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Blackwood Marauders
Glory is for the gods. The rest make do.
From the author of THE AGARTES EPILOGUES and the critically acclaimed THE WOLF OF OREN-YARO comes this coming-of-age fantasy about people trying their best to survive in a grim, unforgiving world.
Growing up in a quiet farm, Luc "Lucky" son of Jak didn't think much of the world until he fails the military entrance exam and finds himself responsible for a group of vicious, bloodthirsty mercenaries. Raised to be honest, upright, and true, his own ideals clash with the mercenaries' shaky morals. His problems take a turn for the worst when he falls into a trap set by Roena Blackwood.
The eldest of Duke Iorwin's daughters, Roena is adamant that life can only go her way. A high priest's prophecy causes her to rethink her options and take the path less travelled: that of a travelling mercenary.
But killing monsters and saving villages can only get interesting for so long. Luc and Roena find themselves in a twisted plot concocted by none other than the merchant Ylir yn Garr. Together, they must learn to set aside their differences and work together to prevent disaster, even if it means confronting what they ran away from in the first place.
From the author of THE AGARTES EPILOGUES and the critically acclaimed THE WOLF OF OREN-YARO comes this coming-of-age fantasy about people trying their best to survive in a grim, unforgiving world.
Growing up in a quiet farm, Luc "Lucky" son of Jak didn't think much of the world until he fails the military entrance exam and finds himself responsible for a group of vicious, bloodthirsty mercenaries. Raised to be honest, upright, and true, his own ideals clash with the mercenaries' shaky morals. His problems take a turn for the worst when he falls into a trap set by Roena Blackwood.
The eldest of Duke Iorwin's daughters, Roena is adamant that life can only go her way. A high priest's prophecy causes her to rethink her options and take the path less travelled: that of a travelling mercenary.
But killing monsters and saving villages can only get interesting for so long. Luc and Roena find themselves in a twisted plot concocted by none other than the merchant Ylir yn Garr. Together, they must learn to set aside their differences and work together to prevent disaster, even if it means confronting what they ran away from in the first place.
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2018
103 people are currently reading
421 people want to read
About the author
K.S. Villoso
20 books691 followersI write character-driven epic fantasy with huge doses of horror, angst, and frustratingly tangled character relationships. You can read more about my work at my website:
http://www.ksvilloso.com
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K.S. Villoso was born in a dank hospital on an afternoon in Albay, Philippines, and things have generally been okay since then. After spending most of her childhood in a slum area in Taguig (where she dodged death-defying traffic, ate questionable food, and fell into open-pit sewers more often than one ought to), she and her family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, where they spent the better part of two decades trying to chase the North American Dream. She is now living amidst the forest and mountains with her family, children, and dogs in Anmore, BC.
http://www.ksvilloso.com
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K.S. Villoso was born in a dank hospital on an afternoon in Albay, Philippines, and things have generally been okay since then. After spending most of her childhood in a slum area in Taguig (where she dodged death-defying traffic, ate questionable food, and fell into open-pit sewers more often than one ought to), she and her family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, where they spent the better part of two decades trying to chase the North American Dream. She is now living amidst the forest and mountains with her family, children, and dogs in Anmore, BC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 24, 2018
One of the more interesting themes raised in K.S. Villoso’s surprising and fun Blackwood Marauders is how a person responds to the hand they’re dealt, regardless of their circumstances. It takes an uncommon strength to break free from the mold that has been cast for you, and the two main characters in this story, Luc and Roena, exemplify this trait in spades. They each come from opposite sides of the nobility line, and end up carving out new and unknown futures while straying far from their set paths. These character journeys would be interesting enough on their own, but Villoso’s ability to present these arcs against an exciting backdrop of mercenary missions, political schemes & racial identity made this story a true pleasure to read.
Luc, short for “Lucky,” was born into slavery, and saved from a shipwreck during his infancy. His father Jak, a farmer in a small village, decides to raise him as his own. There was nothing compelling Jak to take on such a responsibility, but Jak views the situation differently: it’s as if Luc saved Jak, giving him a purpose, and someone to die for. Luc grew up living a sheltered life, having a close relationship with his father and his younger handicapped brother, whom he protects from the town bullies. But when Luc finally comes of age to be able to test into the army, he is surprised by the result: not because of a lack of mental fortitude or physical prowess, but because of his darker skin and country of origin. At 19 years of age, he now has no prospects, much less any idea of what to do with his life. That changes overnight, as an eventful night at a tavern tests his code of honor, and he gets mixed up with a gang of hardened mercenaries passing through his town. Luc soon finds himself caught in a web of danger and uncertainty that will change his life forever.
Elsewhere, Roena, daughter of the Duke of Blackwood, is a fiery and independent noble who cannot stand her lot in life. She feels imprisoned by the trappings of being the daughter of the Duke, who is forcing her to choose a husband at the next courtly function. The defiant Roena has utilized both her mental and physical agency to avoid betrothal to this point, but her time is running out. It was refreshing to see how confident and capable Roena is, and how unafraid she was to utilize any and all of her skills to achieve her goals.
Supernatural threats to the Duke’s lands pull Luc and Roena’s stories together, and that’s when the book really takes off and turns into something special. I was consistently impressed with how often my predictions were flat-out wrong; Villoso displayed considerable talent at keeping me guessing as to what would happen next. What started as a simple mercenary mission began to develop into something much more complex, and the story kept evolving into something far different than any expectation I held. The progression of Luc and Roena’s metamorphosis was only part of the story; the supporting cast of mercenaries, merchants, nobles, fae, and hulking monstrosities kept the story consistently fresh, and above all else, extremely fun. Villoso has crafted a fully-realized world that continues to live and breathe even after the book is closed. This story is set in a universe that Villoso has been building with multiple series and standalones throughout various periods of time, and it shows: there’s plenty of references to major events and crossover characters both past and present, and although this book is currently a standalone adventure, I wouldn’t be surprised to see these faces play important roles in future volumes.
Although this is my first foray into Villoso’s universe, but I am certain that it won’t be my last. I was impressed with the relatable themes that the main characters were facing, as well as the amount of humor, heart, and moral dilemmas that the entire cast brought to light. At times, I felt that the characters might have progressed a bit too quickly to where they needed to be, but it’s a small gripe. This is a fast-paced and lively adventure with engaging characters and well-plotted thrills that’s easy to recommend. I’m looking forward to learning more about what this world has to offer, and Kay’s furious publishing schedule ensures me that I’ll have many adventures ahead.
8.0 / 10
Luc, short for “Lucky,” was born into slavery, and saved from a shipwreck during his infancy. His father Jak, a farmer in a small village, decides to raise him as his own. There was nothing compelling Jak to take on such a responsibility, but Jak views the situation differently: it’s as if Luc saved Jak, giving him a purpose, and someone to die for. Luc grew up living a sheltered life, having a close relationship with his father and his younger handicapped brother, whom he protects from the town bullies. But when Luc finally comes of age to be able to test into the army, he is surprised by the result: not because of a lack of mental fortitude or physical prowess, but because of his darker skin and country of origin. At 19 years of age, he now has no prospects, much less any idea of what to do with his life. That changes overnight, as an eventful night at a tavern tests his code of honor, and he gets mixed up with a gang of hardened mercenaries passing through his town. Luc soon finds himself caught in a web of danger and uncertainty that will change his life forever.
Elsewhere, Roena, daughter of the Duke of Blackwood, is a fiery and independent noble who cannot stand her lot in life. She feels imprisoned by the trappings of being the daughter of the Duke, who is forcing her to choose a husband at the next courtly function. The defiant Roena has utilized both her mental and physical agency to avoid betrothal to this point, but her time is running out. It was refreshing to see how confident and capable Roena is, and how unafraid she was to utilize any and all of her skills to achieve her goals.
Supernatural threats to the Duke’s lands pull Luc and Roena’s stories together, and that’s when the book really takes off and turns into something special. I was consistently impressed with how often my predictions were flat-out wrong; Villoso displayed considerable talent at keeping me guessing as to what would happen next. What started as a simple mercenary mission began to develop into something much more complex, and the story kept evolving into something far different than any expectation I held. The progression of Luc and Roena’s metamorphosis was only part of the story; the supporting cast of mercenaries, merchants, nobles, fae, and hulking monstrosities kept the story consistently fresh, and above all else, extremely fun. Villoso has crafted a fully-realized world that continues to live and breathe even after the book is closed. This story is set in a universe that Villoso has been building with multiple series and standalones throughout various periods of time, and it shows: there’s plenty of references to major events and crossover characters both past and present, and although this book is currently a standalone adventure, I wouldn’t be surprised to see these faces play important roles in future volumes.
Although this is my first foray into Villoso’s universe, but I am certain that it won’t be my last. I was impressed with the relatable themes that the main characters were facing, as well as the amount of humor, heart, and moral dilemmas that the entire cast brought to light. At times, I felt that the characters might have progressed a bit too quickly to where they needed to be, but it’s a small gripe. This is a fast-paced and lively adventure with engaging characters and well-plotted thrills that’s easy to recommend. I’m looking forward to learning more about what this world has to offer, and Kay’s furious publishing schedule ensures me that I’ll have many adventures ahead.
8.0 / 10
September 1, 2023
Not at all as advertised. The more I read, the worse it got. If I had stopped reading anywhere from 40-70%, it would have gotten at least a "it was okay" rating from me, but no, I had to finish the book because I am compelled to get the whole picture, and because it has been sitting for so long unread on my digital shelf and I needed to process its lingering presence.
I don't agree with any of the marketing material. "Glory is for the gods. The rest make do." I have no idea how this is supposed to connect to the book I just read. It was definitely not a glorious experience, but no one in the book ever expected it to be. "Coming-of-age fantasy about people trying their best to survive in a grim, unforgiving world." This is not at all what it was about. It was briefly going to be a coming-of-age story. That was the hook of the opening chapters. But I didn't find that to be the main character's arc at all. He didn't really grow and come of age, he just did some stuff and was like, well this is my life now, okay. "I write character-driven epic fantasy with huge doses of horror, angst, and frustratingly tangled character relationships." I didn't find that the characters drove anything; things just happened to them much more than they made anything happen. There was nothing epic about this fantasy. Maybe strictly by definition (secondary world with some magic/monster stuff), but I like to keep epic fantasy actually epic. There was no horror. There was no angst. There may have been tangled character relationships, but not interesting relationships involving main characters, only convoluted side character backgrounds that highjacked the page count.
The more I read, the less I could tell what this book was about. It wasn't about the main character; he only tangentially and coincidentally intersected with the politics, factions, and influences outside of the tiny locations he went to. It wasn't a coming-of-age story; all of the background events and side characters' stories overwhelmed any potential for that. It wasn't a fantasy epic, that's for sure; the fantasy side of the story was quite lousy and piecemeal. It was more clearly about the second main character, the duke's daughter who wasn't going to let anyone else decide how she was going to live, but introducing her only in chapter 6 in a new POV and not re-adding her to the supposedly main story and main character's path until much later was a poor way to highlight her. Some readers will find her refreshing, including her ownership of her sexuality.
Actually, I think I do know what the book was about. I think it's worldbuilding-driven, rather than character- or story-driven. I think the author tried to show off all the world elements, political machinations, side character histories, and pieces of magic stuff that they had conceived of for this setting, rather than starting with character and story and letting all that other stuff serve those. The result is a dreary mishmash of a book that has no reason to be interesting to readers new to this setting.
The author writes well on one level. Her prose is sharp. I was only disappointed after a strong start, although even the beginning had some confusing notes and too many irrelevant world details shoehorned in.
I don't agree with any of the marketing material. "Glory is for the gods. The rest make do." I have no idea how this is supposed to connect to the book I just read. It was definitely not a glorious experience, but no one in the book ever expected it to be. "Coming-of-age fantasy about people trying their best to survive in a grim, unforgiving world." This is not at all what it was about. It was briefly going to be a coming-of-age story. That was the hook of the opening chapters. But I didn't find that to be the main character's arc at all. He didn't really grow and come of age, he just did some stuff and was like, well this is my life now, okay. "I write character-driven epic fantasy with huge doses of horror, angst, and frustratingly tangled character relationships." I didn't find that the characters drove anything; things just happened to them much more than they made anything happen. There was nothing epic about this fantasy. Maybe strictly by definition (secondary world with some magic/monster stuff), but I like to keep epic fantasy actually epic. There was no horror. There was no angst. There may have been tangled character relationships, but not interesting relationships involving main characters, only convoluted side character backgrounds that highjacked the page count.
The more I read, the less I could tell what this book was about. It wasn't about the main character; he only tangentially and coincidentally intersected with the politics, factions, and influences outside of the tiny locations he went to. It wasn't a coming-of-age story; all of the background events and side characters' stories overwhelmed any potential for that. It wasn't a fantasy epic, that's for sure; the fantasy side of the story was quite lousy and piecemeal. It was more clearly about the second main character, the duke's daughter who wasn't going to let anyone else decide how she was going to live, but introducing her only in chapter 6 in a new POV and not re-adding her to the supposedly main story and main character's path until much later was a poor way to highlight her. Some readers will find her refreshing, including her ownership of her sexuality.
Actually, I think I do know what the book was about. I think it's worldbuilding-driven, rather than character- or story-driven. I think the author tried to show off all the world elements, political machinations, side character histories, and pieces of magic stuff that they had conceived of for this setting, rather than starting with character and story and letting all that other stuff serve those. The result is a dreary mishmash of a book that has no reason to be interesting to readers new to this setting.
The author writes well on one level. Her prose is sharp. I was only disappointed after a strong start, although even the beginning had some confusing notes and too many irrelevant world details shoehorned in.
April 17, 2018
KS Villoso is a writer I follow and whose works I enjoy. Her books are clean, well plotted and character-driven. Because of her work as an editor (freelance I believe) and novelist she’s developed a nice set of skills. Her works are never boring and her spelling is neat.
Blackwood Marauders is a stand alone novel set in the same universe as her other books. As it’s lighter, shorter and more straight-forward than Agartes Epilogues it can serve as a good introduction to KS works. The book blends coming-of-age story with grittier sword-and-sorcery themes spiced with horror touches.
The book focuses on Luc “Lucky” who grew up on a quiet farm. Raised to be honest, upright, and true, he finds himself involved with a group of mercenaries. Things get worse when he falls into a trap set by Roena Blackwood. Roena is adamant that life can only go her way. Unfortunately, she’ll soon have to rethink her stance on life and her options. She joins team of mercenaries with whom she kills monsters. They have differences but they’ll need to set them aside in order to prevent a disaster.
The book features a new cast of characters and can be described as a generic farm boy to mercenary fantasy. The tone is, mostly, hopeful, although people suffer and die. Everything’s done with love and care. I have nothing against the tropes, especially when they’re done well. And that’s the case with Blackwood Marauders.
Characterization was mostly fine, although it didn’t make me feel for the characters. I’m not sure if Luc’s choices and behavior in the beginning of the book are believable, but I’ve never been faced with mercenaries considering killing me so what do I know?
If you’re in the mood for a straightforward, uncomplicated fantasy story done with care here it is. It’s enjoyable, but also predictable. As long as you’re not after grounbreaking fantasy novel with layers of psychological depth, you should enjoy Blackwood Marauders.
And I hope that in the next standalone book KS will let her imagination go wild and take us to some surprising places.
Blackwood Marauders is a stand alone novel set in the same universe as her other books. As it’s lighter, shorter and more straight-forward than Agartes Epilogues it can serve as a good introduction to KS works. The book blends coming-of-age story with grittier sword-and-sorcery themes spiced with horror touches.
The book focuses on Luc “Lucky” who grew up on a quiet farm. Raised to be honest, upright, and true, he finds himself involved with a group of mercenaries. Things get worse when he falls into a trap set by Roena Blackwood. Roena is adamant that life can only go her way. Unfortunately, she’ll soon have to rethink her stance on life and her options. She joins team of mercenaries with whom she kills monsters. They have differences but they’ll need to set them aside in order to prevent a disaster.
The book features a new cast of characters and can be described as a generic farm boy to mercenary fantasy. The tone is, mostly, hopeful, although people suffer and die. Everything’s done with love and care. I have nothing against the tropes, especially when they’re done well. And that’s the case with Blackwood Marauders.
Characterization was mostly fine, although it didn’t make me feel for the characters. I’m not sure if Luc’s choices and behavior in the beginning of the book are believable, but I’ve never been faced with mercenaries considering killing me so what do I know?
If you’re in the mood for a straightforward, uncomplicated fantasy story done with care here it is. It’s enjoyable, but also predictable. As long as you’re not after grounbreaking fantasy novel with layers of psychological depth, you should enjoy Blackwood Marauders.
And I hope that in the next standalone book KS will let her imagination go wild and take us to some surprising places.
September 4, 2018
I found this book through TBRindr. This is the first book that I have read by this author (Kay Villoso) and I have been looking forward to reading this one since I got it a few months ago. It is a standalone book which is unusual for what I have been reading lately, but a welcome change.
Our main character is Luc (“Lucky”) who was found as a young child alone on a shipwreck by a family who took him in as their own. Luc was raised to be honorable, hard-working, loyal, and good, and he is heartbroken when he fails the test to join the military. As he is dealing with the news, he finds himself caught up with a gang of mercenaries.
The reader is held in a constant state of tension (and that’s a good thing). Luc is clearly compelled by a moral standard, a sense of what is right, and a deep need to live by those standards. This code that he lives by runs directly counter to the band of mercenaries he is with. Those mercenaries, in contrast, will often do whatever it takes to whomever it must be and all with no guilt, remorse or tug on their conscience. What is refreshing about the way we see Luc’s morality is that he is never judgmental, preachy, or unfairly critical of those whose standards are different.
This book repeatedly asks two questions. What happens when a good person is asked to do bad things? And… What happens when a person who normally does bad things is asked to do something good?
Luc is faced with homesickness, betrayals, jealousy, not to mention several encounters with monsters and mysterious characters. In one of the more emotionally powerful scenes, Luc must decide the fate of a person whose life is in his hands, and who admits to having done something vicious that personally devastates Luc. In response, Luc must choose between his moral high ground or whether he should seek vengeance.
The story is also filled with a number of other characters who are equally fleshed out and in some cases serve as a foil to Luc. Most of the characters you either like (because they are likeable) or hate (because they are awful). [One exception for me was Alun, Luc’s brother. For someone who was presented as Luc’s lifelong best friend, he comes across as petty, and unreasonable. He takes offense quickly (based on incomplete information – one of my pet peeves), is unwilling to listen to Luc, and holds a grudge. And he was described as the intelligent one in the family, but he couldn’t use logic to see through his misconceptions – really?? I really wanted to like this character, but couldn’t.]
The plot is an intricate web of twists, culminating with plenty of surprises and unexpected reveals.
This was an enjoyable read, and I would easily recommend it, especially for someone looking for a standalone fantasy story with a moralistic main character. Thank you, Kay, for sending this to me. Well done! 4 / 5 stars.
P.S. I have the first two books of the author’s Annals of the Bitch Queen Series and I plan to read them soon.
Our main character is Luc (“Lucky”) who was found as a young child alone on a shipwreck by a family who took him in as their own. Luc was raised to be honorable, hard-working, loyal, and good, and he is heartbroken when he fails the test to join the military. As he is dealing with the news, he finds himself caught up with a gang of mercenaries.
The reader is held in a constant state of tension (and that’s a good thing). Luc is clearly compelled by a moral standard, a sense of what is right, and a deep need to live by those standards. This code that he lives by runs directly counter to the band of mercenaries he is with. Those mercenaries, in contrast, will often do whatever it takes to whomever it must be and all with no guilt, remorse or tug on their conscience. What is refreshing about the way we see Luc’s morality is that he is never judgmental, preachy, or unfairly critical of those whose standards are different.
This book repeatedly asks two questions. What happens when a good person is asked to do bad things? And… What happens when a person who normally does bad things is asked to do something good?
Luc is faced with homesickness, betrayals, jealousy, not to mention several encounters with monsters and mysterious characters. In one of the more emotionally powerful scenes, Luc must decide the fate of a person whose life is in his hands, and who admits to having done something vicious that personally devastates Luc. In response, Luc must choose between his moral high ground or whether he should seek vengeance.
The story is also filled with a number of other characters who are equally fleshed out and in some cases serve as a foil to Luc. Most of the characters you either like (because they are likeable) or hate (because they are awful). [One exception for me was Alun, Luc’s brother. For someone who was presented as Luc’s lifelong best friend, he comes across as petty, and unreasonable. He takes offense quickly (based on incomplete information – one of my pet peeves), is unwilling to listen to Luc, and holds a grudge. And he was described as the intelligent one in the family, but he couldn’t use logic to see through his misconceptions – really?? I really wanted to like this character, but couldn’t.]
The plot is an intricate web of twists, culminating with plenty of surprises and unexpected reveals.
This was an enjoyable read, and I would easily recommend it, especially for someone looking for a standalone fantasy story with a moralistic main character. Thank you, Kay, for sending this to me. Well done! 4 / 5 stars.
P.S. I have the first two books of the author’s Annals of the Bitch Queen Series and I plan to read them soon.
March 30, 2018
Blackwood Marauders is the story of a young man, Luc, as he accidentally gets thrown into a world much darker than his own. Villoso takes the coming of age trope and uses it to shove a young innocent man into a crowd of tough mercenaries. By the end of chapter one I’d realised Villoso had no qualms around emotionally abusing her characters, and eagerly awaited reading more about the torment the characters endured. Villoso did not disappoint in her promises. There’s something fascinating about watching a character make a bad decision when they know it’s a bad decision but don’t want to consider the alternative.
Setting
Mysterious woods surround the nearby villages and monsters lurk inside, eating up livestock and occasionally a small child. Fear and nervousness is rife in those villages near the woods. Bands of mercenaries called in to deal the issue, and this is where our young, naive protagonist, Luc, is bought into the fold. Accidentally throwing himself into the business of the mercenaries, Luc quickly discovers just how different his life can be.
One of the things I really liked about the worldbuilding in this book was that Villoso used monsters from Filipino horror which I'd never heard of before. It was nice to have some different monsters to the standard ones seen in the fantasy genre
Characters
Characters have always been Villoso’s strongest points. In this book she takes good people and throws them into bad situations. Growth and development ensue as Villoso masterfully manipulates the situations and throws the characters away outside their comfort zones.
I really loved watching the main characters and how they dealt with the tough situations they were in, and seeing if they would remain good people, and how the situations would change them.
Plot
The plot was very well thought through, and had lots of mysterious elements throughout. While most of the book was about the ensemble, the plot still ran together nicely. There were also a few good plot twists throughout the book which had me on the edge of my seat as I was reading.
The beginning of the book managed to draw me in almost instantly, and kept my interest all the way through. I felt that the ending of Blackwood Marauders was done perfectly, and there was really nothing else I could’ve hoped for.
Other Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. It’s set in the same universe as the rest of Villoso’s books, but still stands separately from them. No knowledge of her Agartes Epilogues or Annals of the Bitch Queen are needed, but if you’re like me you might find yourself wanting to read those books once you finish.
I highly recommend it to people who want to see a different version of the coming-of-age trope, and anyone who loves character based fantasy, and ensemble casts.
Setting
Mysterious woods surround the nearby villages and monsters lurk inside, eating up livestock and occasionally a small child. Fear and nervousness is rife in those villages near the woods. Bands of mercenaries called in to deal the issue, and this is where our young, naive protagonist, Luc, is bought into the fold. Accidentally throwing himself into the business of the mercenaries, Luc quickly discovers just how different his life can be.
One of the things I really liked about the worldbuilding in this book was that Villoso used monsters from Filipino horror which I'd never heard of before. It was nice to have some different monsters to the standard ones seen in the fantasy genre
Characters
Characters have always been Villoso’s strongest points. In this book she takes good people and throws them into bad situations. Growth and development ensue as Villoso masterfully manipulates the situations and throws the characters away outside their comfort zones.
I really loved watching the main characters and how they dealt with the tough situations they were in, and seeing if they would remain good people, and how the situations would change them.
Plot
The plot was very well thought through, and had lots of mysterious elements throughout. While most of the book was about the ensemble, the plot still ran together nicely. There were also a few good plot twists throughout the book which had me on the edge of my seat as I was reading.
The beginning of the book managed to draw me in almost instantly, and kept my interest all the way through. I felt that the ending of Blackwood Marauders was done perfectly, and there was really nothing else I could’ve hoped for.
Other Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. It’s set in the same universe as the rest of Villoso’s books, but still stands separately from them. No knowledge of her Agartes Epilogues or Annals of the Bitch Queen are needed, but if you’re like me you might find yourself wanting to read those books once you finish.
I highly recommend it to people who want to see a different version of the coming-of-age trope, and anyone who loves character based fantasy, and ensemble casts.
December 25, 2022
I didn't expect anything of this novel, but what a pleasant surprise that it delivered so well!
You can find from this book:
- 2 POV's, Lucky and Roena
- mercenaries
- small quests and travelling
- fighting
- a little bit of horror and humour
- low with magical elements
If you liked The Black Hawks by David Wragg, you could enjoy this one as well!
You can find from this book:
- 2 POV's, Lucky and Roena
- mercenaries
- small quests and travelling
- fighting
- a little bit of horror and humour
- low with magical elements
If you liked The Black Hawks by David Wragg, you could enjoy this one as well!
January 11, 2023
4.5/5 -> Rounding up to a 5
Listen... You give me a well meaning, naive, wracked with guilt male protagonist and I will eat it up!! Throw in a "everyone thinks he's stupid" (and they're not wrong) element and it's even better.
Lucky aka Luc is an orphan who was saved from a wrecked slave ship (something about mage thralls), he grows up as a fish out of water in his small town and is evidently denied entrance to the military academy given his origins as the professor decides it'd be trouble for him and the army in general. His adoptive family is loving and supportive ofc but this doesn't stop him from spiralling, and the prospect of disappointing them has him running into the arms of a mercenary band. Luc really spends his time with Tasha and her crew fighting for his life, and his name "Lucky" really does ring true in many instances. Overall, I loved reading his chapters, even when he was doing THE dumbest shit, bro was just trying to follow the principles his dad raised him with so I can't even fault him for that.
Roena on the other hand the eldest daughter of the duke who had the opposite relationship with her dad, actually she's the complete opposite of Luc as a whole. I found their first interaction um... idk how to say it but Miss Roena knows how to be a predator in like an animal way and a creep way at the same time. Her character is supposed to be grating on your nerves, and like by the end I warmed up to her.
Both Roena and Luc are trying to work against what fate has in store for them and I'd say they put in a good effort. The toxicity their "relationship" exudes is also saur funny to me but like they make it work.
Ylir... my beloathed... He's a pretty decent antagonist I'll give him that much even though I can't stand him. Reading his interactions with Luc and Roena was fun!! But made me hate him more given what I read in Villoso's other book, but also it was interesting to see how the events in this book actually tie in with Jaeth's Eye: Legacy of a Lost Mage.
Took off half a star because like I know this adult fantasy and like it's supposed to be viscous given the content matter of mercenaries, murder, and overall shady business but the references/implications of rape sometimes I was like Ms Villoso, you don't have to follow in grr martin's steps like this BLEASE... need fantasy authors to like stop with that because it's wholly unnecessary!
I feel like this is a standalone and the ending was appropriate, but I would still like to read more of Luc stumbling his way through success while Roaena sneers at everything by his side.
Listen... You give me a well meaning, naive, wracked with guilt male protagonist and I will eat it up!! Throw in a "everyone thinks he's stupid" (and they're not wrong) element and it's even better.
Lucky aka Luc is an orphan who was saved from a wrecked slave ship (something about mage thralls), he grows up as a fish out of water in his small town and is evidently denied entrance to the military academy given his origins as the professor decides it'd be trouble for him and the army in general. His adoptive family is loving and supportive ofc but this doesn't stop him from spiralling, and the prospect of disappointing them has him running into the arms of a mercenary band. Luc really spends his time with Tasha and her crew fighting for his life, and his name "Lucky" really does ring true in many instances. Overall, I loved reading his chapters, even when he was doing THE dumbest shit, bro was just trying to follow the principles his dad raised him with so I can't even fault him for that.
Roena on the other hand the eldest daughter of the duke who had the opposite relationship with her dad, actually she's the complete opposite of Luc as a whole. I found their first interaction um... idk how to say it but Miss Roena knows how to be a predator in like an animal way and a creep way at the same time. Her character is supposed to be grating on your nerves, and like by the end I warmed up to her.
Both Roena and Luc are trying to work against what fate has in store for them and I'd say they put in a good effort. The toxicity their "relationship" exudes is also saur funny to me but like they make it work.
Ylir... my beloathed... He's a pretty decent antagonist I'll give him that much even though I can't stand him. Reading his interactions with Luc and Roena was fun!! But made me hate him more given what I read in Villoso's other book, but also it was interesting to see how the events in this book actually tie in with Jaeth's Eye: Legacy of a Lost Mage.
Took off half a star because like I know this adult fantasy and like it's supposed to be viscous given the content matter of mercenaries, murder, and overall shady business but the references/implications of rape sometimes I was like Ms Villoso, you don't have to follow in grr martin's steps like this BLEASE... need fantasy authors to like stop with that because it's wholly unnecessary!
I feel like this is a standalone and the ending was appropriate, but I would still like to read more of Luc stumbling his way through success while Roaena sneers at everything by his side.
December 27, 2018
Blackwood Marauders is a character-driven fantasy that feels fresh at nearly every turn. K.S. Villoso has given us a beautiful and often brutal coming-of-age story that doesn’t feel like most coming of age stories. There is a great deal to like in this novel.
There can be no doubt that Blackwood Marauders is a character-driven fantasy. The two main characters, Luc and Roena, are the focal point of this novel. While the plot moves along well and the setting is certainly interesting, the characters easily eclipse both of those important elements. One of the wonders of Villoso’s writing is that even though there were moments I thought Luc was making absolutely stupid decisions or that Roena was just being straight up naïve, the pages kept turning. Even when the characters weren’t exactly relatable, they remained gripping. This is no easy feat for an author to accomplish, and Villoso deserves accolades for managing it. There are a lot of fantasy novels out there, so finding something fresh can be a challenge. I appreciated how Villoso has given us a coming-of-age story that feels quite different from most coming-of-age stories. Luc is older than your typical coming-of-age protagonist, and that small change helps make all the difference to the character and the decisions he makes. While Luc is in many ways a typically noble main character, Villoso excels at putting him in difficult situations and forcing him to deal with the consequences of behaving according to his internal moral code in those situations. While not as bleak as A Song of Ice and Fire, there are certainly moments when this novel makes you wonder if trying to be good can really work out well for an individual—especially one who doesn’t play the role society expects of them.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Blackwood Marauders, there were a couple issues here and there. I felt like on occasion we are told things about the characters or world, rather than shown. This is a bigger issue for side characters than for the main characters. This doesn’t happen enough to become truly frustrating, but I did notice it. I also felt that there were a few plotlines that weren’t resolved as well as they could have been. This may be partially because one of the antagonists plays a larger role in the world, and so we’re only really getting a small glimpse of the webs he’s weaving in this novel (make no mistake though, Blackwood Marauders is a standalone). Even so, I felt like a couple issues could have been more neatly tied up, or at least had the way they were resolved explained with more clarity.
A stand-alone novel that ties into a much larger world, Blackwood Marauders throws imaginatively drawn characters into difficult situations. What makes this one shine is that Villoso has such a knack for forcing her characters to behave in consistent ways. If you’re looking for a stand-alone novel with some nobility in the midst of its bleakness, give this one a try. 4/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
There can be no doubt that Blackwood Marauders is a character-driven fantasy. The two main characters, Luc and Roena, are the focal point of this novel. While the plot moves along well and the setting is certainly interesting, the characters easily eclipse both of those important elements. One of the wonders of Villoso’s writing is that even though there were moments I thought Luc was making absolutely stupid decisions or that Roena was just being straight up naïve, the pages kept turning. Even when the characters weren’t exactly relatable, they remained gripping. This is no easy feat for an author to accomplish, and Villoso deserves accolades for managing it. There are a lot of fantasy novels out there, so finding something fresh can be a challenge. I appreciated how Villoso has given us a coming-of-age story that feels quite different from most coming-of-age stories. Luc is older than your typical coming-of-age protagonist, and that small change helps make all the difference to the character and the decisions he makes. While Luc is in many ways a typically noble main character, Villoso excels at putting him in difficult situations and forcing him to deal with the consequences of behaving according to his internal moral code in those situations. While not as bleak as A Song of Ice and Fire, there are certainly moments when this novel makes you wonder if trying to be good can really work out well for an individual—especially one who doesn’t play the role society expects of them.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Blackwood Marauders, there were a couple issues here and there. I felt like on occasion we are told things about the characters or world, rather than shown. This is a bigger issue for side characters than for the main characters. This doesn’t happen enough to become truly frustrating, but I did notice it. I also felt that there were a few plotlines that weren’t resolved as well as they could have been. This may be partially because one of the antagonists plays a larger role in the world, and so we’re only really getting a small glimpse of the webs he’s weaving in this novel (make no mistake though, Blackwood Marauders is a standalone). Even so, I felt like a couple issues could have been more neatly tied up, or at least had the way they were resolved explained with more clarity.
A stand-alone novel that ties into a much larger world, Blackwood Marauders throws imaginatively drawn characters into difficult situations. What makes this one shine is that Villoso has such a knack for forcing her characters to behave in consistent ways. If you’re looking for a stand-alone novel with some nobility in the midst of its bleakness, give this one a try. 4/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
June 3, 2018
I've always enjoyed K.S. Villoso's work, and this time was no exception. "Blackwood Marauders" is a thoroughly entertaining read that will keep you reading long past your bedtime.
There are a few quirks of language that should have been taken care of before publication, but they do nothing to detract from a brilliant read.
There are a few quirks of language that should have been taken care of before publication, but they do nothing to detract from a brilliant read.
April 28, 2022
I liked it. There were some really touching moments at the end. The main character, Luc, just was not as engrossing as the Bitch Queen.
Read
October 7, 2018Luc is an innocent. He loves his family, spending his days helping his father on the farm and defending his disabled brother. He doesn’t get on well with his step-mother, but he tries to, and he’s not really sure how to deal with pretty girls showing an interest in him. He’s a nice lad.
One failed exam and a string of poor decisions later, Luc winds up the de-facto leader of a band of unsavoury mercenaries. His new companions are thieves, murderers, and rapists. Unable to return to his placid life, Luc has no choice but to fulfil the mercenaries’ contract as best he is able, despite the dangers he faces and the secrets he uncovers. This is not a book with vast and sweeping scope, and that’s quite refreshing. Luc and his band never become fabled heroes or rise too far from their humble beginnings. It’s not about saving the world – it’s a story set in a larger world that continues on regardless. Smaller scopes aren’t used enough in science-fiction and fantasy. Magic and monster make an appearance, but the plot stays within small bounds and attempts to paint a more realistic picture of a medieval-esque society.
Blackwood Marauders also has original and nuanced villain motivations, which I am very happy with. Adversaries who are baldly evil are rather dull, and it’s good to see a devious plot based on economic pressures rather than mindless opposition. It’s not a particularly fleshed-out part of the book though, and I felt that it could have been explored in more depth.
That’s my issue with quite a lot of the book. Despite taking place on a small scale, with more realistic things at stake compared to every other fantasy protagonist, there’s a lot going on here in what is not a massive book. I would have preferred to see some sub-plots cut to give greater focus to others, exploring motivations and settings in more detail. I think that would have resulted in a tighter and more impactful narrative; as it is, it seems as though the author was rushing to put in too many layers of complexity, and it ends up wearing thin in places. Interesting and new ideas lose place to standard fantasy tropes, and that’s a bit disappointing.
The violence is rather brief and muted – that’s not to say that fights don’t happen, it’s just glossed over quite a lot. Combat that should be difficult and bloody ends up dismissed in a few lines. This is a shame, because it robs climactic moments of their impact, and lessens the sense of threat in the world. If someone is going to kill a fabled monster, then it should be presented as difficult; making it seem easy doesn’t increase the heroism, it makes the reader confused as to why people were scared of the monster.
Oddly though, for a book with little violence in, the sex is quite frequent and explicit. Normally, you expect the violence in a book to be described more graphically than the sex, and it’s strange to see it the other way around. If it wasn’t for the sex scenes, I’d call it Young Adult; that’s the general vibe, but the level of specificity about sex makes it hard to place. It’s not a steamy or passion-filled book – rather the opposite – it’s just oddly precise and detailed in this one area.
Mention should be made of the diversity present in Blackwood Marauders. Fantasy still tends to trend towards clean-cut aryan heroes and women as quest objects – this book does not follow that trend. It does fall for several other fantasy clichés, but it definitely doesn’t present a monolithic culture or a world in which women are set-dressing more than characters. Women have agency, appearing as several main characters, and non-white, non-western-equivalent characters are there as more than tokens. It’s a small point, because well-done diversity is subtle, but it’s something handled well by an author determined not to fall into standard pitfall of exactly one kind of effective character.
I liked parts of this. I felt the author was doing some interesting things with interesting ideas. However, those ideas didn’t really get enough of the focus. Standard fantasy and thin coincidence kept popping back in, weakening the overall story. Blackwood Marauders contains the seeds of something original and fresh though, and I’ll definitely take a look at Villoso���s other books.
One failed exam and a string of poor decisions later, Luc winds up the de-facto leader of a band of unsavoury mercenaries. His new companions are thieves, murderers, and rapists. Unable to return to his placid life, Luc has no choice but to fulfil the mercenaries’ contract as best he is able, despite the dangers he faces and the secrets he uncovers. This is not a book with vast and sweeping scope, and that’s quite refreshing. Luc and his band never become fabled heroes or rise too far from their humble beginnings. It’s not about saving the world – it’s a story set in a larger world that continues on regardless. Smaller scopes aren’t used enough in science-fiction and fantasy. Magic and monster make an appearance, but the plot stays within small bounds and attempts to paint a more realistic picture of a medieval-esque society.
Blackwood Marauders also has original and nuanced villain motivations, which I am very happy with. Adversaries who are baldly evil are rather dull, and it’s good to see a devious plot based on economic pressures rather than mindless opposition. It’s not a particularly fleshed-out part of the book though, and I felt that it could have been explored in more depth.
That’s my issue with quite a lot of the book. Despite taking place on a small scale, with more realistic things at stake compared to every other fantasy protagonist, there’s a lot going on here in what is not a massive book. I would have preferred to see some sub-plots cut to give greater focus to others, exploring motivations and settings in more detail. I think that would have resulted in a tighter and more impactful narrative; as it is, it seems as though the author was rushing to put in too many layers of complexity, and it ends up wearing thin in places. Interesting and new ideas lose place to standard fantasy tropes, and that’s a bit disappointing.
The violence is rather brief and muted – that’s not to say that fights don’t happen, it’s just glossed over quite a lot. Combat that should be difficult and bloody ends up dismissed in a few lines. This is a shame, because it robs climactic moments of their impact, and lessens the sense of threat in the world. If someone is going to kill a fabled monster, then it should be presented as difficult; making it seem easy doesn’t increase the heroism, it makes the reader confused as to why people were scared of the monster.
Oddly though, for a book with little violence in, the sex is quite frequent and explicit. Normally, you expect the violence in a book to be described more graphically than the sex, and it’s strange to see it the other way around. If it wasn’t for the sex scenes, I’d call it Young Adult; that’s the general vibe, but the level of specificity about sex makes it hard to place. It’s not a steamy or passion-filled book – rather the opposite – it’s just oddly precise and detailed in this one area.
Mention should be made of the diversity present in Blackwood Marauders. Fantasy still tends to trend towards clean-cut aryan heroes and women as quest objects – this book does not follow that trend. It does fall for several other fantasy clichés, but it definitely doesn’t present a monolithic culture or a world in which women are set-dressing more than characters. Women have agency, appearing as several main characters, and non-white, non-western-equivalent characters are there as more than tokens. It’s a small point, because well-done diversity is subtle, but it’s something handled well by an author determined not to fall into standard pitfall of exactly one kind of effective character.
I liked parts of this. I felt the author was doing some interesting things with interesting ideas. However, those ideas didn’t really get enough of the focus. Standard fantasy and thin coincidence kept popping back in, weakening the overall story. Blackwood Marauders contains the seeds of something original and fresh though, and I’ll definitely take a look at Villoso���s other books.
April 14, 2018
Currently for 99c on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Blackwood-Mara...
______________
Wow, this book was an EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER.
I laughed.
I cried.
I cried while laughing.
Blackwood Marauders is a wonderful fantasy novel full of action and adventure which works as a standalone but is also an addition set in the same world as Villoso's trilogy The Agartes Epilogues (BM takes place roughly at the same time that the first book in the series, Jaeth's Eye).
For someone who's a huge fan of the author and the series, such as myself, this was a real treat. But let's be methodical about this.
THE GOOD:
+ The world. The world. Oh, did I mention, THE WORLD? This is easily one of my top 3 fantasy worlds ever. It was true before this book and now I'm even more assured it's true. Villoso is a master worldbuilder. The world feels absolutely like any real, living, breathing world would. There are so many countries and all their cultures are fleshed-out and unique within the setting. This book takes place in a country called Hafod and there's variations even within the different regions of it. There is nothing generic to be found here.
+ The plot may seem like it's a bit aimless and meandering but that's very much intentional. The structure emerges as the book goes on and there's a lot of plot twists, big ones. It all makes sense in the end: patience is key here but it is rewarded. SPEAKING OF the end. It's so good, subjectively, of course. Conclusions are often tough to pull off but this author's got it. (The trilogy? Such an emotionally satisfying ending, and I rarely say that - usually hate finales.)
+ The main characters are fantastic. Luc (or Lucky) and Roena are very different but their stories actually make for a nice parallel. I loved them both. Luc is a total sweetheart and Roena is... Well, she's not the best person, or perhaps even a good person, but she is a damn good character to read about. No one's perfect, I love her. Already miss them both.
+ The secondary characters are interesting as well. They feel real. They are all given backstories and some reasons for doing the things they do, the way they do them. Even the ones that seem to be just "evil people doing things because evil" are... not. Real-life people are incredibly messy and Villoso reflects on this in her work. A special shout-out has to go to Ylir who is one of the main characters in the Agartes Epilogues trilogy. He's a mysterious, rather sketchy character in Blackwood Marauders but there is a lot more to him and that trilogy delves deep into that (amongst other things). It's all so, really very good.
+ The little hints and moments of foreshadowing to events from the trilogy, OMG. I almost rolled on the floor laughing at some of them. So rewarding.
THE BAD:
- Well, the beginning was not ideal. I found it not easy to make it through the first 4 chapters, both because it was all just setting up and because there were a lot of grammatical errors and such. It's a self-published book so I know not to be too strict about it, but I have to admit that that beginning was a struggle. Afterwards things improved dramatically, though, both in terms of the story and the writing.
4,5 stars
https://www.amazon.com/Blackwood-Mara...
______________
Wow, this book was an EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER.
I laughed.
I cried.
I cried while laughing.
Blackwood Marauders is a wonderful fantasy novel full of action and adventure which works as a standalone but is also an addition set in the same world as Villoso's trilogy The Agartes Epilogues (BM takes place roughly at the same time that the first book in the series, Jaeth's Eye).
For someone who's a huge fan of the author and the series, such as myself, this was a real treat. But let's be methodical about this.
THE GOOD:
+ The world. The world. Oh, did I mention, THE WORLD? This is easily one of my top 3 fantasy worlds ever. It was true before this book and now I'm even more assured it's true. Villoso is a master worldbuilder. The world feels absolutely like any real, living, breathing world would. There are so many countries and all their cultures are fleshed-out and unique within the setting. This book takes place in a country called Hafod and there's variations even within the different regions of it. There is nothing generic to be found here.
+ The plot may seem like it's a bit aimless and meandering but that's very much intentional. The structure emerges as the book goes on and there's a lot of plot twists, big ones. It all makes sense in the end: patience is key here but it is rewarded. SPEAKING OF the end. It's so good, subjectively, of course. Conclusions are often tough to pull off but this author's got it. (The trilogy? Such an emotionally satisfying ending, and I rarely say that - usually hate finales.)
+ The main characters are fantastic. Luc (or Lucky) and Roena are very different but their stories actually make for a nice parallel. I loved them both. Luc is a total sweetheart and Roena is... Well, she's not the best person, or perhaps even a good person, but she is a damn good character to read about. No one's perfect, I love her. Already miss them both.
+ The secondary characters are interesting as well. They feel real. They are all given backstories and some reasons for doing the things they do, the way they do them. Even the ones that seem to be just "evil people doing things because evil" are... not. Real-life people are incredibly messy and Villoso reflects on this in her work. A special shout-out has to go to Ylir who is one of the main characters in the Agartes Epilogues trilogy. He's a mysterious, rather sketchy character in Blackwood Marauders but there is a lot more to him and that trilogy delves deep into that (amongst other things). It's all so, really very good.
+ The little hints and moments of foreshadowing to events from the trilogy, OMG. I almost rolled on the floor laughing at some of them. So rewarding.
THE BAD:
- Well, the beginning was not ideal. I found it not easy to make it through the first 4 chapters, both because it was all just setting up and because there were a lot of grammatical errors and such. It's a self-published book so I know not to be too strict about it, but I have to admit that that beginning was a struggle. Afterwards things improved dramatically, though, both in terms of the story and the writing.
4,5 stars
July 19, 2018
I loved it, Villoso seems like she's really good at making up plots that will make me go "hmm. HMM. I WANNA KNOW WHAT'S NEXT AND SEE IF MY SUSPICIONS ARE CORRECT" — but they usually aren't because I'm always surprised.
Characters
Luc's on my list of huggable characters. Suuure he's your kind farmboy but hey, that book needed someone willing to act... not like an asshole, and he does the job well. And even though he didn't really resonate with me, I was sad when bad things happen to him. And bad things happened (Kay why did you do thaaaaat??).
Roena... would get a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. Gosh girl you need to grow up, and my only grief with the book is that in my opinion she didn't evolve enough. She's still a stubborn girl, and quite selfish with that () but I can understand her desire for freedom, and the reasons of her naivety.
Ylir on the other hand... I'd kick his ass to Mars and back, or whatever the equivalent in that world is. Yet at the same time I loved him and I want to see more of his asshole-ness.
With everything said, the characters were a bunch of (mostly) lovable assholes. Likable, at least. It's hard to develop them all in one book, so while there aren't lots of details about them I feel like it's not really a flaw, the focus was just more on Luc.
World
I was so happy when I saw it was the same universe as the Wolf of Oren-Yaro! There's something deliciously refreshing about this world, although that feeling was stronger in TWOOY. Probably because we get a more "European" feeling in this one with the names of people and places. Still, getting some more details about that world was interesting.
Plot
I'll repeat: one of Villoso's strengths is keeping the reader on their toes. Or however that saying goes. There are many reveals, many surprises, and all that makes a really interesting story. I just felt like some subplots were too fast (like the Wind- moment, I would have liked to read a bit more about that place). But I really loved the end .
Characters
Luc's on my list of huggable characters. Suuure he's your kind farmboy but hey, that book needed someone willing to act... not like an asshole, and he does the job well. And even though he didn't really resonate with me, I was sad when bad things happen to him. And bad things happened (Kay why did you do thaaaaat??).
Roena... would get a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. Gosh girl you need to grow up, and my only grief with the book is that in my opinion she didn't evolve enough. She's still a stubborn girl, and quite selfish with that () but I can understand her desire for freedom, and the reasons of her naivety.
Ylir on the other hand... I'd kick his ass to Mars and back, or whatever the equivalent in that world is. Yet at the same time I loved him and I want to see more of his asshole-ness.
With everything said, the characters were a bunch of (mostly) lovable assholes. Likable, at least. It's hard to develop them all in one book, so while there aren't lots of details about them I feel like it's not really a flaw, the focus was just more on Luc.
World
I was so happy when I saw it was the same universe as the Wolf of Oren-Yaro! There's something deliciously refreshing about this world, although that feeling was stronger in TWOOY. Probably because we get a more "European" feeling in this one with the names of people and places. Still, getting some more details about that world was interesting.
Plot
I'll repeat: one of Villoso's strengths is keeping the reader on their toes. Or however that saying goes. There are many reveals, many surprises, and all that makes a really interesting story. I just felt like some subplots were too fast (like the Wind- moment, I would have liked to read a bit more about that place). But I really loved the end .
October 1, 2018
A big thank you to the author. I received this book in exchange for an honest review
I had really great expectations from this book, and that’s because of the title. I know I am a shallow person, I know, but I may have a penchant for the word marauders. I don’t know why but every time I saw it my fantasy takes flight and my expectations keep growing. So yeah, probably you have guessed it, but they were disappointed. But let me be clear here. The book is good and I enjoyed the reading, it’s just that I was expecting more, so much more, and in the end, I didn’t get it.
To make a long story short, the book is about Luc, a foundling whose real name is Lucky, Roena, the daughter of a duke, and the group of mercenaries that the two youngs decided to join. We have adventures, actions, intrigues, deaths, wrongdoing and good deeds all nicely wrapped up in the story, and that’s all ok. To be honest I wasn’t so invested in the story per se. It’s not bad, and it happens a lot in it, so it’s not boring, but it’s not the most intriguing or captivating.
But the interesting thing about this book, the thing that I really liked, is that in this book you get a new take on the old farm boy cliché. Our Lucky is a farm boy, yes, but the author finds new ways to use this kind of character, she manages to keep him original and he makes him going beyond the clichè, and I really liked this thing. And Luc, obviously!
I would read something else from the author, that’s for sure. I liked her new take on one of the most classic trope, so I am curious to see what else she can do!
I had really great expectations from this book, and that’s because of the title. I know I am a shallow person, I know, but I may have a penchant for the word marauders. I don’t know why but every time I saw it my fantasy takes flight and my expectations keep growing. So yeah, probably you have guessed it, but they were disappointed. But let me be clear here. The book is good and I enjoyed the reading, it’s just that I was expecting more, so much more, and in the end, I didn’t get it.
To make a long story short, the book is about Luc, a foundling whose real name is Lucky, Roena, the daughter of a duke, and the group of mercenaries that the two youngs decided to join. We have adventures, actions, intrigues, deaths, wrongdoing and good deeds all nicely wrapped up in the story, and that’s all ok. To be honest I wasn’t so invested in the story per se. It’s not bad, and it happens a lot in it, so it’s not boring, but it’s not the most intriguing or captivating.
But the interesting thing about this book, the thing that I really liked, is that in this book you get a new take on the old farm boy cliché. Our Lucky is a farm boy, yes, but the author finds new ways to use this kind of character, she manages to keep him original and he makes him going beyond the clichè, and I really liked this thing. And Luc, obviously!
I would read something else from the author, that’s for sure. I liked her new take on one of the most classic trope, so I am curious to see what else she can do!
March 30, 2022
CW // violence, death, sex, dubious consent, rape
Well, I had to run into one someday. As much as I’m a huge fan of K.S. Villoso’s books, this one’s not her best. Sure, I was drawn in to the story, and it is fast-paced compared to her others, which is why I’m not giving her high marks this time. Toward the end, so much action goes on without really getting into it, and her attention to details and backstories have always been her strong suit. I would have loved for her to delve more into Luc’s birthmark, which made him a marked Gorenten, which was beneficial to the Dageian mages.
As always though, there is the interconnectedness in her works, as Ylir from The Agartes Epilogues plays a significant role in this book.
But what really soured me to this story was Roena. Sorry not sorry, but poor little rich spoiled brats are my least favorite kinds of characters. Worse, she’s a rapist. Yes, I said it. She admits to herself that she practically forced herself on Luc to get him to do her bidding, and inexperienced Luc just can’t resist/stand up to her because he’s too busy thinking with his dick whenever she’s around. Just…no. Too bad Caiso didn’t go ahead and give her more than a minor stab wound during their swordfight.
Here’s to hoping Daughter of the Wolves is a better story in this series. (Update: it is, and I suggest skip this misstep in Villoso’s otherwise impressive catalogue and go to Daughter of the Wolves instead, as both books are standalones.) And will still look forward to the other two books in The Agartes Epilogues. (Update: they’re good, but a lot of characters to remember.)
Well, I had to run into one someday. As much as I’m a huge fan of K.S. Villoso’s books, this one’s not her best. Sure, I was drawn in to the story, and it is fast-paced compared to her others, which is why I’m not giving her high marks this time. Toward the end, so much action goes on without really getting into it, and her attention to details and backstories have always been her strong suit. I would have loved for her to delve more into Luc’s birthmark, which made him a marked Gorenten, which was beneficial to the Dageian mages.
As always though, there is the interconnectedness in her works, as Ylir from The Agartes Epilogues plays a significant role in this book.
But what really soured me to this story was Roena. Sorry not sorry, but poor little rich spoiled brats are my least favorite kinds of characters. Worse, she’s a rapist. Yes, I said it. She admits to herself that she practically forced herself on Luc to get him to do her bidding, and inexperienced Luc just can’t resist/stand up to her because he’s too busy thinking with his dick whenever she’s around. Just…no. Too bad Caiso didn’t go ahead and give her more than a minor stab wound during their swordfight.
Here’s to hoping Daughter of the Wolves is a better story in this series. (Update: it is, and I suggest skip this misstep in Villoso’s otherwise impressive catalogue and go to Daughter of the Wolves instead, as both books are standalones.) And will still look forward to the other two books in The Agartes Epilogues. (Update: they’re good, but a lot of characters to remember.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
Villoso can do no wrong at this point.
With every Villoso book I read she solidifies herself as being one of my favourite authors. This was no exception.
I will concede this was probably the weakest of her books I've read, but you know... look at the rating... but that is probably due to the fact I prefer her female protagonists.
This book was heavy on the world building, the society and the adventure aspects. I found it compulsively readable. Villoso's take on the unsuspecting country boy thrust in way above his head, was absolutely amazing. I love the way Villoso plays with tropes within the genre, changes things up and makes them her own.
We have a brief coming of age section at the beginning, then we have the start of what resembles a revenge story and then we bleed into a "save the people" territory. Mixing through different narrative structures in one book in a way that I thought was really well crafted.
For the most part this was another great book by this author and I always look forward to more from her.
With every Villoso book I read she solidifies herself as being one of my favourite authors. This was no exception.
I will concede this was probably the weakest of her books I've read, but you know... look at the rating... but that is probably due to the fact I prefer her female protagonists.
This book was heavy on the world building, the society and the adventure aspects. I found it compulsively readable. Villoso's take on the unsuspecting country boy thrust in way above his head, was absolutely amazing. I love the way Villoso plays with tropes within the genre, changes things up and makes them her own.
We have a brief coming of age section at the beginning, then we have the start of what resembles a revenge story and then we bleed into a "save the people" territory. Mixing through different narrative structures in one book in a way that I thought was really well crafted.
For the most part this was another great book by this author and I always look forward to more from her.
August 15, 2018
I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review. This is a fresh take on a farm boy finding his own path in the world and a dukes daughter fed up with royal society.
The story has two POV characters: we have Luc or “lucky” and Roesna the Dukes daughter. After Luc fails his exam Togo to military school, he is thrusted into a gang of mauraders and ultimately joins them in their quest through the Blackwood forest. Roesna wants nothing to do with her family as her father wants to marry her off but she has plans of her own.
The plot moves smoothly and the characters are what drives the story. You feel for these characters as they struggle in a very harsh world. 4 stars for me and looking forward to the next installment!
The story has two POV characters: we have Luc or “lucky” and Roesna the Dukes daughter. After Luc fails his exam Togo to military school, he is thrusted into a gang of mauraders and ultimately joins them in their quest through the Blackwood forest. Roesna wants nothing to do with her family as her father wants to marry her off but she has plans of her own.
The plot moves smoothly and the characters are what drives the story. You feel for these characters as they struggle in a very harsh world. 4 stars for me and looking forward to the next installment!
December 12, 2018
Not your average medieval mercenary story, and a great point of entry for K.S. Villoso's other works.
On the surface, Blackwood Marauders would seem to use a pretty common fantasy plot -- the innocent farm boy comes of age when he falls in with a bunch of grizzled mercenaries. But this book turns so many old-fashioned fantasy tropes on their heads that it's great fun to read. I really liked all the characters -- Luc, Roena, and even Ylir, who was deliciously amoral -- and the Phillipino-based setting, magic, and monsters made the world rich and original.
Definitely give this one a read if you're in the mood for a fantasy adventure that breaks the mold.
On the surface, Blackwood Marauders would seem to use a pretty common fantasy plot -- the innocent farm boy comes of age when he falls in with a bunch of grizzled mercenaries. But this book turns so many old-fashioned fantasy tropes on their heads that it's great fun to read. I really liked all the characters -- Luc, Roena, and even Ylir, who was deliciously amoral -- and the Phillipino-based setting, magic, and monsters made the world rich and original.
Definitely give this one a read if you're in the mood for a fantasy adventure that breaks the mold.
October 1, 2022
I loved K. S. Villoso's Agartes Epilogues (aka Legacy of the Lost Mage series) and I enjoyed Legacy of the Wolf Queen as well, so I've wanted to read this book for a while. I finally had the chance and I found myself flying through it. Compared to both the other series I've read it was much more on the character-driven side so it reminded me more of the Wolf Queen series. At the same time, there were a lot of call-backs to the Agartes Epilogues in terms of the settings and characters. Overall, I loved the main character Luc, but hated the other main character Roena so it wasn't my absolute favourite of Kay's works, but let's be honest, I still flew through it and found myself eager to get back into it and find out what happens next.
Blackwood Marauders follows the (mis)adventures of Luc - a boy who was born on a slave ship and rescued by a man who came to be an amazingly loving father. He grew up on a farm with his father, his father's wife, and their son Alun and had a happy life. It was only when he signed up at the academy so he could study to join the army that things started to go wrong.
I can't overstate how much I loved these first couple of chapters. To read an epic fantasy story and find yourself reading about a young man who struggles with his identity, who struggles with the fact that he's being rejected by an academy because of who he is, because of the colour of his skin and his origins... only someone who understands the full sting of those kinds of experiences could work them into an epic fantasy story so beautifully, so naturally. This is why I love Villoso's books. Well, this and the amazing world-building, of course. I also really enjoyed what we got to know about Jak's character and really wished there had been more of him in this book!
If the story had continued entirely from Luc's perspective I probably would have loved it much more. Roena's spoilt, manipulative personality was not one I enjoyed at all. I had to skip large parts of her chapters because they all inevitably descended into very explicit sex scenes. Also, I really did not appreciate that she was manipulating and using Luc who had grown on me by that point. Ugh.
Despite my hatred of Roena I couldn't helped being glued to the pages as monsters and the plot unfolded throwing monsters and haunted cities and complicated mercenary plots at me. In true Villoso style it all comes together really well in the end. I'm excited to read Daughter of Wolves (hopefully soon!) and some of the other upcoming works by Villoso so I can dive back into this world, but first I really need a giant map of Agos-again and also why isn't there a wiki for this world yet?
Blackwood Marauders follows the (mis)adventures of Luc - a boy who was born on a slave ship and rescued by a man who came to be an amazingly loving father. He grew up on a farm with his father, his father's wife, and their son Alun and had a happy life. It was only when he signed up at the academy so he could study to join the army that things started to go wrong.
I can't overstate how much I loved these first couple of chapters. To read an epic fantasy story and find yourself reading about a young man who struggles with his identity, who struggles with the fact that he's being rejected by an academy because of who he is, because of the colour of his skin and his origins... only someone who understands the full sting of those kinds of experiences could work them into an epic fantasy story so beautifully, so naturally. This is why I love Villoso's books. Well, this and the amazing world-building, of course. I also really enjoyed what we got to know about Jak's character and really wished there had been more of him in this book!
