War is here, and all hell is breaking loose. King Axil is marshaling his forces, Sibil is on her own crusade. And Reynard looks to avenge Spiro’s death while possibly making himself filthy rich. Two Crowns, Three Blades: An Action-Adventure Medieval Fantasy (say that three times fast) is the follow up to Six Moons, Seven Gods, and unlike its predecessor this is more of a straight up action medieval fantasy.
Everything is flowing towards the Lawless lands. Most of the main characters return, some though in less than corporal fashion. Everyone has a score to settle somehow, or someway, and it is that interpersonal drama that really makes this a great read. Reynard is a delightful bastard of a villain who just steals the scene. Walker’s sharp writing delivers here, giving him such personality that you almost want to see him win out. The problem for him is that the other characters (the protagonist and crew) are just as equally likeable.
The setting this time around is less of a character itself, than the previous novel. Though still well developed, there is a definite drive towards the conclusion that makes the book feel a little smaller. The first in the series, perhaps due to the myriad POV characters and mystery theme, felt longer. I really felt previously that Walker took more time to let a scene turn, to establish menace with a little bit of quiet. As such, some fight scenes and battle scenes feel rushed. I had a little bit of a problem picturing the main locations this time, especially Taker’s Tower.
Still, Two Crowns, Three Blades is a great adventure book, more so of a general fantasy than its predecessor. in a world of fast pace/quick resolution narratives. It kept my attention throughout, and I am curious to see how the last book develops. A solid 4 stars!
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