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Pathfinder Tales #38
Gears of Faith
Battle for the Bloodstone
Keren is a sworn knight of Iomedae, proper and disciplined in every way. Her partner, Zae, is the opposite—a curious gnome priestess of the clockwork goddess, who loves nothing more than the chaos of her makeshift hospitals. When a powerful evil artifact is stolen from a crusader stronghold, both knight and gnome are sent to the great city of Absalom and immediately drawn into the clandestine search for the stolen Bloodstone. Sure, they may not be the most powerful or experienced members of their organizations, but that's the whole point—with legendary champions and undead graveknights battling in their race to recover the stone, who’ll notice one young knight and a gnome healer? All they have to do is stay alive long enough to outsmart a thief capable of evading both gods and heroes. No big deal, right?
From author Gabrielle Harbowy comes a novel of love, faith, and undead espionage, set in the award-winning world of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
Keren is a sworn knight of Iomedae, proper and disciplined in every way. Her partner, Zae, is the opposite—a curious gnome priestess of the clockwork goddess, who loves nothing more than the chaos of her makeshift hospitals. When a powerful evil artifact is stolen from a crusader stronghold, both knight and gnome are sent to the great city of Absalom and immediately drawn into the clandestine search for the stolen Bloodstone. Sure, they may not be the most powerful or experienced members of their organizations, but that's the whole point—with legendary champions and undead graveknights battling in their race to recover the stone, who’ll notice one young knight and a gnome healer? All they have to do is stay alive long enough to outsmart a thief capable of evading both gods and heroes. No big deal, right?
From author Gabrielle Harbowy comes a novel of love, faith, and undead espionage, set in the award-winning world of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2017
6 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
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Gabrielle Harbowy
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 28, 2018
This just had everything I was looking for in a book right now. It's high fantasy with magic and action, but not sprawling. And that suits me because more and more, I'm looking for standalone fantasy instead of series.
I really enjoyed the two main characters, Zae and Keren. Zae is a gnome and a cleric of Brigh, so she works on clockwork mechanisms and cool things like that. She's also optimistic and friendly, which I love. Keren is a human knight, follower of Iomedae (I think?). She's more broody and trying to find her place in her order, which is an archetype I can't say no to, haha. They're just nice characters, which I need every once in a while, and they're fun to read about separately or together. They're also romantic partners. I liked that their relationship is shown as a source of comfort and strength for both, and it was refreshing that it was accepted in the world. There's also a secondary character who's trans. I can't speak to whether it was good representation, but I like that the book was pretty effortlessly inclusive.
The plot is maybe a little thin, but again, I wasn't looking for a sprawling epic. Big thanks to Chris at B&N for suggesting this because I never would've picked it up otherwise. Looking forward to reading some more!
I really enjoyed the two main characters, Zae and Keren. Zae is a gnome and a cleric of Brigh, so she works on clockwork mechanisms and cool things like that. She's also optimistic and friendly, which I love. Keren is a human knight, follower of Iomedae (I think?). She's more broody and trying to find her place in her order, which is an archetype I can't say no to, haha. They're just nice characters, which I need every once in a while, and they're fun to read about separately or together. They're also romantic partners. I liked that their relationship is shown as a source of comfort and strength for both, and it was refreshing that it was accepted in the world. There's also a secondary character who's trans. I can't speak to whether it was good representation, but I like that the book was pretty effortlessly inclusive.
The plot is maybe a little thin, but again, I wasn't looking for a sprawling epic. Big thanks to Chris at B&N for suggesting this because I never would've picked it up otherwise. Looking forward to reading some more!
April 19, 2017
Gears of Faith is a flawed book. It does what a lot of Pathfinder Tales do well—which is wrap likeable characters into a tight Sword & Sorcery package—but it's brought down by structural, plotting, and pacing issues. Dissecting these issues would delve far into spoiler territory, so I'll avoid it here, but they begin at the novel's core concept, and extend through character motivations, too many coincidences, and the plot happening *to* the protagonists, rather than being drive forward by Zae and Keren.
Fortunately, the floundering plot is buoyed by characters that are simply fun to spend time with, and there's a well-supported cast of LGBTQ+ characters that are uncommon in similar novels. Harbowy is obviously invested in these characters, and the love she has put into crafting the romance between its lead protagonists is welcome. I'd like to see more stories about Zae and Keren—I just hope they're a little better constructed than this one.
Fortunately, the floundering plot is buoyed by characters that are simply fun to spend time with, and there's a well-supported cast of LGBTQ+ characters that are uncommon in similar novels. Harbowy is obviously invested in these characters, and the love she has put into crafting the romance between its lead protagonists is welcome. I'd like to see more stories about Zae and Keren—I just hope they're a little better constructed than this one.
April 11, 2017
First of all, I received a free copy (Advanced Uncorrected Proof) for free, through Goodreads Giveaways, for an honest review.
Going in to this, I didn't know what to expect. I've read a lot of the Forgotten Realms novels (particularly those of R.A. Salvatore), but I had no knowledge of the Pathfinder world, aside from it being another Pen & Paper RPG. I was interested to see that the main characters were a lesbian couple. I cannot think of any alternative sexuality in Forgotten Realms, so it's nice. I have no stake in the LGBT community, but variety is always nice. I also liked that their relationship was in a long term/steady position, rather than being earlier in. I did find it a bit weird that most of the cast was female, and even , and the level of technology seems to be a bit wonky (drill presses, table-mounted circular saws, and band saws, but everything else seems to be 1400s tech level, and then we get ); these are just minor gripes, however. The characters were fairly well fleshed out. Action, while not at the top levels, was decent enough. A few spots seemed to have info missing, but I'll assume this was a mistake, and will be corrected before release. All in all, a good story, and I look forward to reading more from the author and world.
Going in to this, I didn't know what to expect. I've read a lot of the Forgotten Realms novels (particularly those of R.A. Salvatore), but I had no knowledge of the Pathfinder world, aside from it being another Pen & Paper RPG. I was interested to see that the main characters were a lesbian couple. I cannot think of any alternative sexuality in Forgotten Realms, so it's nice. I have no stake in the LGBT community, but variety is always nice. I also liked that their relationship was in a long term/steady position, rather than being earlier in. I did find it a bit weird that most of the cast was female, and even , and the level of technology seems to be a bit wonky (drill presses, table-mounted circular saws, and band saws, but everything else seems to be 1400s tech level, and then we get ); these are just minor gripes, however. The characters were fairly well fleshed out. Action, while not at the top levels, was decent enough. A few spots seemed to have info missing, but I'll assume this was a mistake, and will be corrected before release. All in all, a good story, and I look forward to reading more from the author and world.
December 4, 2018
Reading "Bloodbound" set a precedent for Pathfinder books in me that this book sadly did not surpass. It's biggest flaw was that it was too busy trying to explain every little detail in regards to everything, and I mean literal THINGS, that it forgot to make me care about the characters. The "mystery" also was not set up properly and due to the over-explanation problem I mentioned, the amount of data that you have been bombarded with ultimately deterred you from enjoying the "reveal", which was also not that good of a reveal tbh.
The two mains are a couple but since they were kept seperate for most of the book I didn't feel any chemistry between them at all, and if not for the one or two tender moments they share you'd forget they were even together. There's also a character that was revealed to be transexual but that knowledge was not pertinent to anything that was happening and knowing it didn't change anything in any meaningful way, so take that for what you will.
Overall, if you're not a fan of meticulous explanations of clockwork-like machinery its better to give this one a pass
The two mains are a couple but since they were kept seperate for most of the book I didn't feel any chemistry between them at all, and if not for the one or two tender moments they share you'd forget they were even together. There's also a character that was revealed to be transexual but that knowledge was not pertinent to anything that was happening and knowing it didn't change anything in any meaningful way, so take that for what you will.
