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Assassins of Landria #2
Sellsword's Oath
Wandering mystic Yefim Makary, known to his followers as the "Witch Lord", disappeared before he could be accused of inciting dissent against King Kristoph. His supporters among the disenchanted aristocrats who weren’t arrested have fled or died by their own hand. The king is happy to put the matter behind him. Yet Burke, the commander of the elite King’s Shadows, doesn’t believe the threat is over, and he assigns his two most troublesome, rule-breaking - and successful - assassins to ferret out the real threat and put a stop to Makary’s plots.
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.
As the threads of a new plot come together revealing disloyalty among the priests and generals, Ridge and Rett once again find themselves on the run, hoping they and their allies can figure out the Witch Lord’s latest scheme before it costs them their lives - and the king his throne.
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.
As the threads of a new plot come together revealing disloyalty among the priests and generals, Ridge and Rett once again find themselves on the run, hoping they and their allies can figure out the Witch Lord’s latest scheme before it costs them their lives - and the king his throne.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2020
12 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Gail Z. Martin
177 books1,784 followersGail 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 9, 2022
3.5 Stars
For the full review, check out: essentialreadingsandreviews.blogspot....
What's the story about: Sellsword's Oath picks up directly after Assassin's Honor in that the Witch Lord is still on the loose and must be stopped by Landria's two best assassins, Ridge and Rett. Minor quests ensue but the overall plot of stopping the main villain is at the front.
Sellsword's Oath is a worthy, if not a little too short ended sequel to Assassin's Honor. More intrigue occurs surrounding the Witch-Lord and the main quest is in full swing. Martin balances this book's individual story with the grand overarching plot well in this sequel that furthers Ridge and Rett's history and gives a lot of adventure along the way. Unfortunately, for being a sequel, one of the only aspects that gets expanded and deepened is the magic of the world. The world itself gets minor attention, while the characters are basically the same, with some additions in the form of magic-related aspects. While this was nice, it wasn't quite what it could've been. The characters don't change or get much depth; they're fairly perfect, which can be good, if the people around them change, but everyone stays the same, which leads the series feeling drier than it should. These books work very well as short and sweet fantasy tales, but with how satisfying I found the first one, this one left me wanting more.
For the full review, check out: essentialreadingsandreviews.blogspot....
What's the story about: Sellsword's Oath picks up directly after Assassin's Honor in that the Witch Lord is still on the loose and must be stopped by Landria's two best assassins, Ridge and Rett. Minor quests ensue but the overall plot of stopping the main villain is at the front.
Sellsword's Oath is a worthy, if not a little too short ended sequel to Assassin's Honor. More intrigue occurs surrounding the Witch-Lord and the main quest is in full swing. Martin balances this book's individual story with the grand overarching plot well in this sequel that furthers Ridge and Rett's history and gives a lot of adventure along the way. Unfortunately, for being a sequel, one of the only aspects that gets expanded and deepened is the magic of the world. The world itself gets minor attention, while the characters are basically the same, with some additions in the form of magic-related aspects. While this was nice, it wasn't quite what it could've been. The characters don't change or get much depth; they're fairly perfect, which can be good, if the people around them change, but everyone stays the same, which leads the series feeling drier than it should. These books work very well as short and sweet fantasy tales, but with how satisfying I found the first one, this one left me wanting more.
July 14, 2023
This was a good quick read, action, good story and characters.
June 14, 2020
The adventures of Rett and Ridge continue in this second book in the Assassins of Landria series. Henry and many of the pivotal characters from book one return and continue to develop wonderfully, but the cast of characters grows to include many more fantastic characters including a helpful ghost named Edvard who proves himself worthy of being part of their little team. This book has a fantasy feel without having to memorize a zillion city names and characters. There is magic, but the fact that it is prohibited adds another layer to the story. At the heart of the story is the friendship of the two main characters and this is still my favorite part. I hope to get more about Henry in the next book as he was my absolute favorite part of book one and I felt like they talked more about him being awesome in this book but he didn’t play a pivotal role all that often.
February 25, 2020
"Sellsword's Oath" is the second volume of "Assassins of Landria" series by Gail Z. Martin, but the first one I had the opportunity to read. The thing that immediately appealed to me in this novel and conquered my heart were the two main characters who are friends, "soul brothers", the family of their choice. I admit, I love novels in which this theme appears, and Gail Z. Martin is a genius when it comes to creating this kind of relationship between her characters. The reader senses the strength of brotherly feelings between Ridge and Rett straightaway and, as a result, immediately falls in love with them, because it is impossible not to love the characters who with every word and gesture show that they are loyal to each other, love each other and always have each other's backs. What's more, these two through their mutual friendship can influence the readers, their feelings and emotions. Ridge and Rett's friendship is simply addictive.
