Assassin's Honor

Assassins of Landria #1

by Gail Z. Martin

First in the new Assassins of Landria series from the award-winning, bestselling author of A Novel of Darkhurst, and the Chronicles Of The Necromancer books! Friends since their orphanage childhood, Joel “Ridge” Breckinridge and Garrett “Rett” Kennard rose through the ranks of the Landrian army together, from teenaged conscripts to seasoned fighters. Together, they became the most feared team of assassins in Landria, surviving longer that most in their profession by virtue of excellent fighting skills, legendary bravado, peerless strategy, and an uncanny synchronicity. Henri, their long-suffering squire, tends to the thankless jobs of provisioning and logistics, while Ridge and Rett fight and recover. When wandering mystic Yefim Makary becomes the darling of disenchanted aristocrats, Rett and Ridge fear Makary—or the Witch Lord, as his followers call him—is a threat to the crown. As treasonous whispers spread, Ridge and Rett go rogue to stop the threat, save the kingdom and protect the king—while landing on the “Most Wanted” list themselves!

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Magic, Urban Fantasy, Action, Science Fiction Fantasy

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2018

About the author

Gail Z. Martin discovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The first story she wroteat age fivewas about a vampire. Her favorite TV show as a preschooler was Dark Shadows. At age 14, she decided to become a writer.

She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites. She is married and has three children, a Maltese and a golden retriever.

Gail Z. Martin is also Morgan Brice, which is her pen name for urban fantasy MM paranormal romance.

In addition to the online sites listed below, you can find me on
Facebook.com/Groups/MartinShadowAlliance
Facebook.com/Groups/WorldsOfMorganBrice
Twitter: @GailZMartin and @MorganBriceAuthor
YouTube: YouTube.com/c/GailZMartinAuthor
IG: @MorganBriceAuthorGail & Larry newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dd5XLj
Morgan Brice newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dy_8oL
BookBub for Morgan: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/morga...
Bookbub for Gail: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gail-...
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Morgan-Brice/e...?
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Gail-Z-Martin/...
Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) www.Pinterest.com/Gzmartin

Reviews

[Kemery Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

For the full review, check out: essentialreadingsandreviews.blogspot....

What's the story about: Assassin's Honor is a fast-paced romp of how two assassins, under the employ of the king, must uncover an understated threat that could doom the kingdom. If this sounds a whole lot like Michael J. Sullivan's Riyria Revelations series, it's because it is, but not in a bad way.

Assassin's Honor takes tried and true aspects of fantasy and tells a story that is fun and worth reading. It doesn't make you think too much about what is going on, but it does guide you on a journey of mystery and suspense. The characters were good enough to get behind and while the world-building isn't incredible, it doesn't need to be to fit this story well. Martin is good at telling simple stories that are interesting enough to keep you engaged and this short tale is included in that vein. I would recommend this one, especially if you like anything by Michael J. Sullivan and just want a story about assassins who aren't morally despicable or hopelessly depressing. A worthy read for sure!

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book pulls you in from the beginning. Ridge and Rett are assassins for the king. While on an assignment, they discover information that leads to the discovery of children with magic being kidnapped and a possible plot to assassinate the king. As Ridge and Rett investigate further, they become the hunted.

It was a great book and I can't wait to start book two.

[Jay Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 to maybe 3 stars but it was only okay. The characters were okay but I just expect more from the main story/plot. The magic and assassinations were needed way more in this book. Just limited enjoyment for me and did not do much for me. It was just okay.

[Amber Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridge and Rhett are two buddy cops taking an adventure from their normal assassin duties to do good and make sure justice prevails. I enjoyed their friendship and how well they worked together. I especially liked the magic wound into their world. There were a lot of names and side characters to keep track of, which confused me at times, but overall I feel like I was able to keep up.

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, quick book. Interesting story, characters, fair amount of action and bits of magic which expanded as the book went on

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assassin’s Honor is a delicious mix of dark adventure, mystery, binding friendship, and snark. This story was a delight from beginning to end. Rett and Ridge make a great team and I was instantly drawn to them, wanting them to win out against all odds – and there’s plenty thrown at these two!

The story chases the coat tales of the Witch King. Sure, there’s plenty of bad things going on in the world, but so much of it has the taint of the Witch King. Our heroes are the King’s assassins, so they have a lot of autonomy when dealing with evil people. But they also have a deep secret – they each have a touch of magic (forbidden magic!). Yet that forbidden magic is what gives them an edge in tracking down the Witch King, the mystic Makary.

They are joined by several allies, tho some join more reluctantly than others. Henri acts as their butler and commoner spy. Burke is a cold-hearted, steel-eyed boss sending them out on assignments. A ghost talker eventually joins their ranks. There’s also a well-respected lady that takes in kids and others in need of a safe harbor.

The ladies didn’t have a very big role in this story. I would have liked to see more from them. They were there and they do have names and they do avoid falling into the romantic pitfall, and yet… well, they get to comfort people, save children, provide food, etc. There are a few ladies that have brief appearances where they bear arms and I would have liked to see more of them.

The action is a perfect pace as I never grew bored with the story. The tale is told in 3 parts, almost like 3 novellas were joined together. In the first, there are kids to be rescued from slavery, in the second we meet our ghost talker, and in the third we finally meet the Witch King. They work well together, one flowing into the next. All together, a great start to a new epic fantasy series. 5/5 stars.

The Narration: Samuel Roukin, where has you been all my life!?! This was a great narration as Roukin’s voice is magnetic. He has the perfect, the exact gruffness for our hardened heroes and yet he also excels at the female voices and kid voices. I especially liked his sick old man voice, especially when that old man got angry. The pacing was perfect & there were no technical issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Gail Z. Martin. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

The places you can go when you open your mind to all that could be possible. The worlds created by Gail Z. Matin allow for one to gravel to these worlds and experience the fantasy, the magic, the journey.

Getting to know Ridge, Rett, Henri, Yefim Makary was just flat out interesting. There were moments of mistrust, fear, and uncertainty. The relationship between Ridge and Rett was tight almost bonding. Then add in Henri. The action, adventure, suspense, secrets, political strife (real or perceived) and the build of it all was how the story carried well for me.

The fantasy was filled with intensity and intrigue. There was more that I wanted and a lot that I got. This was not just a one man show. There were full cast of characters that were not just side pawns.

The narration by Samuel Roukin was on-point. He delivered a very good performance. The clarity in characters. The pacing, tone, and diction were all there. You were not left wondering without direction and distinction.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assassin's Honor is the exciting start for Gail Z Martin's series, Assassins of Landria. This is the first book I have read by this author and I must say, I was quite impressed. It was refreshing to read something uniquely written. I am not a huge fantasy genre fan, but this may have changed my mind. It involves action, adventure, and suspense.
For my second time reading Assassin's Honor, I was able to listen to the audio version. I loved the kindle version but listening to Samuel Roukin's voice made me love it even more. He did a fantastic performance of this book. I enjoyed every minute of it. Great job, Mr. Roukin!
I give Assassin's Honor a well deserved five plus stars. Looking forward to more by this author. I hope to see what happens next in the Assassins of Landria series in the near future.
I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[CCAM&GZM · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a loooong, long time I wanted to read Mrs. Gail Z. Martin's books. So, I jumped to the occasion offered by this tour. It was one of my best book decisions!

Before finishing Sellsword's Oath I already made some mental notes about what I should tell you. They were good notes! But, my wits plummeted when reading, at the end of the book/s, the author's "Afterword". I swear that Mrs. Martin had copy-pasted my notes! It doesn't matter that she wrote them first. Now, I must change everything.... let's see... so, instead of telling you that Assassins of Landria #1 and #2 are "epic fantasy without the epic length" with "interweaving plot threads", I tell you the following:

I really liked the main characters, Shadow Assassins: Ridge and Rett, and their camaraderie, their brotherhood. They are not invincible just very close to that. Well prepared, smart enough and lucky to have and gain talented, faithful friends, they get to live through the continuous chain of challenges. And they keep (and adapt) their humor and banter. They are deadly guys who do what they have to do to defend their king whilst saving innocents.

The way in which the story is built doesn't allow dead moments. Always something happens, even if is just for a detail that will become important later on. The main plot flows through several different "mini" plots until reaching the piece of resistance. Every clue, every step forward is the object of a different adventure and all of them drive us to the climax. Imagine a necklace of which each gem is a short story itself and all together prepare the eye for and highlight the centerpiece. Put together by the author's writing style the necklace becomes a superb whole.

The action scenes are in the tone with what it is expected from such a guild, even if our heroes tend to leave a louder signature (which of course, brings them other unfavorable effects to deal with). It's almost as a fantasy of medieval times with a black-ops touch.

The fantasy elements are present and well used. In a world in which the magic is forbidden, the characters, main and secondary, have and discover new powers, for better or for worse. The supreme battle between good and bad it's to be recognised as such, as it's in secret, scheming stage in the Assassin's Honor and evolves in Sellsword's Oath. There are no repeated actions or scenes. The number of allies and enemies increases and let's just say that "dead men tell no tales" is not a valid affirmation. Keeping the focus on the need to find and defeat the enemy leader, the author introduces more darker themes whilst maintaining an appearance of lightness. Each volume represents a battle and the war goes on hopefully for many volumes.

With no dull moments and idle words, the story gallops without being rushed. Somehow the well written fewer pages are not always desirable and the "classic" length of the epic fantasy genre starts to sound very appealing. I loved both volumes and cannot wait for next! It doesn't matter if you like or not the genre, you'll enjoy this series.

https://mythicalbooks.blogspot.com/20...

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ridge and Rett are a team of assassins working for the king of Landria. They met as teenage conscripts in the army and are friends as well as colleagues. They are an oddity, as most assassins work alone, but they enjoy working as a team and are (one of the) most efficient assassins in Landria, a position which often gains them resentment from their fellow assassins. They also have a squire, Henri, who helps them with accommodation, food, supplies and basically always knows what the pair need before they even do.

Trouble brews as a mystic called Yefim Makary, or the Witch Lord as he likes to be called, is gaining a lot of support from top aristocrats and causing a threat to the king and crown. He is spreading dissent, but is being very clever in how he does it and has a lot of strong and powerful support. Ridge and Rett come across some abhorrent slavers and others, which actually are linked to the Witch Lord and his activities. The assassins end up having to go ‘rogue’ to get close enough to the Witch Lord and try to stop his threat against the crown and king.

Going rogue means they are now on the ‘Most Wanted’ list and their fellow assassins are now looking to kill them and hunt them down. Their usual digs are now unsafe and Henri comes into his own as he sorts out other safehouses for the two to stay at. They have very few others that they can trust and must rescue a Lord to gain the ear of the king and be believed. If the Witch Lord succeeds, the king will fall and chaos will reign.

An intriguing read, with the pair of assassins made to be very human in their work, doing what they have to, but not taking the enormous delight in excessive cruelty, that some of the other assassins seem to take in their work. To them it is a job they have become very proficient at. Working really well as a team, and using their separate skills for planning and strategy as well as strength to help them to the position they have reached. A fine tale of conspiracy against the monarchy and those who will do anything to protect their king.

A great read and with such interesting main characters. I received an ARC copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to receive an ARC of this book and I devoured it in a few hours!
As usual Gail Martin delivers in the best way with a fast paced fantasy adventure full of action and intrigue. As always, I love her take on magic. She always manages to bring in ghosts in some really entertaining ways without leaning on the gothic or the macabre.
The story focuses on two main characters, Ridge and Rett who are partners within the King's assassins and in the course of their work they uncover a plot against the King. Knowing they won't be believed,they set out to investigate and find the proof they need to convince him of the plot. (Beware, you may find yourself getting them mixed up in the beginning like I did,but they become easier to distinguish as the story really gets going.)
Because this is shorter in length than a typical epic fantasy,the story very much takes place in the present. Only information absolutely necessary to the plot is given,so there are no big info dumps to absorb or unnecessary descriptions to wade through. This makes for a fast pace and I honestly did not feel the time going.
For all that it's fast,the main characters are well developed and likeable. The main villain felt a bit vague,but I have a feeling we will learn more about him in the next book.
I also liked the lighter tone of this story,it made a refreshing change from some darker toned fantasy I have been reading lately.
I enjoyed the relationship between the Ridge and Rett. They are brothers by bond rather than blood and they were just very well written with some great witty banter and some touching moments between them. The secondary characters were also entertaining. I can't wait to learn more about Henri, I have a feeling he has led an interesting life!
In conclusion,this was an entertaining read. It had plenty of action,intrigue and magic,a decent plot and likeable characters. Its a solid first entry to a series and I look forward to coming back for more!

