Publisher's Weekly Review
In this brilliant debut novel, Eames creates a high-energy epic fantasy adventure straight from a heavy metal album cover. Clay Cooper's quiet retirement following his many adventures with Saga, a band of mercenaries, is interrupted when Saga's ex-leader, Gabriel, begs for help rescuing his daughter, Rose, who has become a mercenary in her own right and is now under siege with no hope of escape. Putting the band back together requires getting an enchanted sword out of hock, retrieving their wizard from his search for a cure for the disease that killed his husband, getting their dagger man to give up being a king, and freeing their main muscle guy from dire imprisonment. Where dignified heroes would despair, Saga rises to every occasion, whether by old skill or uncanny good luck. Eames has cranked the thrills of epic fantasy up to 11 with gleeful disregard for restraint or good sense. The world is rich and exciting, with every classic fantasy monster on hand and a few delightfully horrifying new ones. Moreover, the plot is emotionally rewarding, original, and hilarious, and boasts a satisfying conclusion while leaving room for future books. Eames clearly set out to write something fun to read, and he has succeeded spectacularly. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
*Starred Review* Ever wonder what happened to that hearty band of adventurers after all the tales are told? Wonder no more! Kings of the Wyld is a hilarious tale that reads like a Where Are They Now? for your favorite old Dungeons & Dragons characters. Clay Cooper is done with the adventuring life of a mercenary in the greatest crew that ever lived, Saga. Retired to a job as a town watchman, Clay wants nothing more than to stay home with his wife and daughter. Maybe someday open that inn he always wanted. That doesn't look to be in the cards when his longtime comrade in arms, Gabe, shows up on his door. Gabe has obviously fallen on hard times but is there not to beg for charity but to beseech Clay to help him gather their old friends and rescue Gabe's daughter from a besieged town. Aching bones, sleeping on cold ground, spiteful ex-wives, and their own reputations prove to be more formidable foes than trolls and orcs. Eames' debut fantasy tale has it all a horde of evil monsters, a terrifying evil forest to cross, and an overwhelmingly powerful bad guy bent on world domination. Oh yeah, it's time to get the band back together! Readers will not be able to put this book down.--Goosey, Terry Copyright 2017 Booklist
