The Maleficent Seven

April 5, 2021
Unlikely allies confront an army of holy knights in this fast-paced if uneven fantasy adventure from Johnston (God of Broken Things). In the land of Essoran, demonologist Black Herran was once a fearsome general—until she abandoned her armies on the cusp of victory. Forty years later, she must reunite her old comrades—among them Maeven, a necromancer, and Tiarnach, the former god of war—to face down a new enemy. Though each member of the memorable ensemble holds a grudge against Black Herran, they each agree to join her, seeking personal gain. Together, they must defend the militarized peasant town of Tarnbrooke against the invading armies of the Lucent Empire. There’s never a lull in the action, and the mismatched group provides plenty of fun, with high tension and biting arguments between the over-the-top characters keeping the pages turning. Unfortunately, classic fantasy creatures like orcs and vampires feel slightly out of place in Johnston’s world, and the frequent mistreatment of female characters keeps this brutal tale from reaching its potential. Regardless, fans of grimdark fantasy will find plenty to enjoy. Agent: Ed Wilson, Johnson & Alcock.

July 1, 2021
What do you do with a demonologist who once tried to conquer the world, but gave it up and retired to a quiet village? Add in her former comrades-in-arms--now older and angry at her for giving up the fight--that include a once mighty god, a vampire, an orc, a powerful necromancer, a ruthless pirate queen, and one horrific alchemist and you have the beginnings of a familiar but clever ""get the gang back together for one last adventure"" story. The Falcon Prince, head of the mighty Lucent Empire and bearer of powerful magic, is rampaging the land including that quiet village. In order to stop him, her nefarious group will need to put aside past differences and work together. Of course, side machinations abound, as with Maeven, the necromancer and her necromantic knife that gives her more power with each new soul she takes. Fans of dark fantasy that enjoy a bit of gallows humor alongside over-the-top blood and gore action will find this group of misfits perfectly awful, and will enjoy the ride.

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