Hands down the most reviewed of Drollerie books is a fantasy that I haven’t read but is sitting on my desktop in my TBR pile: SORROW.
Get it here for $1.99:
http://drolleriepress.com/books/inde...co1vpova14f8k0
Here’s the blurb.
Return to Lawson’s world of Witch Ember with a new tale of darkness, intrigue, and violence. A tale of Sorrow.
A new killer stalks the palaces of the EroBernd Empire, striking down prominent members of the gentry and clergy, seemingly at will. No amount of security is an impediment, no number of bodyguards a deterrent. This killer enters unseen and departs untouched, leaving behind scenes of butchery and blood. Duke Valven of EroBernd decides to send his chief assassin, Count Hashii, to the boutique province of Vestiga to resolve the matter before it can cause any further embarrassment. Locals have already contrived a name for this assassin, based on descriptions from victims who lived long enough to tell the tale: a wraith of shadow–a countenance of immeasurable remorse–and eyes that wept black tears.
It is a contest of assassins. One discreet and renowned, an artist tempered by years of service–the other a savage neophyte, ephemeral and unstoppable–both ruthless and deadly. Can the infamous Lord Ash stop the bloodshed and discover the identity of the assassin known as Sorrow?
Here’s what the multitude of reviewers have said:
Kelly Jensen of SFCrowsnest.com: “This story, a fully fleshed and tightly plotted thriller dances between the questions of church, faith, magic, human relationships and darker desires.”
Anne K. Edwards of MysteryFiction.net:
“From the pen of talented author John Lawson comes Sorrow, something different in the world of fantasy that also includes murder and mystery.”
Things Mean A Lot Review:
… a very satisfying murder mystery that is also a sort of coming-of-age story set in a detailed dark fantasy world.”
Chris at Stuff As Dreams Are Made review:
“Sorrow is a new chapter in the Witch Ember series of books by John Lawson. It’s a dark tale, a magical tale, a treacherous and murderous tale and it’s everything that I love in a novel.”
Amberkatz review:
“With such detail and linguistic depth you really begin to feel like you are in another world. Fantasy is the main genre here but mystery is woven into this well written story. Another lovely addition to the Witch Ember Tales.”
Bethanie of Bethanie Brain Review”
“Definitely my kind of book. In fact, not only is Sorrow a serious contender for the Bethanie’s Favorite-Books-of-All-Time list, but it has also made the Yes-I-Want-A-Hard-Copy list, which is huge…”
Mayra Calvani of The Dark Phantom Review:
“I have many good things to say about this book. The author has created a very real, dark fantasy world and I was able to picture the setting vividly in my mind.”
J. Kaye’s Book Blog: 5 stars.
“SORROW is a great and thrilling read and I look forward to reading John Lawson’s next Witch Ember book, whatever that is. I hope he will tell us more about the rraakk!”
Kathy Martin of In the Library Reviews:
“Author John Lawson, has created a dark fantasy/mystery story that takes us deep into the world of court intrigues and fanatical reliefs. Magic is masterfully interweaved into this struggle. The characters, presentation, dialogue…all are superbly done.”
Stuart Carter of SF Site:
“And, not to give the game away too much, there is the expected Lawson grim twist — if you’ve read Witch Ember and The Raven you’ll know that this particular author likes to play with our expectations and the [...]”
Phew!
Get it, review it yourself!