Royce and Hadrian are back and this time Royce's past actions result in a unique opportunity for the duo that is sure to put them at odds. The wealthy merchant Gabriel Winter has tracked down Royce (no easy task) because many years ago he experienced the "Year of Fear" when Royce terrorized his home city of Colnora. He has sought out Royce because he believes that his daughter is dead at the hands of her noble husband and he seeks retribution. He wants those responsible to pay in blood and offers up coin for every body that Royce produces; however, if it it turns out that she is alive then he is also offering a fixed sum for her safe return.
Of course Royce and Hadrian agree to the job for opposite reasons and it is a perfect circumstance to play off their contrasting personalities. As one would expect, the investigation into her disappearance is not that straight forward and it will take the unique skills that they both bring to the table in order to sort it out. This is a classic investigative story wrapped in a fantasy setting, and Michael J. Sullivan pulls it off nicely. The colorful side characters keep it entertaining and Royce may have finally met his match in the old widow Evelyn, who isn't intimidated by him one bit. :)
If you are a fan of Riyria then do not hesitate to pick this up. However, keep in mind that this is more of a stand alone story that must get by on its own merit, as there is no overarching story arc to move forward, and that absence does not go unnoticed. Tim Gerard Reynolds is at the mic for the audiobook and there are none better, so this makes for a great listen.