential behind it.
September 13, 2017
The story started off a little slow this time. Egil spends too much time in his cups and Nix tries to pull his friend out of the downward spiral while feeling caged and edgy himself. Finally, Egil and Nix and their friends agree that Egil and Nix need to get busy with an adventure.
Spring-boarding from the previous story, Nix decides to investigate a mysterious treasure they secured on the their last adventure. As their luck would have it, the simple task of investigation blows up in their faces and they are soon on the run from wizards, unkillable creatures, and seeking sanctuary in the last place they want to go; the thieves' guild house - which they had assaulted in the previous novel.
Egil and Nix are their bantering selves and this time they are joined by a third adventurer, Jyme, who returns from their first story, THE HAMMER AND THE BLADE.
Kemp peels away a few more layers of the onion that is the history their world, too. Tantalizing tidbits.
Though the story is still very much (what I would call) sword-&-sorcery/heroic fantasy milieu, the stakes do get very high and large in scope by the climatic end of the tale.
Though events in A CONVERSATION IN BLOOD are initiated by events of the previous novel, the book can be read standalone.
A CONVERSATION IN BLOOD is another satisfying romp with Egil and Nix.
Spring-boarding from the previous story, Nix decides to investigate a mysterious treasure they secured on the their last adventure. As their luck would have it, the simple task of investigation blows up in their faces and they are soon on the run from wizards, unkillable creatures, and seeking sanctuary in the last place they want to go; the thieves' guild house - which they had assaulted in the previous novel.
Egil and Nix are their bantering selves and this time they are joined by a third adventurer, Jyme, who returns from their first story, THE HAMMER AND THE BLADE.
Kemp peels away a few more layers of the onion that is the history their world, too. Tantalizing tidbits.
Though the story is still very much (what I would call) sword-&-sorcery/heroic fantasy milieu, the stakes do get very high and large in scope by the climatic end of the tale.
Though events in A CONVERSATION IN BLOOD are initiated by events of the previous novel, the book can be read standalone.
A CONVERSATION IN BLOOD is another satisfying romp with Egil and Nix.
September 9, 2017
Good...
To be blunt, if I'd read this some time before all the Erevis Cale stuff I probably would have liked it better. Really hard to follow that I guess! Dialogue seems a bit forced at times but then again I'm sure I'm at least a little cynical to begin with. And he's trying to form like a whole culture, way of speaking that must be tricky. I enjoyed the story though.
My only major problem(that other people probably barely even notice much less care about) is the lack of just using the F word. It really gets annoying for me. And while I totally understand that in ANOTHER WORLD people would curse differently, by that way of thought people would be speaking a made up language too, so why not just string letters together and justify that? But like I said I think this is just me lol.
Mainly I recommend this, especially if you like the title characters. But, understand this, it's like reading"half a" book (by JA)after loving reading books about Early Law by same. Think that through......- Yep, exactly.
To be blunt, if I'd read this some time before all the Erevis Cale stuff I probably would have liked it better. Really hard to follow that I guess! Dialogue seems a bit forced at times but then again I'm sure I'm at least a little cynical to begin with. And he's trying to form like a whole culture, way of speaking that must be tricky. I enjoyed the story though.
My only major problem(that other people probably barely even notice much less care about) is the lack of just using the F word. It really gets annoying for me. And while I totally understand that in ANOTHER WORLD people would curse differently, by that way of thought people would be speaking a made up language too, so why not just string letters together and justify that? But like I said I think this is just me lol.
Mainly I recommend this, especially if you like the title characters. But, understand this, it's like reading"half a" book (by JA)after loving reading books about Early Law by same. Think that through......- Yep, exactly.
May 8, 2018
Say what you will about the world, the plot, or the fantastical elements of this series, but everybody likes Egil and Nix. The banter, this unique and all to realistic back and forth between the two main characters is so damn refreshing and entertaining to be a part of.
Personally, I loved this book. I'm a big fan of Kemp's writing style, his story progression and the characters he creates. I was a big fan of this book, mainly because it's his most ambitious title involving the boys from Dur Follin. He really ramps it up with the Great Spell and multiple universes that overlay each other and mind-bending reality breaks and so many cycles that it's no wonder some readers were upset with the ending. I was not. I was blown away.
This series is usually branded as sword and sorcery done right. I couldn't agree more. If you like fantasy with blood, humor and grotesque mystery, pick up this series and get reading. (Or get the audiobooks, because Steven Pacey does an unequaled job.)
Personally, I loved this book. I'm a big fan of Kemp's writing style, his story progression and the characters he creates. I was a big fan of this book, mainly because it's his most ambitious title involving the boys from Dur Follin. He really ramps it up with the Great Spell and multiple universes that overlay each other and mind-bending reality breaks and so many cycles that it's no wonder some readers were upset with the ending. I was not. I was blown away.
This series is usually branded as sword and sorcery done right. I couldn't agree more. If you like fantasy with blood, humor and grotesque mystery, pick up this series and get reading. (Or get the audiobooks, because Steven Pacey does an unequaled job.)
March 4, 2017
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
This was my first foray into the Egil and Nix series, and it will be my last.
The story opens with Egil and Nix recovering from an adventure that apparently went a little sideways at the end. Egil has some sort of depression, which he recovers after a short visit with Nix and their adoptive mum. OK, I didn't really understand why this needed to be included but I guess it provides continuity for anyone that read the previous book. Next, they look for an adventure. They stumble into one because of a mcguffin that Nix picked up, which has them crossing paths with wizards and one of the most irritating and uninteresting monsters of all time: the Afterbirth. Our heroes get chased, wind up tangling with the Thieves' Guild and re-befriending an old acquaintance.
First of all, let's have a brief chat about fake swearing in Fantasy. Where an author takes the time to develop enough of a mythos that they can tie in their characters' swearing into that mythos, it can actually contribute to immersion. A big part of that is that the "fake" swearing does not come at the expense of "real" swearing, but complements it. See the Malazon Book of the Fallen for a perfect example of this being done well. Where a book substitutes a few fake swear words like "fak" or "shite" or "bunghole slubber", and it's not YA or tied into the setting in some way, it sounds juvenile and can seriously interfere with the reader's immersion. A Conversation in Blood provides the best example of what NOT to do that I think I've ever read.
Egil and Nix have some genuinely good banter in this book that had me laughing out loud - at first. After a while, the banter just stayed the same. Other dialogue was generally overly simplified and provided far too much exposition. There was an awful lot of telling and not much showing.
There was a lot of action, most of which did not contribute to the story in any meaningful way but Kemp writes action well so the fight scenes were quite good, if a little boring because none of the outcomes are ever in doubt when the heroes have healing potions. They did not, in my opinion, work well with the pacing of the story.
This felt like a novelette stretched out into a full-length novel. I think I would have enjoyed the story much more had it been significantly shorter.
I had high hopes for this book because I remember greatly enjoying the Erevis Cale stories from my teenage years. I was particularly disappointed in this Egil and Nix story. It felt too much like a self-published story that would have benefited from a lot of trimming and refinement.
I might recommend this as a YA read but I would not recommend it. If you want to read about interesting and cool roguish characters go pick up the Gentleman Bastards, the Riyria Revelations, anything from the First Law world by Joe Abercrombie, or the Night Angel trilogy instead.
This was my first foray into the Egil and Nix series, and it will be my last.
The story opens with Egil and Nix recovering from an adventure that apparently went a little sideways at the end. Egil has some sort of depression, which he recovers after a short visit with Nix and their adoptive mum. OK, I didn't really understand why this needed to be included but I guess it provides continuity for anyone that read the previous book. Next, they look for an adventure. They stumble into one because of a mcguffin that Nix picked up, which has them crossing paths with wizards and one of the most irritating and uninteresting monsters of all time: the Afterbirth. Our heroes get chased, wind up tangling with the Thieves' Guild and re-befriending an old acquaintance.
First of all, let's have a brief chat about fake swearing in Fantasy. Where an author takes the time to develop enough of a mythos that they can tie in their characters' swearing into that mythos, it can actually contribute to immersion. A big part of that is that the "fake" swearing does not come at the expense of "real" swearing, but complements it. See the Malazon Book of the Fallen for a perfect example of this being done well. Where a book substitutes a few fake swear words like "fak" or "shite" or "bunghole slubber", and it's not YA or tied into the setting in some way, it sounds juvenile and can seriously interfere with the reader's immersion. A Conversation in Blood provides the best example of what NOT to do that I think I've ever read.
Egil and Nix have some genuinely good banter in this book that had me laughing out loud - at first. After a while, the banter just stayed the same. Other dialogue was generally overly simplified and provided far too much exposition. There was an awful lot of telling and not much showing.
There was a lot of action, most of which did not contribute to the story in any meaningful way but Kemp writes action well so the fight scenes were quite good, if a little boring because none of the outcomes are ever in doubt when the heroes have healing potions. They did not, in my opinion, work well with the pacing of the story.
This felt like a novelette stretched out into a full-length novel. I think I would have enjoyed the story much more had it been significantly shorter.
I had high hopes for this book because I remember greatly enjoying the Erevis Cale stories from my teenage years. I was particularly disappointed in this Egil and Nix story. It felt too much like a self-published story that would have benefited from a lot of trimming and refinement.
