What do you think?
Rate this book
The Servant's Lament #1
The Servant and the Scoundrel: A dark fantasy novel
Philem Clane was the embodiment of loyalty and service. As a devoted servant to his friend and king, King Donan, nothing mattered more than the perfection of duty. But that all ended the day his king betrayed him to the enemy.
When King Wren of Strantoden, Desomen's archenemy, extends an unprecedented olive branch in the form of a historic peace summit, Philem is entrusted with the monumental task of orchestrating a grand feast that holds the fate of both continents in the balance. However, beneath the facade of diplomacy, hidden agendas lurk, leading to the ultimate betrayal of Philem's loyalty as he is traded to the Strantodians.
Marooned on a hostile and toxic continent, Philem must now start anew, serving the very nemesis of his former lord, King Wren, a tyrant of infamous repute whose insatiable hunger for a mystical weapon threatens to ignite an invasion upon Philem's homeland.
Guided by loyalty and the glimmer of redemption, Philem must warn those he holds dear about the impending tempest of war. Yet, the path ahead is fraught with peril, demanding sacrifices that cut to the very core of his being.
"The Servant and the Scoundrel" heralds the dawn of a new fantasy series, "The Servant's Lament" - a chilling saga set in uncharted fantasy realms, where monstrous horrors lurk and unsung champions rise. Immerse yourself in a world that ignites the senses, where heroes emerge from the depths of darkness, and destiny unfolds in the most unexpected of ways. Prepare for an enthralling odyssey that will captivate your imagination and never let go.
"An absolutely brilliant novel and I am looking forward to the next book in the series." - Amazon Reviewer
"With engaging storytelling and immersive world-building, the book keeps readers hooked as they delve into a world of political intrigue and morally complex characters." - Amazon Reviewer
"This is an absorbing novel with well-portrayed and dynamic characters. I was glued to it after reading the first lines. Now I’m waiting to continue reading the next parts. I highly recommend it." - Amazon Reviewer
"Sendrowski has created his own way to telling a tale that is totally unpredictable. You don’t need to have read previous volumes as this is a stand alone novel, with a sequel coming soon. But if, like me, you have read all there is to read (so far) about Retrac Daor, you will enjoy the references to places and characters we’ve met previously." - Amazon Reviewer
When King Wren of Strantoden, Desomen's archenemy, extends an unprecedented olive branch in the form of a historic peace summit, Philem is entrusted with the monumental task of orchestrating a grand feast that holds the fate of both continents in the balance. However, beneath the facade of diplomacy, hidden agendas lurk, leading to the ultimate betrayal of Philem's loyalty as he is traded to the Strantodians.
Marooned on a hostile and toxic continent, Philem must now start anew, serving the very nemesis of his former lord, King Wren, a tyrant of infamous repute whose insatiable hunger for a mystical weapon threatens to ignite an invasion upon Philem's homeland.
Guided by loyalty and the glimmer of redemption, Philem must warn those he holds dear about the impending tempest of war. Yet, the path ahead is fraught with peril, demanding sacrifices that cut to the very core of his being.
"The Servant and the Scoundrel" heralds the dawn of a new fantasy series, "The Servant's Lament" - a chilling saga set in uncharted fantasy realms, where monstrous horrors lurk and unsung champions rise. Immerse yourself in a world that ignites the senses, where heroes emerge from the depths of darkness, and destiny unfolds in the most unexpected of ways. Prepare for an enthralling odyssey that will captivate your imagination and never let go.
"An absolutely brilliant novel and I am looking forward to the next book in the series." - Amazon Reviewer
"With engaging storytelling and immersive world-building, the book keeps readers hooked as they delve into a world of political intrigue and morally complex characters." - Amazon Reviewer
"This is an absorbing novel with well-portrayed and dynamic characters. I was glued to it after reading the first lines. Now I’m waiting to continue reading the next parts. I highly recommend it." - Amazon Reviewer
"Sendrowski has created his own way to telling a tale that is totally unpredictable. You don’t need to have read previous volumes as this is a stand alone novel, with a sequel coming soon. But if, like me, you have read all there is to read (so far) about Retrac Daor, you will enjoy the references to places and characters we’ve met previously." - Amazon Reviewer
- GenresFantasy
406 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2023
6 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Sendrowski
8Ìýbooks11ÌýfollowersChris Sendrowski is an author of dark fantasy, who lives and writes in his hometown of Oakland, New Jersey with his wife and two boys. When he's not writing, he runs a production company, where he specializes in videography and film editing. He also has a love for photography and enjoys documenting urban and suburban decay.
Feel free to visit him at to learn more about his upcoming work.
You can also see some of his photo work at .
Feel free to visit him at to learn more about his upcoming work.
You can also see some of his photo work at .
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 2, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"Luck? What is that, but a crutch for mediocrity?" Opon The Cook
This was such a frustrating book. The last 10 Chapters or so changed this from a rage read to a "Oh, now I need to know more" read. In the end, I did like it. And I would read the next one - But I would hope some of these issues get addressed.
Ultimately, I can't help but feel that the author has spent so long with this world in their head that they just know it inside and out, unfortunately, they have forgotten that the reader doesn't have the same context. Changes to timelines, and colours etc, might seem small and petty, but as a reader, they bring me out of the story every time because, I have to stop and think "But wasn't it night time on the previous page? Why is it afternoon?" - This feels sloppy.
This would actually have been a 5 Star read for me if the editing had been better.
The setting itself is ambitious - it gives steampunk meets sword and sorcery but neither is very successful.
The first half or more of this book is slow, and not due to the usual World Building you expect in a "High" Fantasy. Its slow because it feels like the author has simultaneously lost the plot and is hunting around for it, while also trying so hard to "Tell" you into believing Philem is good at his job and sees' his staff as family.
And your honour, I for one am not buying it. The author needed someone to pull them back, there are a lot of things in this book that a seasoned editor would have pushed back on (and perhaps, they did but the author was so enamored with their vision, that they forgot about readability, and pesky things like time making sense)
Obviously, this is a review and just my opinion, but the story was so disjointed that I couldn't get "lost" in the pages, I kept getting pulled out by irritants like:
- The Awful Lorianas "Creed" - Which is nether profound nor funny, and is referred to so often, it becomes annoying. Its no "May the odds be ever in your favour".
- The Author needs to pick a lane, are we dispensing with modern concepts altogether? i.e. Leagues instead of Kilometers, Turns instead of Days, Calls instead of hours? If so - You CANNOT in the same sentence use "Cyanide Gas" and "Other Magic Poisons"
- If its a Venerdeer and a Venerfox - why is it just a Bear and not a Venerbear?
- Family, family, family - The thing that makes the found family piece so successful is that usually, the reader will realise it before the Main Character does, and that is usually because the author shows. This book tells, it does sooo much telling and in the end, uses the word "Family" so often, that by about 15 Chapters in, its meaningless. I don't believe it.
- The are silly mistakes in continuity and timeline. In chapter 7 for example, there is a section where the lights core is bright orange, and then its blue. Granted, this could be an orange and blue light, but as that is never explained, it feels like a mistake.Oh, and then the lights are green, and then some different lights are used because torches wont work but then later the torches work�.
- Again, Page 93 - Philem talks about schooling with Warden (who later becomes Worden) for 10 turns. But when they meet - Its clear they don't know each other
- Sillium Dore makes no sense either, at one point the author mentions only 2 at a time attend, but them talks of "all the students"
- Passage of time is also an issue, especially in chapter 14 - 3 hours disappears like magic, and then the suckling pig goes from Blue to Purple or was it purple to blue? And the method of cooking is different but not because of a conscious choice (i.e. Philem doesnt say "Oh, we should cook this different next time", it just is different.
- Finally "Her eyes TREMBLED"???????? Really? really?
"Luck? What is that, but a crutch for mediocrity?" Opon The Cook
This was such a frustrating book. The last 10 Chapters or so changed this from a rage read to a "Oh, now I need to know more" read. In the end, I did like it. And I would read the next one - But I would hope some of these issues get addressed.
Ultimately, I can't help but feel that the author has spent so long with this world in their head that they just know it inside and out, unfortunately, they have forgotten that the reader doesn't have the same context. Changes to timelines, and colours etc, might seem small and petty, but as a reader, they bring me out of the story every time because, I have to stop and think "But wasn't it night time on the previous page? Why is it afternoon?" - This feels sloppy.
This would actually have been a 5 Star read for me if the editing had been better.
The setting itself is ambitious - it gives steampunk meets sword and sorcery but neither is very successful.
The first half or more of this book is slow, and not due to the usual World Building you expect in a "High" Fantasy. Its slow because it feels like the author has simultaneously lost the plot and is hunting around for it, while also trying so hard to "Tell" you into believing Philem is good at his job and sees' his staff as family.
And your honour, I for one am not buying it. The author needed someone to pull them back, there are a lot of things in this book that a seasoned editor would have pushed back on (and perhaps, they did but the author was so enamored with their vision, that they forgot about readability, and pesky things like time making sense)
Obviously, this is a review and just my opinion, but the story was so disjointed that I couldn't get "lost" in the pages, I kept getting pulled out by irritants like:
- The Awful Lorianas "Creed" - Which is nether profound nor funny, and is referred to so often, it becomes annoying. Its no "May the odds be ever in your favour".
