• Book: Traitor’s Blade
• Author: Sebastien de Castell
• Publisher: Jo Fletcher Books
• Published: 2014

Let’s get the obvious and overdone comparison out of the way first. This book very much feels like a fantasy take on Dumas’ Three Musketeers, which for me is a ok because that sounds awesome. Tongue-in-cheek, swashbuckling adventure mixed with a trio of protagonists who are every bit as enjoyable to spend time with as Athos, Aramos and Porthos.

In fantasy terms, Falcio, Kest and Brasti’s relationships with each other are every bit as wonderful to read about as a pair like Locke and Jean from Lies of Locke Lamora which imo is the benchmark for a fantasy friendship.

In Traitor’s Blade, these three erstwhile champions of a now dead king are at their lowest ebb. Greatcoats are reviled as traitors, hated by nobles and commoners alike, but still dedicated to a cause which appears to have died with their king. It is within this frame that the trio are thrust into a conspiracy that threatens not just their lives but the life of a young girl who they must protect at all costs.

If you want something fast paced with excitement and fun on every page then this should be right up your street and your perfect cup of tea.

• Beer: House of Pale
• Brewery: To Øl
• Style: Pale Ale
• Strength: 5.5%
• Hops: Ekuanot

This is one of the first beers made with Ekuanot hops since I started paying attention to such things. Definitely a fan so far. It has a crispness that feels tingly on the lips and a freshness that somehow feels very Scandinavian. I’ve not been to Denmark (Norway is the extent of my Scandinavian explorations), but if this is indicative of their brewing culture then I can’t wait to try some more.