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Greatcoats #5
Tales of the Greatcoats Vol. 1: Swashbuckling Fantasy Stories
A disgraced magistrate on the run. A daring swashbuckler hunted by an unstoppable assassin. An investigator of the supernatural faced with a corpse that won't stop dancing.
Here are eight* tales of the Greatcoats, legendary sword-fighting magistrates brought together by an idealistic young king and disbanded after his execution as a tyrant. Follow along through their swashbuckling adventures, their triumphs and defeats, their darkest hours and their moments of shining redemption as they struggle to bring justice to a corrupt kingdom.
Included in this collection:
Death of the Swashbuckler
A Study in Steel
Dance of the Chamberlain
Grave of Thorns
Memories of Flame
The Wheelwright’s Duel
Duel With the Demon
When the Sword Seems to Smile
* Plus bonus story: The Assassin’s Heresy
Here are eight* tales of the Greatcoats, legendary sword-fighting magistrates brought together by an idealistic young king and disbanded after his execution as a tyrant. Follow along through their swashbuckling adventures, their triumphs and defeats, their darkest hours and their moments of shining redemption as they struggle to bring justice to a corrupt kingdom.
Included in this collection:
Death of the Swashbuckler
A Study in Steel
Dance of the Chamberlain
Grave of Thorns
Memories of Flame
The Wheelwright’s Duel
Duel With the Demon
When the Sword Seems to Smile
* Plus bonus story: The Assassin’s Heresy
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 30, 2021
67 people are currently reading
1038 people want to read
About the author
Sebastien de Castell
58 books4,972 followersHi Folks!
My eighteenth novel, MALEVOLENT EIGHT is now available. Cade Ombra and his misfit band of mercenary war mages are determined to prevent a cataclysmic war between supernatural beings. But peace at any price might mean killing an awful lot of people. The Malevolent Seven might be heroes, but they'll be the good guys . . .
My seventeenth novel is titled PLAY OF SHADOWS. A swashbuckling fantasy set in the world of mystical theatre where exalted actors can channel the spirits of the historical figures they portray on stage. But Damelas Chademantaigne seems to be summoning the spirit of a notorious villain whose secrets could unleash a civil war!
My sixteenth novel is CRUCIBLE OF CHAOS. Estevar Borros is my favourite swashbuckling investigator of the supernatural, so come investigate alongside him and his dauntless mule, Imperious inside a mysterious abbey where the gods seem to be driving the monks mad!
My fifteenth novel is FATE OF THE ARGOSI. The Argosi series is one of my favourites and I hope you'll come along for Ferius Parfax's adventures!
You can get a pair of free stories here.
The best way to stay up to date is at www.decastell.com, but I'm also on that Facebook thing. Also that Twitter thing. One day I'll even remember to get on that Instagram thing.
As to who I am? Well . . .
Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realized how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist. His only defence against the charge of unbridled dilettantism is that he genuinely likes doing these things and that, in one way or another, each of these fields plays a role in his writing. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.
Sebastien's acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats. was shortlisted for both the 2014 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy. the Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work, and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His YA fantasy series, Spellslinger, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and is published in more than a dozen languages.
Sebastien lives in Vancouver, Canada with his lovely wife and two belligerent cats. You can reach him at www.decastell.com
My eighteenth novel, MALEVOLENT EIGHT is now available. Cade Ombra and his misfit band of mercenary war mages are determined to prevent a cataclysmic war between supernatural beings. But peace at any price might mean killing an awful lot of people. The Malevolent Seven might be heroes, but they'll be the good guys . . .
My seventeenth novel is titled PLAY OF SHADOWS. A swashbuckling fantasy set in the world of mystical theatre where exalted actors can channel the spirits of the historical figures they portray on stage. But Damelas Chademantaigne seems to be summoning the spirit of a notorious villain whose secrets could unleash a civil war!
My sixteenth novel is CRUCIBLE OF CHAOS. Estevar Borros is my favourite swashbuckling investigator of the supernatural, so come investigate alongside him and his dauntless mule, Imperious inside a mysterious abbey where the gods seem to be driving the monks mad!
My fifteenth novel is FATE OF THE ARGOSI. The Argosi series is one of my favourites and I hope you'll come along for Ferius Parfax's adventures!
You can get a pair of free stories here.
The best way to stay up to date is at www.decastell.com, but I'm also on that Facebook thing. Also that Twitter thing. One day I'll even remember to get on that Instagram thing.
As to who I am? Well . . .
Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realized how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist. His only defence against the charge of unbridled dilettantism is that he genuinely likes doing these things and that, in one way or another, each of these fields plays a role in his writing. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.
