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Vile
Elianor Paine is a Magistrate of the Peace in the Kingdom of Trist and a republican secret agent. She has 6 days to subvert her investigation, supplant war-hero Lord Vile, then coerce his adult children to start a revolution, before her masters discover the truth and have her killed. Just how far is she willing to go? And can she change the world without changing herself?
“Vile is a very strong book whose distinctive style and flow makes it extremely readable. The action scenes are well-paced and the descriptions very vivid and memorable, from the backdrops to the characters. It’s a great example of the genre.” Rebecca Barker, Speculative Fiction and Fantasy Specialist for The Literary Consultancy
"With strong characters in a deep and complex setting, Vile is a story of a world standing on a precipice - and the people about to make it fall" Toby Frost, Author of the Space Captain Smith and Dark Renaissance Series.
“Vile is a debut novel that reads like the work of a master in full stride. Keith Crawford combines seamless imagination, deft plotting and swirling action with lashes of original, wicked humour. From its opening scene, Vile hi-jacks the reader on a white-knuckle ride in the company of a fantastical array of characters who will linger in memory long past the last page.” Kai Maristed, Literary Critic and award -winning author of Out After Dark and Broken Ground.
“Vile is a very strong book whose distinctive style and flow makes it extremely readable. The action scenes are well-paced and the descriptions very vivid and memorable, from the backdrops to the characters. It’s a great example of the genre.” Rebecca Barker, Speculative Fiction and Fantasy Specialist for The Literary Consultancy
"With strong characters in a deep and complex setting, Vile is a story of a world standing on a precipice - and the people about to make it fall" Toby Frost, Author of the Space Captain Smith and Dark Renaissance Series.
“Vile is a debut novel that reads like the work of a master in full stride. Keith Crawford combines seamless imagination, deft plotting and swirling action with lashes of original, wicked humour. From its opening scene, Vile hi-jacks the reader on a white-knuckle ride in the company of a fantastical array of characters who will linger in memory long past the last page.” Kai Maristed, Literary Critic and award -winning author of Out After Dark and Broken Ground.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 25, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed being sucked in to Keith Crawford's world of fantasy and secrets, I especially connected with the lead character Elianor Paine.
If you enjoy strong female leads (and wonderfully imperfect ones at that), the complexities of human motivations and fast-moving fantasy settings then this could be for you.
It took me a little while to get my head around all the characters and the landscape but was well worth it when I got stuck in (there are also handy maps at the beginning).
If you enjoy strong female leads (and wonderfully imperfect ones at that), the complexities of human motivations and fast-moving fantasy settings then this could be for you.
It took me a little while to get my head around all the characters and the landscape but was well worth it when I got stuck in (there are also handy maps at the beginning).
January 23, 2020
Vile is captivating from the start. The story flowed easily from one part to the next, and the imagery will give you chills. Although this is a bit longer than your typical fantasy story, I promise it is well worth the time to read it cover to cover, and you won't want to put it down for a single minute once you start.
April 2, 2021
Vile is a dark, gritty fantasy novel woven from many inter-connecting plot threads. There is: Elianor’s secret mission to start a revolution against the monarchy; the disappearance of women from Shadowgate town, the mystery of the Black Dog monster haunting Shadowgate, civil unrest between two rival families of Shadowgate Town and the secretive Vile family, whose war-hero Lord, openly despises his children. The main setting is Shadowgate castle which is the first line of defence between the realm and the Kindred – shapeshifting terrors. It is ruled over by the once-glorious Vile aristocracy, with Lord Vile, rumoured to have killed the last Kindred prince. There is history, suspense and mysterious happenings from the very first page, that draw you deeper into the darkness of Shadowgate.