I might recommend this as a YA read but I would not recommend it. If you want to read about interesting and cool roguish characters go pick up the Gentleman Bastards, the Riyria Revelations, anything from the First Law world by Joe Abercrombie, or the Night Angel trilogy instead.
August 9, 2021
Managed to read the third Egil and Nix before the second,largely because the library system didn't have #2, and I had to order it from Amazon. I have to say, this is the ugliest cover! I liked the first book's cover
, though it's the standard fantasy with models. As with the first book, we start in media res, which seems to be standard for the Egil & Nix series, and the pair pretty much are on the go for the entire book, pursued by the baddies after the treasure (in this case, arcane plates that apparently house the Great Spell that can remake the world). Nicely executed ending, and I enjoyed the "gewgaws/wizard shite"--constructs of the wizards who are hounding the heroes.
, though it's the standard fantasy with models. As with the first book, we start in media res, which seems to be standard for the Egil & Nix series, and the pair pretty much are on the go for the entire book, pursued by the baddies after the treasure (in this case, arcane plates that apparently house the Great Spell that can remake the world). Nicely executed ending, and I enjoyed the "gewgaws/wizard shite"--constructs of the wizards who are hounding the heroes.
March 15, 2017
The third book in the Egil & Nix saga goes beyond my expectations in a great way. With a start that felt slow and unfocused at times, suddenly it goes boom when the duo is in possession of a magical item that attracts undue attention. The seemingly unconnected threads begin to make sense and a great tale of recursive time, world creation and more is weaved before your eyes.
Much like a bit of what's shown in Dr. Strange, our characters, plus the inclusion of a secondary character from book two, who takes importance of his own, are caught in time loops until a final resolution must be made.
One magnificent blend of fantasy and science-fiction tropes, perfectly crafted by Paul Kemp. Extremely recommended!!!
Much like a bit of what's shown in Dr. Strange, our characters, plus the inclusion of a secondary character from book two, who takes importance of his own, are caught in time loops until a final resolution must be made.
One magnificent blend of fantasy and science-fiction tropes, perfectly crafted by Paul Kemp. Extremely recommended!!!
May 19, 2017
I really liked the first 2 books in the series. They had lots of action, insults and witty banter between Egil and Nix, and were fun.
I did not like book 3, A Conversation in Blood. The author brought in time travel and alternate universes and I hated, HATED, that plotline.
Also, I almost cried at the end at how screwed up and messed up an ending one of the characters gets. It was basically eternal torture for one of the characters, with no hope of escape. It was a very dark ending and I hated the ending.
I don't know if I will read further in this series if this is how the author ends his books, depressing and mean.
I did not like book 3, A Conversation in Blood. The author brought in time travel and alternate universes and I hated, HATED, that plotline.
Also, I almost cried at the end at how screwed up and messed up an ending one of the characters gets. It was basically eternal torture for one of the characters, with no hope of escape. It was a very dark ending and I hated the ending.
I don't know if I will read further in this series if this is how the author ends his books, depressing and mean.
May 30, 2017
At the end of A Discourse in Steel, Nix picked up some strange plates while in a tower in a swamp. A bad choice, he finds out when a strange creature keeps chasing him to retrieve those plates. The fun comes from the contortions Nix and Egil endure to discover what the plates do. Then comes the confrontations with the creature which reminded me of a episode from the TV show Librarian where they characters had to keep repeating their actions with a bit of change each time until they got it right. You just have to wonder what weird adventure Egil and Nix will encounter next.
July 3, 2018
The latest and greatest tale of adventurers Egil and Nix. An homage to stories like the Fafhrd and Grey Mouser swords and sorcery books by Fritz Leiber and the Conan novels of Robert E. Howard, this is a modern take on the classic S&S fantasy adventure novel. Packed with action and witty banter, these story also have a big heart. I can't say enough good things about them.
HIGHLY recommended to fans of the above genre, lovers of action fantasy, and players of Dungeons & Dragons.
HIGHLY recommended to fans of the above genre, lovers of action fantasy, and players of Dungeons & Dragons.
August 3, 2017
I am not a fan of time based plots. It's too easy for the author to cheat in order to fix a weak or bad story. This one is not so much a bad story but a weak one with gaping holes that get plugged real quick with "time tape". The characters are fun and Kemp is a decent writer, but the last two Egil and Nix stories have been pretty weak.
September 4, 2017
The best out of the Egil and Nix series by far. It was one of the best books I have read in the last ten years. It has climbed to my top three, which is a heavy list with Tolkien at the top. I love the relationship between Egil and Nix and the way that Paul has wrote this one is very unique.
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