(Part 5 of a 6-part Review Series)

by

“You don’t need to do this,” she implored, fretful at the din. “Not for me. I’ve run hands along Brognir’s arms. He’s ogre-built. And my eye if you are seeing straight. He will stove your teeth in. And that would be a shame, for you have nice teeth.” 

The 5th tale of Miller’s Man of Swords: The Ember Nixie is certainly the most lighthearted story we’ve read so far in this entire book. It felt appropriate to have a slight change of tone after the very dramatic adventures we’ve experienced so far along with our hero Rohye. No need to constantly sit on the edge of our seat for this one; just enjoy the action, the comedic boxing, and some of that fire brandy people of the Wandered Lands seems to have mistaken for drinking water!

Rohye once again finds himself in trouble, this time over Glory, a girl he has been growing fond of but who’s personal affairs lead him to believe she is in trouble when she’s really not! As a result, Rohye must now enter a sanctioned boxing match, which brings all the townsfolk to the most prestigious gambling den in the region, and where big and small bets are placed for such a fighting event!

This story is FUN! You have:

1. Rohye who’s pretty much constantly under the effects of an alcoholic beverage known for uhm…impairing judgment? 
2. You have a gambling town with all sorts of deviant characters out for a profit
3. You have barkeeps who pretend to mind their business while really being the eyes and ears of the town
4. You have a damsel (not so much) in distress but who grows to appreciate the chivalry displayed by Rohye

I thoroughly enjoyed The Ember Nixie first and foremost because it represents a change of pace from what we’re accustomed to see from these Wandered Lands tales. There’s comedy in it that doesn’t come off as forced or verging into the campy. You have action that is brutal yet not to the killing point (just a few bruises and busted nose!). In the end…well you gotta read it to find out the rest!

🦀