Today is the launch day for K.R.R Lockhaven’s high seas romp The Marauders, The Daughter and The Dragon, for which I was lucky enough to receive an advanced review copy. My opinions are my own. Many Congratulations to Kyle, I wish you a fantastically successful launch day!! As with all of this author’s books 10% of the proceeds will be donated to the Washington State Council of Firefighters Burn Foundation. They sponsor Camp Eyabsut, a free summer camp for burn survivors ages 7 to 17. More information here: www.campeyabsut.org
To say that Azure Brine is at odds with her father would be an understatement. His recent spiral into the “Humans First” politics of League of Islands’ new governor has strained their once-strong relationship to the breaking point.
Their connection is truly put to the test when her father decides to join the governor’s ship on a voyage to the Capitol Isles for the inauguration. But when Azure learns that the governor has nefarious plans for the islands, and that her father is in mortal danger, she and her best friend (a shit-talking bird named Robin) set out across the archipelago to save him.
Along the way they meet a reanimated skeleton with confidence issues, a group of “pirates errant” who just want to sing and have adventures, and a dragon with an emotional arc.
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My Review
The Marauders, the Daughter and the Dragon is a rollicking adventure story with lots of humour, stout-hearted, valiant characters, warmth and strong themes around not judging people on appearance alone – don’t pay attention to stereotypes is the over-arching message. The governor is an unpleasant bigot with similarities to a recent president, who considers non-human folk unworthy of the vote and beneath his attention. There are plenty of non-human folk in this world (orcs, reanimated skeletons, fauns and magical blue-skinned Ciguapa) and he wants to rid the League of Islands of them. Despite these unpleasant themes, the book is a whole heap of fun!
The Daughter from the title, Azure Brine, has to come to terms with the heartbreaking fact that her father supports the incorrigible bigot, Governor Pratt, and sticks to his unsavoury opinions rather than standing up for her. He disowns her and follows Pratt which is so upsetting. I was really desperate for him to change his opinions and become a better father!
Azure is put out to sea in a leaky boat by Pratt with only a misfit group comprising Brisa, a Ciguapa, Elijah, a reanimated skeleton and her animal companion, a conjured robin named Robin for company. I found the Ciguapa magic particularly intriguing – it’s governed by rune tattoos on their skin and a light within them.
Robin was a feisty little foul-mouthed animal companion and one of my favourite characters in the book.
The unlikely companions are picked up from the desert island they eventually find themselves upon by the Marauder King and his one-of-a-kind crew. These guys were hilarious – there was so much silliness in their descriptions!
The author seems to have a capybara obsession which I am all for! I loved the well-dressed capybara couple Mr and Mrs. Eleanor and Alistair Covington to whom the marauder crew would curtsy or bow and discretely clean up any droppings they noticed!!
And then there is the self-obsessed dragon. I was going to say more about him but I think it would be a spoiler! Let’s just say if you love dragons, this one is a doozy!
The antagonist Pratt has to be stopped and Azure and her unlikely group of misfits decide they must be the ones to do so. In the process rips are roared. Swashes are buckled. There is Derring-do. A good time is had by all – and there are even one or two surprises!
A thoroughly enjoyable romp!
Author Bio & Information
K.R.R. (Kyle Robert Redundant) Lockhaven writes humorous, fun fantasy books with ever-increasing infusions of heart. He lives in Washington State with his wife and two sons. When not writing or raising kids, he works as a firefighter/paramedic.
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Sue's Musings 
“A whole heap of fun”. What an endorsement for a book. I love a book that is fun. And I love a book with a map! Wonderful review, Sue!
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