The Adventurers Guild

September 11, 2017
Centuries after the rest of the world fell to monsters, Freestone is one of few cities left standing, “points of light in the darkness.” Its first line of defense is the Adventurers Guild, a group of volunteer soldiers and conscripts from the city’s other guilds. When half-elven would-be wizard Zed is unexpectedly drafted into the Adventurers Guild, his brash friend Brock follows along to keep him safe, joined by noble-born Liza and Jett, a dwarf. The recruits’ initiation into the guild nearly kills them, and that’s just the beginning of their troubles: they soon learn that the magical wards that protect Freestone are failing and must be restored, leading to a perilous journey into monster-infested lands. Hazards, betrayals, and quick-witted banter abound in this gripping series opener (“Dangers will not pause to respect your comic timing,” wisecracking Brock is scolded during training). Clark and Eliopulos weave a thread of post-apocalyptic adventure into a classic questing saga, replete with spells, enchanted weaponry, and mythological beings—elves, kobolds, gelatinous goo, and more. Ages 8–12. Agent: (for Clark) Ammi-Joan Paquette, Erin Murphy Literary; (for Eliopulos) Josh Adams, Adams Literary.

Employing a subtle use of pitch and accent, narrator Johnny Heller differentiates the voices of a wide array of characters in the opening volume of a planned fantasy-adventure series. When a group of young people are conscripted into the dreaded Adventurers Guild, they learn just how dangerous it is to protect Freestone, one of the last cities standing against the monsters outside their walls. To make matters worse, there's a traitor in their midst. Heller gives timid, half-elfin Zed; his brash friend, Brock; imperious, noble Liza; the dwarf, Jett, with his Scottish brogue, and others distinct personalities. He manages the conflicts, fears, and battles with deft pacing and a tone befitting such a seasoned narrator. Listeners will be eager for the next installment. S.G. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine


belle252 - The Adventurers Guild is the most dangerous guild of all guilds- they guard outside the wall (There is a wall guarding the city) and fight monsters. Many adventurers die, as well. Brock, Zed, and 2 other friends get chosen to be in the guild- right when a disaster strikes. The wall has focus shards to keep monsters away, and the focus shards are expiring. They need to find the focus spell before monsters destroy the city. Will one group of friends with normal clothes and terrified looks in their face be able to save the day? Overall this is a really fun adventure book that I couldn't put down after I started reading it.