THE ASSASSIN'S BLADE
Book One of the Assassin Without a Name Series
About the Book
In the gas-lit streets of Alchester, where ambition and treachery walk hand in hand, a nameless assassin finds himself caught in a web of deadly intrigue.
The Assassin Without a Name has built his reputation on precision, discretion, and an unexpected appreciation for life’s finer pleasures. But when a routine contract reveals a conspiracy threatening everything he’s built, the Nameless Assassin is forced to question everything he thought he knew.
Enter Elizabeth West, a master thief with her own dangerous secrets. Her quick wit and nimble fingers might be the key to unraveling the conspiracy, but her presence forces the assassin to confront the unfamiliar challenge of trust. Together, they must navigate a treacherous landscape of warring factions, mysterious secret societies, and fanatical death priests. As dark forces gather and ancient magic stirs, their unlikely alliance becomes their only chance at survival.
As the Nameless Assassin delves deeper into the conspiracy, he discovers a plot far more sinister than mere political machinations. In a world where every ally is a potential enemy, the Assassin Without a Name must decide who to trust and what price he’s willing to pay for the truth.
Perfect for fans of gritty sword and sorcery fantasy and morally complex protagonists, this first installment in the Assassin Without a Name series will transport you to a world where every alliance comes with a price, and one assassin’s choice could save a city or condemn it.
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Reader Praise
"I couldn't stop reading!" - Apple Books reviewer
"Loved it! Kept me reading late into the night." - Amazon reviewer
"Just enough of everything: compelling characters, vivid environments, unforeseeable plot twists, and excellent pacing." - Amazon reviewer
"This book was fantastic! I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys thrilling stories of assassins and magic." - Amazon reviewer
Sample Chapters
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Wine List
Most wines in the Assassin Without a Name series are fictitious, though many are based on characteristics found in the many wines of our world.
Barmeda sherry
A dry, light, and smooth sherry with a slightly salty tang.
Crusus Sabeler
A sweet white with a fine bouquet and nutty flavor. A member of the shiraz family of wines. The best shiraz wines come from grapes grown in terraced vineyards.
Jisendell Port
A smooth red fortified with the perfect amount of brandy.
Mullender
A dry red.
Characters
KemA priest who believes that even the truly lost can be saved.
MalakaiAll around scallawag. Informer.
Mason GouldThe Assassin Without a Name's brother-in-law.
MathildaA witch. Her familiar is a raven named You.
OpheliaProprietor of The Lazy Minstrel.
Reynold MorganFounder of the Progressive Society. Husband of Gwendolyn Morgan.
Walter GoddardFounding member of the Progressive Society. Gwendolyn Morgan's brother.
Places
Aikon Cemetery
A cemetery where the dead have a knack for rising from the grave. Nestled on the outskirts of Alchester, Aikon Cemetery is a hauntingly beautiful expanse that tells tales of the past through its weathered tombstones and ancient trees. This serene yet eerie resting place is characterized by its overgrown paths and moss-covered gravestones, where the whispers of forgotten souls seem to linger in the air. The cemetery features intricately carved monuments, some depicting the lives of those who once walked the bustling streets of the city. Shadows dance among the headstones as the sun sets, inviting those who dare to explore its grounds to reflect on mortality and the stories buried beneath the surface. Aikon Cemetery holds an aura of mystery, making it a poignant reminder of the lives intertwined with Alchester's rich history, as well as a place where dark secrets and legends may still resonate.
Alchester
Alchester, the capital city of Kallendor, is a bustling metropolis that blends marketplace energy with distinct districts, each carrying its own character. While some areas thrive with commerce and vibrant life, others possess an ominous air. Alchester is a city that mirrors the balance of light and shadow, enticing visitors to explore its depths. At the direction of King Classus, Alchester has become the hub for Kallendor's airship adoption, including development and research as well as an evergrowing infrastructure for commerce by air.
Barmeda
A small Seacean vineyard located close to the western outlet of the Bay of Lochwell. Known for their exquisite sherry.
Grainger Town
A district of shops, taverns, markets, and theaters.
The Groggery
A hole-in-the-wall grogshop tucked beneath a dilapidated tenement, The Groggery is a raucous tavern known for its boisterous ambiance and lively patrons. The scent of strong spirits fills the air as laughter and shouts intermingle with the clinking of glasses, creating an electric atmosphere that invites both camaraderie and chaos. The wooden beams overhead are adorned with colorful banners, and mismatched tables and chairs are filled with a diverse crowd composed of weary travelers, local adventurers, and rowdy merchants alike. The tavern's colorful proprietor is known for serving generous portions of hearty fare alongside their signature brews, making it a favored watering hole for those looking to escape the troubles of the outside world. The Groggery, with its unrefined charm and lively spirit, is a place where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the pulse of Alchester's nightlife thrives.
Guild House
Guild House serves as the secretive base of operations for the city's infamous thieves' guild. This imposing structure, with its heavy wooden doors and barred windows, exudes an air of mystery and danger, making it both an alluring and intimidating presence. Inside, the atmosphere is thick with tension and camaraderie, as members gather to discuss heists, share intelligence, and strategize their next moves. Dimly lit by flickering torches, the interior is adorned with maps of the city, intricate escape routes, and trophies from past exploits, showcasing the guild's prowess. The Guild House is not just a meeting place; it is a hub of clever whispers and dark dealings, where loyalty is paramount, and betrayal is swiftly punished. This hidden lair is the heartbeat of Alchester’s underworld, where the line between friend and foe is constantly blurred, and every shadow holds the promise of adventure—or peril.
Kallendor
The Land of the Horse Lords is a place of grassy plains, wooded glens, and meadows. Kallendorans are a proud people: strong, noble, and dignified. Though many make their way in life as farmers, merchants, shepherds, and cavalry soldiers, as a people they have cultivated superior skills and experience as horse breeders. The horse is central to their lives; more than a few profess to have learned to ride before learning to walk. Many see the advance of technology as a threat to their traditional way of life, though its adoption seems inevitable given their king's support for it. Kallendor is one of the four fiefdoms created after the fall of the high king five hundred years ago.
King's Airship Docks
Largest airship docks in the Four Fiefdoms, with twenty towers total, though ten are unused.
Lady Bellum's
Tavern with a pleasant atmosphere.
Lady Smither’s Bathhouse
A bathhouse.
The Lazy Minstrel
Where some see a shat-hole-in-the-wall tavern, others see charm and character. Perhaps The Lazy Minstrel is a little bit of both. Nestled in the heart of Alchester, the Minstrel is a lively tavern renowned for its warm ambiance and vibrant atmosphere, inviting both weary travelers and locals to unwind. Owned by the resilient Ophelia—who transformed her tumultuous past into a thriving establishment—the tavern serves hearty fare and refreshing drinks, fostering camaraderie among its patrons. Regularly hosting musical performances and engaging entertainment, The Lazy Minstrel embodies the spirit of community and survival, making it a beloved social hub for locals where stories are shared, friendships are forged, and the true essence of Alchester comes to life.
Lockley’s Depository
A bank.
The Mulling Mule
A wineshop of dubious quality.
Mullin’s Pawn Shop
A pawn shop whose owner, Evelyn, isn't above delving into the black market when there's money to be made.
Osterland's
A fine wineshop found on Tanglewood Drive.
Pannernine’s
A lively wineshop known for its relaxed atmosphere and camaraderie, where locals gather to unwind after grueling tasks. Friendly faces and spirited discussions create an inviting environment, making it a perfect spot for characters seeking both companionship and an escape from the day’s challenges.
Ridlin’s Den
Part gaming hall, part grogshop, all cesspit. Owned by Ridlin.
The Shambles
The Shambles is a notorious district in Alchester, infamous for its chaotic and dangerous atmosphere, where crime thrives amid dilapidated buildings and a sense of lawlessness. Often seen as a haven for cutthroats and street gangs, the area is marked by squalid living conditions, with residents enduring noisy disturbances and a pervasive odor. The local city watch shuns the district, allowing criminal activity to flourish unchecked, while the unwritten social dynamics require a keen sense of survival among its inhabitants. Despite its treachery, The Shambles holds a vital place in the city's identity, embodying the struggles and resilience of those navigating its perilous streets.
Temple Catacombs
Extensive series of tunnels beneath the temple district. Once, they were used as a place to bury the dead, earning the catacombs the name, "the realm of the dead."
The Temple District
Once revered for its divine significance, this area now stands as a poignant reminder of lost faith. Abandoned worship sites and crumbling edifices populate the district, which is now inhabited by vagrants. It offers a glimpse into a past where gods reigned, drawing the curious traveler into its hushed reflections and remnants of devotion.
The Series