CHRONICLES OF GRIMM DRAGONBLASTER BOOK 2: WEAPON OF THE GUILD
By Alastair J. Archibald
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Fantasy
SubGenre: Adventure
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-59374-846-3
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-59374-845-6
Pages: eBook: 386
Price Starting At: $5.99
At the Whiskey Creek Press site this is listed as “Readers’ Choice #1 Bestseller.” Want to know something…it deserves it.
“Chronicles of Grimm Dragonblaster” is another Whiskey Creek series I am thoroughly enjoying. There’s adventure, intrigue, magic, friendship, discovery, danger, and just plain likeable characters.
In “Weapon of the Guild” we learn this is the informal title of Questors, as Grimm is now one.
Grimm’s first quest, under the guidance of Questor Dalquist Rufior, was an exciting adventure full of the dangers and powerful foes Grimm can expect to encounter as a Questor. Then Mr. Archibald lays out the mundane quests Grimm can also expect, something that bores the young mage.
When Grimm visits High Lodge, we witness the snobbery of the ruling house of mages. I’m reminded of the bustle and hassles of any governing seat whether in other fantasy stories or even every day fiction. These places can hold such wonder and excitement, for those who do not live within their walls; however, Grimm learns they can be more boring than home. These men are more paper-pushers and bureaucrats than the mages they’re suppose to be.
What Mr. Archibald also gives us here is our first encounter with Lord Thorin’s mother – Reverend Mother Lizaveta. Here we glimpse her plans for Grimm and her power.
Mr. Archibald adds depth to his character, Grimm, by the introduction of Grimm’s addiction to an herbal mixture. This mixture was needed during Grimm’s first quest; however, Grimm discovers this simple herbal mix holds a great power over him. Grimm now has a ‘flaw’ if you will, but it is something that reminds us of his strong internal will…something I believe he will need.
Mr. Archibald builds Grimm’s world through plausible secondary characters and settings. Some characters are background faces to make up the feel and rules of a town’s setting. Others are characters of questionable history, the thief with a heart of gold or the dashing rogue or overlooked brain of an oafish-looking being. Which one is needed for the quest at hand?
In “Weapon of the Guild” we are left wondering if Grimm will survive his latest quest. I’m very happy I have book three on hand.
Without any doubts I state The Chronicles of Grimm Dragonblaster series is a must read.