The Warden by Daniel M. Ford

 

A necromancer with a career plan that doesn't go quite as expected is in for some surprises in The Warden by Daniel M. Ford. Aelis comes from wealth but it's her smarts and skills that led her to become a necromancer, as well as earn several other magical degrees. She planned to be posted in one of the grand cities from which she would launch her great career. Instead, she is posted as Warden to Lone Pine, a remote village with more goats than culture and people who are more afraid than awed of her. 

The tower, which is her home, is in disrepair and she is at wit's end trying to get it in order as well as find ways to make herself useful to the village. Innkeepers Rus and Martin, at least, will talk to her. She also finds an ally in Tun, the large woodsman who lives near the village and proves to be more than initially meets the eye. When a group of adventurers stops at the village, they bring not only potential romance, but danger as well. 

Aelis soon finds herself chasing through the wilderness in search of a fleeing villager. She discovers something far more dangerous and more matched to her skills as a Warden. The only question is will she be up to the task?

Ford creates a lived-in world that has a sense of history as well as politics, both magical and financial. Several interesting characters surround Aelis, including a precocious young girl. The backstory is filled in nicely through flashbacks to Aelis's time in school. Aelis, while clearly smart, is young and inexperienced. She is placed where she has few resources to draw on other than her own. Still, her mercurialness is sometimes a little startling. She can be kind in one moment and harsh the next. Some of the early chapters feel a little episodic, but once the main plot takes hold things move along more rapidly and with clear direction.

I really loved the characters, especially the supporting characters, and was rooting for Aelis throughout. The magical system is fascinating and the world feels expansive. While solving one mystery, Aelis uncovers many more, leaving much to explore in this world. I look forward to further adventures.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher.