Through Thick and Thin

 

I really liked Pious, so I was very happy to hear that Mantic had green lit a sequel, and it has finally arrived.  It is time to get back on the inland sea, and follow the crew of the Pious, captained by Jaymes Ellias, and accompanied by the captain of the marines, Karnon Seene.  Of course they aren't the only ship on the sea, as Caithlin Viconti continues as the captain of the Martolian Queen, now a privateer for the Basilean navy.

It is always nice to have familiar characters, like a comfortable pair of shoes as you slip into the story.

The previous book didn't really feel like it was in a fantasy world, but this one immediately takes care of that issue.  Encounters with the Trident Realms of Neritica, Ghosts Ships, and even a full size Salamander ship as an ally.  Plus even though Orcs are only in one chapter (because they already had the spotlight in the previous book) they finally ram another ship!  But beyond chance encounters, there are pirates and the Empire of Dust to deal with.  So this DEFINITELY feels grounded in the world of Pannithor.

I will be honest, that while I really like the game (Kings of War: Armada) that this book is based on, I don't get to play it much, and have not really paid attention to the captains in the game.  For those who have, you will realize that Jaymes Ellias is one of the named captains you can take for your Basilean fleet.  Not only that, but the Empire of Dust fleet is lead by another character from the game - High Priest T'Mork.  Not only does this add in some magic, but he actually uses his game rules very effectively multiple times in the book (but not in a way that you would know it - it is just more magic that he casts).

T'Mork is a great villain - he is simply out to honor Shobik, the god of death.  He doesn't quite understand mortals and their fear of the gift of eternal unlife (though it is as slaves) that he wishes to share with them.  There are some great moments with him.  I especially like how he thinks to himself as he gives orders to a revenant that he never bothered to learn it's name when it was alive, why would he when it is dead?

T'Mork isn't the only villain however, the pirate Tem Mosso is also a bit of a thorn in our heroes sides, even though he tries to be an 'honorable' pirate.

There is a LOT of subtle humor in this - it is not a comedy, but like so many great adventures, the quips and jokes help to relieve some of the tension.  

It does feel like there are a lot of scenes set in a bar - but then where else are people going to gather after work?  Karnon continues to be the 'everyman', asking all the questions about naval terminology that ordinary readers have.  When Jaymes tells everyone to stop laughing every time he says the word "spanker" (a legitimate part of the ship after all) it really felt like a bunch of friends, just hanging out.

Another fantastic "meta" comment is later when meeting with several admirals, and talking about how some of them like to build models of the ships they have served on.  Jaymes makes a comment to his friend how silly it is that the admiral sometimes puts two sloops on a single base - which is actually a reference to some of the game mechanics itself.

These really seem like living (or unliving in some cases) characters.  When Caithlin's father shows up, and she immediately feels like a little girl again, I can't help but remember how for so long after I had moved out on my own and started my own family, when I returned to see my parents I always felt like a kid and not an adult.

There are so many memorable scenes I just can't describe them all.  It is just a very enjoyable read.
I really hope that it gets the sales so that a third one can come out.

You can get the book directly from Winged Hussar Publishing, from Mantic Games, from Amazon, or ask your friendly local bookstore to order it for you.

Because it is all fun and games . . .