Flames over Frosthelm

Inquisitors' Guild, Book 1

By: Dave Dobson

Narrated by: Simon de Deney

Sometimes, your case takes a left turn. Or three or four. Marten Mingenstern and Boog Eggstrom are provisional inspectors, fresh out of Inquisitor’s Guild training and eager to prove themselves. Assigned the mundane task of tracking down stolen jewels, they instead uncover a mysterious cult set on destroying the city. After a thief explodes, they earn the enmity of a vicious noble, the Chief Inquisitor gets bought off and goes rogue, they are seized by barbarians, and they are sentenced to death at least a couple of times. In a final, frantic race with prophecy, they face ruthless fanatics, a city turned against them, and terrible forces long buried.

Flames over Frosthelm is the first novel about the Inquisitor's Guild, the investigative arm of the government of Frosthelm, a medieval city-state where criminals thrive, nobles scheme, and dark secrets lurk. Expect intrigue, mystery, swordplay, adventure, politics, romance, and the strong bonds of friendship. And a little magic along the way. Described as Princess Bride meets CSI, this new novel is a tale of classic adventure with a healthy dose of humor.

Flames over Frosthelm is a full stand-alone novel. Beginning, middle, and end, and no waiting for sequels to find out how the adventure ends (hear that, George R.R.?). There is swordplay, violence, death, and some romance, but the audiobook does not include anything terribly hardcore. Think PG13 or Harry Potter and you're probably in the right place.

©2019 Dave Dobson (P)2021 Dave Dobson

Loved it

This was a very enjoyable. The story is unique because it is humorous but still serious. (If that makes sense.) Marten & Boog are fresh out of Inquisitor's Guild training. They are eager to prove themselves. These two are so funny. They each have their own quirks but work well together. As the case they are assigned to goes out of control, their training will kick in or it won't. Their journey through lies, deceipt & sometimes battles is hilarious and full of snarky humor. They have to rely on each other no matter what.

Punny Fantasy & Mystery Adventure

Between the explosions, characters, and constant action, the book is also packed with humor. Dobson is infamous for his puns in the Indie community and I hope he never stops. The chapter titles always have me cracking up, such as, “Frown for the Count” or “The Pursuit of Undomesticated Geese.”. The stakes are high, the city is going up in flames, lives are in peril, but darn it we are going to laugh along the way.

Simon de Deney is a great narrator, bringing out a lot of different voices and tones throughout the story. will definitely continue to listen on in the series!

I went for a drive, just to see what happened next!

I thoroughly enjoyed the audio version of Flames Over Frosthelm. The story was riveting, and the narration was excellent. I only find time for Audible in my car, so I looked forward to my drives to see what happened next. I very strongly recommend this book. I look forward to reading Mr Dobson’s other books.

WELL WRITTEN DRAMA

STORYLINE IS WELL WRITTEN AND EASY TO FOLLOW WHILE BEING HUMOROUS AND ENTERTAINING. FOLLOWS MURDERS, CULTIST, EVIDENCE OF DARK BLOOD RITUALS .
HAS GOOD HUMOR, ADVENTURE, INTRIGUE AND SUSPENSEFUL FEEL.
ACCEPTABLE FOR TEENS AND OLDER AGES.
NARRATOR IS GOOD AND EASY TO FOLLOW.

A thoroughly enjoyable mix of humor and magic

Skillfully blending humor with deadly serious sorcery, this is a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy that's set in an intriguing, medieval city-state. The characters are vivid and idiosyncratic, and they provide many laugh-out-loud moments as they pursue their suspects, unravel the mystery, and venture into a little shy romance … all on the way to saving the world. There's plenty of action and wide-ranging adventure. Plus, the story's unpredictable magic allows for an interesting, well-thought-out dialogue on the cosmic tension between order and chaos. The narrator is perfect for this story, with great pacing and a style that suits all of its elements: The fight scenes are delivered with energy, and the comic punch lines get exactly the right touch of dry wit, perfectly reflecting the self-deprecation of the lovable main character, Marty. I'm delighted to have discovered the work of this author and this narrator. They're a great team.

A fiery fantasy adventure

Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Narrated beautifully by Simon De Deney, brings to life this intriguing and complex fantasy journey. Friends Matern and Boog are just about to begin their careers as provisional inquisitors in the city of Frosthelm but things didn't go as planned when they are painted for murders by their Chief Inquisitor, who has traded bringing criminals to justice for power. Now Matern and Boog race throughout Frosthelm piecing together what is truly happening within the city's walls... and it's even more insane as paranoid individuals desire to bring a powerful being out of its slumber, wickedly coinciding a coming eclipse. Wondrously intense with detailed, memorable characters, packed with action and snarky situations, delivering a great adventure. Highly recommended.

Hooked me in on First Page

This book starts off with excitement and brings you right into the story with no delay. A theft explodes in the kitchen, a witch, and the police what else would you want in a story. I am very excited to read more from this author to see what other stories they may have.

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

Baskerville Book Reviews

This is a really long book. I’ve been listening to it for the last couple of days. It’s been an enjoyable few days for sure, but I’m very ready to move on to anything else.

The storytelling reminds me a lot of Bloodlines Reforged saga. It feels like a “buddy cop” (inquisitor) story set in a medieval fantasy world. It’s comedic at times, but it’s not a comedy. The characters are likable, determined, loyal, persistent. Despite bumbling around from one terrible situation to the next, they just keep going. Gotta give ’em credit for that.

The book rarely feels like it has a primary story. It kinda takes a back seat as the protagonists just keep moving from one encounter to another. Think of it like a TV series where the main plot plays out in the background over a number of episodes.

The author did a great job describing the world. The world and the combat are extremely descriptive. Often times I’d pause randomly, do other stuff or sleep for a few hours and pick up where I left off. The world is so well described, I was always quickly able to remember where I was in the story without missing a beat.

I did have to hear the narrator say “onvelope” one too many times. I’m going to lazily recycle this bit of my review from All Your Twisted Secrets: The narrator repeatedly says “onvelope” which drives me crazy. Envelope – envelop. If something were to be enveloped in darkness, you wouldn’t say onveloped in darkness. If you think I’m being nitpicky, you’re goddamn right I am! I can’t stand when people who are supposed to be professional narrators mispronounce basic words. Just search my blog for my mentions of “acrosst”, “carmel” or “farmiliar” to see other examples. I’m getting seriously sick of listening to people mispronounce basic words.

Aside from that annoyance, the character voices are all top-notch. They’re easy to tell apart, each character has their own, distinct voice to fit their personality. The narrator did occasional (rare) sound effects which were nice for immersion, but so rare that it seemed pointless. Maybe sound effects is the wrong word. When a character was spitting out grass or dirt (can’t remember), he made a spitting noise to accompany it instead of just saying it.

NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval.

Magical fast paced mystery

Parents: fun mystery appropriate for those over 13
Language: PG 13 (no Fbombs)
Violence: lots of murder but not ultra descriptive in terms of gore
Sexual content: none

The story is a fantasy-esqu who-dun-it of sorts. Medium paced, likable characters, and several solid twists that you might not see coming. Characters are well developed, the world is well described and obviously full of magic.

This was a fun listen that was relatively fast-paced despite perhaps an obvious main story… more of several story tendrils that intertwined but happened to follow two people primarily. I would recommend this especially if you enjoy mystery novels and magic, I promise you will have an enjoyable experience!

Narrator has a really good difference between characters and was fun to listen to.

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

excellent storytelling!

Absolutely loved the characters arcs and inventive story line. the humor woven through an otherwise serious plot reminiscent of Terry Pratchett and Tom Holt. looking forward to the rest!!