Another huge advantage of "Sellsword's Oath" is the story presented in this volume. On one hand, it focuses on the events of this part, so on the story that the author prepared for her readers in this installment, on the other hand, it develops the universe of "Assassins of Landria" and focuses on the greater story of the whole series. I admit that I really liked the manner in which the author shows us the characters with magical abilities, because in a world where paranormal skills can cost them lives, they are able to find others similar to themselves and thus find new home, new family, create sort of a community and they no longer have to be alone. I think that we can relate it to today's world and various types of minorities, which makes this theme even more lovable.
I would also like to write a few words about the characters themselves, as there are a lot of them in "Sellsword's Oath". In addition to our main two heroes, Ridge and Rett, we also have other characters, more and less relevant to the series and the story presented in this volume. Most of them the author creates slowly, piece by piece, not giving us all their characteristics at once, as she allows us to get to know them as some events unfold or as they meet our assassins. I also really like the fact that even if one of the secondary characters, slightly less important to the series, but playing an important role in Ridge's and Rett's life, seems really great, in fact we have no idea if they are really the type of person they seem to be. This makes reading the novel even more interesting, because we do not know if our main characters can trust someone completely, and thus whether we can trust someone ourselves, as at some point we start to live this novel.
To sum up, "Sellsword's Oath" is a really fantastic novel in which from the beginning to the end we see a brilliant style in which the story and characters are created and power of friendship is used, which I think is very characteristic for Gail Z. Martin. Believe me, you'll fall in love with this novel in the blink of an eye and you will undoubtedly become addicted to the universe of the series.
_____________
„Sellsword's Oath” jest drugim tomem serii „Assassins of Landria” autorstwa Gail Z. Martin, ale pierwszym, który miałam okazję przeczytać. Tym, co od razu spodobało mi się w tej powieści i podbiło moje serce była dwójka głównych bohaterów, którzy są przyjaciółmi, „braćmi dusz”, wybraną przez siebie rodziną. Przyznaję, uwielbiam powieści, w których pojawia się ten właśnie motyw, a Gail Z. Martin jest po prostu perfekcyjna w kreowaniu tego rodzaju relacji między swoimi postaciami. Czytelnik od razu wyczuwa siłę braterskich uczuć, które łączą Ridge’a i Retta i co za tym idzie, od razu obdarza ich swoją miłością, ponieważ nie sposób nie pokochać bohaterów, którzy każdym słowem i gestem pokazują, że są wobec siebie lojalni, kochają się i zawsze trzymają razem. Co więcej, tych dwoje swoją wzajemną przyjaźnią potrafi wpłynąć na samego czytelnika i jego uczucia, emocje. Przyjaźń Ridge’a i Retta jest po prostu uzależniająca.
Kolejnym ogromnym plusem „Sellsword's Oath” jest przedstawiona w tym tomie historia. Z jednej strony skupia się bowiem na wydarzeniach tej części, a więc na tym, co autorka przygotowała dla swoich czytelników w tej odsłonie, z drugiej zaś rozwija ona uniwersum „Assassins of Landria” oraz skupia się na większej historii całej serii. Przyznaję, że bardzo spodobało mi się to, w jaki sposób autorka przedstawia nam postaci obdarzone magią, ponieważ w świecie, w którym paranormalne umiejętności mogą kosztować ich życie, osoby te są w stanie odnaleźć innych podobnych do siebie i tym samym znaleźć nowy dom, nową rodzinę, nie muszą dłużej być samotni. Myślę, że możemy to odnieść do dzisiejszego świata i różnego rodzaju mniejszości, co sprawia, że motyw ten podoba mi się jeszcze bardziej.
