Stranger of Tempest by Tom Lloyd
Fantasy , Gollancz , Tom Lloyd / June 16, 2016

Lynx is a mercenary with a sense of honour; a dying breed in the Shattered Kingdom. Failed by the nation he served and weary of the skirmishes that plague the continent’s principalities, he walks the land in search of purpose. He wants for little so bodyguard work keeps his belly full and his mage-gun loaded. It might never bring a man fame or wealth, but he’s not forced to rely on others or kill without cause. Little could compel Lynx to join a mercenary company, but he won’t turn his back on a kidnapped girl. At least the job seems simple enough; the mercenaries less stupid and vicious than most he’s met over the years. So long as there are no surprises or hidden agendas along the way, it should work out fine. I’ve always imagined being a mercenary in some far off, fantastical land would be the hardest of lives to live. Based on what I’ve learned in Stranger of Tempest, the latest offering from Tom Lloyd, it would appear I was entirely right. When you join Anatin’s Mercenary Deck, chances are you’re going to find yourself living fast and very probably dying young. I warmed to Lynx immediately….