Sebastien's acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats. was shortlisted for both the 2014 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy. the Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work, and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His YA fantasy series, Spellslinger, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and is published in more than a dozen languages.
Sebastien lives in Vancouver, Canada with his lovely wife and two belligerent cats. You can reach him at www.decastell.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 7, 2025
loved reading about some of my beloved characters again, while also being introduced to new characters as well. there’s a couple faces I’ll be looking forward to seeing in other spinoff series in the future. Sebastien de Castell can do no wrong in my eyes. the greatcoats quartet is one of my favorite series ever, i’ll take anything set in this same world thank you so much 🫶🏽
individual ratings:
i. death of the swashbuckler - 4.5 ☆
ii. a study in steel - 4 ☆
iii. the dance of the chamberlain - 4 ☆
iv. the wheelwrights duel - 4.5 ☆
v. memories of flame - 4 ☆
vi. the assassins heresy - 4 ☆
vii. grave of thorns - 4.5 ☆
viii. duel with the demon - 4 ☆
ix. when the sword seems to smile - 5 ☆
- i loved the section at the end where the author goes through each short story and talks about his inspiration behind them and the way he wanted the characters to present themselves, many getting a second hand at redemption or finally moving forward.. so good!
individual ratings:
i. death of the swashbuckler - 4.5 ☆
ii. a study in steel - 4 ☆
iii. the dance of the chamberlain - 4 ☆
iv. the wheelwrights duel - 4.5 ☆
v. memories of flame - 4 ☆
vi. the assassins heresy - 4 ☆
vii. grave of thorns - 4.5 ☆
viii. duel with the demon - 4 ☆
ix. when the sword seems to smile - 5 ☆
- i loved the section at the end where the author goes through each short story and talks about his inspiration behind them and the way he wanted the characters to present themselves, many getting a second hand at redemption or finally moving forward.. so good!
December 13, 2021
A must-have for any Greatcoats fan.
The Death of the Swashbuckler: 5⭐
A Study in Steel: 5⭐
The Dance of the Chamberlain: 4⭐
The Wheelwright's Duel: 5⭐
Memories of Flame: 5⭐
The Assassin's Heresy: 5⭐
Grave of Thorns: 5⭐ (my fav)
Duel With the Demon: 4⭐
When the Sword Seems to Smile: 5⭐
The Death of the Swashbuckler: 5⭐
A Study in Steel: 5⭐
The Dance of the Chamberlain: 4⭐
The Wheelwright's Duel: 5⭐
Memories of Flame: 5⭐
The Assassin's Heresy: 5⭐
Grave of Thorns: 5⭐ (my fav)
Duel With the Demon: 4⭐
When the Sword Seems to Smile: 5⭐
Want to read
April 8, 20231.) Traitor's Blade ★★★★★
2.) Knight's Shadow ★★★★★
3.) Saint's Blood ★★★★★
4.) Tyrant's Throne ★★★★★
blog | instagram | youtube | kofi | spotify | amazon
1.) Spellslinger ★★★★★
2.) Knight's Shadow ★★★★★
3.) Saint's Blood ★★★★★
4.) Tyrant's Throne ★★★★★
blog | instagram | youtube | kofi | spotify | amazon
1.) Spellslinger ★★★★★
June 2, 2024
So this is a collection of short stories, and just like basically every collection I've read it's a bit mixed. None are bad, but some were definitely more interesting than others. Still, it was fun to explore this world again and see what our favorite characters were getting up to. The greatcoats is just such a fascinating world. Overall, I enjoyed it. Particularly the notes from the author at the end.
January 22, 2023
Seriously a must for any Greatcoats fans!!
• Death of the Swashbuckler = 5/5 ⭐️
• A Study in Steel = 5/5 ⭐️
• Dance of the Chamberlain = 5/5 ⭐️
• Grave of Thorns = 5/5 ⭐️
• Memories of Flame = 4/5 ⭐️
• The Assassin’s Heresy = 4/5 ⭐️
• The Wheelwright’s Duel = 5/5 ⭐️
• Duel with the Demon = 4/5 ⭐️
• When the Sword Seems to Smile = 5/5 ⭐️
• Death of the Swashbuckler = 5/5 ⭐️
• A Study in Steel = 5/5 ⭐️
• Dance of the Chamberlain = 5/5 ⭐️
• Grave of Thorns = 5/5 ⭐️
• Memories of Flame = 4/5 ⭐️
• The Assassin’s Heresy = 4/5 ⭐️
• The Wheelwright’s Duel = 5/5 ⭐️
• Duel with the Demon = 4/5 ⭐️
• When the Sword Seems to Smile = 5/5 ⭐️
July 3, 2022
The Greatcoats series is one of my all time favourite series'. Therefore I was thrilled when I discovered that this book existed. I liked most of the stories, and I enjoyed all of them. Can't wait for the next volume if, and when, that happens.
