Just finished this collection of stories thats finally brought to a conclusion (maybe?) featuring Maesa, The Autumn Prince.
Might be my all around favorite
AoS tale yet. Maesa’s stories seems like its one of the longest running entries in
AoS and I’ve enjoyed all of them and I’m glad Maesa got something resembling closure, where alot of
AoS fiction seems to die on the vine.
It follows the titular aelf character’s obsessive quest to restore life to his deceased human wife. He has a
knack for going on adventures while on this quest. He’s accompanied by a spiteful little forest spirit named Shattercap, who is trying his best to be good, despite his nature. Towards the tales end, he’s joined by a Duardin merchant of the Dispossessed and they form a friendship through their travels.
You get the sense that its pretty much an impossible task, but the Aelf is set on his mission despite the odds stacked against him and he always maintains hope that he will be successful. You also get the impression that something is… off, which adds a bit of suspense/mystery.
Pretty great action and adventure with some subtle world building capped off by a melancholy, though satisfying ending. It made me think of the classic “Guardians of the Forest” by Graham Mcneil.
I recommend!