Swords and Scoundrels

By: Julia Knight

Narrated by: Angèle Masters

Two siblings.

Outcasts for life...together.

What could possibly go wrong?

Vocho and Kacha are champion duelists: a brother and sister known for the finest swordplay in the city of Reyes. Or at least they used to be - until they were thrown out of the Duelist's Guild.

As a last resort, they turn reluctant highwaymen. But when they pick the wrong carriage to rob, their simple plans to win back fame and fortune go south fast.

After barely besting three armed men and a powerful magician, Vocho and Kacha make off with an immense locked chest. But the contents will bring them much more than they've bargained for when they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous plot to return an angry king to power....

Swords and Scoundrels is the first book in The Duelist's Trilogy - a tale of death, magic, and family loyalty.

©2015 Julia Knight (P)2015 Hachette Audio

Enjoyable

Less about the sword play, and more about the relationship of two siblings. Swords and Scoundrels is a surprisingly good character drama (which I did not expect). My only criticism would be that there were far too many Britishisms in the dialogue. Besides that, I recommend it to readers who want a light, quick fantasy read.

Swords, sorcery, and steampunk

Stellar narration, great concept, good execution. Occasional F-bombs, fade to black sex references, and respectful treatment of women (meaning, no gender targeted torture or abuse). Solid enough that I’ve wish-listed book 2.

The opening scene finds siblings Vocho and Kacha bumbling through highway robbery, and I hoped I’d found another Theft of Swords, with a bantering odd-couple getting caught up in a fun, action packed medieval fantasy adventure. And, this does have some of that Riyria gold. But, there’s less humor, clever dialogue, & action, and more politics, intrigue & flashback-storytelling.

This is a world of castles, blood magic, and a clockwork god that is sketched more than painted. Which is unfortunate, because I would have loved to know more about the City of Reyes, which regularly pulls apart and reforms itself like a clock-work transformer, or how blood magic works, or had more character development for any of the supporting characters. Also, I found it hard to follow the intrigue of the King vs. the Prelate (religious clockwork leader) vs. the Guild (mercenary Musketeers, which is as contradictory as it sounds).

Still, I very much liked our flawed siblings, the perpetually screwing up Vocho and hungry for respect Kacha. I appreciate the depth to Petri Egimont, past lover, present foil, and possible…? Future books will tell. Then there’s Dom, the comedic relief and surprising man of mystery, who I hope will continue to figure prominently in the trilogy. If there was as much attention to the world, bad guys, and dialogue as there was to our MCs, this could have been outstanding. As it is, this is pretty good.

World was full of depth, Characters lacked depth

Any additional comments?

The world and plot were very creative and obviously quite well thought out. Although at the same time most of the characters in the book lacked any kind of depth or intelligence.