From the Same Author
Hand of the Trickster series
Hand of the Trickster
Leverage meets Lankhmar in this sword-and-sorcery heist novella.
Reviewers say:"Fun, self-aware, and with a perfect balance of world-building."
"With only a few sentences, I could see the buildings of the city, hear the people in the marketplace, smell the dust or the trees, perfectly."Trickster's Nab
He wants to steal their money. They want to steal his memory.
Reviewers say:"These stories leave me feeling so good - these are characters I would love to spend a day with, and I regularly found myself smiling, even giggling, at the banter."
Auckland Allies series
Auckland Allies
Underpowered magical practitioners defend their city against demon-summoning invaders.
Reviewers say:
"Blends a thrilling struggle against nefarious foes of awesome power with nerdy personal conflicts and a bit of off-beat romance."Auckland Allies 2: Ghost Bridge
The Allies discover a necromancer preparing to strike at the city's most vulnerable citizens.
Reviewers say:"Love the plotlines of not-so-powerful wizards defending Auckland because nobody else is stepping up against the bad guys."
Auckland Allies 3: Unsafe Harbour
Nazi sorcerers are plotting to steal the body of a tech billionaire, and the Allies must stop them, while outnumbered and, literally, outgunned.
Reviewers say:"A great story of overcoming evil in the face of personal weakness... Absolutely heart-wrenching, with a twist I never saw coming."
Gryphon Clerks series
Beastheads
Heroic civil servants must find common ground with a conservative shaman before war overtakes them all.
Reviewers say:"Almost symphonic... above-average writing and superb character development."
Realmgolds
A reluctant ruler learns to lead his people in the face of a populist uprising.
Reviewers say:"Strong and dynamic female characters... Carefully crafted."
"The dialog is excellent."
"I am very impressed with the world-building."Hope and the Clever Man
A brilliant young mage and an eccentric inventor help to free an oppressed underclass.
Reviewers say:"The characters are deep, believable, admirable, and sympathetic...The writing is also very good."
"Refreshingly unpredictable."Hope and the Patient Man
A troubled mage must overcome a curse from her past to be with the wounded hero who loves her.
Reviewers say:"A fascinating but authentic world...I was touched by their love story."
"It's rare that I find fantasy with this much emotional depth."Mister Bucket for Assembly
A humble cleaner aspires to represent his people in their struggle to turn emancipation into true freedom.
Reviewers say:"Politics done right... such an inspiring story."
"How honorable people can make a difference without being superheroes."Illustrated Gnome News
They may be running a newspaper, but there are some things they don't want becoming news.
Reviewers say:
"A hopeful world, in which one feels that with personal courage, interpersonal support, and sympathetic leadership, obstacles really can be overcome."
Category Archives: podiobook
City of Masks: Episode 18
Episode 18. Offers are made and, for the most part, accepted. Rivers and Sallia reflect on recent events from their own unique and surprising perspectives. Bass’s theme: “What if I never speed?” by John Dowland.Rivers’ theme: “Can she excuse my … Continue reading
City of Masks: Episode 17
Episode 17. An unexpected summons from the King. Bardo’s theme: “Browning” by Elway Bevin.Outro bracketed by: “The Witches’ Dance” by an anonymous English composer. All music performed by Jon Sayles and used by his kind permission.
City of Masks podcast: Episode 16
Episode 16. Juliana’s secret is revealed. We learn further details of the adventures of Corius and the scholars, and how things now stand in the City. Juliana’s theme: “Sweet was the song the virgin sang” by John Wilbye.Outro bracketed by: … Continue reading
City of Masks podcast: Episode 15
Episode 15. A chase across the rooftops, and Bass confronts the murderer high above the streets of Bonvidaeo. Bass’s theme: “What if I never speed?” by John Dowland.Outro bracketed by: “The Witches’ Dance” by an anonymous English composer. All music … Continue reading
City of Masks podcast: Episode 14
Episode 14. Corius and the scholars invade the Temple and put their impersonation into effect. Tamas preaches a Personalist sermon on being one’s true self, and the wasps are suddenly deployed. In the subsequent confusion, Bass spots the murderer and … Continue reading
City of Masks podcast: Episode 13
Episode 13. The scholars, Corius and Bass prepare to foil the assassination, using disguise, trickery, and wasps. Bass reveals an unsuspected comedic talent. Juliana’s theme: “Sweet was the song the virgin sang” by John Wilbye.Bass’s theme: “What if I never … Continue reading
City of Masks podcast: Episode 12
Episode 12. Bass, Tamas and Juliana attend a ceremony in honour of the Moon. Bass compares his background with Juliana’s, and the counter-plot advances. Juliana’s theme: “Sweet was the song the virgin sang” by John Wilbye.Outro bracketed by: “The Witches’ … Continue reading
City of Masks podcast: Episode 11
Episode 11. Corius’s reconnaissance turns up disturbing news. Felkior, masked as his younger self, comes up with a plan of preposterous daring. Young blades’ theme: “If my complaints could passions move” by John Dowland.Outro bracketed by: “The Witches’ Dance” by … Continue reading
City of Masks podcast: Episode 10
Episode 10 – we’re now more than half-way through. Tamas tries to convince Bardo not to proceed with his plot. The Butcher claims a fifth victim, and Corius is determined to spy on Bardo. Sallia’s theme: “Saltorello” by an anonymous … Continue reading
City of Masks podcast: Episode 9
Episode 9. Corius gets word of an assassination plot by Bardo’s underground group against the Archpriest of the Sun. Tamas, Corius and their fellow Personalists would suffer reprisals if the plot succeeded, so they, Felkior and Bass look for ways … Continue reading