Larsa is a dhampir—half vampire, half human. In the gritty streets and haunted peaks of Ustalav, she's an agent for the royal spymaster, keeping peace between the capital's secret vampire population and its huddled human masses. Meanwhile, in the cathedral of Maiden's Choir, Jadain is a young priestess of the death goddess, in trouble with her superiors for being too soft on the living. When a noblewoman's entire house is massacred by vampiric invaders, the unlikely pair is drawn into a deadly mystery that will reveal far more about both of them than they ever wanted to know.
From Pathfinder co-creator and veteran game designer
F. Wesley Schneider comes a new adventure of revenge, faith, and gothic horror, set in the award-winning world of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
This was pretty good. The study in contrasts between the aggressive dhampir Larsa and the more reserved Pharasmin priestess, Jadain, made for a good tension between the allies. Ustalav got a nice overview, not surprising given the author. Considine might have been my favorite character. The Pharasma factions and tensions was a nice, unexpected twist to the book.
Editing was not good, however. It started out ok and got worse in the latter parts of the book.
Having been a steadfast fan of Ustalav and Carrion Crown, I felt compelled to pick up this book, and I'm glad I did. I don't do a whole lot of reading, and I couldn't put this book down. Since the first pages it kept me interested and darkly excited. Suspense is laden in every page, and the grim setting and conflicts placed trap your attention tighter than a vampire's dominate ability. I recommend it to anyone who's a fan of gothic horror, Pathfinder, but preferably both.
I quite liked this novel. I encountered at least one reference to the typical fantasy RPG paradigm that was fun to see but not so intrusive as to confuse someone unfamiliar with the trope. Overall an enjoyable read.
Cover art is final but text treatment on it is not.
And for folks wondering, this is one of the best novels we've published in the line. And I'm not just saying that because Wes works here—he really busted his ass making this book the best it can be, and it shows. As editor, I'm really proud of it, and can't wait for everyone to get their Ustalav and vampire fix. :)
And for folks wondering, this is one of the best novels we've published in the line. And I'm not just saying that because Wes works here—he really busted his ass making this book the best it can be, and it shows. As editor, I'm really proud of it, and can't wait for everyone to get their Ustalav and vampire fix. :)
I've been eagerly awaiting this one. And, with commentary like that, now even moreso. :)
Cover art is final but text treatment on it is not.
And for folks wondering, this is one of the best novels we've published in the line. And I'm not just saying that because Wes works here—he really busted his ass making this book the best it can be, and it shows. As editor, I'm really proud of it, and can't wait for everyone to get their Ustalav and vampire fix. :)
Not a big deal it is just the cover. I learned a long time ago not to judge a book by it's cover after all. Still looking forward to it.
Cover art is final but text treatment on it is not.
And for folks wondering, this is one of the best novels we've published in the line. And I'm not just saying that because Wes works here—he really busted his ass making this book the best it can be, and it shows. As editor, I'm really proud of it, and can't wait for everyone to get their Ustalav and vampire fix. :)
Will this novel only take place in Caliphas or other places in Ustalav?
I think it is how she is holding her sword, makes it look a mite awkward.
Actually I think it has more to do with the fact that the main character looks more like a man to me. Now that could be just a bad art...or it could be that the character is transgender.
So now I am curious as to which it is. The first can be ignored...the second would be interesting.
Cover art is final but text treatment on it is not.
And for folks wondering, this is one of the best novels we've published in the line. And I'm not just saying that because Wes works here—he really busted his ass making this book the best it can be, and it shows. As editor, I'm really proud of it, and can't wait for everyone to get their Ustalav and vampire fix. :)
Will this novel only take place in Caliphas or other places in Ustalav?
If so - which ones?
Thx James.
Many places—lots of Caliphas, lots of Ardis, lots of in-between.
A GIANT spoiler on all these details will release in December (and will look like and weigh exactly that same as the novel). ;)
I think it is how she is holding her sword, makes it look a mite awkward.
Actually I think it has more to do with the fact that the main character looks more like a man to me. Now that could be just a bad art...or it could be that the character is transgender.
So now I am curious as to which it is. The first can be ignored...the second would be interesting.
Absolutely love this cover. This is the second time Lucas Graciano has made one of my books look good and I couldn't be happier!
Cover art is final but text treatment on it is not.
And for folks wondering, this is one of the best novels we've published in the line. And I'm not just saying that because Wes works here—he really busted his ass making this book the best it can be, and it shows. As editor, I'm really proud of it, and can't wait for everyone to get their Ustalav and vampire fix. :)
By contrast, Editrix Sutter is an absolute nightmare. The paper-cut lashes and bitter taste of writer medicine will forever scar.
Just picked this up at the bookstore. The larger TPB format threw me off a bit. Looking forward to it. Just a couple weeks ago I was pondering rolling up a dhamphir to run through Carrion Crown...
Just picked this up at the bookstore. The larger TPB format threw me off a bit. Looking forward to it. Just a couple weeks ago I was pondering rolling up a dhamphir to run through Carrion Crown...