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Knight and Rogue #2
Rogue's Home
The Boys Are Back! Sir Michael Sevenson and his squire, Fisk, can't seem to keep out of hot water. After five long years, Fisk has been called home to Ruesport to investigate who framed his sister Anna's husband, Max, as a blackmailer. Anna figures that Fisk, with his criminal past, is uniquely qualified to find out who set Max up. Of course Michael feels he has to come along to help his friend; but now he wears the tattoos of the unredeemed and fears he might be more hindrance than help. As in The Last Knight , Hilari Bell's first Knight and Rogue novel, Rogue's Home combines the banter of a buddy story with elements of classic fantasy, medieval derring-do, and mystery. Michael and Fisk are likable guys who just seem to he magnets for trouble. You never know what is going to happen to these would-be heroes next.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published August 26, 2008
12 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Hilari Bell
100 books648 followersAs far as writing is concerned, I call myself the poster child for persistence. Songs of Power, the first novel I sold, was the 5th novel I'd written. When it sold I was working on novel #13. The next to sell, Navohar, was #12, and the next, A Matter of Profit, was #9. The Goblin Wood was #6, and the first Sorahb book, Flame (later renamed Farsala: Fall of a Kingdom), will be #15. You get the picture.
My reviews: Mea culpa! I got onto Goodreads years ago, and haven't been reviewing--but I now mean to start! I should add that as writer, I tend to read a bit more critically. Or at least, when I think a book is going off the rails I usually see technical, writer problems with it. In short, any time a book stops working for me, that author becomes an honorary member of my writing critique group--whether they want to or not! So I apologize in advance for any technical critiques my fellow writers may recieve.
Biography: My personal life? I was born in Denver in 1958—you can do the math. I'm single and live with my mother, brother and sister-in-law. I used to be a part time reference librarian for a mid-sized public library, but in the beginning of ’05 I achieved a writer’s dream and quit the day job. Librarian turned writer is a very schizophrenic state—when I try to urge people to buy my books, I have to beat down a lifetime of professional reflexes demanding that I tell them to check them out at the library instead.
I enjoy board gaming and fantasy gaming, both table top and live. But my favorite thing to do is the decadent version of camping my mom and I practice. We have a pop-up trailer with a fridge, a sink, a stove and (if electrical hookups are available) a space heater, heating pads and a toaster. Our motto is "No unnecessary work." We don't cook, we don't wash dishes, we don't...you name it. What we do is spend all day, every day, reading and hiking and reading some more. Camping is the only time I can get in enough reading. Well, I take that back—when it comes to reading, there's no such thing as enough.
My reviews: Mea culpa! I got onto Goodreads years ago, and haven't been reviewing--but I now mean to start! I should add that as writer, I tend to read a bit more critically. Or at least, when I think a book is going off the rails I usually see technical, writer problems with it. In short, any time a book stops working for me, that author becomes an honorary member of my writing critique group--whether they want to or not! So I apologize in advance for any technical critiques my fellow writers may recieve.
Biography: My personal life? I was born in Denver in 1958—you can do the math. I'm single and live with my mother, brother and sister-in-law. I used to be a part time reference librarian for a mid-sized public library, but in the beginning of ’05 I achieved a writer’s dream and quit the day job. Librarian turned writer is a very schizophrenic state—when I try to urge people to buy my books, I have to beat down a lifetime of professional reflexes demanding that I tell them to check them out at the library instead.
I enjoy board gaming and fantasy gaming, both table top and live. But my favorite thing to do is the decadent version of camping my mom and I practice. We have a pop-up trailer with a fridge, a sink, a stove and (if electrical hookups are available) a space heater, heating pads and a toaster. Our motto is "No unnecessary work." We don't cook, we don't wash dishes, we don't...you name it. What we do is spend all day, every day, reading and hiking and reading some more. Camping is the only time I can get in enough reading. Well, I take that back—when it comes to reading, there's no such thing as enough.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
September 5, 2008
Slightly disappointing. I loved the first book and don't get me wrong, this one was pretty good, too, but some traits that I'd originally loved of Fisk (he's my favorite character!) seemed to be missing. Also, the story sort of took too long; there was a LOT of figuring out who was the arsonist and stuff, but then the climax/ultimate discovery was only a few pages.
Still, it was good for other reasons. You can definitely tell that Michael and Fisk are Hilari Bell's favorite characters - she writes about them really well and that's what makes these books so enjoyable. :-)
But I'm crossing my fingers for a slightly more exciting third installment.
Still, it was good for other reasons. You can definitely tell that Michael and Fisk are Hilari Bell's favorite characters - she writes about them really well and that's what makes these books so enjoyable. :-)
But I'm crossing my fingers for a slightly more exciting third installment.
February 14, 2018
Can Michael (formerly Sir Michael) continue to be a knight errant if he is unredeemed? Can Fisk continue to be his squire? These and many other questions are answered in the second installment of this wonderfully enjoyable series. In this story, Fisk's sister calls him home to help with a family crisis, which turns the story into a murder mystery. Fearing Michael's presence could complicate matters, Fisk doesn't invite him to come with him. Of course he goes anyway. And Fisk is right. Things do get extremely complicated.
I really like these characters, and I enjoy the time I spend reading about their exploits. These are fun books. Okay, there is something about them I don't much care for. The two stories I've read so far are each told in first person. That's fine, but there are two first persons. In one chapter, Fisk provides the POV. In the next, it's Michael. And they alternate like that throughout the book. Sometimes it's hard to keep track of who "I" is, especially if you have to put the book down in the middle of a chapter.
I really like these characters, and I enjoy the time I spend reading about their exploits. These are fun books. Okay, there is something about them I don't much care for. The two stories I've read so far are each told in first person. That's fine, but there are two first persons. In one chapter, Fisk provides the POV. In the next, it's Michael. And they alternate like that throughout the book. Sometimes it's hard to keep track of who "I" is, especially if you have to put the book down in the middle of a chapter.
July 21, 2021
Like The Last Knight, Rogue's Home is hilarious - more so, in my opinion, than the first. There's fewer tongue-in-cheek type of jokes and the storyline is just more exciting. It picks up right where The Last Knight leaves off, so you definitely have to read them in order, even though this particular mystery isn't really connected to the one in the first book.
I think what I liked most about this one was the Reader gets to see more into Fisk's character and past. But at the same time, it doesn't just focus on him; the Reader also learns a lot about Michael as well.
I don't have anything negative to say about Rogue's Home. It's funny, it has great character and plot development, it's a wonderful mystery, and you definitely cannot put it down. I always doubt books that have little sayings on the back saying "I couldn't put it down!" because that seems to be the coined phrase for bad stories. And I hate to pin such a label on Rogue's Home, but I do mean it quite literally when I say that I could not put Rogue's Home down. I would not go to bed last night until I finished it, it was that good.
Can't wait until Player's Ruse comes in at the library!
I think what I liked most about this one was the Reader gets to see more into Fisk's character and past. But at the same time, it doesn't just focus on him; the Reader also learns a lot about Michael as well.
I don't have anything negative to say about Rogue's Home. It's funny, it has great character and plot development, it's a wonderful mystery, and you definitely cannot put it down. I always doubt books that have little sayings on the back saying "I couldn't put it down!" because that seems to be the coined phrase for bad stories. And I hate to pin such a label on Rogue's Home, but I do mean it quite literally when I say that I could not put Rogue's Home down. I would not go to bed last night until I finished it, it was that good.
Can't wait until Player's Ruse comes in at the library!
January 2, 2011
I rated this book with five stars, but I would've given it 4.5 if that were possible.
Okay. Cons first:
I got a little bit bored in the middle of the book, because they spent SO much time trying to figure out who the culprit was, while it was obviously Worthington.
Pros:
I love the banter in the book. One of my favorite parts was when Nettie's Ma says that "a friend" is looking for Michael. Michael nervously points out that the "friend" might actually be an enemy. To this, Nettie's Ma replies, "I know he's a friend of yours, because he's shouting 'Answer me, you stubborn son-of-a-bitch!'".
I love the fact that Michael and Fisk cause more problems than they solve.
I also love that they have completely opposite personalities. It works fantastically. They're sort of like "the two musketeers".
Okay. Cons first:
I got a little bit bored in the middle of the book, because they spent SO much time trying to figure out who the culprit was, while it was obviously Worthington.
Pros:
I love the banter in the book. One of my favorite parts was when Nettie's Ma says that "a friend" is looking for Michael. Michael nervously points out that the "friend" might actually be an enemy. To this, Nettie's Ma replies, "I know he's a friend of yours, because he's shouting 'Answer me, you stubborn son-of-a-bitch!'".
I love the fact that Michael and Fisk cause more problems than they solve.
I also love that they have completely opposite personalities. It works fantastically. They're sort of like "the two musketeers".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2011
Michael and Fisk are off on their second major adventure as knight errant and squire. With one major difference. Michael is now unredeemed. Marked for life by the tattoos on his wrist as beyond the support of the law. Guilty, in the eyes of almost everyone, of every crime within a hundred mile radius.
And in Fisk’s hometown—hotbed of murder, bribery, arson, prostitution, burglary, forgery, and suicide. That’s a whole lot of crimes to be held liable for!
Rogue’s Home is a wonderful romp, just as tongue and cheek as the first adventure. But I liked this one even more, probably because of the revelations about Fisk’s family. The events that tore him from the sisters he loves, his struggle to repair the damage of the past, and his insistence that, really, everything might be Judith’s fault (wink).
And in Fisk’s hometown—hotbed of murder, bribery, arson, prostitution, burglary, forgery, and suicide. That’s a whole lot of crimes to be held liable for!
Rogue’s Home is a wonderful romp, just as tongue and cheek as the first adventure. But I liked this one even more, probably because of the revelations about Fisk’s family. The events that tore him from the sisters he loves, his struggle to repair the damage of the past, and his insistence that, really, everything might be Judith’s fault (wink).
August 29, 2017
I read the first book in this series, "The Last Knight" a long time ago, and only recently discovered that I had the second one in my bookshelf left unread! Fortunately, that situation was easily rectified, and I am happy to report that the second story of these two unlikely friends loses none of the charm present in the first installment. Michale and Fisk are drawn into troubles in Fisk's home town, a place he ran from many years ago. I won't go too much into the plot, but it is very engaging and humorous. Initially I thought it would be a bit of a let down having no romance at all for the two main characters(one is a knight,after all), but their friendship is really the star of these books and after reading it, I feel it is exactly as it should be.
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
December 30, 2020
Another hilarious, friendship-filled romp with Michael and Fisk.
I have to say, my favorite part of this series thus far is how much the characters change each other. They aren’t flat, and their arcs are, so far as I can tell, non-linear. Sure, they learn things, they make progress, but they aren’t cut-and-dry positive/negative arcs.
The magic system is consistent, and seamlessly worked into the everyday world.
Can’t wait to get ahold of the next book.
I have to say, my favorite part of this series thus far is how much the characters change each other. They aren’t flat, and their arcs are, so far as I can tell, non-linear. Sure, they learn things, they make progress, but they aren’t cut-and-dry positive/negative arcs.
The magic system is consistent, and seamlessly worked into the everyday world.
Can’t wait to get ahold of the next book.
May 12, 2008
Wow! What a great series. Granted, this is the second book and I hadn't read the first, but this is just a joy to read. Part detective story, part Don Quixote, and part buddy comedy all at once with a bit of magic thrown in as well. Sign me up for reading the next one in this series. Hilari Bell clearly knows her stuff.
August 3, 2020
Absolutely loved this book! After stumbling over the first couple pages I really got into the author's writing style and it proved to be a comforting nest during the rest of my reading journey. Great story with likable characters, great wording and witty-as-hell dialogues!
December 31, 2020
honestly, as much as i wanted more backstory for fisk, i didnt enjoy this one as much as the first. they both suffer from the same plotting problem, having a very slow middle where the boys are trying to solve a mystery but come up clueless. however, in the first book, i would say that only lasted for about one fourth of the page count, but here i would say half the book is spent trying to discover the criminal, while not actually giving clues that the reader can follow along with. i also disliked that michael essentially didnt confront his new magic until very close to the end, that felt like a plot point that should have made itself felt and interrupted what the boys wanted to do.
speaking of the boys, it also felt like we got less time for the characters to actually interact with one another, when the boys talked to each other, or fisk spent time with his sisters, it always felt like it was about solving the mystery, so there weren't very many bonding scenes to see how the characters get along.
my favorite scene was the one where fisk finds michael messing around with his new magic that makes water wetter, and that was great because it felt like they were actually talking to each other, not just trying to solve a mystery with too few clues.
and to top it all off, ending it with max and the sheriff kicking them out of town even after they caught a murderer is just shitty. i would have preferred if it had just been max offering fisk the chance to go to university and stay, but then fisk and michael refuse because they want to go be a knight errant and his squire.
speaking of the boys, it also felt like we got less time for the characters to actually interact with one another, when the boys talked to each other, or fisk spent time with his sisters, it always felt like it was about solving the mystery, so there weren't very many bonding scenes to see how the characters get along.
my favorite scene was the one where fisk finds michael messing around with his new magic that makes water wetter, and that was great because it felt like they were actually talking to each other, not just trying to solve a mystery with too few clues.
and to top it all off, ending it with max and the sheriff kicking them out of town even after they caught a murderer is just shitty. i would have preferred if it had just been max offering fisk the chance to go to university and stay, but then fisk and michael refuse because they want to go be a knight errant and his squire.
October 23, 2025
We learn Fisks backstory but the book is slow middle
The boys are trying to solve a mystery but come up clueless
Michael does have new magic
And the ending - Being kicked out of town , Michael being marked as a debtor now.
Which all seems a bit overly harsh anyway. he didn't kill anyone, just annoyed his dad.
It's getting a bit old, the whole no-one likes them and the Knightly thing is a joke and they're not especially great at detecting either.
The boys are trying to solve a mystery but come up clueless
Michael does have new magic
And the ending - Being kicked out of town , Michael being marked as a debtor now.
Which all seems a bit overly harsh anyway. he didn't kill anyone, just annoyed his dad.
It's getting a bit old, the whole no-one likes them and the Knightly thing is a joke and they're not especially great at detecting either.
November 1, 2021
This sequel continues with the adventures of Michael and Fisk. They continue to find themselves wrapped up in trouble and trying to dig out the truth behind mysterious crimes. Hilari Bell continues to make excellent use of pacing and character development. This read was very enjoyable, and I look forward to exploring more of their adventures in future novels.
May 15, 2017
A few typos, but a good story that will keep you coming back! It's another 'who dun it??' that, admittedly, couldn't hurt to have a list of whosits and whatsits in order to keep track of some characters. Overall it's a great read, and I've already recommended this series to a couple friends!
August 22, 2019
3.5 stars
As the previous one (and I suspect, all other books in the series) it's a solid, feel good tale of bromance, mystery and light fantasy. This one was more city based, since we go back to Fisk's hometown. But I enjoyed it equally as the last one.
As the previous one (and I suspect, all other books in the series) it's a solid, feel good tale of bromance, mystery and light fantasy. This one was more city based, since we go back to Fisk's hometown. But I enjoyed it equally as the last one.
January 9, 2018
This was an amazing book.
February 29, 2024
This one might be my favorite of the series. Michael and Fisk have such good chemistry and it’s so fun to tag along on their adventures
August 31, 2013
OH YEAH! THIS WAS THE BEST! I WISH WORTHINGTON AND THROPE HAD DIED!
Above: First reaction.
Also, spoiler alert.
I came to this series because for a brief time in Elementary School I was goblin-obsessed and read the Goblin Wood. It was so good that I read it again in middle school and that was when I realized...
THERE ARE SEQUELS!!!!!
It was a very happy time, though I did love the ending of The Goblin Wood and accept it as a good ending (I hadn't seen the Barbarians as much of a threat, we didn't really go into that).
So, after I was finished fanboying over the second two goblin books
(THERE COULD BE A FOURTH! AN ENTIRE DESERT THAT MAY HAVE BEEN SUGGESTED BY THE KNIGHT AND ROGUE SERIES [same land, different time?]!!!!), I looked for other books by Hilari Bell and found some in my High School library (the way this is going, I won't be able to read The Wizard Test until college). Then I fell in love with the Knight and Rogue
So, this will sort of be my review for the first two Knight and Rogue books.
First I want to get into the similarities between goblin culture and the system of laws in this world.
They are strongly centered around debt.
"Now, don't you go indebting me again!"
I believe that Bell is sending us something of a message to pay any debts we have, or she sees the storytelling potential of desperate souls trying to pay back their debt.
Now, on to this series:
I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL THEY COME FACE-TO-FACE WITH A MAN WHOSE NAME IS NOT JACK BANNISTER!
I know it's coming.
It has to!
A lot of you have read the third book (not in my school library) and may have already encountered ol' non-Jack. Maybe you even know his real name.
So <.spoiler.> it, please.
I hope to see more of Nettie's Ma and Michael's sister...
See, that's how much we haven't seen her, I can't remember her name.
I'd also like to go more into what Savants are. Are they indebted to nature itself? Are they indebted to magic?
I'm just guessing debt has something to do with it.
And I KNOW that eventually they'll un-indebt Michael through that process his sister almost talked about (yes, I want to see more of her so that she can tell them how to un-indebt him. Sue me).
I anxiously await the day that the third one can come to my school library.
**Some content above may include spoilers**
Above: First reaction.
Also, spoiler alert.
I came to this series because for a brief time in Elementary School I was goblin-obsessed and read the Goblin Wood. It was so good that I read it again in middle school and that was when I realized...
THERE ARE SEQUELS!!!!!
It was a very happy time, though I did love the ending of The Goblin Wood and accept it as a good ending (I hadn't seen the Barbarians as much of a threat, we didn't really go into that).
So, after I was finished fanboying over the second two goblin books
(THERE COULD BE A FOURTH! AN ENTIRE DESERT THAT MAY HAVE BEEN SUGGESTED BY THE KNIGHT AND ROGUE SERIES [same land, different time?]!!!!), I looked for other books by Hilari Bell and found some in my High School library (the way this is going, I won't be able to read The Wizard Test until college). Then I fell in love with the Knight and Rogue
So, this will sort of be my review for the first two Knight and Rogue books.
First I want to get into the similarities between goblin culture and the system of laws in this world.
They are strongly centered around debt.
"Now, don't you go indebting me again!"
I believe that Bell is sending us something of a message to pay any debts we have, or she sees the storytelling potential of desperate souls trying to pay back their debt.
Now, on to this series:
I CANNOT WAIT UNTIL THEY COME FACE-TO-FACE WITH A MAN WHOSE NAME IS NOT JACK BANNISTER!
I know it's coming.
It has to!
A lot of you have read the third book (not in my school library) and may have already encountered ol' non-Jack. Maybe you even know his real name.
So <.spoiler.> it, please.
I love the characters Michael and Fisk and I ALMOST started to like Fisk's brother-in-law before he kicked them out. I was ready to strangle him then.
Oh yeah, another spoiler.
I hope to see more of Nettie's Ma and Michael's sister...
See, that's how much we haven't seen her, I can't remember her name.
I'd also like to go more into what Savants are. Are they indebted to nature itself? Are they indebted to magic?
I'm just guessing debt has something to do with it.
And I KNOW that eventually they'll un-indebt Michael through that process his sister almost talked about (yes, I want to see more of her so that she can tell them how to un-indebt him. Sue me).
I anxiously await the day that the third one can come to my school library.
**Some content above may include spoilers**
March 5, 2014
(more reviews on my site at http://wellreadviking.blogspot.com/)
To help you understand the story I will give the background of the characters from the first novel. Michael has taken it upon himself to revive a dead tradition and vows to become a knight errant. He takes his indebted man Fisk and makes him his squire. Michael is a good man (well, a man in a few years at least) and wants to be able to help those in need. He does not want to be forced into the role of his brother's steward just because he is the fourth born son. Michael and Fisk go on a quest for justice and end up getting surprised by the results. Michael "the knight errant" and "his squire" Fisk are heading back to Michael's home to face the disappointment of his father, who would do just about anything to have his son give up his ridiculous ideals and come home.
As they arrive in town Fisk receives a letter from the home he had left years before. The letter gave him no details, but it appeared that his family was in dire straits. Michael faced his father's wrath and was left the worse for it, but he soldiers on. In an attempt to protect his friend Fisk leaves in the night to take care of his family, but as would any honorable man Michael follows him to help the best he can. As the two arrive in town they find themselves embroiled in an investigation to clear a good man's name, but they find that as they try to clear this man's name they become the targets themselves.
This novel was written for a young adult audience, but I found that it held my attention as well. One of the unique things about this author is the way that she presents the material. The novel is written in the first person, but each chapter switches between the main characters. It took me a second to get used to it, but once I did I came to enjoy the differences in narrative that they each presented. The book does not have an intricate plot, but there is enough misdirection and foreshadowing to make it a fun read. The banter between the two was not quite the same as in the first one and I missed it a bit, but you can tell that the author loves writing about the characters and that goes a long way. If you want to read a lighthearted buddy adventure/mystery set in a fantasy world I would recommend this series for sure.
To help you understand the story I will give the background of the characters from the first novel. Michael has taken it upon himself to revive a dead tradition and vows to become a knight errant. He takes his indebted man Fisk and makes him his squire. Michael is a good man (well, a man in a few years at least) and wants to be able to help those in need. He does not want to be forced into the role of his brother's steward just because he is the fourth born son. Michael and Fisk go on a quest for justice and end up getting surprised by the results. Michael "the knight errant" and "his squire" Fisk are heading back to Michael's home to face the disappointment of his father, who would do just about anything to have his son give up his ridiculous ideals and come home.
As they arrive in town Fisk receives a letter from the home he had left years before. The letter gave him no details, but it appeared that his family was in dire straits. Michael faced his father's wrath and was left the worse for it, but he soldiers on. In an attempt to protect his friend Fisk leaves in the night to take care of his family, but as would any honorable man Michael follows him to help the best he can. As the two arrive in town they find themselves embroiled in an investigation to clear a good man's name, but they find that as they try to clear this man's name they become the targets themselves.
This novel was written for a young adult audience, but I found that it held my attention as well. One of the unique things about this author is the way that she presents the material. The novel is written in the first person, but each chapter switches between the main characters. It took me a second to get used to it, but once I did I came to enjoy the differences in narrative that they each presented. The book does not have an intricate plot, but there is enough misdirection and foreshadowing to make it a fun read. The banter between the two was not quite the same as in the first one and I missed it a bit, but you can tell that the author loves writing about the characters and that goes a long way. If you want to read a lighthearted buddy adventure/mystery set in a fantasy world I would recommend this series for sure.
July 30, 2014
Buzzwords: criminals, blackmail, justice, appearances vs. reality, secrets&lies, family, friendship, loyalty, alternating POV, truth
I enjoyed this book even more than the last. Michael (now ) and Fisk are summoned to help Fisk's sisters clear his brother-in-law's name, as said brother-in-law, Max, a former judicar (basically a judge, in this world), was accused of taking bribes that resulted in the hanging of two "innocent" men. But someone is out to stop Fisk and Michael's investigations - and he/she doesn't care who gets hurt...
Love the character development, the bromance/loyalty between Michael and Fisk and how they balance each other. Some aspects of this series are dark (some brutal punishments, descriptions of poverty and criminal activities intended to help ends meet, the law is not portrayed as wholly fair/just, etc.), but overall, there is a sense of optimism that is portrayed, a sense that everything will work out.
I enjoyed this book even more than the last. Michael (now ) and Fisk are summoned to help Fisk's sisters clear his brother-in-law's name, as said brother-in-law, Max, a former judicar (basically a judge, in this world), was accused of taking bribes that resulted in the hanging of two "innocent" men. But someone is out to stop Fisk and Michael's investigations - and he/she doesn't care who gets hurt...
Love the character development, the bromance/loyalty between Michael and Fisk and how they balance each other. Some aspects of this series are dark (some brutal punishments, descriptions of poverty and criminal activities intended to help ends meet, the law is not portrayed as wholly fair/just, etc.), but overall, there is a sense of optimism that is portrayed, a sense that everything will work out.
November 3, 2014
I liked Rogue's Home even better than the first book in the series; it was the perfect blend of mystery, adventure, and snarky friends bantering and looking after each other. The friendship vibes were strong and wonderful without ever being sappy, and the mystery was interesting and kept me wanting to figure out what was going on--which is unfortunately rare for me; I tend to read for either humor or character engagement, and involved plots seldom interest me in their own right. It's a fault I'm working on, but this book made it easy to be interested--no effort necessary!
(I wasn't too fond of the Two Gods business, just as I wasn't while reading the first book; since I'm a pretty firm Christian, fictional deities that are supposed to be real in-universe tend to make me uncomfortable. That's probably not a quibble many other people will share, though, and anyway it was kept in the background enough that it didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the story.)
Anyway, the bottom line is that this was a lovely read, and after I seek out the third book in the series I'll definitely be checking out some of the author's other works. Highly recommended!
(I wasn't too fond of the Two Gods business, just as I wasn't while reading the first book; since I'm a pretty firm Christian, fictional deities that are supposed to be real in-universe tend to make me uncomfortable. That's probably not a quibble many other people will share, though, and anyway it was kept in the background enough that it didn't detract too much from my enjoyment of the story.)
Anyway, the bottom line is that this was a lovely read, and after I seek out the third book in the series I'll definitely be checking out some of the author's other works. Highly recommended!
November 5, 2012
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Michael and Fisk are on the road again, after their last adventure turned out sourly. A rider catches up with them, delivering a letter from Fisk's family. He's desperately needed at home.
He returns on his own, hoping that Michael will not follow him.
Michael does follow, and his history shakes up the town. Fisk's brother-in-law has been falsely accused of blackmail. His sister wrote Fisk home, hoping that he could help (specifically with his knowledge of criminals) clear her husband's name.
Fisk and Michael start talking to the townspeople, but some don't like their questions. Someone sets fires, blaming Michael, forcing him to lay low. Can Fisk discover who framed his family before the citizens of the town kill Michael?
The sequel to THE LAST KNIGHT, ROGUE'S HOME is a medieval tale of mystery and action that will captivate readers and keep them guessing until the end of the book.
Michael and Fisk are on the road again, after their last adventure turned out sourly. A rider catches up with them, delivering a letter from Fisk's family. He's desperately needed at home.
He returns on his own, hoping that Michael will not follow him.
Michael does follow, and his history shakes up the town. Fisk's brother-in-law has been falsely accused of blackmail. His sister wrote Fisk home, hoping that he could help (specifically with his knowledge of criminals) clear her husband's name.
Fisk and Michael start talking to the townspeople, but some don't like their questions. Someone sets fires, blaming Michael, forcing him to lay low. Can Fisk discover who framed his family before the citizens of the town kill Michael?
The sequel to THE LAST KNIGHT, ROGUE'S HOME is a medieval tale of mystery and action that will captivate readers and keep them guessing until the end of the book.
August 10, 2015
Review from 2009....
Fisk and Micheal are back in a sequel to the first book, The Last Knight. In Rogue's Home, they set out to aid Fisk's family from loosing their fortune.
While this one was equally as excellent as the first, if you were expecting something similar to their adventures before, you're in for a surprise. This book was more of a whodunit mystery novel then a Knight-seeking-adventures kind of book. The witty dialogue, the lively banter, the page-turning events, and the unpredictability are all there, but it's a completely opposite sort of adventure then The Last Knight. This isn't necessary a bad thing, it's just different. I have to say though, I like Hilari Bell's new approach. She's creating different scenarios and keeping the books interesting and unique. That's what makes them so wonderful. They aren't just another fantasy series. They are set apart from the rest as being so uniquely different. Fisk has his problems, Micheal has his, and together they make a team worth rooting for!
Fisk and Micheal are back in a sequel to the first book, The Last Knight. In Rogue's Home, they set out to aid Fisk's family from loosing their fortune.
While this one was equally as excellent as the first, if you were expecting something similar to their adventures before, you're in for a surprise. This book was more of a whodunit mystery novel then a Knight-seeking-adventures kind of book. The witty dialogue, the lively banter, the page-turning events, and the unpredictability are all there, but it's a completely opposite sort of adventure then The Last Knight. This isn't necessary a bad thing, it's just different. I have to say though, I like Hilari Bell's new approach. She's creating different scenarios and keeping the books interesting and unique. That's what makes them so wonderful. They aren't just another fantasy series. They are set apart from the rest as being so uniquely different. Fisk has his problems, Micheal has his, and together they make a team worth rooting for!
February 5, 2023
I liked this much better than the first book in the series. The weird tone issue is gone - this story doesn't have feel like a random mix of oddly light and grimdark elements. The world is not necessarily a kind one and there are dark aspects, but there are good people and it's far from a case of everything being terrible - even when there are serious problems afoot. The characters remain likable (perhaps even more so, as Fisk's sexism has mostly been dropped) and the mystery held together.
I have a little bit of trouble with the whole unredeemed thing -
I have a little bit of trouble with the whole unredeemed thing -
January 4, 2011
I liked this 2nd book...maybe not quite as much as the 1st, but enough to try the 3rd.
Now that we know the characters a little this book tried to help us to understand Fisk a little better by involving us with the people that are part of his background, without him ever coming out and saying anything about his background. I like that because he, as a character, is just not going to talk about it. So, through an adventure with his family we're able to see where he came from and learn a little more about why he is who he is. Also, Michael was dealing with his new life a bit as he struggles through trying to help in the plot against Fisk's family.
It was an pretty good plot and good pacing with round about character development.
Now that we know the characters a little this book tried to help us to understand Fisk a little better by involving us with the people that are part of his background, without him ever coming out and saying anything about his background. I like that because he, as a character, is just not going to talk about it. So, through an adventure with his family we're able to see where he came from and learn a little more about why he is who he is. Also, Michael was dealing with his new life a bit as he struggles through trying to help in the plot against Fisk's family.
It was an pretty good plot and good pacing with round about character development.
January 7, 2011
Rogue's Home is the sequel to Last Knight, which I read a few years ago. I don't remember much of LK, just that it was a fast and fun read, and Rogue's Home is more of the same; I read the whole thing cover-to-cover on a cross-country flight. Even though these books are set in a fantasy kingdom full of lords and ladies, peasants and castles, horses and swordfights, they're written and plotted more like mystery/adventure novels, rather than the usual sword-and-sorcery fare. You could even still recommend these to a teen who enjoys action-adventures or mysteries but doesn't necessarily like books full of magic (of which there is very little, and half the time it doesn't even work properly). I've enjoyed them so far, and I definitely want to read the third one (Player's Ruse) at some point.
May 19, 2013
A very good fantasy mystery though I had suspicions about the culprit and their agents relatively early on that the mains were understandably blind to - though they should have twigged a bit earlier than they did. It went logically though.
Some people might not enjoy the back and forth - two mains, two point of views, each in alternating chapters but without any overlap - I liked being able to 'see' each personality from inside and out and they are excellent characters which made it interesting.
The fantasy part is relatively small other than the types of rules the characters have to follow in their world, otherwise it was a straight buddy adventure/mystery. I'll definitely be looking for more in this series.
Some people might not enjoy the back and forth - two mains, two point of views, each in alternating chapters but without any overlap - I liked being able to 'see' each personality from inside and out and they are excellent characters which made it interesting.
The fantasy part is relatively small other than the types of rules the characters have to follow in their world, otherwise it was a straight buddy adventure/mystery. I'll definitely be looking for more in this series.
July 26, 2016
Noble-Sir Michael the knight errant becomes one of the unredeemed and loses his noble title while his squire Fisk, released from his debt, is a freeman called home to save his family, giving us the details about Fisk's past hinted at in the first book.
The story is two-person point of view like the first book. It was easier to keep the narrators straight as we see Michael cope with the effects of his new tattoo that mark him as unredeemed while Fisk, reunited with his family, blossoms.
The world they live in is again delivered in tantalizing pieces giving readers just enough information to form questions. It's almost like a book within a book - at some point, these details will be important, just not right now. That makes me eager to read the next installment in the series.
The story is two-person point of view like the first book. It was easier to keep the narrators straight as we see Michael cope with the effects of his new tattoo that mark him as unredeemed while Fisk, reunited with his family, blossoms.
The world they live in is again delivered in tantalizing pieces giving readers just enough information to form questions. It's almost like a book within a book - at some point, these details will be important, just not right now. That makes me eager to read the next installment in the series.
October 23, 2009
Gah! 4.5!
The magic and unrealism is kept to a minimal, the world is fully inhabited, and the characters are multidimensional. Fire, trying to stay honorable while being declared unredeemed, mystery, dealing with a lunatic, and proving innocence to a public that hates them and loves the villain, Fisk and Michael have a tough job ahead of them. Then, after all is over...great ending.
We got to see some of Michael, and this second book shows us some of Fisk. Less horses in this one, but still as many vicious fights and chases and deception and survival-by-wits.
Lissy, the small part she played, ruined this book's chance at getting a 5. What a dumb younger sister.
The magic and unrealism is kept to a minimal, the world is fully inhabited, and the characters are multidimensional. Fire, trying to stay honorable while being declared unredeemed, mystery, dealing with a lunatic, and proving innocence to a public that hates them and loves the villain, Fisk and Michael have a tough job ahead of them. Then, after all is over...great ending.
We got to see some of Michael, and this second book shows us some of Fisk. Less horses in this one, but still as many vicious fights and chases and deception and survival-by-wits.
Lissy, the small part she played, ruined this book's chance at getting a 5. What a dumb younger sister.
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