A Good Running Away

Misplaced Mercenaries #1

by Kevin Pettway

When Keane’s life is threatened by Harden Grayspring, the commander of Keane’s own mercenary company, he and his best friend Sarah decide a good running away is their best bet for a happy, unmurdered life. After all, Harden has an army and all they have are Keane’s quick wit and Sarah’s inexplicable warrior’s strength.The source of Sarah’s unnatural prowess and the reason for Harden’s irrational hatred are mysteries that will have to abide, while Sarah and Keane tiptoe past the armies of two antagonistic nations, navigate the political machinations of a belligerent and wicked king, dodge lethal assassins, and woo a beautiful princess. They have their hands full.But Harden isn’t waiting for them to finish up before he comes calling, ready to destroy everything and everyone in his way. He won’t stop until he is facing Keane with a sword in his hand and blood on the floor, a prospect his quarry is not eager to accommodate. After all, as Keane himself says, “A fair fight is like a book with too many words and not enough stabbings. A good book is fast, exciting, and emphasized with punctuated kidneys from behind.”And all the while, Sarah’s alarming abilities continue to grow …

Genres: Fantasy

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 19, 2019

Reviews

[Jason C Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doesn’t everyone love the likeable scoundrel? Well this book has 2 of them as the main characters! Kevin Pettway has created a vibrant and colorful world and describes it beautifully through the course of this book. The fantastical world of swords, strange creatures, mercenaries, nations and royalty comes alive in your mind. I was hooked by action from the very beginning and that just kept coming with enough humor and intrigue spread throughout chapters to keep me engaged. I completely enjoyed this book.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first in a series and I'm already excited about reading the next one.

I would classify this book as a fantasy with drama - but the characters are sarcastic and funny. I love this. The two main characters are great. They compliment each other well. One is kick ass and one is a smart ass. My favorite thing about movies, books, etc. is relationships between characters. I hate reading about people that are not interesting due to lack of development. I happy to say this book delivers.

I loved this first adventure and can't wait to read more and see what else happens in this world. I imagine I will be reading all of this author's books.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice break from your typical story. All around is was just a fun adventure that doesn’t need a world shattering threat to tell a great story. The book has a unique humor to it if you don't mind the vulgar curses the characters say, and the banter between Keane and Sarah was great. I loved the relationship they had with each other (strictly friends, not romantic). Also the mystery around Sarah and what she can do was fun to try to puzzle out. Lastly the fast paced chapters really kept the story moving. Oh, and the chapter titles just add a bunch of character to the book.

[Haley Kilgour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a very fun humor fantasy book.

Keane as a character is great and I love his snark. Sarah was more the voice of reason and while a good character, I didn’t care for her nearly as much as anyone else.

The pacing of the story is fantastic. And the ending promises more to come which im very excited for.

[Walter Critz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engrossing tale with interestingly complex characters and an initially meandering plot that eventually grabs your attention as the protagonists find themselves trapped into the role of heroes. The world in which the plot unfolds and the people living in it are realistically described. Once I got caught up in the action, I could not set this book aside!

[William Waggoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amusing mix of mayhem and mirth. It’s actually funny through and through but also a lot of blood, gore, and language! The people and their relationships are really well done. If you want a “light” slash and stab this might fill the bill. It is supposed to be fantasy but, at least in this first book of the series, the “fantasy” part is minor. Definitely more of an adventure novel.

[Henry Cosgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

A darn good start

I haven’t read a good sword slinging story in quite a while. Refreshing, I look forward to more in the saga. Fun, plain fun. Reminds me a wee bit of Robert E Howard’s stories except a lot lighter without the darkness.

[Pouneh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The audiobook narrator significantly dampened my enjoyment of this book. He read every character the same way.
The story, on the other hand, was fun, as were the characters. I love the friendship between Keane and Sarah.
That being said, I am unsure whether to continue the series.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. I felt it was kind of cozy, but medium stakes, living their lives with mercenaries. I enjoyed the characters Keane and Sarah, and the adventures that I got up to. I would recommend this.

[Beverly Fuqua · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just ok. Thought about quitting halfway in, but I went ahead and prodded through. It's not that funny, just kind of dumb.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a re-read and I still love it. Sure, I'm biased because I edited it and am the publisher. But I'm having a grand time as a reader experiencing this world again after a few years.

[Jenny Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this adventure! Mr. Pettway wrote a fun story that will have you ready to jump into book 2.