Wraith Knight by CT Phipps
So here’s the thing. I actually bought the e-book of Wraith Knight about a million years ago, but the author also gave me a free audio copy with no expectation of a review. I think I might have won it in some Facebook contest on his page. I’ll still review it though. As I’m terrible at lying about stuff, the author’s generosity will in no way impact my opinions.
“It is said that Nero played the fiddle as he watched Rome burn. If it was me, I’d probably read a CT Phipps book (or listen to an audio version to drown out the screams).”
Yes, we’re in Charles’ multiverse again, this time taking on the evil armies that bested Sauron in Lord of the Rings (kind of). This isn’t the first time I’ve read a book or series in the vein – Jacqueline Carey’s The Sundering series is one of my favourites, if a little joyless. So what does Charles bring to the table? Jokes? Pop culture references? Weredeer? Here’s some of my random thoughts on Wraith Knight:
The titular Wraith Knight (Jacob Riverson) is akin to the Nazgul in LOTR, except he has a personality and is less likely to lose to basic wordplay. Having served the now deceased Dark Lord in previous wars, he finds himself brought back to undeath (I guess) to take on the pesky humans again. However, as he progresses through the story, he finds that what he believed to be true is now in question, and he has to wonder about his motives. This makes him far more interesting, and while he’s no humanitarian, it’s cool to see him question both sides in the earlier battle
This is more akin to Cthulhu Armageddon than most of the author’s other works. The humour is different, less jokey, more jaded (which I dig). There are no pop-culture references (that I remember), likely because this is pre-pop culture. On the flip side, there are some anachronistic remarks, and I found it hard to pin the story down to a similar age in human history. I got a 16th century vibe to most of it, but they also mention more modern weapons such as guns and gas
If you’ve read CT Phipps’ work before, you’ll know that one of the strengths of his stories is the plot, and Wraith Knight is no different. The story begins with our hero coming back to life, and slowly throwing off the shackles of his former master. However, as he regains his memories, he finds the world he now exists in is not like the one he remembered, and he needs to reassess his friends and enemies. Friends now seem to be enemies, and enemies seem to be…frenemies. Can he actually trust anyone?
The world is kinda fun, a mix of Middle Earth and Irish mythology (replete with Formorians, Fir Bolg and so on) and some Norse thrown in for good measure. Yay! The cast of characters is also good, with the formerly evil (or is he?) Wraith Knight, his new accomplice Regina, and the Trickster, who constantly causes Jacob to second guess himself. What is the Trickster’s motivation anyway?
With audiobooks, the narrator always deserves a mention, for good or ill. Thankfully, in this case, the narrator (Peter Berkrot) veers to the good side, giving personality to the various different personalities characters on display (and there are quite a few). I can’t say I was overly fond of his Trickster, but we can’t be perfect.
Final verdict and arbitrary five star nonsense
Good story, which I expect these days from the author (no pressure, Charles). It wasn’t my favourite (that would be Cthulhu Armageddon), but certainly fitting to sit among the better books in his impressive canon. If a CT Phipps book doesn’t entertain you, you have no soul. Not quite a 5 star, but better than 4.