December 18, 2021
This was a good collection if you're a fan of the Greatcoats series. Most of the stories dealt with other characters, such as Estevar, but Falcio made his appearance. I always liked that character!
December 27, 2021
4.5
The swashbuckling stories in this collection were so much fun. We get to see some old faces and we are also introduced to some new faces. I hope some of the new faces will appear in the new Court of Shadows series he has coming out in the near future. Even though some of these stories were only like 15 pages or so, they packed quite a punch. There were a couple standouts for sure. Death of a Swashbuckler, Grave of Thorns, Memories of Flame, The Assassin's Heresy, Duel With The Demon, and When The Sword Seems To Smile, just to name a few. I am so glad I decided to pick this up because it really open my eyes to how much I miss this world and these characters. I swear Our Lady of Blades the new book cannot come out soon enough.
The swashbuckling stories in this collection were so much fun. We get to see some old faces and we are also introduced to some new faces. I hope some of the new faces will appear in the new Court of Shadows series he has coming out in the near future. Even though some of these stories were only like 15 pages or so, they packed quite a punch. There were a couple standouts for sure. Death of a Swashbuckler, Grave of Thorns, Memories of Flame, The Assassin's Heresy, Duel With The Demon, and When The Sword Seems To Smile, just to name a few. I am so glad I decided to pick this up because it really open my eyes to how much I miss this world and these characters. I swear Our Lady of Blades the new book cannot come out soon enough.
December 9, 2021
5/5*
I love the Greatcoats.
I love short stories.
Needless to say, I love this too. Every story feels unique and adds something to the world of Falcio, Kest and Brasti. Estevar Borros might be my favorite new addition. I hope there will be more of him.
I know this just came out. But damn it, where's volume 2?
I love the Greatcoats.
I love short stories.
Needless to say, I love this too. Every story feels unique and adds something to the world of Falcio, Kest and Brasti. Estevar Borros might be my favorite new addition. I hope there will be more of him.
I know this just came out. But damn it, where's volume 2?
December 11, 2021
I've been wanting to return to the world of The Greatcoats for some time and De Castell has knocked it out of the park again with a wonderful collection of swashbuckling adventures from Falcio Val Mond and his fellow Greatcoats.
Loved seeing the lore of Tristia expanded and hope to see the character of Estevar Valejan Duerisi Borros return for future stories.
Loved seeing the lore of Tristia expanded and hope to see the character of Estevar Valejan Duerisi Borros return for future stories.
December 19, 2021
Voilà plusieurs années qu’on était pas retournés dans le monde des Greatcoats ! La sortie de la nouvelle saga de Sebastien de Castell Court of shadows a été repoussée plusieurs fois et semble encore chamboulée dans l’ordre de parution, mais on devrait voir Our lady of blades l’an prochain, enfin. En attendant, l’auteur s’est amusé cette année à écrire plusieurs nouvelles dont une bonne partie dans l’univers des Greatcoats, et il vient de regrouper celles-ci dans un recueil intitulé Tales of the greatcoats.
Le recueil regroupe 9 histoires mettant en scène les fameux magistrats itinérants, il est toutefois conseillé d’avoir lu la série originale avant d’attaquer ces nouvelles puisque beaucoup se passent après Tyrant’s throne et pourraient en spoiler le contenu. On y croisera une greatcoat qui a trahi ses camarades sur le chemin de la rédemption, un jeune noble pas très doué à l’épée qui va devoir affronter un grand duelliste pour sauver sa petite sœur, une charronne condamnée qui affronte un des duellistes de la cour avec un petit coup de pouce, deux récits mettant en scène Falcio Val Mond et trois nouvelles nous présentant le grand Estevar Valejan Duerisi Borros ! Sans doute le personnage le plus enthousiasmant de l’ensemble.
