An Investigation Gone Awry Sometimes, your case takes a left turn. Or three or four. Marten Mingenstern and Boog Eggstrom are provisional inspectors, fresh out of Inquisitor’s Guild training and eager to prove themselves. Assigned the mundane task of tracking down stolen jewels, they instead uncover a mysterious cult set on destroying the city. After a thief explodes, they earn the enmity of a … enmity of a vicious noble, the Chief Inquisitor gets bought off and goes rogue, they are seized by barbarians, and they are sentenced to death at least a couple of times. In a final, frantic race with prophecy, they face ruthless fanatics, a city turned against them, and terrible forces long buried.
Flames Over Frosthelm is the first novel about the Inquisitor’s Guild, the investigative arm of the government of Frosthelm, a medieval city-state where criminals thrive, nobles scheme, and dark secrets lurk. Expect intrigue, mystery, swordplay, adventure, politics, romance, and the strong bonds of friendship. And a little magic along the way. Described as Princess Bride meets CSI, this new novel is a tale of classic adventure with a healthy dose of humor.
If the description above was too much, you might prefer this
TLDR Summary Haiku
Young inspectors flail
Against a rising darkness.
Fighting, jokes, and more.
About the Book
Flames over Frosthelm is a full stand-alone novel clocking in at just over 120,000 words. Beginning, middle, and end, and no waiting for sequels to find out how the adventure ends (hear that, George R.R.?). There is swordplay, violence, death, and some romance, but the book does not include anything terribly hardcore. Think PG13 or Harry Potter and you’re probably in the right place.
Author’s Note
Ever since I started reading the Oz books and Andrew Lang’s fairy tale compendia in elementary school, I have loved fantasy. As I grew as a reader, I branched out into heroic and epic fantasy, starting with tales of heros like Conan and John Carter, set in places like Middle Earth and Witchworld. I also adored comedic fantasy, from Terry Pratchett to Neil Gaiman to a host of others, and my favorite tales were those where young heroes and heroines grew (or were forced) to play a role beyond their station, in many cases learning on the fly and making it up as they went along.
There are so many great authors working now trying out new ideas, pushing the fantasy genre in interesting new directions (some of them full of sparkly vampires or brooding antiheroes with anime hair). Despite all that innovation, it is hard for me to resist the draw of the classics. In this book, I’ve tried to weave together many of my favorite threads from the books of my childhood, to write the kind of book I have always loved reading, both at 13 and at 49. If I’ve succeeded, this story should provide a fun mix of humor and adventure, an introduction to a new world and a few new cultures, with derring-do and jokes along with some solid emotional touches, against a backdrop of a classic fantasy city, bustling with taverns, markets, nobles, politics, religions, thieves, and warriors.
There’s magic, but it’s limited to rare wizards, scholars, and artifacts, not pervasive, and it’s not well understood. Everybody you meet is a human with human goals – no elves, dwarves, dragons, trolls, or Klingons. Although moral complexity is fascinating, and even the best people are not always their best selves, in general I like my good guys good, my bad guys bad, and the stakes high. I hope you do too.
Please enjoy Flames Over Frosthelm.more
This had all the elements that made, at least for me, terrific book. I look forward to what happens next to Marty and Boog.
This was my first experience with Dave Dobson’s work and I enjoyed it very much. The story revolved around two provisional inspectors who just graduated from the Inquisitors’ Guild training. The book related how a simple case of stolen jewels grew into so much more. The tale had twists and turns, magic, humor, adventure and just a touch of romance. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this story to others who enjoy this genre. Simon de Deney’s narration was great and added entertainment to the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.
Skillfully blending humor with deadly serious sorcery, this is a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy that’s set in an intriguing, medieval city-state. The characters are vivid and idiosyncratic, and they provide many laugh-out-loud moments as they pursue their suspects, unravel the mystery, and venture into a little shy romance … all on the way to saving the world. There’s plenty of action and wide-ranging adventure. Plus, the story’s unpredictable magic allows for an interesting, well-thought-out dialogue on the cosmic tension between order and chaos. The narrator of the audiobook edition is perfect for this story, with great pacing and a style that suits all of its elements: The fight scenes are delivered with energy, and the comic punch lines get exactly the right touch of dry wit, perfectly reflecting the self-deprecation of the lovable main character, Marty. I’m delighted to have discovered the work of this author and this narrator (Simon de Deney). They’re a great team.
When Marten and his apprentice run into sorcery while investing a jewelry theft they get thrust into an adventure they weren’t looking for. Soon they’re hot on the heels of a cult and always at death’s door. Can they put a stop to evil in time to save everyone they hold dear?
This is a wonderful epic fantasy, filled with intrigue, danger, humor, and mystery.
The narrating style in the audio book was true to genre and flowed freely. If you like fantasy, you’ll love this!
This was an entertaining read, one full of fun, fast paced action at every turn, and action-packed at each scene. The two inquisitors, Marten and Boog were a thrill to watch together. Their interactions are full of humor throughout, despite the nature of their profession. Boog is the physical strength of the two and Marten … is just amazingly resourceful or lucky in the altercations many times … I’m still deciding. You’re sure they would manage to get the job done, but then you shook your head wondering how they managed to survive between the two of them. They leave one scene of trouble only to find themselves quickly catapulted into the next one, each time leaving a bigger mess behind it. However, they are loyal to their cause, fully committed to fulfilling the oath of their office. When they find out they must be the ones to save their home from complete destruction by a long-imprisoned evil, they rise to the challenge even if it cost them everything. Their heart shines through as they race to unravel the mystery of their career and face the biggest battle of their life. I enjoyed the story and loved Boog and Marten. Fantastic read!
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
“Flames Over Frosthelm” was my introduction to Dobson’s writing. I look forward to reading more of the author’s work in the future.
Dobson finely balances action and exposition. The author did a very fine job of world building and character development as well.
This entertaining page turner takes us along as Marty, Boog and Clarice try to prevent the end of Frosthelm, or maybe even the world.
I highly recommend this book.
In the interest of transparancey: I was given a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
“Marten Mingenstern and Boog Eggstrom are provisional inspectors, fresh out of Inquisitor’s Guild training and eager to prove themselves.”
I was hooked right there and had not even read the book yet. There’s magic in this world, but as with most fantasy tales it’s limited to the rare few. Mingenstern and Eggstrom are not among those few. Instead, think of them as rookie cops going about their jobs, lots of boredom punctuated by action, even deadly at times (only its swords not guns), and then – boom – lucky (or unlucky depending on your perspective) to get caught in a case with big shot involvement. But, hey, what’s wrong with a bit of corruption at the top, plus murder and mystery to spice up a case of thievery? All in a days work? Not. But lots of fun for we readers. Dave Dobson’s Flames Over Frosthelm was total fun. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series, which will hopefully be stand-alone like this one.