The Three of Swords by Michael Jason Brandt

The author was very kind to throw a copy of his audiobook for Three of Swords for me. There were no expectations of a review, nor were my opinions altered by this. I also have the e-book, but opted for the audio version to jump my TBR. That’s the disclaimer bit out of the way. Now onto the review!

The Empire of the Twelve Kingdoms is in trouble. The emperor has abdicated and it seems everyone is vying for power in his wake. But that is not the only problem. With everyone’s eyes pointed inwards, an ancient threat is raising an army on the outskirts, taking advantage of the confusion to stake its claim. All is not lost though. In trying times, heroes rise in the strangest of places, but can they rally the Empire in time to face the real threat?

Here’s a series of random observations about the book:

• It’s an audiobook, and the narrator does a good job with a range of characters/voices
• There’s not a lot going on in this book for those who like lots of action in their fantasy. There’s an attack early on, a battle we hear about more than see, then a pretty exciting attack at the end. But this book isn’t really about the action. It’s laying the battle lines for the rest of the series, and it does a nice job of it
• It’s medieval European based fantasy. If this is not your thing, and I know Euro-med fantasy is anathema to a lot of people, then this is not for you. If you, like me, will read any fantasy as long as it’s good, then read on
• Most of the characters are a bit ho-hum at first. The Empire’s falling apart and all they can think of at times is their current romantic entanglement, which can be annoying at times. Also the initial plotlines are a bit run-of-the-mill initially, but there are signs of life for the rest of the series
• Johan and Jenna (I think that was their names, I’ve on my fourth book since I finished this a few days ago) are easily the most interesting people to date, or at least their plot line is. Stranded after their unit is decimated, they have to fight off all manner of critters and the weather to bring news of their attack back to base. They manage with Jenna badly injured for most of the time
• The attack at the end was great, very tense and exciting, and hopefully this what we can expect over the next couple of books. Also, this is where it jumps into proper fantasy, as opposed to seemingly historical fiction, And the bad guys are pretty cool
• Finally, the historical fiction aspect is apt, as much if this appears very realistic. There are no glittering swords or magic armour, Weapons have a shelf-life and varying quality, armour has vulnerabilities, and wounds become infected. Your allies don’t send you 15,000 crack troops when you need help, they send you 39, and it can make a difference. Battles are small, but no less ferocious and  plot-altering. Well done on this side of things, MJB.

So, a book with a lot of good things, and a series with a lot of potential – 3½ out of 5 stars. Roll on book two.