Pathfinder Tales: Blood of the City

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Some great twists, lots of intrigue and mystery, well-drawn characters, snappy dialogue, and a protagonist w/ an unexpected but cool character arc.

The last lines of the book were just great, and not soon forgettable. Like this book.

Also, if you're even remotely interested in Magnimar as a setting, you should read this book. Even more so than a typical PF novel, this does a fantastic job of fleshing out a locale.

Blood of the City was the first Pathfinder novel I've read. I picked it up because the setting of the story, the Varisian city of Magnimar, is relevant to the Rise of the Runelords adventure path I'm running. The story follows the cool concept of an "urban druid" (though never called that by name) who is part of a family of semi-aristocratic trouble-shooters. There's an amazing twist about a third of the way into the book that I couldn't believe at first. Overall, the novel was fast-paced and interesting, with good character development. It also served its purpose as a good introduction to Magnimar, including its Chellish inhabitants, how Shoanti are perceived, the role of the Mayor, etc.. I would definitely read more by the author.

Loved this. Luma is a great character and protagonist, you feel for her early on and root for her all the way. Her urban druid powers are well written. Her motley band come together and compliment each other well. The NPC-type characters are memorable and well drawn. Magnimar really comes to life, there are some nice descriptive passages of the city which enable you to visualise the characters being in a large fantasy city filled with jaw-dropping architecture and massive features.

The ending surprised me, one I thought wouldn't happen (read it and see), but I was pleased to see it did as it kept with the strong moral thread running down the spine of this book. Adult characters made some bad decisions and showed no mercy or empathy. They must reap what they sow.

One of the more mature Tales novels I have read because there are few monsters here, its about people trying to get away with murder and conspiracy and those trying to stop them.