The Warden

Ford (the Paladin Trilogy) captures an endearing fish out of water vibe in this pleasantly romantic fantasy about the importance of supporting one’s local necromancer. Ambitious necromancer Aelis de Lenti is disappointed to be appointed Warden of the remote frontier town of Lone Pine, off on the edge of fallen Old Ystain kingdom and far from the city life she enjoys. Overqualified but determined to keep the peace and win over her wary neighbors, she turns her considerable skills to dealing with tavern brawls, sheep-killing bears, and family squabbles. Helping her cope are the ex-military spouses who run the local tavern, a half-orc shape-shifter whose silence in tracking is matched by his eloquence in speaking, and a beautiful half-elf adventurer who might prove more than a friend. But there’s a reason Aelis was assigned to Lone Pine: a nest of undead monstrosities lurks in the orc-haunted wilderness that the town borders, and it falls to Aelis to keep them from overrunning the kingdom. The charming misfit cast is the highlight here. Readers who enjoy the maturing mages and heroes of Robin McKinley and Melissa Caruso will find another youngster on the rise to cheer for in these pages. Agent: Paul Lucas, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (Apr.)