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Death's Handmaiden #1
Death's Handmaiden
The Clan Worlds Alliance is the largest political body in the known galaxy. At its center lies Shinden, home to the Clan Assembly and the Shinden Alliance School of Sorcery, probably the best educational facility of its type anywhere. Students from all over the Clan Worlds go there to study a form of magic based squarely on scientific principles. Many of them will end up in military services when they leave, but sorcery is useful for more than just war.
With a history shrouded in secrecy, Nava Ward plans to learn to use magic for more than just killing. Her goal is to live a normal life, find normal friendship, and spend six years making her considerable magical potential useful to society. But Nava is far from being a normal girl and she does not fit perfectly into Clan Worlds society. A normal life may be what she wants, but getting it is an entirely different matter.
With a history shrouded in secrecy, Nava Ward plans to learn to use magic for more than just killing. Her goal is to live a normal life, find normal friendship, and spend six years making her considerable magical potential useful to society. But Nava is far from being a normal girl and she does not fit perfectly into Clan Worlds society. A normal life may be what she wants, but getting it is an entirely different matter.
464 pages, ebook
First published January 30, 2020
106 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Niall Teasdale
73 books292 followersI was born in the vicinity of Hadrian's Wall so perhaps a bit of history rubbed off. Ancient history obviously, and border history, right on the edge of the Empire. I always preferred the Dark Ages anyway; there’s so much more room for imagination when people aren’t writing down every last detail. So my idea of a good fantasy novel involved dirt and leather, not shining plate armour and Hollywood-medieval manners. The same applies to my sci-fi, really; I prefer gritty over shiny.
Oddly, then, one of the first fantasy novels I remember reading was The Dark Is Rising, by Susan Cooper (later made into a terrible juvenile movie). These days we would call Cooper’s series Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy and looking back on it, it influenced me a lot. It has that mix of modern day life, hidden history, and magic which failed to hit popular culture until the early days of Buffy and Anne Rice. Of course, Cooper’s characters spend their time around places I could actually visit in Cornwall, and South East England, and mid-Wales. In fact, when I went to university in Aberystwyth, it was partially because some of Cooper’s books were set a few miles to the north around Tywyn.
I got into writing through roleplaying, however, so my early work was related to the kind of roleplaying game I was interested in. I wrote “high fantasy” when I was playing Dungeons & Dragons. I wrote a lot of superhero fiction when I was playing City of Heroes. I still loved the idea of a modern world with magic in it and I’ve been trying to write a novel based on this for a long time. As with any form of expression, practice is the key and I can look back on all the aborted attempts at books, and the more successful short stories, as steps along the path to the Thaumatology Series.
As of 2015, I have thrown in my lot with writing. After thirty years of being a computer programmer I am making enough money to quit the day job and write full time. Dreams, occasionally, come true. My favourite authors are Terry Pratchett, Susan Cooper, and (recently) Kim Harrison. Kim’s Hollows books were what finally spurred me to publish something, even if the trail to here came by way of Susan, back in school, several decades ago.
Oddly, then, one of the first fantasy novels I remember reading was The Dark Is Rising, by Susan Cooper (later made into a terrible juvenile movie). These days we would call Cooper’s series Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy and looking back on it, it influenced me a lot. It has that mix of modern day life, hidden history, and magic which failed to hit popular culture until the early days of Buffy and Anne Rice. Of course, Cooper’s characters spend their time around places I could actually visit in Cornwall, and South East England, and mid-Wales. In fact, when I went to university in Aberystwyth, it was partially because some of Cooper’s books were set a few miles to the north around Tywyn.
I got into writing through roleplaying, however, so my early work was related to the kind of roleplaying game I was interested in. I wrote “high fantasy” when I was playing Dungeons & Dragons. I wrote a lot of superhero fiction when I was playing City of Heroes. I still loved the idea of a modern world with magic in it and I’ve been trying to write a novel based on this for a long time. As with any form of expression, practice is the key and I can look back on all the aborted attempts at books, and the more successful short stories, as steps along the path to the Thaumatology Series.
