The Quill and the Spear

By: B.G. Harvey

Narrated by: Paul Clark

Treason! Zarilina, scribe to the cruel emperor, forges imperial orders. She saves her home, but condemns a village to death. If her treason is discovered, the emperor may see her executed. Dorian, her beloved crown prince, will not let that happen. Sent into hiding at an old mage’s tower, Zarilina learns the art of magic, and discovers she is the catalyst to Dorian’s plan…the overthrow of the emperor.

At the edge of the empire, Able finds his village aflame, and his pregnant wife murdered by imperial soldiers. Fleeing into the woods, he turns to an old druid for guidance and learns of ways to bring his wife back from the dead. An ancient spell, requiring the body of the one responsible for his wife’s death, is his only hope. Believing the emperor himself is to blame, Able sets out to assemble an army and march on the Imperial City for revenge…but only the dead are willing soldiers.

©2022 Benjamin Graham Harvey (P)2022 Benjamin Graham Harvey

Fun and Charming

It's a solid story all around, I enjoyed the world and magic immensely, and the plot always kept me engaged and interested with the characters, I was never disappointed with viewing one of the two main characters over the other, which isn't common for me. Additionally the conclusion was very enjoyable, it really struck true and felt worthy of the build up.

If there were any complaints I were to have, it'd be that the narrative and plot were a little too quick or easy to follow. I think a bit more padding around the beginning half to really let the world and characters express themselves a bit more would have been very welcome, but not having it didn't ruin anything for me. I also think there was a bit of a lack of consequences at the very end for one of the characters in particular, but again didn't ruin it for me.

I am by no means a critic, but I hope my thoughts help someone or other, definitely a fun read that I'm happy to have in my library.