The Ebon Warden is about to execute the wrong goblin.

The Ebon Warden has sentenced Captain William Blair to hang for another goblin’s crime. Thankfully, he’s got his sharp wits, his loyal crew, and a long history of dubious behaviour on his side. When the man who’s supposed to hang next to Wil offers his help, however, the crew of the Iron Rose is unexpectedly drawn into local politics. Soon, the stakes are far higher than any one goblin… and the only way out of a dreadful disaster is to steal from the Ebon Warden herself.

A Matter of Execution by Nicholas and Olivia Atwater was one fantastic read!

If you want some swashbuckling fantasy, that’s full of charm, adventure, a diverse cast, fun and plenty of banter, this is plain gold.

I adored the main character, who is a pirate captain who really cares for his crew. Oh and he’s a goblin…

There’s a very strong found family in here. A teenage girl who loves books and stealing things, a disabled crew mate, so it’s just normal that everyone has learned sign language, a big man who would rather use his giant hands to heal than harm, a former lady of high standing, and others, who just trust each other unconditionally.

I loved how the tropes were often intentionally turned upside down, which made it both familiar and unique.

This gem of a novella is somewhere between cosy and adventurous, and was just pure joy to read from the first to the last page!

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By Julia Kitvaria Sarene

Kitvaria Sarene has been a bookseller in Germany from 2003-2024. Her love of books only grew over the years, just as her love for fantasy and sci-fi did! Especially interested in indie publishing and discovering new talents she joined reading for SPFBO 3 in 2017.

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