What Fresh Hell (The Gods are Bastards Book 1)

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Aye, that’s great,” Billie said. “Speak up, ye haven’t managed t’piss off everyone in the station yet.” Juniper wasted not a second, simply striding forward, grasping her face, and pulling her into a kiss.

She gave Trissiny a smile that, to her credit, only looked about half forced. “Yeah, I’m maybe not so inclined to take Tellwyrn seriously…and less every time she talks…but like I said, I was thinking, and I have to admit she wasn’t completely wrong. I was outta line; I shouldn’t have taken a swing at you. I was being needlessly hostile and pretty much showing off.” You do that, Slim,” the sheriff said grimly. “Have him meet us at the jail, because that is exactly where these idjits are goin’.” Damn it, McGraw,” he shouted, “what did I clearly tell you? Did I stutter? Do I need to put it in writing? What part of ‘don’t cause trouble’ was so goddamn difficult to understand?” She began to stroll calmly up and down the rows of desks, speaking as she did so. “Miss Avelea, you are a judgmental jerk.” Fantasy Americana: Understated, but with the Western references, and the (literally) endless prairie of the Golden Sea that are actually called "amber waves" in a book title, the influences are strong.Worth talkin’ to the waitress, at least,” Joe murmured. “They know more’n most about the comings and goings of any town.” Dumbass Has a Point: After offering little but snark and stupidity for months, much of the party is surprised in Sarasio when Gabriel is the one with a workable plan for fixing the town's woes. Tamarin had to pointedly extend her own glass to receive a serving of the crimson, which she did after a momentary hesitation by the sommelier. She did not protest at this disrespect as most aristocrats would, however, and Ravana mentally added a tally in her favor. Dungeon Crawling: Played with, sent-up, defied and justified, in various ways. The most obvious example is actually called The Crawl (see Eldritch Location below), and part of it has been deliberately shaped into a completely troperific videogame-esque example, complete with (completely lampshaded) Goddamn Bats and Dire Goddamn Bats. The Heart Of The Wild, the jungle domain of the Elder Goddess of Nature. Like the Golden Sea, it has an infinite and constantly-shifting geography. Unlike the Golden Sea, the inhabitants (mostly fey) are even less friendly and often more powerful, so most people who go in don't come out.

They were all too well-bred to gasp or anything so gauche, but the momentary quieting of conversations throughout the room told Ravana she had succeeded. Branwen only smiled slightly wider; trying to get a rise out of an Izarite cleric was profoundly pointless, but that had never been her objective. A display of open, public contempt toward a Bishop of the Universal Church loudly loyal to Justinian was a message to the others in this room.Innocent Fanservice Girl: Of the 'unaware of taboo' variety. Despite being very promiscuous, she has next to no idea of how scandalous it is to directly ask a human for sex, and is blissfully unaware of the rampant homophobia running through the empire. To her, sex is about as boringly enjoyable as eating. Attagirl. But yes, you can intercede with the Empire up to a point, which is part of what I’m asking. The other part is that you can call in additional help to whom the Empire also has to listen. A lot changed at Ninkabi, the Wreath’s standing most of all. I wouldn’t bother except I firmly believe we have a perfectly legal, perfectly reasonable case to plead. It’s a case which has every chance of succeeding if heard on its merit—but which will be summarily dismissed if we try to go through the usual channels. All I want, Natchua, is to make someone in charge listen. And the only way I can see that happening, realistically, is if the request comes from a Duchess and a paladin.” Professor Tellwyrn has been known to engage in this, though it's not always clear how much of anything was planned, like the time she left the class of 1182 in Tiraas with instructions to find the test she planned for them and solve it. This is why it is important to delegate,” she murmured. Placing one fingertip on the rim of her glass, Ravana moved it in slow circles, causing it to emit a soft but high-pitched tone. A few of the gathered nobles winced. “And to do so before the need becomes urgent. No doubt your Holiness is familiar with the theory, even if you have not, yourself, been thus incapacitated.” But that’s just it,” Tamarin said with a sly little smile. “This situation…is what it is. Should I enjoy thumbing my nose in the Church’s face, or cringe at doing so to the very gods?”

Fantastic Racism: While most nonhuman species are powerful enough to defend themselves against bullies, they do tend to get side-eyed within human communities. Half-demons and half-elves face significant prejudice, and lizardfolk seem to consist mostly of isolated communities. Villain Protagonist: For at least one book, Jeremiah "Thumper" Shook, a Thieves' Guild enforcer, and his mentor, Alan Vandro. Aside from being generally willing to steal and use force for their own benefit, they share an attitude to gender politics that is unpalatable to say the least - see Politically Incorrect Villain, above. She gave Shaeine, who had silently followed, a long look, then grimaced, shook her head and turned to Teal. “All right, out with it.” Oh, we’re all pretty used to scurrying along after you and smoothing out the ripples you cause. I suppose there’s no point in asking if you’re sure dealing with that guy is a good idea?” some parts of the story, especially later on may feel like having your teeth pulled because you want to read more of what you liked.Aerith and Bob: Lampshaded at one point with a drow-human couple whose names actually are Avrith and Bob. The Fair Folk: The fey, creations of Naiya the Elder Goddess. There are several varieties, but they're generally highly magical and entirely unfamiliar with ordinary morality and social norms. Two of the eight original protagonists, Fross the pixie and Juniper the dryad, are specimens.

With the Empire?” she replied incredulously. “You can’t possibly imagine I have any pull with the Throne.” Not demonology,” Tellwyrn retorted with some asperity. “Demonic history, though, is another thing. I’m sure you were told the basics by the Church, but we have things in the archives here that they don’t show to people, and even a few they may not have. I’ll instruct Crystal to help you.” Each of the Schools of Magic has one other it is neutralised by. To specify, Divine neutralises Fae, which neutralises Infernal, which neutralises Arcane, which neutralises Divine. This webb novel is long. There’s a healthy mix of fluff and plot. It makes a pretty comfy read. Something nice and familiar to cuddle up on the sofa and read while your cat scouts you out.

Especially now. It’s a matter of family that has brought me to swallow my pride and beg for your help in the first place.” Oh, mustn’t I?” the man deadpanned. “But how ever will I get over the loss of the scintillating conversation I’m sure that unwashed guttersnipe—” Don’t do this to me, Alaric, you know I don’t have the attention span for word games. I’m asking for your overall opinion. Vague impressions. Detail not necessary.” Info Dump: The school setting is ruthlessly exploited to explain geopolitics, magic and the nature of divinity to the reader.