Overall, if you're not a fan of meticulous explanations of clockwork-like machinery its better to give this one a pass
September 27, 2019
A sort of lesbian-lit take on Harry Potter ported to the Pathfinder setting. The pacing is rather brutal: Over the first ~150 pages a gnome cleric and her crusader lover move to the big city of Absalom to enroll in magic college and are vaguely affected by a possible MacGuffin while making friends with a transgender halfling and discovering a new local bar and new friends. Things pick up toward the end from there, and there are some interesting bits and ideas along the way, but those looking more for fantasy adventuring than the romantic/social chronicling of a young couple might give it a pass.
October 7, 2017
The knight, the gnome, and the slayer of apples
The story of a Paladin and her Gnome companion, this novel explores a nice range of character challenges and growth as well as a fantasy setting that are all expertly woven into a potentially earth-shattering plot. The author does a great job of inserting characters with some but limited expertise (but not overblown power) into a potentially epic tale. It all flows into a fantasy plot that makes sense while also presenting twists and turns challenging the characters' faith as well as threatening potentially world-changing, epochal events.
As much as I enjoyed the two protagonists (as well as the surrounding characters), my favorite character may have been their smart and energetic (but still plenty canine) mount, friend and pet, Appleslayer. Other readers who are fans of having an animal (in this case a wonderfully fluffy, strong, and dedicated dog) play an important (but yet also realistic and not overblown) role in a story will appreciate this interesting (but not over-the-top) canine character.
As a reader who enjoys fantasy novels as well as playing role-playing games, I very much appreciated the author's ability to introduce to utilize a typical RPG set-up and quest and seamlessly weave the game mechanics and setting into a compelling story with unique and interesting characters. In particular, as one who plays the Pathfinder roleplaying game, I found the game mechanics to be faithfully included, but the prose addressed the RPG aspects in a natural and logical manner, reading more like a magical, fantasy story rather than a replay of a game.
4.5 stars rounded up for the prominent but not over blown role for Appleslayer
The story of a Paladin and her Gnome companion, this novel explores a nice range of character challenges and growth as well as a fantasy setting that are all expertly woven into a potentially earth-shattering plot. The author does a great job of inserting characters with some but limited expertise (but not overblown power) into a potentially epic tale. It all flows into a fantasy plot that makes sense while also presenting twists and turns challenging the characters' faith as well as threatening potentially world-changing, epochal events.
As much as I enjoyed the two protagonists (as well as the surrounding characters), my favorite character may have been their smart and energetic (but still plenty canine) mount, friend and pet, Appleslayer. Other readers who are fans of having an animal (in this case a wonderfully fluffy, strong, and dedicated dog) play an important (but yet also realistic and not overblown) role in a story will appreciate this interesting (but not over-the-top) canine character.
As a reader who enjoys fantasy novels as well as playing role-playing games, I very much appreciated the author's ability to introduce to utilize a typical RPG set-up and quest and seamlessly weave the game mechanics and setting into a compelling story with unique and interesting characters. In particular, as one who plays the Pathfinder roleplaying game, I found the game mechanics to be faithfully included, but the prose addressed the RPG aspects in a natural and logical manner, reading more like a magical, fantasy story rather than a replay of a game.
4.5 stars rounded up for the prominent but not over blown role for Appleslayer
March 21, 2018
Gears of Faith feels like Harry Potter in the Pathfinder world. For many readers, this is probably a recommendation for the book, but personally, I prefer my fiction to be more targeted at adults, not the teen audience. The story splits its focus between the two equal protagonists, Keren, a knight of Iomedae, the crusader goddess, and Zae, a cleric of the clockwork goddess of invention. They get transferred to the largest city in the world for advanced training and study. Unfortunately, they're immediately targeted by spies who try to kidnap them for information on a secret shadow war between the faithful of Iodmedae and the lich queen Arazni. Confused yet? It's a lot to jump into, both for the reader and for the characters. They of course have nothing to do with the conflict, but are drawn into it despite being told by their superiors to stay out of it and get on with their training.