As of 2015, I have thrown in my lot with writing. After thirty years of being a computer programmer I am making enough money to quit the day job and write full time. Dreams, occasionally, come true. My favourite authors are Terry Pratchett, Susan Cooper, and (recently) Kim Harrison. Kim’s Hollows books were what finally spurred me to publish something, even if the trail to here came by way of Susan, back in school, several decades ago.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 2, 2020
I couldn't make it past the first few chapters - and got completely stuck when I hit a couple of pages where 60% of the content focused on the main characters breasts. Seriously? I mean I'm just going to come out and say it that women are even less interested in each others breasts than men are about each other's wangs. To illustrate just how bizarre this experience was for me I'm just going to flip it round for you so even those among us who are utterly diverted by bosoms can appreciate what's it's like for those of us who aren't:
On the MC:
On Mel - potential best friend:
I was going to go on and do a male equivalent of Mitsuko - but that would be redundant as it just repeats much of the above - and I think you get the point. Tip to the author - if you want to write from a female POV - try not to sound like a 13 year old obsessed with boobies - it's jarring.
And i'm done.
On the MC:
He was not especially tall, but he had fairly long legs for his height. His phallus was nowhere near the size of Mel's, but it was a nice shape; pert and slightly pointed. He had no complaints about it.
On Mel - potential best friend:
His body was not exactly toned, but it was shapely, and his testicles were magnificent. Round and firm, they sat there on his thighs as if gravity had not been invented. They were proud, even if their owner was now hiding them.
I was going to go on and do a male equivalent of Mitsuko - but that would be redundant as it just repeats much of the above - and I think you get the point. Tip to the author - if you want to write from a female POV - try not to sound like a 13 year old obsessed with boobies - it's jarring.
And i'm done.
February 8, 2020
I liked it, but...
There is still too much of a fixation on sex. This isn’t about the characters *having* sex. It’s about boobies. Every female character teenage or older - without exception - was described in terms of her tits. Even minor characters.
Beyond that, this is a very substantial tale. Almost three stories in execution. It avoids being a MarySue by having the MC be damaged by her power. The ‘clanless outsider’ bit could have been developed more, but the narrative was already quite busy. I expect to see more of that in a sequel.
I will buy a sequel. That’s my true measure of how good it is.
To tell the truth, I buy most everything this author releases. Even when their obsession with sex muddies the story, the imaginative world-building keeps me coming back.
There is still too much of a fixation on sex. This isn’t about the characters *having* sex. It’s about boobies. Every female character teenage or older - without exception - was described in terms of her tits. Even minor characters.
Beyond that, this is a very substantial tale. Almost three stories in execution. It avoids being a MarySue by having the MC be damaged by her power. The ‘clanless outsider’ bit could have been developed more, but the narrative was already quite busy. I expect to see more of that in a sequel.
I will buy a sequel. That’s my true measure of how good it is.
To tell the truth, I buy most everything this author releases. Even when their obsession with sex muddies the story, the imaginative world-building keeps me coming back.
February 9, 2020
Something both new and familiar for author Niall Teasdale 3.5 stars.
Welcome to the Shinden Alliance School of Sorcery and the SAS2 universe where magic makes the Sci-Fy possible. Nava is a student and somewhat of an outsider at the school. Aside form the classes she has to navigate the school itself as well as the Clan World's intricate social system.... not easy when she does not have a clan of her own.
An interesting start to a new series. Protagonist Nava remains much of a mystery which adds to the fun. Throughout the book her personal story is only slowly revealed which add an extra dimension to the plot. While Teasdale's familiar touch of strong, highly competent female protagonist makes itself know, the mystery of why Nava is the way she is forms a slow narrative in the background. Aside from this, the mix of Fantasy and Science Fiction and a world where magic makes the SF possible makes for a novel experience.
Overall: A familiar feel, but a new universe for both the reader and the author to explore.
(A sequel is planned for later this year)
Welcome to the Shinden Alliance School of Sorcery and the SAS2 universe where magic makes the Sci-Fy possible. Nava is a student and somewhat of an outsider at the school. Aside form the classes she has to navigate the school itself as well as the Clan World's intricate social system.... not easy when she does not have a clan of her own.
An interesting start to a new series. Protagonist Nava remains much of a mystery which adds to the fun. Throughout the book her personal story is only slowly revealed which add an extra dimension to the plot. While Teasdale's familiar touch of strong, highly competent female protagonist makes itself know, the mystery of why Nava is the way she is forms a slow narrative in the background. Aside from this, the mix of Fantasy and Science Fiction and a world where magic makes the SF possible makes for a novel experience.
Overall: A familiar feel, but a new universe for both the reader and the author to explore.
(A sequel is planned for later this year)
July 11, 2020
I didn’t read this book when it first came out, as I really couldn't face another 'School of Magic' book. Fortunately the fact that it is set in a school is almost irrelevant to most of the story.
Nava is a really interesting character and has slight overtones of 'Aneka Jansen'. I read a few reviews that didn't like that she begins the story already extremely competent and confident, but I thought this made her different from the usual heroine in this genre of book.
There are a couple of things I didn't like, the author's obsession with breasts and Lambert/ Harbinger storyline, but overall it was a very enjoyable read.
Nava is a really interesting character and has slight overtones of 'Aneka Jansen'. I read a few reviews that didn't like that she begins the story already extremely competent and confident, but I thought this made her different from the usual heroine in this genre of book.
There are a couple of things I didn't like, the author's obsession with breasts and Lambert/ Harbinger storyline, but overall it was a very enjoyable read.
October 21, 2020
Good, could be better
Easy read, with some nice ideas. I like the solid magic/science idea. The world building is good. The sex and nearly pornagraphic dresses are a highlight.
Weaknesses - I thought this book was going to be way more complicated that it turned out to be. It's too nice. I had this grand idea that Mitsuko's family might have been secretly responsible for the murderous training/human experimentation program and they'd actually manipulated the whole meeting and faked assassination scheme to have their innocent and kind daughter bond with/recruit their lost killing machine, but nope, their just nice people and the guys responsible are reduced to generic shadowy evil losers.
Same problem with the world building. It's too nice! Wheres the conflict? Clan worlds? Great idea! It practically invites civil war and dynasties backstabbing each other! There should be constant turmoil and family rivalries turning into deadly feuds challenging the law and order of the school. And yet, everywhere is nice and peaceful and when our girl takes over the campus security force we see her... - doing paperwork and hauling in drunk students. No duels to oversee, no bitter tears from grieving clansmen. No pressure from political families, or spolt rotten rich kids used to immunity from the law. The worst trouble comes from her own subordinates.
This is a story that clearly had some good ideas. But please, amp up he drama, extend the sex scenes, wreck the nice facade of the clan world and take some words of advice from Josh Weldon - torture your characters! Give them evil and ruthless relatives and dishonorable ninjas! Have happy characters should lose everything, desperate love affairs should form between forbidden rivals, just needs tons more drama and conflict, and blood and losses, because right now, this book is basicly a superpowered Nancy Drew story with lesbians.
Easy read, with some nice ideas. I like the solid magic/science idea. The world building is good. The sex and nearly pornagraphic dresses are a highlight.
Weaknesses - I thought this book was going to be way more complicated that it turned out to be. It's too nice. I had this grand idea that Mitsuko's family might have been secretly responsible for the murderous training/human experimentation program and they'd actually manipulated the whole meeting and faked assassination scheme to have their innocent and kind daughter bond with/recruit their lost killing machine, but nope, their just nice people and the guys responsible are reduced to generic shadowy evil losers.
Same problem with the world building. It's too nice! Wheres the conflict? Clan worlds? Great idea! It practically invites civil war and dynasties backstabbing each other! There should be constant turmoil and family rivalries turning into deadly feuds challenging the law and order of the school. And yet, everywhere is nice and peaceful and when our girl takes over the campus security force we see her... - doing paperwork and hauling in drunk students. No duels to oversee, no bitter tears from grieving clansmen. No pressure from political families, or spolt rotten rich kids used to immunity from the law. The worst trouble comes from her own subordinates.
This is a story that clearly had some good ideas. But please, amp up he drama, extend the sex scenes, wreck the nice facade of the clan world and take some words of advice from Josh Weldon - torture your characters! Give them evil and ruthless relatives and dishonorable ninjas! Have happy characters should lose everything, desperate love affairs should form between forbidden rivals, just needs tons more drama and conflict, and blood and losses, because right now, this book is basicly a superpowered Nancy Drew story with lesbians.
April 7, 2020
Supergirl without Kryptonite.
From all of Niall's books, (and I have them all) I still love the Thaumatology series the most. There the main character starts as an insecure girl and grows into a powerful sorceress in the course of twelve novels.
But where can this character grow into? She's already starting as Supergirl and shows no Achilles heel during the whole story.
That said: If you haven't read any of Niall's books it can be a good start. If you have you will notice a LOT of parallels to other ones.
From all of Niall's books, (and I have them all) I still love the Thaumatology series the most. There the main character starts as an insecure girl and grows into a powerful sorceress in the course of twelve novels.
But where can this character grow into? She's already starting as Supergirl and shows no Achilles heel during the whole story.
That said: If you haven't read any of Niall's books it can be a good start. If you have you will notice a LOT of parallels to other ones.
Read
February 11, 2020A new twist
A new series with again a very interesting setting. Though this book seemed more like a string of four different stories embedded into one novel. For my part I would not have minded the stories to overlap.
I'm already eagerly waiting book two. I know I will enjoy the ride. Thank you much.
N.b. After all these years, you might perhaps start thinking about changing or evolving your ' about the author' page.
A new series with again a very interesting setting. Though this book seemed more like a string of four different stories embedded into one novel. For my part I would not have minded the stories to overlap.
I'm already eagerly waiting book two. I know I will enjoy the ride. Thank you much.
N.b. After all these years, you might perhaps start thinking about changing or evolving your ' about the author' page.
February 4, 2020
Familiar settings
Great caracter development... Sounds a little like Harry Potter in space though...
Also feels like author drew some inspiration from his Zenrati Inheritance universe... And thats not a bad thing...
The one annoying thing is all the "teenage sex" which is not something I'm used to from.this author... Let them age a bit maybe?
Great caracter development... Sounds a little like Harry Potter in space though...
Also feels like author drew some inspiration from his Zenrati Inheritance universe... And thats not a bad thing...
The one annoying thing is all the "teenage sex" which is not something I'm used to from.this author... Let them age a bit maybe?
April 26, 2020
Brilliant
This is one of those books you have to try hard not to read all in one go. A strong, enigmatic heroine balances her love life and her dark past whilst kicking arse and not bothering with the names. Now straight on to the next one in the series. See you again in a couple of days.
This is one of those books you have to try hard not to read all in one go. A strong, enigmatic heroine balances her love life and her dark past whilst kicking arse and not bothering with the names. Now straight on to the next one in the series. See you again in a couple of days.
August 5, 2020
Interesting, but could be way better
The world building and the idea of a school for tech sorcery are both very interesting and very absorbing to read. However, the constant in-depth focusing on fashion and the dross around the tedious student council elections and operations took away from the storyline. I got 85% through it and just couldn't bring myself to finish it.
The world building and the idea of a school for tech sorcery are both very interesting and very absorbing to read. However, the constant in-depth focusing on fashion and the dross around the tedious student council elections and operations took away from the storyline. I got 85% through it and just couldn't bring myself to finish it.
September 2, 2020
Having read the authirs Aneka Jansen and Thaumatology series is was no surprise that this series contains the sexual content but at a much younger age group (15+). That being said the plots were entertaining with an excellent supporting cast.
The only in-congruency was the level of maturity displayed for said age group.
The only in-congruency was the level of maturity displayed for said age group.
February 6, 2020
Nava is simply awesome. Though the series has undertone of Mahouka, it does the story telling better than it. The support characters are good too, the romance was well executed, this is the longest book of the author so far and I loved every hour of it.
February 8, 2020
Another good one
After “The girl who dreamed...” novel, I was initially hesitant to purchase Death’s Handmaiden but not only has this book lived up to expectations of Teasdale’s work, but has indeed exceeded when compared to the rest.
After “The girl who dreamed...” novel, I was initially hesitant to purchase Death’s Handmaiden but not only has this book lived up to expectations of Teasdale’s work, but has indeed exceeded when compared to the rest.
February 9, 2020
The start of another good series
I do like Niall Teasdale's books and this is no exception. Well plotted and written, plenty of crunchy worldbuilding, adventure, action and just enough titillation to keep the romantic in me happy.
I do like Niall Teasdale's books and this is no exception. Well plotted and written, plenty of crunchy worldbuilding, adventure, action and just enough titillation to keep the romantic in me happy.
February 17, 2020
Liked it
Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for. I will definitely be getting the next book in the series. Can't wait for it to come out
Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for. I will definitely be getting the next book in the series. Can't wait for it to come out
February 5, 2020
Great book!
Super new book by Niall Teasdale, another completely new universe with incredible characters, great plot. I can’t wait for the sequel!
Super new book by Niall Teasdale, another completely new universe with incredible characters, great plot. I can’t wait for the sequel!
October 3, 2024
Great Story
I don't write many reviews because Amazon won't let us do short reviews.
But this book was so much fun to read while holding me captivated by the story.
I don't write many reviews because Amazon won't let us do short reviews.
But this book was so much fun to read while holding me captivated by the story.
April 8, 2020
So my favorite series by this author are the Aneka Jansen books. I loved the series and I loved the characters. I have bought and read all his books minus the Ultrahumans collection; for some reason I just can’t get myself to buy them. I am a cover man, and the covers on those books look too happy for me.
Anyway, Nava Ward is an orphan with a secret. She is emotionless, talks in a bored tone, and is not seemingly looking for anything out of life but learning and leading a normal life. This desire fails for her early on when she is forced to participate in a dual and ends up killing her opponent with some unknown magic. One thing leads to another and soon Nava is guarding the beautiful and high powered girl when those running for the student council president start getting killed by an assassin.
So Nava moves in with Suki, and soon they are an item. Nava is also friends with Mel - a girl with huge knockers, and Chess - the class genius. These four, along with two SSF members (the campus police),Courtney and Kyle, are the main characters in the book.
The gang go through many adventures, and the end of the book brings about Nava’s big reveal. Nava is worried that her friends she has made will feel differently about, and she is very afraid that her girlfriend will get second thoughts about being with Nava.
All seems to be well at the end of the book, but only time will tell.
I hope that the author will continue with this series as I really like it. I know bitter winds is out now, and I have read it as well. Of course, I always hoped he would pop out another Aneka Jansen book or two as well but I guess I’m doomed to live with disappointment.
dam
Anyway, Nava Ward is an orphan with a secret. She is emotionless, talks in a bored tone, and is not seemingly looking for anything out of life but learning and leading a normal life. This desire fails for her early on when she is forced to participate in a dual and ends up killing her opponent with some unknown magic. One thing leads to another and soon Nava is guarding the beautiful and high powered girl when those running for the student council president start getting killed by an assassin.
So Nava moves in with Suki, and soon they are an item. Nava is also friends with Mel - a girl with huge knockers, and Chess - the class genius. These four, along with two SSF members (the campus police),Courtney and Kyle, are the main characters in the book.
The gang go through many adventures, and the end of the book brings about Nava’s big reveal. Nava is worried that her friends she has made will feel differently about, and she is very afraid that her girlfriend will get second thoughts about being with Nava.
All seems to be well at the end of the book, but only time will tell.
I hope that the author will continue with this series as I really like it. I know bitter winds is out now, and I have read it as well. Of course, I always hoped he would pop out another Aneka Jansen book or two as well but I guess I’m doomed to live with disappointment.
dam
April 30, 2021
Better than expected
Much better than the blurb would make it sound. The blurb sounded like "ho hum, another supernatural accademy book..." But Mr Teasdale is incapable of writing a bad book.
Much better than the blurb would make it sound. The blurb sounded like "ho hum, another supernatural accademy book..." But Mr Teasdale is incapable of writing a bad book.
October 24, 2025
Great novel
Great new novel for this author. Combines multiple elements of Of her other box. I will not mention them because it would be too much of a spoiled.
Great new novel for this author. Combines multiple elements of Of her other box. I will not mention them because it would be too much of a spoiled.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews