In the Kingdom of the Isles, two young criminals, Erik von Darkmoor and Roo Avery, face execution before a mysterious noble offers them a lethal alternative: joining a secret suicide squad. Sent across the sea to the continent of Novindus, they must scout a rising military threat led by the Emerald Queen, a sorceress commanding an unstoppable army of Pantathian serpent-priests. The plot centers on military reconnaissance and the logistics of survival as the protagonists infiltrate mercenary companies to determine the scale of a looming interdimensional invasion.
Fantasy readers who prefer military fiction and gritty ensemble casts will find this narrative focuses on the technicalities of warfare and tradecraft. It appeals to those who enjoy seeing low-born characters navigate complex political hierarchies through pragmatism rather than destiny. The reader gains a grounded perspective on the Midkemia setting, shifting from high magic to the harsh realities of infantry life and the geopolitical consequences of a continental blockade. It provides a clear blueprint of how large-scale logistical operations and ancient religious cults collide.
Practical, outward-looking, clear-cut and escapist; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1994
- Language
- EN
