August 2022 Indie Book Review by Joseph Poopinski
Vagabond: Saga of the Freewilds, Book #2
By Michael Paul Scott
Mutiny, Barfight & CSI
4 stars
I encourage readers to tackle Stormsend: Saga of the Freewilds, Book #1 first, sequentially. This middle tome enjoyably blends Treasure Island’s mutiny with a Halloween-inspired episode of CSI, where wrongfully accused top-notch detective Lukarde Alfans is the architect of both exciting resolutions. Almost everyone returns: Including the rabblerousing pirates, some of whom engage in the justified uprising; the neglected poor & orphans, some of whom are abducted by cultists (the majority of these victims get murdered or become weren, while the fortunate remainder may be rescued…); the steady tavern staff & the squabbling watchers (both crews find their brawling skills tested); and the fascinating, impeccable ymp (who’s riddles & chatter always couch deeper meanings than those words merely spoken).
Behind this increased action, the investigative trail arcs back towards the premier bad guy & demon cavorter, Prince Elrick. He brazenly admits his fiendish alliance; family drama ensues. The amazing holy knights won’t intervene directly with royalty; however, they support Lukarde in other ways. My concluding impressions & opinions: Vagabond’s engrossing due to its bygone/magical world’s imagery, the range & depth of characters (Lukarde foremost among them), and choice terminology which connect & weave these various elements into mental movies with great logical inferences & vivid special effects. Surely, if ever given free rein, the dusty ymp would single-handedly win the day for the demons! Attention all museum curators only two weeks from retirement: Stay home, use your PTO!
Behind this increased action, the investigative trail arcs back towards the premier bad guy & demon cavorter, Prince Elrick. He brazenly admits his fiendish alliance; family drama ensues. The amazing holy knights won’t intervene directly with royalty; however, they support Lukarde in other ways. My concluding impressions & opinions: Vagabond’s engrossing due to its bygone/magical world’s imagery, the range & depth of characters (Lukarde foremost among them), and choice terminology which connect & weave these various elements into mental movies with great logical inferences & vivid special effects. Surely, if ever given free rein, the dusty ymp would single-handedly win the day for the demons! Attention all museum curators only two weeks from retirement: Stay home, use your PTO!
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