Kilka słów chciałabym napisać także o samych bohaterach, których w „Sellsword's Oath” nie brakuje. Poza naszą główną dwójką, a więc Ridge’em i Rettem, mamy tu także inne, bardziej i mniej istotne dla serii oraz historii przedstawionej w tym tomie postaci. Większość z nich autorka tworzy kawałek po kawałku, nie dając nam od razu całej ich charakterystyki, ale pozwala nam odkrywać ich w miarę rozwoju wydarzeń lub też w miarę, jak pojawiają się oni na drodze naszych asasynów. Bardzo podoba mi się również to, że nawet w przypadku, kiedy któryś z pobocznych, trochę mniej istotnych dla serii, ale odgrywających ważną rolę w życiu Ridge’a i Retta, bohaterów wydaje nam się naprawdę fajny, to w gruncie rzeczy nie mamy pojęcia, czy rzeczywiście jest taki, jakim nam się wydaje. To sprawia, że lektura powieści jest tym ciekawsza, gdyż do końca nie wiemy, czy nasi główni bohaterowie mogą komuś całkowicie zaufać, a tym samym czy możemy zaufać komuś my sami, jako że w pewnym momencie zaczynamy żyć tą powieścią.
Podsumowując, „Sellsword's Oath” to naprawdę fantastyczna powieść, w której od początku do końca widzimy genialny styl tworzenia historii, bohaterów oraz korzystania z mocy przyjaźni, co uważam za bardzo charakterystyczne dla pióra Gail Z. Martin. Wierzcie mi, tę powieść pokochacie w mgnieniu oka i bezsprzecznie uzależnicie się od uniwersum serii.
Another huge advantage of "Sellsword's Oath" is the story presented in this volume. On one hand, it focuses on the events of this part, so on the story that the author prepared for her readers in this installment, on the other hand, it develops the universe of "Assassins of Landria" and focuses on the greater story of the whole series. I admit that I really liked the manner in which the author shows us the characters with magical abilities, because in a world where paranormal skills can cost them lives, they are able to find others similar to themselves and thus find new home, new family, create sort of a community and they no longer have to be alone. I think that we can relate it to today's world and various types of minorities, which makes this theme even more lovable.
I would also like to write a few words about the characters themselves, as there are a lot of them in "Sellsword's Oath". In addition to our main two heroes, Ridge and Rett, we also have other characters, more and less relevant to the series and the story presented in this volume. Most of them the author creates slowly, piece by piece, not giving us all their characteristics at once, as she allows us to get to know them as some events unfold or as they meet our assassins. I also really like the fact that even if one of the secondary characters, slightly less important to the series, but playing an important role in Ridge's and Rett's life, seems really great, in fact we have no idea if they are really the type of person they seem to be. This makes reading the novel even more interesting, because we do not know if our main characters can trust someone completely, and thus whether we can trust someone ourselves, as at some point we start to live this novel.
To sum up, "Sellsword's Oath" is a really fantastic novel in which from the beginning to the end we see a brilliant style in which the story and characters are created and power of friendship is used, which I think is very characteristic for Gail Z. Martin. Believe me, you'll fall in love with this novel in the blink of an eye and you will undoubtedly become addicted to the universe of the series.
_____________
„Sellsword's Oath” jest drugim tomem serii „Assassins of Landria” autorstwa Gail Z. Martin, ale pierwszym, który miałam okazję przeczytać. Tym, co od razu spodobało mi się w tej powieści i podbiło moje serce była dwójka głównych bohaterów, którzy są przyjaciółmi, „braćmi dusz”, wybraną przez siebie rodziną. Przyznaję, uwielbiam powieści, w których pojawia się ten właśnie motyw, a Gail Z. Martin jest po prostu perfekcyjna w kreowaniu tego rodzaju relacji między swoimi postaciami. Czytelnik od razu wyczuwa siłę braterskich uczuć, które łączą Ridge’a i Retta i co za tym idzie, od razu obdarza ich swoją miłością, ponieważ nie sposób nie pokochać bohaterów, którzy każdym słowem i gestem pokazują, że są wobec siebie lojalni, kochają się i zawsze trzymają razem. Co więcej, tych dwoje swoją wzajemną przyjaźnią potrafi wpłynąć na samego czytelnika i jego uczucia, emocje. Przyjaźń Ridge’a i Retta jest po prostu uzależniająca.
Kolejnym ogromnym plusem „Sellsword's Oath” jest przedstawiona w tym tomie historia. Z jednej strony skupia się bowiem na wydarzeniach tej części, a więc na tym, co autorka przygotowała dla swoich czytelników w tej odsłonie, z drugiej zaś rozwija ona uniwersum „Assassins of Landria” oraz skupia się na większej historii całej serii. Przyznaję, że bardzo spodobało mi się to, w jaki sposób autorka przedstawia nam postaci obdarzone magią, ponieważ w świecie, w którym paranormalne umiejętności mogą kosztować ich życie, osoby te są w stanie odnaleźć innych podobnych do siebie i tym samym znaleźć nowy dom, nową rodzinę, nie muszą dłużej być samotni. Myślę, że możemy to odnieść do dzisiejszego świata i różnego rodzaju mniejszości, co sprawia, że motyw ten podoba mi się jeszcze bardziej.
Kilka słów chciałabym napisać także o samych bohaterach, których w „Sellsword's Oath” nie brakuje. Poza naszą główną dwójką, a więc Ridge’em i Rettem, mamy tu także inne, bardziej i mniej istotne dla serii oraz historii przedstawionej w tym tomie postaci. Większość z nich autorka tworzy kawałek po kawałku, nie dając nam od razu całej ich charakterystyki, ale pozwala nam odkrywać ich w miarę rozwoju wydarzeń lub też w miarę, jak pojawiają się oni na drodze naszych asasynów. Bardzo podoba mi się również to, że nawet w przypadku, kiedy któryś z pobocznych, trochę mniej istotnych dla serii, ale odgrywających ważną rolę w życiu Ridge’a i Retta, bohaterów wydaje nam się naprawdę fajny, to w gruncie rzeczy nie mamy pojęcia, czy rzeczywiście jest taki, jakim nam się wydaje. To sprawia, że lektura powieści jest tym ciekawsza, gdyż do końca nie wiemy, czy nasi główni bohaterowie mogą komuś całkowicie zaufać, a tym samym czy możemy zaufać komuś my sami, jako że w pewnym momencie zaczynamy żyć tą powieścią.
Podsumowując, „Sellsword's Oath” to naprawdę fantastyczna powieść, w której od początku do końca widzimy genialny styl tworzenia historii, bohaterów oraz korzystania z mocy przyjaźni, co uważam za bardzo charakterystyczne dla pióra Gail Z. Martin. Wierzcie mi, tę powieść pokochacie w mgnieniu oka i bezsprzecznie uzależnicie się od uniwersum serii.
April 10, 2020
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...
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...
April 24, 2020
3.75 stars
“Sellsword’s Oath” by Gail Z. Martin is part of the ‘Assassins of Landria’ series. This tale features partners Ridge and Rett, who are elite assassins who serve King Kristoph. They are still hunting those who would destroy the king, particularly the Witch Lord. Their assignments are just as perilous as usual, since they have few colleagues they can depend on for support, and their forbidden talents could wreak their own destruction. Fortunately, they’re used to depending only on each other, and they’re adept at finding their own allies, unconventional as they may be, so perhaps they’ll muddle through without destroying too much of the kingdom…or themselves.
This fantasy novel is a fun addition to the sword and sorcery genre, and reminds me of why I enjoy tales by authors like Violette Malan or Michael J. Sullivan—that camaraderie and absolute partnership, bravery in the face of insurmountable odds, and the ability to think on one’s feet and adapt to the sometimes very eerie obstacles one encounters. I haven’t read the first volume in this series, so it was a little awkward to figure out the basis for some of the challenges the duo is facing, but there is enough backstory to orient the reader, although I definitely still have questions.
I love the opening scene that shows that, although not perfect, the pair gets the job done and trust each other completely. The allies that the duo are accumulating definitely give a nice twist to the story, and the glimpses of magic and tradition are fun, although I am still puzzled about the antipathy for magic that seems counter to the number of folks who apparently want to wield it and the king whose position seems to be cemented by it. For me, the antipathy toward the central pair is a bit confusing, and although I know it supports the “us against the world” aura, it seems illogical in light of what they accomplish. Perhaps the first book (or future sequels) will clear things up for me.
Those who enjoy exciting adventures of epic fantasy and buddy tales will undoubtedly find this story entertaining and should enjoy this prolific author’s contribution to the genre. I admire the multitude of stories available in her various universes and look forward to even more of her exciting tales.
A copy was provided for review
“Sellsword’s Oath” by Gail Z. Martin is part of the ‘Assassins of Landria’ series. This tale features partners Ridge and Rett, who are elite assassins who serve King Kristoph. They are still hunting those who would destroy the king, particularly the Witch Lord. Their assignments are just as perilous as usual, since they have few colleagues they can depend on for support, and their forbidden talents could wreak their own destruction. Fortunately, they’re used to depending only on each other, and they’re adept at finding their own allies, unconventional as they may be, so perhaps they’ll muddle through without destroying too much of the kingdom…or themselves.