Keith is certainly not afraid to kill his characters. The whole novel feels like one giant blood bath, with no character spared the wrath of the plot’s advance. This is due to the multiple villainous creatures that stalk the novel and the villainous townsfolk. Elianor begins to investigate the disappearance of the women taken by the Black Dog but soon finds herself uncovering mystery after mystery. Why is Lord Vile so secretive? Why are his children at odds? Why is his eldest son Nathaniel so secluded? Why do the monks at Demonspass not allow anyone behind their monastery walls? These multiple mysteries are woven relentlessly, building suspense through right until the very end where finally the plot twists are revealed and suddenly, every jigsaw piece falls satisfyingly into place.
The main protagonist Elianor is a tough heroine who knows how to defend herself and how to use her power as an upholder of the law to interrogate and anchor the truth. Elianor has the gift of Truthsense, as all magistrates do, to aid her investigations. Elianor’s secret agenda, to secure the Vile’s vote for the republic and aid in disposal of the Queen, runs neatly alongside her investigation into the missing women. Elianor is fierce, unforgiving and merciless, the perfect concoction of grit and determination. As Elianor investigates she is embroiled in Shadowgate’s civil war between two rival families, the Garns who holds Shadowgate’s riches through their mine and Tannyr who keeps Shadowgate’s labourers under his wing. The civil war reaches a crescendo towards the end of the novel as the bodies begin to pile up in the streets of Shadowgate town and Lord Vile faces a mutiny.
There were a few potential trigger moments/ graphic moments in the book such as an incest storyline and a rape scene that any future reader may need to be aware of.
If you love fantasy novels that involve: dark beasts, mystery, murder, civil unrest, war, fighting, evil villains and cunning enemies, then ‘Vile’ is for you.
Keith is certainly not afraid to kill his characters. The whole novel feels like one giant blood bath, with no character spared the wrath of the plot’s advance. This is due to the multiple villainous creatures that stalk the novel and the villainous townsfolk. Elianor begins to investigate the disappearance of the women taken by the Black Dog but soon finds herself uncovering mystery after mystery. Why is Lord Vile so secretive? Why are his children at odds? Why is his eldest son Nathaniel so secluded? Why do the monks at Demonspass not allow anyone behind their monastery walls? These multiple mysteries are woven relentlessly, building suspense through right until the very end where finally the plot twists are revealed and suddenly, every jigsaw piece falls satisfyingly into place.
The main protagonist Elianor is a tough heroine who knows how to defend herself and how to use her power as an upholder of the law to interrogate and anchor the truth. Elianor has the gift of Truthsense, as all magistrates do, to aid her investigations. Elianor’s secret agenda, to secure the Vile’s vote for the republic and aid in disposal of the Queen, runs neatly alongside her investigation into the missing women. Elianor is fierce, unforgiving and merciless, the perfect concoction of grit and determination. As Elianor investigates she is embroiled in Shadowgate’s civil war between two rival families, the Garns who holds Shadowgate’s riches through their mine and Tannyr who keeps Shadowgate’s labourers under his wing. The civil war reaches a crescendo towards the end of the novel as the bodies begin to pile up in the streets of Shadowgate town and Lord Vile faces a mutiny.
There were a few potential trigger moments/ graphic moments in the book such as an incest storyline and a rape scene that any future reader may need to be aware of.
If you love fantasy novels that involve: dark beasts, mystery, murder, civil unrest, war, fighting, evil villains and cunning enemies, then ‘Vile’ is for you.
May 26, 2020
I have a great fondness for books—especially spec fic books—that deal with the minutiae behind politics and revolutions. (It’s possible that this is so because I wrote a sci-fi/dystopian piece about how language invoked a revolution, but I digress.) Keith Crawford’s Vile is one of the best books I’ve seen in a while that deals not only with a potentially politically (and otherwise) explosive situation, but the minutiae behind it. Oh, and it was spectacularly well written, too.
1. Thoughts on the plot
There is a lot going on in this book. Magistrate Elianor Paine goes to Shadowgate to bring back a Vile (the father or the children) to vote in the next election, ostensibly for one goal and quietly for another. However, there are things going on in Shadowgate that involve the long-gone threat of the Kindred, secrets between family members, and rivalries that divide the town. Every piece initially seemed like a separate thing, something that didn’t quite fit with the others but was still important. And then I read on.
The sheer capability of weaving each piece together so that one leads seamlessly to another, and when put together create a whole image is hugely impressive. I enjoyed going through the plot and figuring things out immensely. I would say that this was absolutely well thought out and well crafted. Basically, it was great.
2. Thoughts on the main character
For all her capabilities, Elianor Paine doesn’t initially seem like a likeable character. (Okay, yes, this is grimdark and yes, that means morally grey characters, but still.) She has her own motives and is a bit arrogant. However, the more I read about her and the other characters, the more I liked them. Oh, yes, they were absolutely morally grey and perfect for grimdark. (coughPersephonecough) But their motivations were so perfectly woven into the plot, and their backstories superbly well done. Basically, I enjoyed all of the characters, but especially Elianor. She was a perfect main character. Perhaps manipulated, but not dumb. And certainly very capable.
3. Favourite part
The revelations of all the characters as they finally figure out what is going on in their lives. This was done so as to be a surprise, and yet expected. I felt what the characters felt and I absolutely thrilled in it.
4. Critique
Actually, I don’t really have one. I think the language was well crafted, the characters entertaining and, if not likeable then at least intriguing, and the plot superb. I really want to know more.
This book is beautifully written. It fits perfectly into the questionable characteristics that make grimdark what it is. The minutae are described well and pieced together to form a whole that is the perfect start to a series. Definitely on my best books for 2020 list.
1. Thoughts on the plot
There is a lot going on in this book. Magistrate Elianor Paine goes to Shadowgate to bring back a Vile (the father or the children) to vote in the next election, ostensibly for one goal and quietly for another. However, there are things going on in Shadowgate that involve the long-gone threat of the Kindred, secrets between family members, and rivalries that divide the town. Every piece initially seemed like a separate thing, something that didn’t quite fit with the others but was still important. And then I read on.
The sheer capability of weaving each piece together so that one leads seamlessly to another, and when put together create a whole image is hugely impressive. I enjoyed going through the plot and figuring things out immensely. I would say that this was absolutely well thought out and well crafted. Basically, it was great.
2. Thoughts on the main character
For all her capabilities, Elianor Paine doesn’t initially seem like a likeable character. (Okay, yes, this is grimdark and yes, that means morally grey characters, but still.) She has her own motives and is a bit arrogant. However, the more I read about her and the other characters, the more I liked them. Oh, yes, they were absolutely morally grey and perfect for grimdark. (coughPersephonecough) But their motivations were so perfectly woven into the plot, and their backstories superbly well done. Basically, I enjoyed all of the characters, but especially Elianor. She was a perfect main character. Perhaps manipulated, but not dumb. And certainly very capable.
3. Favourite part
The revelations of all the characters as they finally figure out what is going on in their lives. This was done so as to be a surprise, and yet expected. I felt what the characters felt and I absolutely thrilled in it.
4. Critique
Actually, I don’t really have one. I think the language was well crafted, the characters entertaining and, if not likeable then at least intriguing, and the plot superb. I really want to know more.
This book is beautifully written. It fits perfectly into the questionable characteristics that make grimdark what it is. The minutae are described well and pieced together to form a whole that is the perfect start to a series. Definitely on my best books for 2020 list.
August 16, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Vile
Author: Keith Crawford
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 16 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“The fighting is well-described and fast-paced. I also liked how the author developed the characters. There´s a lot of depth to them. It´s a bit slow here and there but keep going – it´s worth it!” Male reader, aged 60
“A complicated plot in many ways with a lot of characters to keep on top of. It´s not a short novel, the author determined for the reader to get fully immersed in the imaginary world. Lots of politics too. A very interesting read, perfect for readers who enjoy sci-fi but liked to be pushed and not spoon fed.” Male reader, aged 46
“Cool characters, exciting plot – and well-written too. I loved this book.” Female reader, aged 43
To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced, cleverly plotted novel with a cast of memorable characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Vile
Author: Keith Crawford
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 16 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“The fighting is well-described and fast-paced. I also liked how the author developed the characters. There´s a lot of depth to them. It´s a bit slow here and there but keep going – it´s worth it!” Male reader, aged 60
“A complicated plot in many ways with a lot of characters to keep on top of. It´s not a short novel, the author determined for the reader to get fully immersed in the imaginary world. Lots of politics too. A very interesting read, perfect for readers who enjoy sci-fi but liked to be pushed and not spoon fed.” Male reader, aged 46
“Cool characters, exciting plot – and well-written too. I loved this book.” Female reader, aged 43
To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced, cleverly plotted novel with a cast of memorable characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
March 11, 2020
Vile was a fast read with good pacing and excellent combat. There are some long game pieces that fall into place nicely.
But after I put the book down, a few thoughts struck me.
1 - I didn't like any of the characters. As soon as I found myself warming to a character they would do something deplorable. It was actually disappointing at the end when the entire cast wasn't killed off.
2 - There is sex in the story, and none of it is positive. There's incestuous rape, some necrophilia, sex as desperate bargaining chip. And a lot of casual domestic abuse.
3 - The main character doesn't feel internally consistent. For someone pushing to end the aristocracy, she spends a lot of time thinking about how fat, stupid, and smelly the commoners are.
4 - While I don't expect all questions to be answered in a book, and sometimes a second read through is required to pick up on hidden tidbits, parts of the plot feel disjointed. There is probably some good world building behind the scenes, but not enough was included to avoid the holes and inconsistencies.
It was a fast read so I'm not sorry that I read it. But I don't think I'll pick up any more by this author.
But after I put the book down, a few thoughts struck me.
1 - I didn't like any of the characters. As soon as I found myself warming to a character they would do something deplorable. It was actually disappointing at the end when the entire cast wasn't killed off.
2 - There is sex in the story, and none of it is positive. There's incestuous rape, some necrophilia, sex as desperate bargaining chip. And a lot of casual domestic abuse.
3 - The main character doesn't feel internally consistent. For someone pushing to end the aristocracy, she spends a lot of time thinking about how fat, stupid, and smelly the commoners are.
4 - While I don't expect all questions to be answered in a book, and sometimes a second read through is required to pick up on hidden tidbits, parts of the plot feel disjointed. There is probably some good world building behind the scenes, but not enough was included to avoid the holes and inconsistencies.
It was a fast read so I'm not sorry that I read it. But I don't think I'll pick up any more by this author.
April 7, 2022
Reading this novel while on quarantine made me wish that I was walking with Elianor on the Shadowgate road, despite of wind, cold, snow, darkness and wolves. Once she had arrived at the bridge, I was not so sure anymore...
From my warm house and my comfy bed, I eventually had a great journey with her taking all the risks.
This is a fantastic and thrilling story, of a badass fighter, heroin of a smart, surprising and witty book.
You will definitely like this book if you like uncommon stories in a fantasy universe, conspiracy, swords (but not only) fights, strong characters, family drama and fantastic beasts.
From my warm house and my comfy bed, I eventually had a great journey with her taking all the risks.
This is a fantastic and thrilling story, of a badass fighter, heroin of a smart, surprising and witty book.
You will definitely like this book if you like uncommon stories in a fantasy universe, conspiracy, swords (but not only) fights, strong characters, family drama and fantastic beasts.
December 24, 2019
Undecided
It is really hard to decide whether or not this story has a higher relevance than the actual narrative. There is no moral resistance to killing and the sides are very confused.
It is really hard to decide whether or not this story has a higher relevance than the actual narrative. There is no moral resistance to killing and the sides are very confused.
January 23, 2020
Review on blog Sunday 26th January 2020
February 21, 2020
So much blood, vomit and explosions. Really engaging style. Some language that will stick with me. Well played.
October 14, 2020
Bounces along at a good rate with wonderfully constructed chapters allowing for a broken reading pattern. Surreal and morally ambiguous; ideal for a society that needs to be asking questions about change and the status quo.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews