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I’m sorry to say I was disappointed with this Pathfinder Tale. The storyline is linear, poorly paced and hardly engaging up until the final 3 or 4 chapters. The novel struggles to evoke the depth of the Inner Sea setting – it feels like generic fantasy. It is hard to identify and sympathise with a character who cheats and lies, runs crooked schemes (some of which fail, many of which leave victims), has an arrogant attitude to women, and whose only motivation is money. (I’m talking about Roderick, not a Presidential Candidate). The final few chapters gain pace with more interesting characters such as the garuda. Ultimately though it is too little, too late and Liar’s Island fails to satisfy in the way some of the best Pathfinder Tales have.

Some Pathfinder Tales can have the feel of a generic fantasy plot dropped on to the Pathfinder setting by way of lip service to the Inner Sea World Guide. Dave Gross makes the setting his own and his Pathfinder Tales would make a top class Fantasy series by themselves. The characters are nuanced and unfold with the pages. The plots and the series as a whole are cohesive and immersive. The writing is first class, making reading a joy. The setting becomes real rather than bolt-on. Here Oparal becomes a third narrator to break the previous Varian / Radovan alternating chapter pattern. The new perspective is refreshing and effective because it is so distinct. The horrific background of the Worldwound adds tension. I loved this novel. If you are considering whether Pathfinder Tales are worth a look, then start with Dave Gross, Radovan and Varian.

I can't afford a case so got a brick. Excellent sculpts and paint jobs on these. The goblin archer is a joy, as is the mouther monster. The bone golem is awesome, having real presence on the table. Lucky enough to get a chest and a mimic yay! A bit miffed to get 2 Yithians in one brick. My griffin somehow reminds me of The Muppet Show eagle, is that just me? Love it anyway. These are streets ahead of the Icons of the Realms Wizards brick I picked up a while back - better quality all round. I'll be sticking to Pathfinder prepainted minis from here on in. Well done Paizo for insisting on quality.

This book begs mixed reviews - it depends what you were hoping for / expecting. I love it. It makes the Core Rulebook accessible for new players. No it does not stand alone. However, this strategy guide will help me and my players see the wood for the trees. It cuts to the core of the core and is quite a fun read to boot. I especially like the feat suggestions and hints for "feat trees" as we don't have the experience to work those for ourselves. Also good are the different builds for the classes which help create roles and deeper characters. The art and formatting are excellent. Would love to see similar for other classes - gunslinger etc - at some point. Would give it 5 stars but for the price, everyone new to the game should have one but few will fork out the price over here in the UK. Maybe mini Player Companions for the separate classes for newbies would be cheaper?

Okay I admit it, I'm a fan. This one ticks all the boxes for me. The characters develop, we explore more of the secrets of Golarion, and the plotting and pace are spot on. I really enjoyed this read, thanks Dave Gross.

I've started filling in the gaps in my Dave Gross reading list. This tale follows Prince of Wolves (check http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lp29?Pathfinder-Fiction-Chronology#20 for a useful reading order)and is a very enjoyable interlude involving a mystery on board ship. I love the contrasting and engaging characters of Radovan and Jeggare and the seamless integration of the Pathfinder World Setting. In this short story Jeggare becomes Poirot as a detective mystery unfolds aboard ship.

The tenth Pathfinder Tales novel I have read, The Dagger of Trust is an adventure full of bards and bardic antics. I’ve never really understood bards in fantasy RPGs so this capable portrayal was a real plus for me. I also loved the Bogstriders and the setting along the Verduran Fork and Sellen River. The plot was reasonably paced but a little linear and singular in point of view for me. Characters held my interest and there was a nice bit of romance thrown in. All in all a solid fantasy novel, but not exceptional. I’d like to see Gideon Gull in a more eclectic adventuring party facing more tangible foes next time around.