If the story had continued entirely from Luc's perspective I probably would have loved it much more. Roena's spoilt, manipulative personality was not one I enjoyed at all. I had to skip large parts of her chapters because they all inevitably descended into very explicit sex scenes. Also, I really did not appreciate that she was manipulating and using Luc who had grown on me by that point. Ugh.
Despite my hatred of Roena I couldn't helped being glued to the pages as monsters and the plot unfolded throwing monsters and haunted cities and complicated mercenary plots at me. In true Villoso style it all comes together really well in the end. I'm excited to read Daughter of Wolves (hopefully soon!) and some of the other upcoming works by Villoso so I can dive back into this world, but first I really need a giant map of Agos-again and also why isn't there a wiki for this world yet?
October 9, 2018
I received this book via the TBRindr platform in exchange for an honest review, which follows, free of spoilers.
Blackwood Marauders is a very refreshing take on the farm-boy-grows-up, small-fish-gets-put-in-the-big-pond kind of story that delights on frustrating your expectations in a good way. Although I found the start a bit slow, I really enjoyed my time with the book once things got going and would generally recommend it to anyone who appreciates a good coming of age tale.
The characters (especially the two mains) are well-fleshed out and remain interesting throughout the book, and even the supports never feel shallow, placeholders or vehicles for some ill-disguised Deus ex Machina. Even the more cliché elements - which are necessarily present due to the nature of the story - are very well executed, which speaks volumes about the author's maturity as a writer. The characters become a constant source of tension aside from the plot, as they have their beliefs challenged and are put in situations where their idea of themselves clashes with the needs of the situation, often in a way that cannot be deconvoluted. It's a rare thing for me to not be able to tell which character in a multi-PoV book I enjoyed the most, but I can't choose between Luc and Roena. Overall, the characters are a definite strong point of the book and were more than enough to ckeep my interest and carry me forward to the next page (especially through the first part of the book).
Regarding the pacing, you can expect things to ramp up and the overall scope of the story (and the world itself) to expand dramatically, so give it a chance even if you find that the beginning is too self-involved or strains your patience a little bit. The clarity that the big-picture view offered once I got to the heart of the plot contextualized that beginning for me, and illuminated it in a different light (though it doesn't take much to get a feel for the symmetry between the main characters). The plot does a good job of playing the protagonists against themselves while still feeling natural and provides an exciting backdrop against which they really shine.
This was my first experience with the author (K. S. Villoso) but I'm pretty sure it won't be the last. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes coming of age stories but feel burned-out of the genre by the more generic fantasy approach, books with great characters and character interplay, and books with great twists (performed well).
Blackwood Marauders is a very refreshing take on the farm-boy-grows-up, small-fish-gets-put-in-the-big-pond kind of story that delights on frustrating your expectations in a good way. Although I found the start a bit slow, I really enjoyed my time with the book once things got going and would generally recommend it to anyone who appreciates a good coming of age tale.
The characters (especially the two mains) are well-fleshed out and remain interesting throughout the book, and even the supports never feel shallow, placeholders or vehicles for some ill-disguised Deus ex Machina. Even the more cliché elements - which are necessarily present due to the nature of the story - are very well executed, which speaks volumes about the author's maturity as a writer. The characters become a constant source of tension aside from the plot, as they have their beliefs challenged and are put in situations where their idea of themselves clashes with the needs of the situation, often in a way that cannot be deconvoluted. It's a rare thing for me to not be able to tell which character in a multi-PoV book I enjoyed the most, but I can't choose between Luc and Roena. Overall, the characters are a definite strong point of the book and were more than enough to ckeep my interest and carry me forward to the next page (especially through the first part of the book).
Regarding the pacing, you can expect things to ramp up and the overall scope of the story (and the world itself) to expand dramatically, so give it a chance even if you find that the beginning is too self-involved or strains your patience a little bit. The clarity that the big-picture view offered once I got to the heart of the plot contextualized that beginning for me, and illuminated it in a different light (though it doesn't take much to get a feel for the symmetry between the main characters). The plot does a good job of playing the protagonists against themselves while still feeling natural and provides an exciting backdrop against which they really shine.
This was my first experience with the author (K. S. Villoso) but I'm pretty sure it won't be the last. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes coming of age stories but feel burned-out of the genre by the more generic fantasy approach, books with great characters and character interplay, and books with great twists (performed well).
August 16, 2018
Note: I received an ARC of this book as part of TBRindr
Review
This is the story of a farm boy, an orphan foundling who dreams of going off to join the army... record scratch
At first blush, this is a story of a sort I've read a dozen times before, and long since grown bored with. Villoso's version, however, differs from the standard story almost immediately. For one thing, Luc's "dream," which is really more of a pragmatic decision in hopes of helping out the family, is immediately derailed. (A minor spoiler for the first chapter.)
Before long, Luc's whole life is in disarray, and he no longer knows how to set it right - or if he should. He finds himself in the company of rough and dangerous people, doing things he's unprepared for. Doing things he's unsure he wants to do.
The plot moves along nicely, and is interesting. But more than the plot, this book is about the people. Luc, a young adult, is trying to figure out his place in the world. Roena, daughter of the local lord, knows what her place is supposed to be, and rails against it. The cadre of supporting characters possess complex motivations, personalities and voices.
The book is also about destiny. What is? Does it matter? Does it exist? To what extent can you - should you - try to change it?
Quibble
I really didn't have any issues with the content or the execution. However, the text itself had a few editing errors that were notable but not too disruptive. Duplicated words (the this of of that), missing words (and then he the thing), and a couple of tense/plurality match issues between subject and verb. Perhaps a dozen over the course of the novel.
Content Notes
Sexual assault and discussion of same
Violence and threats against children
Review
This is the story of a farm boy, an orphan foundling who dreams of going off to join the army... record scratch
At first blush, this is a story of a sort I've read a dozen times before, and long since grown bored with. Villoso's version, however, differs from the standard story almost immediately. For one thing, Luc's "dream," which is really more of a pragmatic decision in hopes of helping out the family, is immediately derailed. (A minor spoiler for the first chapter.)
Before long, Luc's whole life is in disarray, and he no longer knows how to set it right - or if he should. He finds himself in the company of rough and dangerous people, doing things he's unprepared for. Doing things he's unsure he wants to do.
The plot moves along nicely, and is interesting. But more than the plot, this book is about the people. Luc, a young adult, is trying to figure out his place in the world. Roena, daughter of the local lord, knows what her place is supposed to be, and rails against it. The cadre of supporting characters possess complex motivations, personalities and voices.
The book is also about destiny. What is? Does it matter? Does it exist? To what extent can you - should you - try to change it?
Quibble
I really didn't have any issues with the content or the execution. However, the text itself had a few editing errors that were notable but not too disruptive. Duplicated words (the this of of that), missing words (and then he the thing), and a couple of tense/plurality match issues between subject and verb. Perhaps a dozen over the course of the novel.
Content Notes
Sexual assault and discussion of same
Violence and threats against children
November 9, 2018
TBRindr Review -
What a fun ride! I enjoyed the twist on the oblivious-farm-boy-saves-the-day plot and the characters were well fleshed out. K.S. Villoso spends a lot of time weaving in political intrigue and hinting at a wider world that I understand Blackwood Marauders falls within in some of her other works.
There's a heavy emphasis on growth within the story as we follow various characters through their arcs, and further we explore themes of racial identity and persecution because of the color of your skin /origin of birth. Mostly, though, this is about Luc & Roena, and their individual paths.
Finally, it did not include a cliffhanger ending, which I always appreciate, the tale wraps itself up nicely enough with room to continue if a sequel were to come out.
Read this if you enjoy farm-boy without the epic multiple book commitment, enjoy mercenary stories and court intrigue, and are looking for a likeable protagonist!
What a fun ride! I enjoyed the twist on the oblivious-farm-boy-saves-the-day plot and the characters were well fleshed out. K.S. Villoso spends a lot of time weaving in political intrigue and hinting at a wider world that I understand Blackwood Marauders falls within in some of her other works.
There's a heavy emphasis on growth within the story as we follow various characters through their arcs, and further we explore themes of racial identity and persecution because of the color of your skin /origin of birth. Mostly, though, this is about Luc & Roena, and their individual paths.
Finally, it did not include a cliffhanger ending, which I always appreciate, the tale wraps itself up nicely enough with room to continue if a sequel were to come out.
Read this if you enjoy farm-boy without the epic multiple book commitment, enjoy mercenary stories and court intrigue, and are looking for a likeable protagonist!
January 15, 2020
I love how each and every character takes you in and really makes you interested in them. And the plot is crystal clear while the intrigue is mysterious, where I'm left guessing what will happen next. Roena for example is a character you root for, but then get a completely opposite view of inside Luc's first interactions with her. But the turn after establishes her as a complicated and real hero. I enjoyed this book and want to know more about these characters! I would say about three quarters in, I couldn't stop reading and had to plough through the ending! I also don't read as many fantasy books as others, so I say if you're getting into the genre, this is a really accessible book in that way too - I didn't feel like it was dense in its world building, though the world was well thought out. The flow is very clean and smooth so I was taken through the world slowly and could visualize it.
May 13, 2018
Great protagonist, story too clever by half
The farm boy hero, Luc, is outstanding, as is the damaged-Machiavellian noblewoman, Roena. The actual story is great for the first 2/3, but then falters in a mishmash of intrigues and counter-intrigues. Trying to sort these out takes way, way too much exposition and slows things down to a crawl; there is a rule, or should be, that characters we’ve never met can’t direct traffic from offstage.
All the same, themes of redemption and growth are there and important, and I like where and how the book ends. Just wish that some of the talk and mess had been excised.
The farm boy hero, Luc, is outstanding, as is the damaged-Machiavellian noblewoman, Roena. The actual story is great for the first 2/3, but then falters in a mishmash of intrigues and counter-intrigues. Trying to sort these out takes way, way too much exposition and slows things down to a crawl; there is a rule, or should be, that characters we’ve never met can’t direct traffic from offstage.
All the same, themes of redemption and growth are there and important, and I like where and how the book ends. Just wish that some of the talk and mess had been excised.
September 22, 2018
Good
Nice coming of age story about a young man leaving his home after disappointment to find out who he is. He finds love, hatred, friends, and heartbreaks along his journey. I really enjoyed this novel.
Nice coming of age story about a young man leaving his home after disappointment to find out who he is. He finds love, hatred, friends, and heartbreaks along his journey. I really enjoyed this novel.
June 30, 2022
Well done.
This is a well developed story about a young man who has grown up on a farm and has his life turn in ways he never expected when he is turned down for military training.
This is a well developed story about a young man who has grown up on a farm and has his life turn in ways he never expected when he is turned down for military training.
October 14, 2023
3.5/5
The main character is quite passive and literally lucky. But the book was fun nonetheless thanks to the secondary characters.
The main character is quite passive and literally lucky. But the book was fun nonetheless thanks to the secondary characters.
May 21, 2023
“Nothing has changed, my loves. You want to protect your own. We want to protect ours. The wisdom of time, passed down through the ages. Everyone’s story is the same.”
This is a book that adventure novel fans will love. I haven't read a book like this in a while, in which the characters had so much adventure and action. This makes it a perfect book for me, but it does have its flaws, which is why I couldn't give it 5 stars. Unfortunately the romance isn't the best, there is more of a physical attraction between the two main characters. But Lucky became my absolute favorite character, I loved his helpful and kind-hearted personality.
“He was weak. He took things too personally. Men like that think they don’t, and then they become slaves to their own uncertainties. I can’t promise this will get any easier. Learn to harden your heart around whatever truths you choose.”
✗ romance is not its forte
✗ unfortunately not much is revealed about Lucky's past
✗ the end of the book is a little bit rushed
✓ good humor
✓ Lucky is a very kind-hearted character
✓ lots of adventure and sword fight scenes
✓ friendship
※ 4 stars ※
This is a book that adventure novel fans will love. I haven't read a book like this in a while, in which the characters had so much adventure and action. This makes it a perfect book for me, but it does have its flaws, which is why I couldn't give it 5 stars. Unfortunately the romance isn't the best, there is more of a physical attraction between the two main characters. But Lucky became my absolute favorite character, I loved his helpful and kind-hearted personality.
“He was weak. He took things too personally. Men like that think they don’t, and then they become slaves to their own uncertainties. I can’t promise this will get any easier. Learn to harden your heart around whatever truths you choose.”
✗ romance is not its forte
✗ unfortunately not much is revealed about Lucky's past
✗ the end of the book is a little bit rushed
✓ good humor
✓ Lucky is a very kind-hearted character
✓ lots of adventure and sword fight scenes
✓ friendship
※ 4 stars ※
August 11, 2018
Do you ever read the first page of a book and immediately know you are going to like it? For me, I knew I would like Blackwood Marauders by the second paragraph. This book is a coming of age tale of two very different people, adopted farmboy Luc, and Roena, the eldest child of Duke Blackwood who find themselves caught up with a group of travelling mercenaries.
This takes place in the same universe as K.S. Villoso’s other series, the Agartes Epilogues, but as a complete newcomer I was never lost when characters referred to events from the other series. If anything, I think it enhanced the world and the story as we are dropped into a fully fleshed out world. The story is set in several small villages and cities on the edge of civilization, where villagers and dukes weather both the harsh weather and the harsher monsters that lurk in the untamed forests beyond their farms. The land felt lived it and familiar, with unique politics and histories that I was figuring out on my own as the story went along. I enjoyed that far more than having some heavy handed exposition saying “As you know, today’s Infodump Festival is to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Historical Figure’s Great Infodump!”
The lack of exposition on the world left plenty of pages to focus on what really makes this story shine: the characters and the themes. Like all coming of age tales, it sinks or swims based on how well the protagonists are written. This book felt like Michael Phelps as it gracefully dived into the muddy waters of Blackwood. For everyone in this book, Luc and Roena in particular, this is a story about how you play the hand you are dealt. Each mercenary in their little band comes from their own background, but they each found themselves in the same place.
The recurring theme is that you are not defined by the circumstances you find yourself in, and it is how you react to events that determines your character. Villoso delivers that message spectacularly, and that is why I loved this book. Few of the characters are out-and-out evil, and even the supernatural beasts they encounter are more wild animal than force of supernatural darkness. Even if the world does appear dark, with its myriad threats, it never strays into grimdark. If anything, it is nobledark. The world is dangerous, uncaring, and full of threats, but it isn’t unfairly so. You may not be able to change the entire world, but a good person can still make a difference in a few peoples’ lives even in the face of danger.
I first heard of this book from I saw a comment by Villoso in one of /u/KristaDBall
’s threads where she mentioned she poured her heart into this book. Trust me when I say that it shows. Every character interaction, every plot thread, every chapter just oozes honest passion for the book and the story, and it elevates it to another level. The prose flows naturally, and the dialogue can hit you with surprising force. Numerous small character beats, such as how Luc feels he owes it to his adopted father to make something of himself, or how Roena laments about her frosty relationship with her father, hit home with their honesty.
The plot is not the main focus, but serves as a fine tuned vehicle to help the characters confront who they are, and what they want to become. This is not to say the plot is simple or lacking. Events follow naturally from one another, there aren’t any wasted pages, and the fight scenes are weighty. The creatures Luc and Roena encounter are well made and sufficiently unnatural to deserve the tightly of “monster” rather than “beast.” I particularly enjoyed the unearthly fae we meet briefly. They are ethereal, yet still keep one foot firmly planted in reality.
Overall, this book is first and foremost a character driven tale. If you are looking for a heavy focus on monster hunting or action, then this probably won’t be your first choice. However, if character driven is what you desire, then this book delivers in spades.
Favourite Quote:
“The sky is red, Roena. The sky is always red and your father only cares about your well-being.”
This takes place in the same universe as K.S. Villoso’s other series, the Agartes Epilogues, but as a complete newcomer I was never lost when characters referred to events from the other series. If anything, I think it enhanced the world and the story as we are dropped into a fully fleshed out world. The story is set in several small villages and cities on the edge of civilization, where villagers and dukes weather both the harsh weather and the harsher monsters that lurk in the untamed forests beyond their farms. The land felt lived it and familiar, with unique politics and histories that I was figuring out on my own as the story went along. I enjoyed that far more than having some heavy handed exposition saying “As you know, today’s Infodump Festival is to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Historical Figure’s Great Infodump!”
The lack of exposition on the world left plenty of pages to focus on what really makes this story shine: the characters and the themes. Like all coming of age tales, it sinks or swims based on how well the protagonists are written. This book felt like Michael Phelps as it gracefully dived into the muddy waters of Blackwood. For everyone in this book, Luc and Roena in particular, this is a story about how you play the hand you are dealt. Each mercenary in their little band comes from their own background, but they each found themselves in the same place.
The recurring theme is that you are not defined by the circumstances you find yourself in, and it is how you react to events that determines your character. Villoso delivers that message spectacularly, and that is why I loved this book. Few of the characters are out-and-out evil, and even the supernatural beasts they encounter are more wild animal than force of supernatural darkness. Even if the world does appear dark, with its myriad threats, it never strays into grimdark. If anything, it is nobledark. The world is dangerous, uncaring, and full of threats, but it isn’t unfairly so. You may not be able to change the entire world, but a good person can still make a difference in a few peoples’ lives even in the face of danger.
I first heard of this book from I saw a comment by Villoso in one of /u/KristaDBall
’s threads where she mentioned she poured her heart into this book. Trust me when I say that it shows. Every character interaction, every plot thread, every chapter just oozes honest passion for the book and the story, and it elevates it to another level. The prose flows naturally, and the dialogue can hit you with surprising force. Numerous small character beats, such as how Luc feels he owes it to his adopted father to make something of himself, or how Roena laments about her frosty relationship with her father, hit home with their honesty.
The plot is not the main focus, but serves as a fine tuned vehicle to help the characters confront who they are, and what they want to become. This is not to say the plot is simple or lacking. Events follow naturally from one another, there aren’t any wasted pages, and the fight scenes are weighty. The creatures Luc and Roena encounter are well made and sufficiently unnatural to deserve the tightly of “monster” rather than “beast.” I particularly enjoyed the unearthly fae we meet briefly. They are ethereal, yet still keep one foot firmly planted in reality.
Overall, this book is first and foremost a character driven tale. If you are looking for a heavy focus on monster hunting or action, then this probably won’t be your first choice. However, if character driven is what you desire, then this book delivers in spades.
Favourite Quote:
“The sky is red, Roena. The sky is always red and your father only cares about your well-being.”
December 7, 2020
I discovered KS Villoso through The Wolf of Oren Yaro, and after reading that I was keen to try some more of her works. Having backed Dyrk Ashton's Paternus KS, this work was included in a bundle of eNovels included.
Blackwood Marauder's is set in the same world as The Wolf of Oren Yaro, but works as a standalone story following Luc 'Lucky' apn Jak, the adopted son of a farmer. He initially dreams of joining the army to help support his family. However, because he is racially foreign he is rejected. He ends up joining up with a rag tag group of mercenaries.
Luc is an incredibly likeable character, written with just the right amount of naivete to make his luckiness fun rather than irritating or unbelievable. He has his code which he follows. The story is essentially a coming of age tale as we watch Luc evolve from a simple farmboy into a mercenary leader. An enjoyable and well written romp and actually a very good introduction into Villoso's writing as a standalone in the world that she explore more in other works
Blackwood Marauder's is set in the same world as The Wolf of Oren Yaro, but works as a standalone story following Luc 'Lucky' apn Jak, the adopted son of a farmer. He initially dreams of joining the army to help support his family. However, because he is racially foreign he is rejected. He ends up joining up with a rag tag group of mercenaries.
Luc is an incredibly likeable character, written with just the right amount of naivete to make his luckiness fun rather than irritating or unbelievable. He has his code which he follows. The story is essentially a coming of age tale as we watch Luc evolve from a simple farmboy into a mercenary leader. An enjoyable and well written romp and actually a very good introduction into Villoso's writing as a standalone in the world that she explore more in other works
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