- The Author needs to pick a lane, are we dispensing with modern concepts altogether? i.e. Leagues instead of Kilometers, Turns instead of Days, Calls instead of hours? If so - You CANNOT in the same sentence use "Cyanide Gas" and "Other Magic Poisons"
- If its a Venerdeer and a Venerfox - why is it just a Bear and not a Venerbear?
- Family, family, family - The thing that makes the found family piece so successful is that usually, the reader will realise it before the Main Character does, and that is usually because the author shows. This book tells, it does sooo much telling and in the end, uses the word "Family" so often, that by about 15 Chapters in, its meaningless. I don't believe it.
- The are silly mistakes in continuity and timeline. In chapter 7 for example, there is a section where the lights core is bright orange, and then its blue. Granted, this could be an orange and blue light, but as that is never explained, it feels like a mistake.Oh, and then the lights are green, and then some different lights are used because torches wont work but then later the torches work�.
- Again, Page 93 - Philem talks about schooling with Warden (who later becomes Worden) for 10 turns. But when they meet - Its clear they don't know each other
- Sillium Dore makes no sense either, at one point the author mentions only 2 at a time attend, but them talks of "all the students"
- Passage of time is also an issue, especially in chapter 14 - 3 hours disappears like magic, and then the suckling pig goes from Blue to Purple or was it purple to blue? And the method of cooking is different but not because of a conscious choice (i.e. Philem doesnt say "Oh, we should cook this different next time", it just is different.
- Finally "Her eyes TREMBLED"???????? Really? really?
April 8, 2024
Original. Interesting. Scheming.
"We are the order in the chaos. The mop in the filth, the feather duster wiping cobwebs from the world. We serve not for glory, but for our masters. For order".
Philem Clane is the most wanted lorianas in Desomen. He's the king between his servants and a servant to his King. And now after turns of service in the Sradin's castle he finds himself engulfed in the most important event to be hosted in those ancient and well-known bright walls: the preparation for the council's dinner between the Strantodin's delegation and the Desomen royal court. Strantodin's inhabitants are cursed to breath only toxic air and eat exotic dishes with the same toxines to survive. Our old lorianas has to prepare the perfect dinner for both the peoples to ensure peace between the two realms, broken and plagued by turns of war. All is prepared, Philem was nervous but sure and confident in his friends ability� Nothing happens as we want it to happen, though, and the loyal lorianas will find himself strucked down by political and cruel games of power. Philem is a lorianas to the depth of his heart, his only wish to walk the road of death alongside his king where the moment will come� and then, he was denied to do so. A lorianas is always a lorianas and Philem will leave behind his friends and the greatest regret of his life, his love, to obey his king's last disposition. Forced to change his life he's thrown in a new, hostile country where he discovers that roots are not always deep and relayed to the place we live in: they can even call us back to the place we really belong when we're not expecting it or think we've not the force to start all over again.
I loved the author's way to dwell with words, expecially in the main scenes (the past Worden shared with Philem in the cell; the heartbreaking scene with king Donan. I almost cried, almost: I was too stunned and shocked by the scene itself to let my eyes drippling down. Great job!)
As I loved most of the book, I find some plot's elements too semplicistic and naive but definitely original! That's the thing I appreciate the most: the originality of the point of view, the age of the characters involved in the story, the macrocosmos of new customs, civilizations, animals and recipes/dishes.
The book moved me, I empathized with the characters and I imagined myself strolling by the Sradin castle's rooms and hallways. walking in the kitchen's savouring all the good smells and flavouring the dishes Opon serve me, passing by the stable and chuckle with Radmay. Philem was so human and reminds us that humanity can be prone to duty but cannot totally blow out the flame of curiosity in a whole big world to uncover and discover, even for a sixty-four years old lorianas!
A marginal note: I found the book not very equilibrated. Almost nothing happened in the first half and too much events take place in the latter half, and what important ones! I would have preferred to know more about prince Dario, king Wren and Eelop Castle as much as explore further the original world you create!
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you very much for allowing me to read this exceptional book!
"We are the order in the chaos. The mop in the filth, the feather duster wiping cobwebs from the world. We serve not for glory, but for our masters. For order".