After the rushed start, the majority of the book becomes focused on their daily routines, learning more about their respective training and religions, and finding time for each other exploring the new city they're in. While nothing about this part of the book as bad, per se, this is where the unfavorable comparison to Harry Potter comes in. Overall the book is written well, but simply not as engaging as most non-teen books in the genre. Eventually, the end of the book involves the heroes in the main plot again, and despite dealing with much more experienced and powerful forced on each side, they manage to be instrumental in stopping the plot.
After the rushed start, the majority of the book becomes focused on their daily routines, learning more about their respective training and religions, and finding time for each other exploring the new city they're in. While nothing about this part of the book as bad, per se, this is where the unfavorable comparison to Harry Potter comes in. Overall the book is written well, but simply not as engaging as most non-teen books in the genre. Eventually, the end of the book involves the heroes in the main plot again, and despite dealing with much more experienced and powerful forced on each side, they manage to be instrumental in stopping the plot.
August 1, 2017
Fun book set in the Pathfinder setting of Golarion in the major city of Absalom. If you are a fan of Pathfinder and Golarion this is a great book for the world descriptions. And it is refreshing to read a female to female love story done very well (and true to the world and setting it causes no particular surprise)
That said the end of the book while logical felt rushed. And while the core idea of students running around as major forces in the world battled and plotted was exciting in the end it didn't seem as deeply explored as it could have been. I'm an avid pen and paper (and dice) role player and frequent GM so I found myself trying to map the characters to their likely levels in Pathfinder terms and it just doesn't all add up.
But that aside it was a really fun and enjoyable romp. (And I hope the author is given a chance to explore further tales in Golarion.
That said the end of the book while logical felt rushed. And while the core idea of students running around as major forces in the world battled and plotted was exciting in the end it didn't seem as deeply explored as it could have been. I'm an avid pen and paper (and dice) role player and frequent GM so I found myself trying to map the characters to their likely levels in Pathfinder terms and it just doesn't all add up.
But that aside it was a really fun and enjoyable romp. (And I hope the author is given a chance to explore further tales in Golarion.
February 28, 2023
This is my fifth pathfinder novel. The other four being some of my favorite books I have ever read. So going into this I did have high expectations. This is one of the worst books I have ever had the displeasure of reading. The characters were cardboard cutouts with little to nothing to actual care about. After reading half of it, I find myself struggling to even remember what the story is about. I was going to force myself to read the last little bit of the book, but I only read a chapter or two of a book a night. I have many more books on my bookshelf that seem far more interesting and more worthy of my time.
April 14, 2020
I have to admit, when I go to world-building fantasy I'm not really expecting a whole lot. However Gears of Faith was SUCH a good book. It had a great story, engaging characters and (shockingly) a really good discussion of consent. The book also featured queer protagonists in the right way. They were in love, it was part of the story, but it wasn't put forth as a "look at me I'm being so radical" kind of performative queerness we see out of so many books. Plus there was an amazing dog as a main character. What more could you want?
December 31, 2017
Another decent Pathfinder novel. Worked at actual way things work in the game into the book better than many.
October 18, 2018
really loved this one (as shown by the fact it only took me three days to finish it). As far as pathfinder tales go, this one is up there with the best of them.
August 16, 2018
Previously published at TheQwillery.com
Gabrielle Harbowy’s Gears of Faith, while enjoyable, often fails to fulfill its promises. We follow two main characters, Keren Rhinn, a human, and Zae, a gnome, who are lovers and who both have a strong religious faith. Keren, as a Holy Knight, is more comfortable using her sword to accomplish her god’s missions, while Zae, a tinkerer, uses her faith in healing and creating. Together they are given a mission to find a thief of a holy relic while also seeking further training.
The hidden antagonist is the thief who stole a part of a dead god and we’re left to wonder who the thief is and what he or she wants to accomplish with the relic. We follow Keren and Zae as they travel to a new city to both seek new training in their respective religions. Keren learns how to call on her god to help her cast magic, and Zae receives formal inventor training. While in the city we meet many different characters that could be the thief.
Harbowy’s writing has a very natural flow to it, which makes it easy to lose time reading. She writes characters you easily embrace and enjoy, and is very descriptive in her writing. My main problem with the book is that Harbowy starts it off by saying the characters are going to be going to school and apprehending a thief. While Harbowy technically does show us the characters going to school and looking for the thief, we never really dive into either plot points very deeply. I felt like we spent the book in a wading pool. I never felt like I got a satisfactory immersion with either character. Because of this, the climax of the plot felt rushed and unsatisfying.
Harbowy's Gears of Faith, while being a wonderful fantasy story, in the end falls flat on its promise of showing the characters growing while going to school and seeking the thief. There isn't an issue with language. Minor acts of violence and sexual situations make it appropriate for older teens and adults. If you would like a light fantasy read, pick up your own copy today.
Gabrielle Harbowy’s Gears of Faith, while enjoyable, often fails to fulfill its promises. We follow two main characters, Keren Rhinn, a human, and Zae, a gnome, who are lovers and who both have a strong religious faith. Keren, as a Holy Knight, is more comfortable using her sword to accomplish her god’s missions, while Zae, a tinkerer, uses her faith in healing and creating. Together they are given a mission to find a thief of a holy relic while also seeking further training.
The hidden antagonist is the thief who stole a part of a dead god and we’re left to wonder who the thief is and what he or she wants to accomplish with the relic. We follow Keren and Zae as they travel to a new city to both seek new training in their respective religions. Keren learns how to call on her god to help her cast magic, and Zae receives formal inventor training. While in the city we meet many different characters that could be the thief.
Harbowy’s writing has a very natural flow to it, which makes it easy to lose time reading. She writes characters you easily embrace and enjoy, and is very descriptive in her writing. My main problem with the book is that Harbowy starts it off by saying the characters are going to be going to school and apprehending a thief. While Harbowy technically does show us the characters going to school and looking for the thief, we never really dive into either plot points very deeply. I felt like we spent the book in a wading pool. I never felt like I got a satisfactory immersion with either character. Because of this, the climax of the plot felt rushed and unsatisfying.
Harbowy's Gears of Faith, while being a wonderful fantasy story, in the end falls flat on its promise of showing the characters growing while going to school and seeking the thief. There isn't an issue with language. Minor acts of violence and sexual situations make it appropriate for older teens and adults. If you would like a light fantasy read, pick up your own copy today.
April 13, 2017
while the story is a quite generic plot, it does make up in very likeable characters. The description of their problems and doubts convey their emotional development very well and while you probably don't care one bit about the evil villain, you will root for the dynamic duo.
April 14, 2017
Gears of Faith by Gabrielle Harbowy
This is a fantasy featuring Keren, a knight of Iomedae and her partner Zae, a gnome priestess of the clockwork goddess Brigh along with their war dog Appleslayer.
The two lovers are thrust into a highly dangerous adventure with minimal information.
The story is a coming of age of Keren who struggles to find her relationship with her goddess. Appleslayer is a war dog and mount for the diminutive Zae.
The author does nice character development with a very tasteful presentation of the relationship between the two main female protagonist. The beauty of fantasy is that the relationship can be depicted without any of the baggage and outrage of the current political climate.
The plot has magic, gods, goddesses, sword play and violence. It is a smidge rough around the edges but still a good story.
I recommend.
Web: https://gabrielleharbowy.com/
This is a fantasy featuring Keren, a knight of Iomedae and her partner Zae, a gnome priestess of the clockwork goddess Brigh along with their war dog Appleslayer.
The two lovers are thrust into a highly dangerous adventure with minimal information.
The story is a coming of age of Keren who struggles to find her relationship with her goddess. Appleslayer is a war dog and mount for the diminutive Zae.
The author does nice character development with a very tasteful presentation of the relationship between the two main female protagonist. The beauty of fantasy is that the relationship can be depicted without any of the baggage and outrage of the current political climate.
The plot has magic, gods, goddesses, sword play and violence. It is a smidge rough around the edges but still a good story.
I recommend.
Web: https://gabrielleharbowy.com/
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews