Advocate - (Warden) by Daniel M Ford (Paperback)

About the Book

"Aelis de Lenti is back on her home turf, but it's not quite as welcoming as she remembered.... Recalled from Lone Pine to investigate claims of murder by magic against her mentor--legendary Warden Bardun Jacques--Aelis takes to the streets of the grand city of Lascenise, and plumbs the deepest secrets of the Lyceum to clear his name. Certain of her success, she doesn't count on thieves, subterranean labyrinths, or the assassins that dog her steps from the moment she leaves her tower. Behind all of it lurks a ring of unknown wizards who can seemingly reach anyone with their magic. Without knowing who she can trust, Aelis must gather what allies she can to unravel the web of intrigue, murder, smuggling, and theft originating in the halls of magic power. With an old friend from her college days, a war-haunted gnome thief-catcher, and the advice of her imprisoned advisor, Aelis races to save lives and expose a conspiracy that seeks to change the face of the world."--

Book Synopsis

"Omigosh! I've just found an author to put on my list of I've got to read everything they ever wrote! The Warden is a gem of the first order. Aelis is my hero."--Glen Cook, author of The Black Company

"These books are addictive and I can't wait to see what Aelis and the gang get up to next."--C.L. Clark, author of The Unbroken

Wineshops on every corner.
Assassins in every alley.
It's good to be home.

Aelis de Lenti is back on her home turf, but it's not quite as welcoming as she remembered....

Recalled from Lone Pine to investigate claims of murder by magic against her mentor--legendary Warden Bardun Jacques--Aelis takes to the streets of the grand city of Lascenise, and plumbs the deepest secrets of the Lyceum to clear his name. Certain of her success, she doesn't count on thieves, subterranean labyrinths, or the assassins that dog her steps from the moment she leaves her tower.

Behind all of it lurks a ring of unknown wizards who can seemingly reach anyone with their magic. Without knowing who she can trust, Aelis must gather what allies she can to unravel the web of intrigue, murder, smuggling, and theft originating in the halls of magic power. With an old friend from her college days, a war-haunted gnome thief-catcher, and the advice of her imprisoned advisor, Aelis races to save lives and expose a conspiracy that seeks to change the face of the world.

Review Quotes

"A quick pace, witty characters, and conspiracy twists will bring readers along for this fast ride of a fantasy that concludes the appealing Warden series."--Library Journal

Praise for The Warden Series
"Omigosh! I've just found an author to put on my list of 'I've got to read everything they ever wrote'! The Warden is a gem of the first order. Aelis is my hero."--Glen Cook, author of The Black Company

"So much fun. Fun of the fourth-order, you might say. These books are addictive and I can't wait to see what Aelis and the gang get up to next."--C.L. Clark, author of The Unbroken

"Old-school fun with new-school sensibilities."--Marie Brennan, author of A Natural History of Dragons: a Memoir By Lady Trent

"Dark and delightful . . . A reading experience that captures the best essence of a single-player tabletop RPG romp with a sly and witty gamemaster."--Elizabeth Bear, Multiple Hugo Award Winner

"Captures an endearing fish out of water vibe in this pleasantly romantic fantasy about the importance of supporting one's local necromancer. . . . 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."--Publishers Weekly

"A great first entry in a series, setting up an interesting sword-and-sorcery world whose secondary cast clearly has stories to tell, from retired soldiers turned innkeeping couple Rus and Martin to a pair of dwarves who are bankers turned adventurers. Fans of Brandon Sanderson will enjoy details about the complex magical system. It will be fascinating to see where Aelis, and her world, goes from here."--Booklist

"An appealing new fantasy series filled with adventure, action, and old magic."--Library Journal

"I was hooked. . . . It's refreshing to read a fantasy adventure with a female main character who feels realistic. . . . I had a lot of fun with The Warden."--Geekly Inc

"I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a quick fantasy read that features a strong female protagonist, really cool magic, and some fascinating worldbuilding that transports the reader into a wondrous setting "--Out of This World SFF

About the Author

Daniel M. Ford is a native of Baltimore. He has an M.A. in Irish Literature from Boston College, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from George Mason University. He lives in Delaware and teaches at a college prep high school in rural Maryland. When he isn't writing, he's reading, playing RPGs, lifting weights, or mixing cocktails. His previous work includes The Warden, Necrobane, The Paladin Trilogy, and the Jack Dixon novels.