Philem Clane is the most wanted lorianas in Desomen. He's the king between his servants and a servant to his King. And now after turns of service in the Sradin's castle he finds himself engulfed in the most important event to be hosted in those ancient and well-known bright walls: the preparation for the council's dinner between the Strantodin's delegation and the Desomen royal court. Strantodin's inhabitants are cursed to breath only toxic air and eat exotic dishes with the same toxines to survive. Our old lorianas has to prepare the perfect dinner for both the peoples to ensure peace between the two realms, broken and plagued by turns of war. All is prepared, Philem was nervous but sure and confident in his friends ability� Nothing happens as we want it to happen, though, and the loyal lorianas will find himself strucked down by political and cruel games of power. Philem is a lorianas to the depth of his heart, his only wish to walk the road of death alongside his king where the moment will come� and then, he was denied to do so. A lorianas is always a lorianas and Philem will leave behind his friends and the greatest regret of his life, his love, to obey his king's last disposition. Forced to change his life he's thrown in a new, hostile country where he discovers that roots are not always deep and relayed to the place we live in: they can even call us back to the place we really belong when we're not expecting it or think we've not the force to start all over again.
I loved the author's way to dwell with words, expecially in the main scenes (the past Worden shared with Philem in the cell; the heartbreaking scene with king Donan. I almost cried, almost: I was too stunned and shocked by the scene itself to let my eyes drippling down. Great job!)
As I loved most of the book, I find some plot's elements too semplicistic and naive but definitely original! That's the thing I appreciate the most: the originality of the point of view, the age of the characters involved in the story, the macrocosmos of new customs, civilizations, animals and recipes/dishes.
The book moved me, I empathized with the characters and I imagined myself strolling by the Sradin castle's rooms and hallways. walking in the kitchen's savouring all the good smells and flavouring the dishes Opon serve me, passing by the stable and chuckle with Radmay. Philem was so human and reminds us that humanity can be prone to duty but cannot totally blow out the flame of curiosity in a whole big world to uncover and discover, even for a sixty-four years old lorianas!
A marginal note: I found the book not very equilibrated. Almost nothing happened in the first half and too much events take place in the latter half, and what important ones! I would have preferred to know more about prince Dario, king Wren and Eelop Castle as much as explore further the original world you create!
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you very much for allowing me to read this exceptional book!
February 26, 2024
Philem Clane is a lorianas, the head servant, confidant, and steward of the King. He’s used to keeping the entire castle in top condition and dealing with any issues that may arise. However, when the king informs him that they’re to host a grand feast and peace summit for their neighboring continent, Philem knows that the very fate of his kingdom rests in his hands. However, there are many secret agendas surrounding this summit, and Philem finds himself pulled into the middle of them. Little does he know that the events at the summit will force his life in an unexpected and unwelcome direction.
The best thing about this work was the worldbuilding. The author clearly spent a lot of time coming up with a clearly defined world, from information as big as national/continental politics and biomes to details as small as the conditions a certain type of mushroom grew in. These details caused the greater world to come to life while also adding much to plot-relevant points. However, there were instances where it became too much of a good thing. Several places got too bogged down in interesting worldbuilding details, which then ended up detracting from the plot and characters. There’s also almost no plot in the first half of the book as it focuses more on Philem’s role as lorianas and preparing for the summit. I didn’t mind this much, but it might be a deterrent for some readers.
It's tough for me to decide how I feel about the characters. For the most part, they neither added nor detracted from the book. The protagonist was fleshed out the most, and since the story is told from his first-person POV, we were privy to his inner thoughts and dialogue throughout the read. This was sometimes a negative thing though, as his thoughts/feelings were awfully repetitive, especially surrounding his duties and role. The secondary characters weren’t caricatures necessarily, but certainly didn’t feel like they were more than roles that needed to be filled. I’m also fairly certain there was only one named female character in the book, and almost all of the dialogue she had was about her feelings for the protagonist.
I’m on the fence about reading book two as it seems like it’s going to get politic-heavy and since I mostly don’t find the characters too compelling. If you’re looking for a fantasy work with epic and wonderfully written worldbuilding, this one’s for you. If you’re looking for a fantasy with well written female characters, you probably won’t prefer this one. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The best thing about this work was the worldbuilding. The author clearly spent a lot of time coming up with a clearly defined world, from information as big as national/continental politics and biomes to details as small as the conditions a certain type of mushroom grew in. These details caused the greater world to come to life while also adding much to plot-relevant points. However, there were instances where it became too much of a good thing. Several places got too bogged down in interesting worldbuilding details, which then ended up detracting from the plot and characters. There’s also almost no plot in the first half of the book as it focuses more on Philem’s role as lorianas and preparing for the summit. I didn’t mind this much, but it might be a deterrent for some readers.
It's tough for me to decide how I feel about the characters. For the most part, they neither added nor detracted from the book. The protagonist was fleshed out the most, and since the story is told from his first-person POV, we were privy to his inner thoughts and dialogue throughout the read. This was sometimes a negative thing though, as his thoughts/feelings were awfully repetitive, especially surrounding his duties and role. The secondary characters weren’t caricatures necessarily, but certainly didn’t feel like they were more than roles that needed to be filled. I’m also fairly certain there was only one named female character in the book, and almost all of the dialogue she had was about her feelings for the protagonist.
I’m on the fence about reading book two as it seems like it’s going to get politic-heavy and since I mostly don’t find the characters too compelling. If you’re looking for a fantasy work with epic and wonderfully written worldbuilding, this one’s for you. If you’re looking for a fantasy with well written female characters, you probably won’t prefer this one. My thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 31, 2023
3.5 stars
If you can make it through the first two thirds of the book then it's worth the wait.
I love the cover and it was the first thing that drew me to the book. The story starts off slow. There is a detailed look into the life of the MC, Philem. In fact the first two thirds of the book is almost exclusively a look at the life of a "Lorianas" or head of the castle/servant to the King. Somehow I missed his age until quite aways into the book and was picturing a 40ish man when in fact he is 64! That is quite a difference and I couldn't quite work out how the man was so much older than King Donan. The use of "turns" and "calls" in place of years and days(?) didn't help with the confusion either.
The author takes a lot of time building the characters and the world they live in. I found the names confusing though. The world itself is "Retrac Daor", which I'm not sure if the author did it on purpose but that's just Carter Road backwards. I found myself checking other names in the book to see if they were backwards or anagrams. It became distracting at times. Many of the names were so similar that I wasn't sure who any of the Strantodians were let alone the Desmonians. There is Donan, Dario, Darden, Darius, Wilenius Dard, Dwiner, Worden, Wren. Not to mention the title "Lorianas". According to my e-reader the title is said or mentioned 684 times!
Normally I am all for detailed world and character building, but I got sick of hearing Philem fastidiously going through his day to day duties over and over again. His devotion to "the code" even when his own father didn't abide by it, was maddening. Other than that though I generally liked Philem and his friends. Especially Radmay and Opon. I didn't want to see Philem move away from them but it also needed to happen a lot sooner than it did.
As soon as Philem begins his journey to Strantodin the story picks up and keeps going. It got really good. If the entire book was written like the last third it would have been 5 stars. I don't want to leave any spoilers so I can't go into any detail. You'll just have to trust me that it gets really interesting. I am hooked and am now eagerly awaiting the next in the series. There is a map of land as well. Something I consider an absolute must have in any fantasy series. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys fantasy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you can make it through the first two thirds of the book then it's worth the wait.
I love the cover and it was the first thing that drew me to the book. The story starts off slow. There is a detailed look into the life of the MC, Philem. In fact the first two thirds of the book is almost exclusively a look at the life of a "Lorianas" or head of the castle/servant to the King. Somehow I missed his age until quite aways into the book and was picturing a 40ish man when in fact he is 64! That is quite a difference and I couldn't quite work out how the man was so much older than King Donan. The use of "turns" and "calls" in place of years and days(?) didn't help with the confusion either.
The author takes a lot of time building the characters and the world they live in. I found the names confusing though. The world itself is "Retrac Daor", which I'm not sure if the author did it on purpose but that's just Carter Road backwards. I found myself checking other names in the book to see if they were backwards or anagrams. It became distracting at times. Many of the names were so similar that I wasn't sure who any of the Strantodians were let alone the Desmonians. There is Donan, Dario, Darden, Darius, Wilenius Dard, Dwiner, Worden, Wren. Not to mention the title "Lorianas". According to my e-reader the title is said or mentioned 684 times!
Normally I am all for detailed world and character building, but I got sick of hearing Philem fastidiously going through his day to day duties over and over again. His devotion to "the code" even when his own father didn't abide by it, was maddening. Other than that though I generally liked Philem and his friends. Especially Radmay and Opon. I didn't want to see Philem move away from them but it also needed to happen a lot sooner than it did.
As soon as Philem begins his journey to Strantodin the story picks up and keeps going. It got really good. If the entire book was written like the last third it would have been 5 stars. I don't want to leave any spoilers so I can't go into any detail. You'll just have to trust me that it gets really interesting. I am hooked and am now eagerly awaiting the next in the series. There is a map of land as well. Something I consider an absolute must have in any fantasy series. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys fantasy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 29, 2023
The latest book from Sendrowski takes the reader back into the harsh world of Retrac Daor.
This tale is beautifully told, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the varied cultures and landscapes of the author’s imagination.
I loved the quintessential “Britishness� of the opening chapters; very different from anything we’ve experienced in Retrac Daor! Philem Clane, the ageing protagonist, has a charm about him that endeared him to this reader right from the start.
I really enjoyed the differences in this story’s approach to the other volumes set in Retrac Daor. The familiar landscape and rituals of Sradin Castle made me feel quite at home. In contrast, the scenes set at Eelops Castle, felt even more unsettling than other scenes described in previous volumes eg the Culver, on Alimane and in Nethra’s jungles. When Philem has to wear a laptane mask, the experience is even more revolting due to the “normality� of the previous scenes.
This isn’t the tale of a warrior or of an addicted Charger. Rather, this is the tale of an ageing servant dedicated to his master and cast away into an alien culture only to discover he is not who he always thought he was.
Again, Sendrowski has created his own way to telling a tale that is totally unpredictable. You don’t need to have read previous volumes as this is a stand alone novel, with a sequel coming soon. But if, like me, you have read all there is to read (so far) about Retrac Daor, you will enjoy the references to places and characters we’ve met previously.
6/5
This tale is beautifully told, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the varied cultures and landscapes of the author’s imagination.
I loved the quintessential “Britishness� of the opening chapters; very different from anything we’ve experienced in Retrac Daor! Philem Clane, the ageing protagonist, has a charm about him that endeared him to this reader right from the start.
I really enjoyed the differences in this story’s approach to the other volumes set in Retrac Daor. The familiar landscape and rituals of Sradin Castle made me feel quite at home. In contrast, the scenes set at Eelops Castle, felt even more unsettling than other scenes described in previous volumes eg the Culver, on Alimane and in Nethra’s jungles. When Philem has to wear a laptane mask, the experience is even more revolting due to the “normality� of the previous scenes.
This isn’t the tale of a warrior or of an addicted Charger. Rather, this is the tale of an ageing servant dedicated to his master and cast away into an alien culture only to discover he is not who he always thought he was.
Again, Sendrowski has created his own way to telling a tale that is totally unpredictable. You don’t need to have read previous volumes as this is a stand alone novel, with a sequel coming soon. But if, like me, you have read all there is to read (so far) about Retrac Daor, you will enjoy the references to places and characters we’ve met previously.
6/5
January 21, 2024
The Servant and the Scoundrel by Chris R. Sendrowski is book 1 in The Servant's Lament series. Be it a fantasy novel, fantasy is the key element in this wonderful book. I found the work of the author to be wonderful; the world he created together with the characters present in it make an outstanding tale. I also found quite interesting the writing style he took; he describes the scenes and the characters feeling in such a unique way, that I felt part of the story.
This isn’t a typical fantasy novel, and it keeps the reader interested through the detailed world. A point that was unique for me is the fact that the book doesn’t have a plot for most of the first half; it focuses on the main character instead. This was a little confusing at first, but then as I kept reading, I enjoyed every page. I really like fantasy novels, so this is a good book to read for me. I would recommend it for sure.
This isn’t a typical fantasy novel, and it keeps the reader interested through the detailed world. A point that was unique for me is the fact that the book doesn’t have a plot for most of the first half; it focuses on the main character instead. This was a little confusing at first, but then as I kept reading, I enjoyed every page. I really like fantasy novels, so this is a good book to read for me. I would recommend it for sure.
February 2, 2024
The Servant and the Scoundrel is utterly unique in that the unlikely hero (Philem Crane) is a 64 year old servant and no the cinnamon roll hero on a stallion with go-faster stripes
I did pick up the book and put it down a few times, because I couldn't get into the pacing, but after having a sneaky peak and the foundations suddenly making it easier for me to click in and engage in the detailed world and character building. This is not any fault of the author, they are incredibly skilled, it was just familiarising myself with where their process was going so I could sit back and savour the narrative
An absolutely brilliant novel and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. There is also an extensive back catalogue from this author which will absolutely go onto my TBR
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I did pick up the book and put it down a few times, because I couldn't get into the pacing, but after having a sneaky peak and the foundations suddenly making it easier for me to click in and engage in the detailed world and character building. This is not any fault of the author, they are incredibly skilled, it was just familiarising myself with where their process was going so I could sit back and savour the narrative
An absolutely brilliant novel and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. There is also an extensive back catalogue from this author which will absolutely go onto my TBR
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2024
this is a book to be surprised.
The Servant and the Scoundrel By Chris R. Sendrowski is a book to be surprised by its characters.
I must confess that I was not sure about reading this book and I was quite surprised, although in the first part of the book the author takes his time to make a very detailed description of the Lorians and their characters, I think that in the end it was completely necessary to understand the outcome of this story.
