Scourge Of The Betrayer

This novel is dark fantasy down to the core, bringing a refreshing tone and plenty of room for development. It's told not from the eyes of the protagonist but the scribe Arki, unfolding the story with a feeling of instant legend. The scribe follows a man called Captain Killcoin, a mercenary leader who wants someone to tell his journey. The story, however, is as much about Arki as it is Killcoin, and that's where the real coming of age lies. Integrating into the band of rough warriors, he is taught to survive, but also to live fully. Through this narrative perspective, Salyards shows not just growth but the depth of his world and characters. Arki's questioning nature allows for expert world-building without pages of infodumps, immersing the reader completely in a medieval world. Likewise, his interaction with new characters shows the human nature of their relationships and makes action heavy with the fear of loss. Read if you like: The Name of the Wind, great action sequences, military fantasy.