


This is a long book, longer than I expected it to be and in the grand scheme of things not a lot happens, so it just goes to show the authors skill that they keep you immersed and invested in the story for the whole book. The point is that they were dragons, not your cousins.” “Well, one time.” “What about the others?” “It was more of a draw. “Did you win, though?” Sarkis coughed, looking suddenly embarrassed. “Are you asking me if I think I can fight one guard and a group of elderly women with embroidery hooks?” “…yes?” “My lady Halla, I have fought dragons on multiple occasions.” Halla considered this. These two as a pair made for one hell of a hilarious, witty and in parts slightly smutty story that I flew through. He’s used to fighting battles for countries not houses so with Halla he thinks he might just be in luck for an easy run, but after getting stabbed the first time he slowly realises this wont be the case. Sarkin is a man, at least he was when he went in the sword a few centuries ago. She just wants a normal life but its only once she meets Sarkin that anything other than the boring life of a Widow seems possible. Halla is such a relatable character, she may come across as slightly dimwitted but that is mostly just for show. Set in a medieval style world, the same as the authors Clockwork boys, the story follows Halla a respectable Widow who inherits her Uncles fortune, much to the chagrin of his other family. I first saw this book on Alix Harrows twitter (Ten Thousand Doors of January) and it sounded too much fun to pass up. “I obey the will of the-great god, woman, put on some clothes!”

“I am the servant of the sword,” he said. After battling their way out of the house, determined to find her Uncle’s friend who can prove the Will to be valid, they embark on a journey filled with magic, mercenaries and just the right amount of smut. When Halla tell’s him her story he becomes enraged and informs her that he is hers to control, he is now her sworn sword and no harm shall befell her in his presence. Sarkin has never had a female owner of the sword before, least of all one who greeted him in so little clothing. She inherited a fortune, received an unwelcome and unwanted marriage proposal, was locked in her bedroom and when she decided to end it all and fall on a sword she was stopped by a man who appeared out of nowhere. Halla isn’t quite sure how she landed herself in this situation. When Halla draws the sword that imprisons him, Sarkis finds himself attempting to defend his new wielder against everything from bandits and roving inquisitors to her own in-laws… and the sword itself may prove to be the greatest threat of all. Sarkis is an immortal swordsman trapped in a prison of enchanted steel. Halla is a housekeeper who has suddenly inherited her great-uncle’s estate… and, unfortunately, his relatives.