The author manages to create scenarios that not even in your wildest thoughts you could have imagined. I like the way in which the author lets his imagination fly and also yours by immersing you in the stories. I think this is a perfect book for all those who like stories that have details, characters, communities and more.
The Servant and the Scoundrel By Chris R. Sendrowski is a book to be surprised by its characters.
I must confess that I was not sure about reading this book and I was quite surprised, although in the first part of the book the author takes his time to make a very detailed description of the Lorians and their characters, I think that in the end it was completely necessary to understand the outcome of this story.
The author manages to create scenarios that not even in your wildest thoughts you could have imagined. I like the way in which the author lets his imagination fly and also yours by immersing you in the stories. I think this is a perfect book for all those who like stories that have details, characters, communities and more.
January 19, 2024
Fascinating
“The Servant and the Scoundrel� by Sendrowski gave me a mesmerizing peek into the fantasy universe of Desomen, where Philem Clane's loyalty is transformed into a tale of betrayal and redemption. This narrative offers a wide range of themes such as political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and impending war. It did keep me at the edge of my couch the whole plot. The character of Philem undergoes a profound transformation as he navigates a hostile continent, serving the enemy of his former king. The world created by the author is fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Darkness and heroism are part of this plot and one is just as important as the other. Fascinating.
“The Servant and the Scoundrel� by Sendrowski gave me a mesmerizing peek into the fantasy universe of Desomen, where Philem Clane's loyalty is transformed into a tale of betrayal and redemption. This narrative offers a wide range of themes such as political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and impending war. It did keep me at the edge of my couch the whole plot. The character of Philem undergoes a profound transformation as he navigates a hostile continent, serving the enemy of his former king. The world created by the author is fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Darkness and heroism are part of this plot and one is just as important as the other. Fascinating.
January 20, 2024
A page-turning novel
“The Servant and the Scoundrel� is the first book in a new fantasy saga written by Chris R. Sendrowski. It’s a plot full of adventures, dangers and courage.
In the realm of Donan, Philem Clane is the most loyal subject and he’s the one who must protect him from Wren’s King. Unfortunately, some events lead Philem to change sides and respond to other interests. Dangers of invasion pervade in those kingdoms.
I’m very fond of reading stories about kings, lords and knights; they’re filled with adventures, secrecy, alliances and chivalry. This is an absorbing novel with well-portrayed and dynamic characters. I was glued to pages after reading the first lines. Now, I’m waiting to continue reading the next parts. I highly recommend it.
“The Servant and the Scoundrel� is the first book in a new fantasy saga written by Chris R. Sendrowski. It’s a plot full of adventures, dangers and courage.
In the realm of Donan, Philem Clane is the most loyal subject and he’s the one who must protect him from Wren’s King. Unfortunately, some events lead Philem to change sides and respond to other interests. Dangers of invasion pervade in those kingdoms.
I’m very fond of reading stories about kings, lords and knights; they’re filled with adventures, secrecy, alliances and chivalry. This is an absorbing novel with well-portrayed and dynamic characters. I was glued to pages after reading the first lines. Now, I’m waiting to continue reading the next parts. I highly recommend it.
January 17, 2024
The first thing that got my attention in this fantasy novel was its simplicity. In other books from this genre, the story gets confusing and mixed up, with several characters and factions, making it very challenging to read and fully grasp, but The Servant and the Scoundrel presents an easy world to navigate, with a clear premise and a valuable lesson: Loyalty.
Chris Sendrowski writes compellingly, with lovable characters that made me interested in the plot from page one. An intricate story about a loyal man who is forced to switch sides and work for the enemy. The conflict is near to come, and Philem Clane now has the chance to change the fate of the kingdom.
Chris Sendrowski writes compellingly, with lovable characters that made me interested in the plot from page one. An intricate story about a loyal man who is forced to switch sides and work for the enemy. The conflict is near to come, and Philem Clane now has the chance to change the fate of the kingdom.
January 19, 2024
Good story.
This series of fantasy books will make you fly and dream of a different world, where monsters and different creatures control the world. ''The Servant and the Scoundrel: A Fantasy Novel'' is the first book of The Servant's Lament series written by Chris Sendrowski. This book tells the story of Lorianas, a loyal servant who is betrayed by his king and the person he admires above all. After that, he went on a journey to try to reorganize his life and also to try to prevent the start of the war. This book is very detailed and long, but it helps you imagine and understand this world better. It is a book to read carefully but one that you will surely enjoy.
This series of fantasy books will make you fly and dream of a different world, where monsters and different creatures control the world. ''The Servant and the Scoundrel: A Fantasy Novel'' is the first book of The Servant's Lament series written by Chris Sendrowski. This book tells the story of Lorianas, a loyal servant who is betrayed by his king and the person he admires above all. After that, he went on a journey to try to reorganize his life and also to try to prevent the start of the war. This book is very detailed and long, but it helps you imagine and understand this world better. It is a book to read carefully but one that you will surely enjoy.
January 19, 2024
Author Chris R. Sendrowski presents "The Servant and the Scoundrel", a fantasy novel like no other. This story is set in unexplored fantasy realms, where monstrous horrors lurk and nameless champions emerge.
In the kingdom of Desomen, Philem Clane was the very embodiment of loyalty and service, but King Wren of Strantoden does something and this peace is destroyed.
One of the resources that I like the most in fantasies like this one, is the map of the kingdom. When the reader sees them, in my opinion, they stop being distant kingdoms and they can materialize it, they make the reader locate themselves in a geographical space. Engaging story with excellent characters.
In the kingdom of Desomen, Philem Clane was the very embodiment of loyalty and service, but King Wren of Strantoden does something and this peace is destroyed.
One of the resources that I like the most in fantasies like this one, is the map of the kingdom. When the reader sees them, in my opinion, they stop being distant kingdoms and they can materialize it, they make the reader locate themselves in a geographical space. Engaging story with excellent characters.
January 19, 2024
This fantasy novel follows Philem Clane, the head servant to King Donan that after a turn in the plot, he ends up working for King Donan archenemy. But things started heating up when Philem Clane’s plans didn't stop there.
A very fast paced novel once you get a few pages in. The book has a lot of layers of mystery that captivates the reader's attention. Also, throughout the novel and to ensure each chapter to be more exciting, the author keeps the suspense alive.
Overall, I think this read is an exciting journey and I enjoyed following Philem Clanes agenda. Everyone into classic fantasy novels will have a blast with it.
A very fast paced novel once you get a few pages in. The book has a lot of layers of mystery that captivates the reader's attention. Also, throughout the novel and to ensure each chapter to be more exciting, the author keeps the suspense alive.
Overall, I think this read is an exciting journey and I enjoyed following Philem Clanes agenda. Everyone into classic fantasy novels will have a blast with it.
January 20, 2024
I liked this fantasy story. I found it very interesting that the protagonist is a servant to a king and that the story narrates part of his life, his duties and some revelations happening towards the end that spice up the tale. During the first part of the novel, the author has described with a lot of detail the world where this protagonist lives and also let readers get to know engaging and complex characters. The pace in this first part is a bit slow since the number of names and locations can be a bit confusing, but in the second part the story speeds up with the addition of some twists and turns and ends up being compelling and gripping. I highly recommend it.
September 5, 2024
I loved the perception of the main character of this book. It is nice to switch it up and have the main character not be the powerful or meek person that either gets knocked down a notch or put in their place or raise to a high station. The telling of this story from a servants outlook was great. The detail to rooms and world building could get a little lengthy but over all was good. I did struggle to get through the first chapter do to its length but over all I would recommend this book to my fellow readers.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2024
The only qualm I have with this story is that it took two-thirds for the story to really hit what everything is all about. We learn a lot about Philem Clane and what he does every day, and I mean we learn a lot. And it all makes sense once it's all put together, but you have to stick out and read it. It's a really good story. I wasn't expecting that twist with Philem. The world building was good, the side characters are great, and I can't wait to read the next story! I want to know what happens next!
January 23, 2024
One of the first pages of The Servant and the Scoundrel by Chris Sendrowski held a map. A map filled with places that you will become aware of throughout the story. You will learn about Philem. I like stories that lead you on twists and turns. For instance, Philem may be seen as a traitor to his people when circumstances lead him to enter into a commitment with a group of people called the Strantodians. These types of books I love because of the adventure. You are able to enter into a fantasy land that you will probably not be able to live in real life.
November 20, 2023
Atmospheric with tense encounters that will make you question who the 'bad guy' really is. The price of loyalty might not be worth it, and the loyalty itself might not be deserved. It's worth reading if that premise intrigues you, and if you prefer to wait for the second book before diving in, Sendrowski has written other series that are just as good, and will keep you occupied until book two releases.
April 3, 2024
What a wonderful read. It just got better with every chapter. The reason that I haven’t given this five stars is that I felt, in the first few chapters, there was too much repetition in our hero's inner monologue. This detracted, somewhat from the story. As the book progressed this reduced, giving much more scope for plot and character development. I’m looking forward to the sequel.
January 18, 2024
Enjoyed reading this novel
This fantasy novel by Chris the storyline is top notch, the main character king wren of strantoden portrays some unique feature.
This fantasy novel by Chris the storyline is top notch, the main character king wren of strantoden portrays some unique feature.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.