Robert A. Walker’s sequel to Six Moons, Seven Gods dives right into the aftermath of the violent events of the first book—in which many members of King Axil of Baelon’s court were murdered by the Takers Guild in a coordinated massacre. The King, struggling with his grief over his murdered wife and daughter, orders his forces to plan the destruction of the Guild and their fortress, the GOT. Sibil Dunn, whose parents were also murdered by the Guild, seeks to join King Axil’s army, but he forbids it. She has remarkable abilities, however, and might be the legendary Wisperal: a battlefield spirit that seeks out the wicked and kills them before they can harm more noble warriors. She heads to the GOT on her own, determined to join the Guild’s army and strike a blow from within.

Meanwhile, the Guild itself has plans. Its ruler, the Magister, dispatches one of his fellow leaders (Ruler Two) with Guild overseer Reynard on a mission to murder both King Axil of Baelon and his old friend, King Tygre of Tegan. King Axil also sends retired soldier Rolft Aerns after Sibil, feeling a sense of responsibility to the young woman. As the king’s army marches and Sibil infiltrates the GOT, danger lies around every corner.

There’s nothing terribly innovative here. In fact, some elements—from the wise, well-meaning king to the concept of a huge, secretive guild of thieves and murderers—feel a bit overfamiliar in a fantasy setting. But Walker writes with confident aplomb, skillfully weaving several POVs together, managing the pacing of each, and finding distinct voices for every character. His universe feels sturdy: an immersive world where fearsome, insect-like creatures called prattlers devour humans in the darkness and knights sweat in battle; a world where every clash of blades is well-choreographed and weighted with plausible physical effort.

The writing is clear and deft, often finding moments of natural humor that elevate the characters while lightening the mood—like when Rolft and Sibil trade comments about pacing themselves. In short, Walker is in full control of his story. Although TWO CROWNS, THREE BLADES is the second book in a series, there is just enough background information for a new reader to understand what’s happening. Overall, this is an entertaining fantasy romp that fans of the genre will enjoy.

Robert A. Walker’s TWO CROWNS, THREE BLADES offers a well-constructed fantasy world and a compelling story.

~Jeff Somers for IndieReader