Posted on  21/08/2024 12:02:40

My rating: 4 reckless stars!


"Grass rise up to meet you. Sky reach down to hold you. Stand tall, fight well, die with honor."

"Take this demon to the arena pits!"
Now how do you think a little common thief, also known as a drunk, rabble-rouser, harlot, and blasphemer, would react to this verdict!?
Apart from the initial - 'Double shit! I didn't think of that.' - reaction, that is!?

She'll probably do the only thing a street rat like her has going when life backs her in a corner. Hit first as hard as you can and hope it buys you enough time to run.


Charity has just been sentenced to ten years of forced labor in Farshore, the emperor's new colony across the great sea. Practically, the ass-end of the world, this strange new place is full of horrible monsters, wild magic, mythic creatures and all sorts of other nasties that no one in their right mind would believe in. Not until they faced them head on that is, as in Charity's case.

In less then a day after setting foot on Farshore, she somehow manages to offend the Gods who, as far as Charity's concerned, had never lifted a finger in her aid but were quick to condemn her for speaking her mind.
Cause "that seemed exactly the sort of petty horse shit they would find entertaining."

And then she she ends up literally kicking the Governor in the balls, which gets her sentenced to fight in the bloody games of the arena before sundown.

After years of doing a reasonably good job of keeping her head down, Charity seems to have suddenly developed a stunning capacity for pissing off exactly the wrong person at exactly the wrong time. And that includes the most feared fighter in the arena. Who obviously knows how to hold a grudge and goes for her throat. The where and the how I will not tell you here. You're gonna have to read this to find out. Suffice it to say, it will be something so stupid that he would never expect it. After all, 'reckless and stupid is a Charity specialty.'

Told in first person from Charity's POV, this tale is one that will appear to all fans of AD&D who want something new and engaging. Despite using the old tropes, the author somehow manages to bring originality to the table.

The female lead is not quite the badass you expect. She's snarky, sassy and charming, foolish and brave; a little too headstrong for her own good in her devil may care attitude and perhaps even a bit dumbass at times! A lethal combination that will leave you rooting for her from the very first page.

Her trials as a gladiator in the arena, as well as the glimpses backstage, into the gladiators' lives are bound to hook any reader into the fray, especially since the fighters are not your usual kind.
The author gives us here an elf, a dwarf, an orc and a halfling, to join Charity's team. And if you think they are the kind you've heard so many times about in so many other fantasy books, think again mate! I wouldn't bank on it if I were you!

A fast-paced, charming and fun filled adventure with memorable characters, A Thief in Farshore is an engaging and addictive tale that will make you smile, chortle and laugh out loud, but also keep you at the edge of the seat wanting for more. I read it in one sitting and I want more! I cannot wait to get my hands on the next in series because yes! This was so good!!

If you love D&D and a good fantasy adventure, this one is a must! Besides, it's free on Kindle. So what have you got to loose?!

Go ahead! be reckless and take a chance! Who knows, you may end up enjoying it just as much as I did! :)
Happy reading Bookdragons!

Check out this book and more of Justin Fike here