Flames over Frosthelm

Inquisitors' Guild, Book 1

By: Dave Dobson

Narrated by: Simon de Deney

Sometimes, your case takes a left turn. Or three or four. Marten Mingenstern and Boog Eggstrom are provisional inspectors, fresh out of Inquisitor’s Guild training and eager to prove themselves. Assigned the mundane task of tracking down stolen jewels, they instead uncover a mysterious cult set on destroying the city. After a thief explodes, they earn the enmity of a vicious noble, the Chief Inquisitor gets bought off and goes rogue, they are seized by barbarians, and they are sentenced to death at least a couple of times. In a final, frantic race with prophecy, they face ruthless fanatics, a city turned against them, and terrible forces long buried.

Flames over Frosthelm is the first novel about the Inquisitor's Guild, the investigative arm of the government of Frosthelm, a medieval city-state where criminals thrive, nobles scheme, and dark secrets lurk. Expect intrigue, mystery, swordplay, adventure, politics, romance, and the strong bonds of friendship. And a little magic along the way. Described as Princess Bride meets CSI, this new novel is a tale of classic adventure with a healthy dose of humor.

Flames over Frosthelm is a full stand-alone novel. Beginning, middle, and end, and no waiting for sequels to find out how the adventure ends (hear that, George R.R.?). There is swordplay, violence, death, and some romance, but the audiobook does not include anything terribly hardcore. Think PG13 or Harry Potter and you're probably in the right place.

©2019 Dave Dobson (P)2021 Dave Dobson

Punny Fantasy & Mystery Adventure

Between the explosions, characters, and constant action, the book is also packed with humor. Dobson is infamous for his puns in the Indie community and I hope he never stops. The chapter titles always have me cracking up, such as, “Frown for the Count” or “The Pursuit of Undomesticated Geese.”. The stakes are high, the city is going up in flames, lives are in peril, but darn it we are going to laugh along the way.

Simon de Deney is a great narrator, bringing out a lot of different voices and tones throughout the story. will definitely continue to listen on in the series!

light but consistent

A nice read for a snowy day. Adventure and swashbuckling, or at least swashing around

Loved it

This was a very enjoyable. The story is unique because it is humorous but still serious. (If that makes sense.) Marten & Boog are fresh out of Inquisitor's Guild training. They are eager to prove themselves. These two are so funny. They each have their own quirks but work well together. As the case they are assigned to goes out of control, their training will kick in or it won't. Their journey through lies, deceipt & sometimes battles is hilarious and full of snarky humor. They have to rely on each other no matter what.

A thoroughly enjoyable mix of humor and magic

Skillfully blending humor with deadly serious sorcery, this is a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy that's set in an intriguing, medieval city-state. The characters are vivid and idiosyncratic, and they provide many laugh-out-loud moments as they pursue their suspects, unravel the mystery, and venture into a little shy romance … all on the way to saving the world. There's plenty of action and wide-ranging adventure. Plus, the story's unpredictable magic allows for an interesting, well-thought-out dialogue on the cosmic tension between order and chaos. The narrator is perfect for this story, with great pacing and a style that suits all of its elements: The fight scenes are delivered with energy, and the comic punch lines get exactly the right touch of dry wit, perfectly reflecting the self-deprecation of the lovable main character, Marty. I'm delighted to have discovered the work of this author and this narrator. They're a great team.

A fiery fantasy adventure

Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. Narrated beautifully by Simon De Deney, brings to life this intriguing and complex fantasy journey. Friends Matern and Boog are just about to begin their careers as provisional inquisitors in the city of Frosthelm but things didn't go as planned when they are painted for murders by their Chief Inquisitor, who has traded bringing criminals to justice for power. Now Matern and Boog race throughout Frosthelm piecing together what is truly happening within the city's walls... and it's even more insane as paranoid individuals desire to bring a powerful being out of its slumber, wickedly coinciding a coming eclipse. Wondrously intense with detailed, memorable characters, packed with action and snarky situations, delivering a great adventure. Highly recommended.