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another series by this author that I’ll need to keep reading! I loved the characters in this story. Rett and Ridge, while both king’s assassins, have different personalities with Rett being more cautious and Ridge willing to take risks, so they complement each other, and work together well. I also liked Henri, their valet, and would love to learn more about him. He’s a lot more than he appears. Loretta is an interesting character too, and I hope we see more of her in future books.

The world building is fabulous, and I felt as though I was reading about a land with a rich history. I loved the descriptions of the settings. They were very easy to visualise.

I liked the way psi powers are used in the story, and the way both Rett and Ridge have ‘the sight’ and can see the Witch Lord’s touch on others, yet need to hide this ability as magic is forbidden. I liked the reasoning behind why assassins are forbidden to use magic as it makes a lot of sense that it risks them becoming too powerful. I really liked that Rett’s extra power came with consequences to himself when he uses it. The scene where Rett uses his abilities to help rescue Loretta is edge-of-seat reading, and I loved the way the ghosts help out.

The Witch Lord himself is a formidable opponent, and a thoroughly nasty individual. Using others to further his power, and who those others are (trying to avoid spoilers) is a sign of true evil. I thought it was realistic that others have been sucked in by his promises of power, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series, especially as Rett and Ridge add to their team. I thought it was very realistic that Rett and Ridge don’t know who they are trust, and loved that this story arc is only just beginning.

I’d recommend Assassins Honor to readers who enjoy fantasy with a good dollop of adventure, likeable characters with fabulous banter, a story that keeps you turning pages, and a villain who is not easily stopped. More please.

[H.M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Assassin's Honor is the first book I've read by Gail Z. Martin and I thoroughly enjoyed. I love the fantasy genre and have read books by Tolkien, Jordan, Sanderson, Brooks, etc and enjoyed being able to read an adventure in just a couple of evenings. (though if you're not nearly as busy as I am, you can read it in one.) The book gives you just enough detail to learn to feel a part of this world Martin has created.

I adored the two main characters, Ridge and Rett, two of the King's Shadows, or assassins, who are sent out to weed out traitors as well as serve and protect the king all the while whilst hiding secrets of their own. During one of their assignments, they discover slave traders, working for the charismatic Witch Lord, and ultimately free some kidnapped children. In getting them to safety, a much larger conspiracy to throw the kingdom into turmoil is brought to light. Together with their trusty (and rather resourceful) squire, Henri, they race to discover the who's behind the plot, save the King and maintain peace in the kingdom. For the time being, anyway!

Along the way the reader definitely gets a feel for the dangerous life as a shadow while at the same time rooting for them as they uncover the assassination plot. Of course - this book is definitely left open for sequels which I truly hope are written!

I enjoyed the snarky banter yet mutual respect between Ridge and Rett. They're unusual in that they're Shadows working as a pair. I hope to learn more of their back stories - as well as those of some other minor characters - in subsequent books.

Assassin's Honor is the first book in the "Assassins of Landria" series and I am voluntarily reviewing it after having received a free copy.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love epic fantasy with awesome characters and high stakes. I got this book through Authorsxp to review, and I absolutely LOVED it!

Ridge and Rhett have been best friends and partners from the orphanage through assassin academy, and use their considerable talents--including forbidden magic--to keep their king and country safe. When a mysterious wandering prophet appears, most think him a harmless diversion. But Rhett's and Ridge's magic warns them of a dark stain of evil spreading through the souls of discontented people who plot a revolution, and so they go off to uncover the plot. With the help of their trusty assistant and a medium who really can talk to the dead, they soon get to the heart of the matter. But how to convince the king?

The cast of characters remind me of the BBC version of The Musketeers, the way they bicker, tease and fight, but always have each other's backs. The world-building is solid, the dialogue is brilliant, and the pacing is great. Action and dialogue work together to carry the reader along the adventure. The peril is real, and never knowing whom to trust really ramps up the tension. I read this in one sitting because I couldn't stop - I HAD to know what happens next. And it's set up perfectly for the next book in the series. I'm with these guys for good, now!

[Crystal P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book greatly. It was my first book from this author and I plan to read more in this series and other books by the author as well!

Rett and Ridge, the main characters, have been best friends since their time in an orphanage. Their friendship is real and true, the kind of friendship you yearn for in life. There was no romance in the book, but the friendship of the main characters was enough. They complemented each other in their career as assassins. They also have magic that drives the story line and aids them in their success. The fact they aren’t supposed to have magic and are trying to keep it secret adds drama and depth to the story as they attempt to out the Witch Lord as trying to undermine the King. There are a lot of secondary main characters that are fantastic - Henri, their squire, is invaluable and makes the story 10 times better!

I cannot wait to read more in the series and see where things go from here.

I also enjoy books that make me think and there is a part when the main characters are suspected of having magic because they are so good at their jobs. While it turns out the DO have magic, what if they didn’t and just ended up being persecuted for being good at what they do? How often has that or does that happen in life? OR do all people that are fantastic at what they do have some secret they aren’t sharing! This is where my brain went, causing me to have to rewind a bit and re-listen, haha!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very solid 3* fantasy adventure romp.

This is my first Gail Z. Martin book. This one I checked out as a digital audiobook from my library.

The story tells of two assassins who find themselves delving into a deep plot that puts the stability of the kingdom at risk. The Witch Lord is one nasty dude who is very good at manipulating the noble populace. By the end, I can't help but wonder if he is just a front man to someone else who wields truly powerful magics...

Overall the plot moves smoothly, the characters are pretty cool and/or entertaining and it sets up for the second book in the series very well. Henri and Loretta are very cool characters, they were certainly the favorites for me this storyline.

I'm watching you though Henri, you are totally more than you are letting on so far. Plus, the author keeps mentioning just how trustworthy you are, something somethings got to be up!

When/If my library gets this second in the series I'm definitely going to check it out. I really wanna see how Ridge and Rett and all their companions will fight against what the Witch Lord is plotting.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be excellent. I would have liked to have seen a little more to help us understand who/what these proverbial monks are and what power they represent. Everyone with magic is, at the very least, wary of them, if not terrified; but they don’t seem to represent enough of a threat to magic users to significantly dissuade them from using their powers. I get the impression that they represent the major religion in Landria, but perhaps don’t actually have much influence/power outside of their own sanctuaries.

I hope that the next book involves our two Shadows having to explain exactly how they are able to spot the Witch Lord’s influence to Burke, because that has to be a funny situation. And I wouldn’t be surprised for them to learn that Burke knows more about them than they ever thought, and is ok with it.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Ridge and Rhett are the King's Shadows, assassins for the crown. Friends since the day they met in the orphanage, they have each other's back through the dangerous risks they take to do their job. Add in Henri, their manservant (and assistant in many ways) and it makes for an interesting set of MCs. The story moves at a good pace, plenty of twists and turns to keep the story moving and just a few hints of the past to build up their background. This story really does give the feel of an epic fantasy without the super long page count.

It will be interesting to see how the fall-out form this book plays into the next story (as there will clearly be some long-term effects to work out).

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve consistently enjoyed every book I’ve read by Gail Z. Martin, and Assassin's Honor (Assassins of Landria Book 1) is no exception. I love her take on assassins, her world-building, the lead characters Ridge and Rett (truly excellent) and supporting cast and the really perfectly written plot which starts what looks to be a great story line. I just outright love this book. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Bo0kSLoth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ms. Martin's works, both the high fantasy and the paranormal. I have to say, though, that this book gets back to the type and style of writing that I think she does best which is the high, epic fantasy. You know the type of fantasy full of castles, Kings, horses and leather (both work and ridden), ladies in dresses and men in armor, magic and mages. That is what you get with this book plus intrigue, murder, assassins, plot twists, and the thrill of the chase. It has great world-building. The characters have a camaraderie that is reminiscent of the Necromancer Series. I hope there are more books to come

**I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.**

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first story I've read from this author and it was simply fabulous! I was pulled into the story at page one and was was only disappointed that it ended. I need more. I really enjoyed how well Ridge and Rett worked together. Their friendship is real and solid. Their strengths work well with each other. Both have the sight, that no one else knows about. It must remain a secret. Rett also has visions of things that haven't happened yet. Henri, manservant/valet/squire is quite the character and really adds to the story as he has skills that make him invaluable as a behind the scenes nearly invisible third mc. I can't wait to get book 2 in this series!

[Pieter van der Ploeg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read that the Assassins of Landria series is mainly aimed at readers who enjoy fantasy without the sprawling storylines typical of epic fantasy — more of a casual fantasy. The author definitely succeeded in that. All the books fit that idea.

I started the series without knowing this, and after the first two books, I felt everything moved a bit too simply and superficially. Having finished them all, I’d say it’s a decent series for readers new to fantasy, but for those with more experience, it feels too light and limited. It’s my least favorite series by this author, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assassin's Honor is a new fantasy by author Gail Z Martin. This is a fun book from the first page. Our two assassins are Shadows who work as a pair making them very different from most who work solo. This gives them a strength and a weakness. The plot uses all of this to give a exciting ride with interesting characters, a different world, a boat load of tension and danger around every corner. A added plus; this is an epic fantasy without the epic length. There is a solution to part of the danger the two find but the main problem is still around to be dealt with in future books.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assassin's Honor is the first book in the 'Assassins of Landria' series. The plot line is well written and we have three MCs (Ridge, Rett, & their assistant Henri) that are extremely well developed. As their King's assassins they do what is necessary to protect him and his kingdom. When they discover a ploy against the King they go rogue to deal with it. This has plenty of action and adventure with twists and turns as well as being a real page turner. I highly recommend it. Received a copy from Hidden Gems and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars out of 5

This book was action from the start. I found that I didn't miss the absence of a romantic interest. The assassins were the good guys. They reminded me of the spirit of Robin Hood. The gifts each of the main characters had I found unique. The only thing that got me was the things that happened to the kids. That really did shake me a bit because you know bad things happen to kids all the time. But once again, the heroes were the assassins and I love how it didn't follow the typical stereotypes that I had created in my mind.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I may be in the minority, but this book sadly didn't work for me. I typically love books with magic and assassins, and the premise sounded great, but the execution fell really flat. There is a lot of telling rather than showing and I don't feel emotionally connected at all to the characters/world/situation. Everyone just sounds bored no matter what is happening, and the story jumps from encounter to encounter without having much of a story arc other than fighting a mysterious villain who we haven't even seen on page.

Dnf 60%

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an epic fantasy in a shortish (206 pages) form. I liked the story and the partnership of the main characters, and it really did feel like an epic fantasy. Rett and Ridge grew up together as orphans and are now partenered assassins working for the king. There is a lot of action and a little bit of supporting magic, which was a good mix.
I felt like the first few chapter transitions were a tiny bit rough as we were getting to know the characters, but the book worked for me and I'll be reading the series!

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Gail Z Martin’s writing. She creates such great characters and worlds with their own magic systems. I have yet to find one that I didn’t devour in one sitting. This book is no different. It is about two brothers by choice who are assassins for their king. They uncover a possible threat to the kingdom and feel the need to investigate even when others start trying to frame them for the very things they are investigating. Wonderful book and highly recommended.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, and hope the second in the series will be coming very soon!
The characters are just brilliant... love 'em, hate 'em, but you won't be indifferent. The story is engaging and moves along at a good pace (not slow, but not so fast you can't keep up with what's going on).
This is Gail Z. Martin back to writing at her very best.

I voluntarily reviewed this book after receiving a free copy.

[Volpot · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Fast moving tale of two assassins having to go rogue to foil a plot to kill the king. There's a bit of a twist with the assassins having a touch of magic and the aid of ghosts to accomplish their mission. The writing was good and the characters were developed as the story progressed. The two assassins were buddies in the style of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (author's words). I'll read the next in the series.