Même si je ne suis habituellement pas très client du format, Tales of the greatcoats est un indispensable pour tout amateur de la saga, on y retrouve par petites touches tout ce qui a déjà suscité mon enthousiasme : De l’action, du drame, de l’idéalisme, des duels et du style ! Les deux nouvelles avec Falcio serviront plus de sucreries pour fan, histoire de voir notre héros encore une fois pour nous faire un petit clin d’œil, mais honnêtement c’est pas celles-ci qui m’ont le plus emballé (même si je les ai appréciées). A study in steel et The wheelwright’s duel nous présentent tous les deux de nouveaux personnages devant affronter un duelliste de renom sans en avoir les capacités, chacune nous permettra de vivre ces duels avec toute la malice de l’auteur, mais aussi de recroiser des personnages connus. De l’astuce, de l’audace, un espoir infime et des personnages magnifiques, c’est comme ça qu’on aime cet univers.
Le clou du spectacle a donc été pour moi l’apparition de ce fantastique nouveau personnage qu’est Estevar Borros à travers trois histoires : Dance of the chamberlain, Memories of flame et Duel with a demon. Estevar est un greatcoat spécialisé dans le surnaturel et il est envoyé quand des évènements étranges réclament justice. Mélange de Fox Mulder et d’Hercule Poirot pour le style, le bonhomme fait forte impression par sa grandiloquence et son empathie, son flair et son ouverture d’esprit. Que ce soit un cadavre qui danse tout seul ou en enfant pyrokinésiste, Estevar se dresse avec style pour découvrir la vérité qu’on veut lui cacher. J’espère vraiment que nous reverrons ce greatocat à l’avenir.
Quel plaisir de retrouver l’univers des Greatcoats pour un petit paquet de nouvelles, qui arrivent à me rappeler en quelques pages pourquoi j’ai adoré cette saga. Sebastien de Castell nous a concocté un beau recueil plein de drame et de panache, en attendant l’arrivée de la prochaine série dans cet univers qui devrait arriver en 2022. Vous pouvez retrouver le recueil, mais aussi chaque nouvelle à l’unité en numérique ou audio sur le site de l’auteur.
https://ours-inculte.fr/tales-of-the-...
Le recueil regroupe 9 histoires mettant en scène les fameux magistrats itinérants, il est toutefois conseillé d’avoir lu la série originale avant d’attaquer ces nouvelles puisque beaucoup se passent après Tyrant’s throne et pourraient en spoiler le contenu. On y croisera une greatcoat qui a trahi ses camarades sur le chemin de la rédemption, un jeune noble pas très doué à l’épée qui va devoir affronter un grand duelliste pour sauver sa petite sœur, une charronne condamnée qui affronte un des duellistes de la cour avec un petit coup de pouce, deux récits mettant en scène Falcio Val Mond et trois nouvelles nous présentant le grand Estevar Valejan Duerisi Borros ! Sans doute le personnage le plus enthousiasmant de l’ensemble.
Même si je ne suis habituellement pas très client du format, Tales of the greatcoats est un indispensable pour tout amateur de la saga, on y retrouve par petites touches tout ce qui a déjà suscité mon enthousiasme : De l’action, du drame, de l’idéalisme, des duels et du style ! Les deux nouvelles avec Falcio serviront plus de sucreries pour fan, histoire de voir notre héros encore une fois pour nous faire un petit clin d’œil, mais honnêtement c’est pas celles-ci qui m’ont le plus emballé (même si je les ai appréciées). A study in steel et The wheelwright’s duel nous présentent tous les deux de nouveaux personnages devant affronter un duelliste de renom sans en avoir les capacités, chacune nous permettra de vivre ces duels avec toute la malice de l’auteur, mais aussi de recroiser des personnages connus. De l’astuce, de l’audace, un espoir infime et des personnages magnifiques, c’est comme ça qu’on aime cet univers.
Le clou du spectacle a donc été pour moi l’apparition de ce fantastique nouveau personnage qu’est Estevar Borros à travers trois histoires : Dance of the chamberlain, Memories of flame et Duel with a demon. Estevar est un greatcoat spécialisé dans le surnaturel et il est envoyé quand des évènements étranges réclament justice. Mélange de Fox Mulder et d’Hercule Poirot pour le style, le bonhomme fait forte impression par sa grandiloquence et son empathie, son flair et son ouverture d’esprit. Que ce soit un cadavre qui danse tout seul ou en enfant pyrokinésiste, Estevar se dresse avec style pour découvrir la vérité qu’on veut lui cacher. J’espère vraiment que nous reverrons ce greatocat à l’avenir.
Quel plaisir de retrouver l’univers des Greatcoats pour un petit paquet de nouvelles, qui arrivent à me rappeler en quelques pages pourquoi j’ai adoré cette saga. Sebastien de Castell nous a concocté un beau recueil plein de drame et de panache, en attendant l’arrivée de la prochaine série dans cet univers qui devrait arriver en 2022. Vous pouvez retrouver le recueil, mais aussi chaque nouvelle à l’unité en numérique ou audio sur le site de l’auteur.
https://ours-inculte.fr/tales-of-the-...
January 16, 2024
Greatcoats hors d'oeuvres, each as tasty as the tastiest miniature frank in a puffed pastry. Adds great depth to the Greatcoats universe and introduces some dang interesting characters. I read all 300-odd pages, including notes by on each story by the esteemed S-d-C, in one sitting. I now offer my back for pattings.
March 8, 2022
A collection of brilliantly written short stories,that had me reading one after the other.
August 7, 2025
There's two sensational stories in this collection, two good ones, two solid and three absolutely forgettable ones, making overall for a 3 star read.
You won't regret your time with collection, but other than a good introduction to the main character in de Castell's next novel set in Tristia, you can probably skip it if short story collections are not your thing.
3 Supernatural Mysteries for Tales of the Greatcoats Vol 1.
You won't regret your time with collection, but other than a good introduction to the main character in de Castell's next novel set in Tristia, you can probably skip it if short story collections are not your thing.
3 Supernatural Mysteries for Tales of the Greatcoats Vol 1.
April 26, 2024
I had never heard of the Greatcoat books until they came up in a discussion. This one was the only one available immediately at my library and it is absolutely amazing! These are short stories that feature the different Greatcoats - Franco, Kest, Basti, the guy with four names (whom I just call Your Eminence) and others. It is not necessary to read the series before reading this book, but this one is definitely a teaser for the quartet. I have queued them up at the library, however, it looks like it is going to be a long wait.
January 29, 2024
An awesome little set of novellas - those who've followed me for a while know that I am a huge sucker for little novellas that expand or round out a setting or world that I love, and this is a great collection.
August 31, 2024
I wasn't sure what to expect with one but it landed well for me. I really enjoyed each of these short stories that remain connected to our favorite characters from the quartet.
I am not yet sure if I'll do a full review on this one.
I am not yet sure if I'll do a full review on this one.
April 20, 2022
Thank you for this beautiful collection of stories about the Greatcoats! Now I absolutely want a book about Estevar Borros!
April 30, 2025
Tales from The Greatcoats Vol 1
Death of The Swashbuckler: Not gonna lie got a wee bit emosh getting more Falcio, he genuinely is a fav character and I absolutely love the way Joe Jameson voices him. But also I love being back in the world, its one of my fav series and I adore having more. Love seeing Falcio via another POV. Also the assassin was a very cool character. 5/5
A Study in Steel: This follows Aline's brother. Really good seeing her love of duelling for a young age and I love the cowardly brothers pov where he wants to be strong but hes just to afraid to do anything. Loved the ending 5/5
Dance of The Chamberlain: Estevar !! Ahhh this collection is really becoming a who's who of characters I adore. That being said this wasn't a fav story, although I do love seeing Estevar. 3.5/5
Grave of Thorns: I like the King's Thorn as a character, she is sassy, broody and explosive and I really liked seeing her. It did get me in the end, 5/5
Memories of Flame: More Estavar ! I love him so much and I love the solemness that comes with his powers. 4/5
The Assassin's Heresy: A bit short to care about but still decent. 3/5
The Wheelwright's Duel: YES! YES! YES! Its one of the best things about doing this story on audio, is immediately recognising a voice. Our POV character was fantastic and I loved their sense of justice, and how sometimes you have to interact. 5/5
Duel With The Demon: Another Estevar ! This is becoming a new book for him. 4/5
When The Sword Seems to Smile: A perfect finale :) 5/5
Death of The Swashbuckler: Not gonna lie got a wee bit emosh getting more Falcio, he genuinely is a fav character and I absolutely love the way Joe Jameson voices him. But also I love being back in the world, its one of my fav series and I adore having more. Love seeing Falcio via another POV. Also the assassin was a very cool character. 5/5
A Study in Steel: This follows Aline's brother. Really good seeing her love of duelling for a young age and I love the cowardly brothers pov where he wants to be strong but hes just to afraid to do anything. Loved the ending 5/5
Dance of The Chamberlain: Estevar !! Ahhh this collection is really becoming a who's who of characters I adore. That being said this wasn't a fav story, although I do love seeing Estevar. 3.5/5
Grave of Thorns: I like the King's Thorn as a character, she is sassy, broody and explosive and I really liked seeing her. It did get me in the end, 5/5
Memories of Flame: More Estavar ! I love him so much and I love the solemness that comes with his powers. 4/5
The Assassin's Heresy: A bit short to care about but still decent. 3/5
The Wheelwright's Duel: YES! YES! YES! Its one of the best things about doing this story on audio, is immediately recognising a voice. Our POV character was fantastic and I loved their sense of justice, and how sometimes you have to interact. 5/5
Duel With The Demon: Another Estevar ! This is becoming a new book for him. 4/5
When The Sword Seems to Smile: A perfect finale :) 5/5
January 16, 2022
For more reviews, go to www.Wolfmantula.com
Love the idea that de Castell has by making a full book of 9 short stories set in the world of the Greatcoats, rather than publishing multiple books. We get to hear the stories of new characters throughout the world of Tristia, as well as a couple familiar faces that we all know and love. We are also blessed with 3 narrators: Joe Jameson, Kristin Atherton & Chris Humphreys, who all do a fantastic job.
“’My Lady, perhaps you failed to
hear when I introduced myself earlier
today. I am Estevar Valejan Duerisi Borros, a Greatcoat of the King’s Travelling
Magistrates.”
One of these new characters that de Castell introduces, one of my favorites and can easily tell that it is one of the authors as well, actually gets a few short stories for himself as he travels to solve supernatural mysteries. My favorite short story of them all isn’t even his despite him being my favorite character in these stories. My favorite actually made me tear up a little at the end.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter whether forgiveness and grace come from a dead King or a town brute.
Sometimes you just need to hear the
words.
If you love the Greatcoats Quartet then this is an absolute must read! All but one of these stories take solace after the series, so these are not stories that fill in gaps in the books.
Love the idea that de Castell has by making a full book of 9 short stories set in the world of the Greatcoats, rather than publishing multiple books. We get to hear the stories of new characters throughout the world of Tristia, as well as a couple familiar faces that we all know and love. We are also blessed with 3 narrators: Joe Jameson, Kristin Atherton & Chris Humphreys, who all do a fantastic job.
“’My Lady, perhaps you failed to
hear when I introduced myself earlier
today. I am Estevar Valejan Duerisi Borros, a Greatcoat of the King’s Travelling
Magistrates.”
One of these new characters that de Castell introduces, one of my favorites and can easily tell that it is one of the authors as well, actually gets a few short stories for himself as he travels to solve supernatural mysteries. My favorite short story of them all isn’t even his despite him being my favorite character in these stories. My favorite actually made me tear up a little at the end.
Sometimes it doesn’t matter whether forgiveness and grace come from a dead King or a town brute.
Sometimes you just need to hear the
words.
If you love the Greatcoats Quartet then this is an absolute must read! All but one of these stories take solace after the series, so these are not stories that fill in gaps in the books.
February 9, 2025
I had fun with this. I find myself thinking about the Greatcoats from time to time. I know it has its issues but I always had fun with these books and this collection of stories was no different.
Falcio makes a couple of appearances. I was delighted to recognize Kest when he showed up. But we also get new characters and perspectives. I believe this is all primarily set after Tyrant’s Throne ends. So I recommend reading it last and maybe when you are feeling nostalgic.
Favorite stories:
The Death of the Swashbuckler - I knew where it was going before it got there but it was lots of fun!
The Wheelwright’s Duel - loved everything about it but especially the ending.
When the Sword Seems to Smile - because how could I not mention this little epilogue to Falcio’s story.
I did enjoy the King’s Crucible (I listened, please don’t ask me to get all his names right) and seeing the more supernatural side to Tristia was also a lot of fun.
Not a bad way to kill some time.
Falcio makes a couple of appearances. I was delighted to recognize Kest when he showed up. But we also get new characters and perspectives. I believe this is all primarily set after Tyrant’s Throne ends. So I recommend reading it last and maybe when you are feeling nostalgic.
Favorite stories:
The Death of the Swashbuckler - I knew where it was going before it got there but it was lots of fun!
The Wheelwright’s Duel - loved everything about it but especially the ending.
When the Sword Seems to Smile - because how could I not mention this little epilogue to Falcio’s story.
I did enjoy the King’s Crucible (I listened, please don’t ask me to get all his names right) and seeing the more supernatural side to Tristia was also a lot of fun.
Not a bad way to kill some time.
May 9, 2022
Great to revisit the world of the Greatcoats! Always a fan of Sebastien de Castell's writing. Loved having various narrators on the audiobook version. A good mix of stories, with only a few weaker links (which may have just been a voice not to my liking).
1. Death of the Swashbuckler - 4.5/5
2. A Study in Steel - 5/5
3. Dance of the Chamberlain - 1/5
4. Grave of Thorns - 5/5
5. Memories of Flame - 3.5/5
6. The Assassin’s Heresy - 3.5/5
7. The Wheelwright’s Duel - 4.5/5
8. Duel With the Demon - 1/5
9. When the Sword Seems to Smile 5/5
1. Death of the Swashbuckler - 4.5/5
2. A Study in Steel - 5/5
3. Dance of the Chamberlain - 1/5
4. Grave of Thorns - 5/5
5. Memories of Flame - 3.5/5
6. The Assassin’s Heresy - 3.5/5
7. The Wheelwright’s Duel - 4.5/5
8. Duel With the Demon - 1/5
9. When the Sword Seems to Smile 5/5
October 18, 2023
For the first time in my life, I enjoyed reading a collection of short stories - trust de Castell to make the impossible inevitable (ha!).
My favourites: Dance of the Chamberlain (Estevar is such a compelling character), The Assassin's Heresy (so short, so intriguing), and The Wheelwright's Duel (Kest being Kest, which is to say: being helpful, being kind).
My favourites: Dance of the Chamberlain (Estevar is such a compelling character), The Assassin's Heresy (so short, so intriguing), and The Wheelwright's Duel (Kest being Kest, which is to say: being helpful, being kind).
August 22, 2024
What a great collection of short stories in the Greatcoats world! Most of them are easily 5 stars but a few didn't wow me. So overall well worth the read. I'm biased of course but all the stories that centered our main trio were just fabulous and I need 50 more. Thank you so much, Sebastien please get right on that for me 😂😂😂
February 28, 2022
4.5 stars. Brilliant for what it is.
If you want more stories from Trista, with a little sprinkling of some of our favourite characters this is a great bitesize set of stories. It was lovely to be back with the Greatcoats, some we have met before and some that we haven't.
All in all a great read
If you want more stories from Trista, with a little sprinkling of some of our favourite characters this is a great bitesize set of stories. It was lovely to be back with the Greatcoats, some we have met before and some that we haven't.
All in all a great read
February 22, 2023
Really enjoyed the writing and being back in this world.
January 8, 2022
I always like to hear more about the characters in a series after a series ends. This book did not disappoint. A wonderful collection Greatcoats stories that will have you wishing there were more books in the series.
August 1, 2024
Very short and can be read in an hour. It was fun getting back to Tristia and getting insight into different characters and even get a mini Falcio and Thalia spin off. I also really enjoyed the author's notes for each short story and getting an insight into the writing process behind it.
September 14, 2023
An undeniably fun, but largely inconsequential collection of stories within Tristia. The Greatcoats series was the most pleasant surprise of a read that I have had thus far this year, the combination of a well thought out plot and memorable characters, along with heavy doses of action and humor made for a great series. Not only that, but since the story was told fully through the eyes of Falcio, there certainly could be a great deal more to mine in this world.
And these short stories do a good job of that, continuing on in the same tone as the series (all of these take place after the events of the series except for one story)- anyone who has read the series and wants more will no doubt enjoy this. Several of the major players in the series show up in various ways within the stories, though only one is from the POV of one of those characters. Instead, we get a handful of new POV characters, but only one of them is given more than one chance in the spotlight- though I can’t deny that character is pretty fun. Some of the stories are able to elicit a surprising amount of emotion for characters who really only get around 20 pages to work with, and a couple have clever twists or mysteries at the center.
Still, it's hard to feel like there is much to gain from reading these stories- one of the reasons I rarely rate a short story collection highly is because there’s a level of investment you just cannot get in such a short period of time. After reading these, none of the names of new characters have stuck in my brain, or changed the way I think about this world or the characters. The final story does have one development that will feel impactful to readers of the series, and is kind of a nice bow on some of the series most important players, but other than that, these are just nice little diversions in a world that had much more important stuff going on before.
One thing that is a plus however, is de Castell electing to put in a section at the end with little notes for each story, either how he developed it, or added insights into the characters, which is just wonderful. Any time a writer appreciates the audience for their stories that much, and is willing to give readers a kind of behind the scenes look at where their stories come from, I am a sucker for. The grade for these stories gets half a point for that alone. De Castell is supposed to be having a new series within this world coming out later this year, you can bet that I will be checking that out. (Grade:7/10)
And these short stories do a good job of that, continuing on in the same tone as the series (all of these take place after the events of the series except for one story)- anyone who has read the series and wants more will no doubt enjoy this. Several of the major players in the series show up in various ways within the stories, though only one is from the POV of one of those characters. Instead, we get a handful of new POV characters, but only one of them is given more than one chance in the spotlight- though I can’t deny that character is pretty fun. Some of the stories are able to elicit a surprising amount of emotion for characters who really only get around 20 pages to work with, and a couple have clever twists or mysteries at the center.
Still, it's hard to feel like there is much to gain from reading these stories- one of the reasons I rarely rate a short story collection highly is because there’s a level of investment you just cannot get in such a short period of time. After reading these, none of the names of new characters have stuck in my brain, or changed the way I think about this world or the characters. The final story does have one development that will feel impactful to readers of the series, and is kind of a nice bow on some of the series most important players, but other than that, these are just nice little diversions in a world that had much more important stuff going on before.
One thing that is a plus however, is de Castell electing to put in a section at the end with little notes for each story, either how he developed it, or added insights into the characters, which is just wonderful. Any time a writer appreciates the audience for their stories that much, and is willing to give readers a kind of behind the scenes look at where their stories come from, I am a sucker for. The grade for these stories gets half a point for that alone. De Castell is supposed to be having a new series within this world coming out later this year, you can bet that I will be checking that out. (Grade:7/10)
May 17, 2025
A decade's distance from Tristia does not dull its shine. If anything, Sebastien De Castell's return through this anthology of short stories feels like slipping back into a long-forgotten tavern where the songs of valor still echo, where every shadowed alley whispers secrets, and the gleam of a dueling blade still stirs something in the blood. Fortunately for me, Tales of the Greatcoats Vol. 1 is not just a nostalgic visit to old haunts. It is a welcome reaffirmation that swashbuckling fantasy can still be smart, heartfelt, and fiercely humane.
There is comfort here, but not complacency. These stories are vibrant, and while they vary in tonal richness and impact, as is the nature of any anthology, the throughline is unmistakable: a commitment to the ideals the Greatcoats once carried like banners against the storm. Honor, justice, resistance. And at the heart of it all, the promise that heroes still rise when the world turns cruel. Falcio, Brasti, and Kest may not dominate the page as before, but their legacy hums like a distant melody beneath each tale. Some of the newer characters struggle to leave a mark, others surprise with quiet depth or ragged conviction. Not every story is unforgettable, but none feel unnecessary.
De Castell's prose retains its lively rhythm, part theatrical flourish and part whispered confession. The style occasionally veers toward the excessive, especially during introspective asides or elaborate scene-setting, but when the narrative tightens, the writing cuts clean and true. What remains most satisfying is not just the action or intrigue, but the moral clarity with which De Castell continues to write. Not simplistic, but earnest. In a time where many fantasy series turn bleak and cynical, Tales of the Greatcoats Vol. 1 feels, against all odds, like hope with a sharp edge.
Score Breakdown
- Plot: 3/5: A fragmented structure brings charm and unevenness in equal measure
- Prose: 4/5: Flourishing and heartfelt, occasionally unwieldy
- Pacing: N/A: Anthology format not suited for a unified score
- Characters: 3/5: A few shining stars, but many fade too quickly
- Worldbuilding: 5/5: Tristia remains a politically rich, morally complex land worth revisiting
Total: 15/20 = 4 stars
There is comfort here, but not complacency. These stories are vibrant, and while they vary in tonal richness and impact, as is the nature of any anthology, the throughline is unmistakable: a commitment to the ideals the Greatcoats once carried like banners against the storm. Honor, justice, resistance. And at the heart of it all, the promise that heroes still rise when the world turns cruel. Falcio, Brasti, and Kest may not dominate the page as before, but their legacy hums like a distant melody beneath each tale. Some of the newer characters struggle to leave a mark, others surprise with quiet depth or ragged conviction. Not every story is unforgettable, but none feel unnecessary.
De Castell's prose retains its lively rhythm, part theatrical flourish and part whispered confession. The style occasionally veers toward the excessive, especially during introspective asides or elaborate scene-setting, but when the narrative tightens, the writing cuts clean and true. What remains most satisfying is not just the action or intrigue, but the moral clarity with which De Castell continues to write. Not simplistic, but earnest. In a time where many fantasy series turn bleak and cynical, Tales of the Greatcoats Vol. 1 feels, against all odds, like hope with a sharp edge.
Score Breakdown
- Plot: 3/5: A fragmented structure brings charm and unevenness in equal measure
- Prose: 4/5: Flourishing and heartfelt, occasionally unwieldy
- Pacing: N/A: Anthology format not suited for a unified score
- Characters: 3/5: A few shining stars, but many fade too quickly
- Worldbuilding: 5/5: Tristia remains a politically rich, morally complex land worth revisiting
Total: 15/20 = 4 stars
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