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aliciasirvid's review
5.0
Brothers of the Knife is a madcap adventure through an amazingly inventive universe. A universe where not everything is as it first seems...
Our hero, Arkmenos the youngest, and therefore the most expendable in a family of prestigious warlocks is a chef of extraordinary talent and commitment. The least likely person to ever go on an adventure. So, hold onto your hats-and your knives and forks-and catch yourself a seat at the table before Arkmenos is accused of murder.
Poisoning.
As a chef, Arkmenos is appalled that his food could be ruined in such a way. Or, at least he would be-if he had the time. Fleeing with only the tools of his trade, and the barest essentials of cooking supplies, he determines to escape. But in doing so, he proves the plot against him, and now he must run. Run from his brothers, who hate him more than he knows and from the dastardly machinations of unexpected enemies.
Brother's of the Knife is a tasty mash-up of grim dark, humour, steampunk, and madcap fantasy adventure with just a hint of garlic and plenty of cheese. My favourite. :)
Our hero, Arkmenos the youngest, and therefore the most expendable in a family of prestigious warlocks is a chef of extraordinary talent and commitment. The least likely person to ever go on an adventure. So, hold onto your hats-and your knives and forks-and catch yourself a seat at the table before Arkmenos is accused of murder.
Poisoning.
As a chef, Arkmenos is appalled that his food could be ruined in such a way. Or, at least he would be-if he had the time. Fleeing with only the tools of his trade, and the barest essentials of cooking supplies, he determines to escape. But in doing so, he proves the plot against him, and now he must run. Run from his brothers, who hate him more than he knows and from the dastardly machinations of unexpected enemies.
Brother's of the Knife is a tasty mash-up of grim dark, humour, steampunk, and madcap fantasy adventure with just a hint of garlic and plenty of cheese. My favourite. :)
daveversace's review
5.0
Brothers of the Knife is the first book in Dan Rabarts' light-hearted epic fantasy series, The Children of Bane. Akmenos is the smallest and youngest son of an Evil Imperial Overlord's chief lieutenant. Being neither a gifted warrior nor an accomplished sorceror like his brothers, Akmenos is relegated to menial duties in the Imperial kitchens.
From the opening scenes, where he is framed for the assassination of a visiting diplomat, the hapless Akmenos stumbles from one disaster to another, pursued by bounty hunters, conspirators, cultists and various members of his family whose interests in him range from the concerned to the murderous. Brothers of the Knife rarely slows down to take a breath, but always take the time to enjoy a wry laugh as the situation becomes more chaotic. There's religious minotaurs, mind-controlling assassins, and an ancient prophecy so open to interpretation that several competing fanatical orders might succeed in making it work out in their favour, with just a quiet word (or a quiet knife) in the right ear.
Brothers of the Knife is a juicy, fast-paced adventure fantasy. I enjoyed it immensely and I’m looking forward to following more of Akmenos’ adventures.
From the opening scenes, where he is framed for the assassination of a visiting diplomat, the hapless Akmenos stumbles from one disaster to another, pursued by bounty hunters, conspirators, cultists and various members of his family whose interests in him range from the concerned to the murderous. Brothers of the Knife rarely slows down to take a breath, but always take the time to enjoy a wry laugh as the situation becomes more chaotic. There's religious minotaurs, mind-controlling assassins, and an ancient prophecy so open to interpretation that several competing fanatical orders might succeed in making it work out in their favour, with just a quiet word (or a quiet knife) in the right ear.
Brothers of the Knife is a juicy, fast-paced adventure fantasy. I enjoyed it immensely and I’m looking forward to following more of Akmenos’ adventures.
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