This fantasy novel is a fun addition to the sword and sorcery genre, and reminds me of why I enjoy tales by authors like Violette Malan or Michael J. Sullivan—that camaraderie and absolute partnership, bravery in the face of insurmountable odds, and the ability to think on one’s feet and adapt to the sometimes very eerie obstacles one encounters. I haven’t read the first volume in this series, so it was a little awkward to figure out the basis for some of the challenges the duo is facing, but there is enough backstory to orient the reader, although I definitely still have questions.
I love the opening scene that shows that, although not perfect, the pair gets the job done and trust each other completely. The allies that the duo are accumulating definitely give a nice twist to the story, and the glimpses of magic and tradition are fun, although I am still puzzled about the antipathy for magic that seems counter to the number of folks who apparently want to wield it and the king whose position seems to be cemented by it. For me, the antipathy toward the central pair is a bit confusing, and although I know it supports the “us against the world” aura, it seems illogical in light of what they accomplish. Perhaps the first book (or future sequels) will clear things up for me.
Those who enjoy exciting adventures of epic fantasy and buddy tales will undoubtedly find this story entertaining and should enjoy this prolific author’s contribution to the genre. I admire the multitude of stories available in her various universes and look forward to even more of her exciting tales.
A copy was provided for review
June 20, 2020
Note: While this is Book 2 in the series, it works pretty well as a stand alone novel.
It’s a very fun short epic fantasy – and normally I wouldn’t use ‘short’ and ‘epic’ together for a book that’s less than 7 hours to listen to, but this book has a lot of the elements that make up epic fantasy. I love the rich setting and the well planned out rules of magic and culture/society.
Ridge and Rhett are a very fun duo. I love their interactions. Obviously, they have a deep friendship and complete trust in one another. They’re great at protecting each other but then also when they interact with others, Ridge and Rhett can see where the other is going with just a look. So they are the perfect detectives for solving this mystery.
The one weakness of this tale is the lack of meaningful female characters. In one scene, a female character actually says (paraphrasing), ‘It’s not my place to have an opinion.’ While that line makes sense in the context of the scene, it did make me chuckle a bit because it pretty much sums up the ladies for this book. I would love to see some gender balance in this series.
A variety of side characters round out the story like the gruff Burke and the helpful Henri. Edvard the ghost provides useful intel but also a few humorous moments. The Witch King is a worthy adversary. All around, it’s a fun tale. 4/5 stories.
The Narration: Samuel Roukin is the perfect narrator for Sellsword’s Oath. He has two great voices – one for Rhett and one for Ridge. I love the gruff nature nature that sits in the background for both characters. It makes them sound mature and serious – as I expect these assassins to be. Roukin also has a bevvy of believable voices for all the other characters, including the ladies. It’s pretty amazing how he can smooth out his voice for the ladies. The pacing was perfect & there were no tech 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.
It’s a very fun short epic fantasy – and normally I wouldn’t use ‘short’ and ‘epic’ together for a book that’s less than 7 hours to listen to, but this book has a lot of the elements that make up epic fantasy. I love the rich setting and the well planned out rules of magic and culture/society.
Ridge and Rhett are a very fun duo. I love their interactions. Obviously, they have a deep friendship and complete trust in one another. They’re great at protecting each other but then also when they interact with others, Ridge and Rhett can see where the other is going with just a look. So they are the perfect detectives for solving this mystery.
The one weakness of this tale is the lack of meaningful female characters. In one scene, a female character actually says (paraphrasing), ‘It’s not my place to have an opinion.’ While that line makes sense in the context of the scene, it did make me chuckle a bit because it pretty much sums up the ladies for this book. I would love to see some gender balance in this series.
A variety of side characters round out the story like the gruff Burke and the helpful Henri. Edvard the ghost provides useful intel but also a few humorous moments. The Witch King is a worthy adversary. All around, it’s a fun tale. 4/5 stories.
The Narration: Samuel Roukin is the perfect narrator for Sellsword’s Oath. He has two great voices – one for Rhett and one for Ridge. I love the gruff nature nature that sits in the background for both characters. It makes them sound mature and serious – as I expect these assassins to be. Roukin also has a bevvy of believable voices for all the other characters, including the ladies. It’s pretty amazing how he can smooth out his voice for the ladies. The pacing was perfect & there were no tech 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.
February 15, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This book picks up shortly after the first book (Assassin's Honor) leaves off. I highly recommend reading that book first.
Ridge and Rett are great characters and the world-building for this series is well done. I like that Ridge and Rett have such a long-lasting friendship, though they have their own way of doing things they mesh well. There are also a good group of secondary characters being built in this series. Some we met in book one and others are new additions, but I like seeing how the characters are being developed.
Ghosts are always a strange character to have, but I thought the addition in this book was interesting. It also made the "magic" issue all the more relevant for the heroes. It will be intriguing to see how that and other elements play out in the next book.
This book picks up shortly after the first book (Assassin's Honor) leaves off. I highly recommend reading that book first.
Ridge and Rett are great characters and the world-building for this series is well done. I like that Ridge and Rett have such a long-lasting friendship, though they have their own way of doing things they mesh well. There are also a good group of secondary characters being built in this series. Some we met in book one and others are new additions, but I like seeing how the characters are being developed.
Ghosts are always a strange character to have, but I thought the addition in this book was interesting. It also made the "magic" issue all the more relevant for the heroes. It will be intriguing to see how that and other elements play out in the next book.
January 15, 2021
Well written fantasy novel with engaging characters
Rhett and Ridge are best friends who not only have each other’s backs, they are also the King’s Assassins who always seem to find trouble, especially the kind that goes boom! Very engaging well-rounded characters which is the best part of the book. They also have some magical sight, a magic which is forbidden in the kingdom and means they have to disguise what they are. Balancing their duty to the King, against those who would prefer them dead makes their lives very complicated. Sellsword’s Oath is the second book in the Assassins of Landria series, and I might just have to go and search out book one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Rhett and Ridge are best friends who not only have each other’s backs, they are also the King’s Assassins who always seem to find trouble, especially the kind that goes boom! Very engaging well-rounded characters which is the best part of the book. They also have some magical sight, a magic which is forbidden in the kingdom and means they have to disguise what they are. Balancing their duty to the King, against those who would prefer them dead makes their lives very complicated. Sellsword’s Oath is the second book in the Assassins of Landria series, and I might just have to go and search out book one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 26, 2020
This book has smugglers, counterfeiters, kidnappers and magic relics. It has dead lords, things that get blown up and helpful ghosts. The witch lord is growing more powerful and dangerous. There is a lot going on in this book and it's all tied together. Ridge and Rett are sent out to uncover more dangers against King Kristoph but also to keep their eye out for the witch lord. I continue to enjoy Henri and I would like to know more about his interesting past. Lady Sally Anne Loralee and Sofen also made an appearance. My new favorite is ghost Edvard. What a character he is! The author has promised more books are coming. Yay!
April 16, 2020
This was an interesting story. King's Shadows, Rett and Ridge, had a knack for explosions and finding out information. There was humor amongst all the violence and deception in this world. The different factions were explained as the journey took place so I could understand how things fit in and around Landria. The two intrepid heroes complemented each other, and I loved how they relied on their instincts to plan their moves, with a little help from the mysterious Henri and ghosts. It was a fun read full of adventures.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received a copy of this story through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
October 10, 2025
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.
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.
January 11, 2021
If this was set in contemporary times with female characters, this would be the novelization of "Thelma and Louise". I love the rollicking action, the careening from one mission to another (what, no breaks?), and the main characters Rett and Ridge and their determination to preserve Landria from the underplayed threat of the Witch Lord, but their signature explosions and arsons have me agreeing with Burke - Rett and Ridge may be assassins but they are not stealthy AT ALL. This was so much fun to read!
I received a copy from Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy from Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2021
I loved book 1 ("Assassin's Honor") in this series, so it's no surprise that I love "Sellsword's Oath" just as much - maybe even a little bit more. The main characters are given a little more personality as we learn more about them, and we get to meet some new characters that I hope will be around in the next book. The story gets top marks from me, as does Gail Z. Martin's writing. I'm hoping this won't end on the 3rd book - we need at least 10!
My thanks to the author, publisher, and Hidden Gems. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and Hidden Gems. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
February 9, 2023
There were loads of twists and turns to this story and I enjoyed the journey we took with Ridge and Rhett. If you're a fan of light fantasy, ghosts, and magic then I think you enjoy this book. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook, but I will point out that I missed some of the transitions from one location to the next and would spend a paragraph or two trying to figure out what the guys were up to now. I think if I would have been reading it, the changes in location or topic wouldn't have been an issue though.
January 22, 2020
Rett and Ridge continue to thwart the Witch Lords plans
I love Henry and can't wait to find out more about him. An awesome new adventure and more insight into the schemes woven through the kingdom.
A brilliant series continues and I highly recommend it.
I love Henry and can't wait to find out more about him. An awesome new adventure and more insight into the schemes woven through the kingdom.
A brilliant series continues and I highly recommend it.
October 26, 2021
A good to read and enjoy.
You are taken on a journey that has many different twists and turns and you will be on the edge wondering if they will make it. The book is well done the author keeps you wanting more.
You are taken on a journey that has many different twists and turns and you will be on the edge wondering if they will make it. The book is well done the author keeps you wanting more.
February 1, 2024
Action, humor, and Awesomeness
Thoroughly enjoyed the action and humor in this quick and awesome story . The author has definitely pulled me into their series of books with the storyline and buddy adventure that I’ve been craving! Now on to the next adventure!!
Thoroughly enjoyed the action and humor in this quick and awesome story . The author has definitely pulled me into their series of books with the storyline and buddy adventure that I’ve been craving! Now on to the next adventure!!
July 10, 2024
3.5 stars. Decent sequel to the first Assassins novel. However, it was basically continuous action without much plot or character depth. It was enjoyable for an easy read... like on a long airplane trip.
June 9, 2025
Quite entertaining.
January 8, 2022
Great 2nd instalment
June 17, 2021
Originally posted on Just Geeking by.
Book two of the Assassins of Landria series continues the adventures of Ridge and Rett, King’s Shadows, official assassins for the King of Landria. Having gotten in over their heads in previously, they ended up saving the day and the King, all while breaking several rules along the way. While the King is happy to be alive the commander of the assassins, Burke, passes on the ruler’s displeasure at them doing so by way of stepping on so many of his rules. It’s not just the King who’s not happy with them; they’ve never been popular with their fellow Shadows, even more so now who see them as getting special treatment and after foiling the Witch Lord’s plans they’ve undoubtedly put a target on their backs there too.
Neither assassin is thrilled when Burke starts sending them on random assignments that seem beneath their skills, especially when the Witch Lord has done a disappearing act and they’re eager to sniff him and his supporters out. It becomes clear though that the Shadow Master hasn’t forgotten about the Witch Lord either, and has been carefully managing their assignments to keep them out of the firing line and on the Witch Lord’s tail. Despite his juggling, Ridge and Rett do what they do best and get themselves in hot water yet again. Unsure of who they can trust the pair are on the run again, using every ally and skill they have to stay one step ahead.
If you read my review of the first book, Assassin’s Honour, you’ll know I mentioned Gail Z. Martin’s interest in writing about ghosts and magic related to them. That gets amped up in this book with some interesting new characters as Ridge and Rett’s allies grow. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the new additions to the cast of characters.
For more of my reviews please visit my blog!
Book two of the Assassins of Landria series continues the adventures of Ridge and Rett, King’s Shadows, official assassins for the King of Landria. Having gotten in over their heads in previously, they ended up saving the day and the King, all while breaking several rules along the way. While the King is happy to be alive the commander of the assassins, Burke, passes on the ruler’s displeasure at them doing so by way of stepping on so many of his rules. It’s not just the King who’s not happy with them; they’ve never been popular with their fellow Shadows, even more so now who see them as getting special treatment and after foiling the Witch Lord’s plans they’ve undoubtedly put a target on their backs there too.
Neither assassin is thrilled when Burke starts sending them on random assignments that seem beneath their skills, especially when the Witch Lord has done a disappearing act and they’re eager to sniff him and his supporters out. It becomes clear though that the Shadow Master hasn’t forgotten about the Witch Lord either, and has been carefully managing their assignments to keep them out of the firing line and on the Witch Lord’s tail. Despite his juggling, Ridge and Rett do what they do best and get themselves in hot water yet again. Unsure of who they can trust the pair are on the run again, using every ally and skill they have to stay one step ahead.
If you read my review of the first book, Assassin’s Honour, you’ll know I mentioned Gail Z. Martin’s interest in writing about ghosts and magic related to them. That gets amped up in this book with some interesting new characters as Ridge and Rett’s allies grow. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed this book and loved the new additions to the cast of characters.
For more of my reviews please visit my blog!
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