King's Cure

This is the fifth book in the Liam Rhenford/Fanuilh (Liam's dragon familiar) series and continues Daniel Hood's fabulous fantastical mystery series. In this tale, we join Liam in Torquay, the nation's capitol. He has been charged with delivering a package for the Duke and rather resents his position of errand boy. But Liam quickly realizes that this is no ordinary package. In short order he is accused of two murders, the disappearance of his friend, attacking the Chief of the Peacemakers (Police), treason and much more! When Liam realizes that he is carrying one of the legendary treasures of the Empire, the King's Cure, and that it may be the only thing standing between the dying King and death's door, he is in a race against time to get the potion delivered to the King. The only problem is - who is his enemy and who can he trust?This is simply a fabulous book. For those of you who enjoy mysteries, this is a great fantasy to start with. And for those of you who enjoy fantasy, this is a great fantasy and a great mystery. Daniel Hood has a beautiful writing style, very clear and easy to follow, yet full of evocative descriptions and details. Hood's characters are very well developed and the reader can immediately identify with them. Although this book is part of a series, this one can easily stand on its own as all of the characters (except Liam and Rhenford) are new and Hood does an excellent job of giving just enough background information for new readers to understand, but not so much that dedicated fans get bored. Most of Hood's books are out of print, but they are readily available through used books stores and are well worth the little bit of time and effort needed to hunt them down. Buy this book - you won't regret it!

Dan Hood is one of three authors on my "must buy" fantasy list. The others being Steven Brust and George R.R. Martin (Though I will say that George has the potential of going the way of Robert Jordan and taking far too long to tell his story). His world is skillfully developed and feels both real and fantastic at the same time. His characters are interesting and well defined but remain mysterious - leaving a reader with the desire to learn more about them. (I REALLY want to know more about Liam's past as the scion of a noble house fallen on difficult times...) Hood's plots, however, are the real reason you should buy his novels. He combines logical mysteries with the fantasy world he created and weaves puzzling and challenging plots which leave a reader always wanting to keep on turning pages. One reviewer of an earlier novel (Fanuilh - Hood's first) said it was predictable. I disagree, there were always several possible murderers until near the end - at which point the focus was more on how Rhenford was going to handle the situation. These novels are great for fantasy enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike. Those who are both are in for a rare treat.Unfortunately Mr. Hood has recently noted on his website that his publisher is suspending the series due to lower than expected sales. For this reason I suggest that all lovers of good fantasy get out their wallets and buy King's Cure - it is a great read and maybe we can get Liam Rhenford a second chance.My reason for this is, of course, purely selfish: I want to read more Daniel Hood novels!

King's Cure is the fifth of the Fanuilh series but there's no need to read the earlier novels to enjoy this - however, you'll want to read them because they're pretty good! Liam is tasked by the Duke to travel to the capitol to research old trade routes. And, as long as you're going there, might as well deliver this unimportant package to a friend of the Duke....In short order Liam is accused of treason and multiple murders , pursued by the police and their eerily efficient leader who always seems to be one step ahead of him, chased by the bad guys who have infiltrated the police and discovers Fanuilh thinks the whole deal is pretty funny!Some things that impressed me about this novel... A brutally realistic brawl in which Liam makes the mistake of bringing a knife to a sword fight. Liam's narrow escapes from his pursuers which compared favorably with similar scenes from movie, "The Fugitive" (the Harrison Ford version).Can't wait until the next Fanuilh book!

Third in the series, this mystery/fantasy stands well alone, but is better if you have read "Scales of Justice" and "Beggar's Banquet." Daniel Hood has crafted a wonderfully entertaining tale that is filled with adventure and sly humor. The protagonist, Liam Rhenford, is aided by his bonded familiar--a small dragon--who steals the show. Highly recommended!

Liam Rhenford meets his investigative match and small Dragons do have a sense of humor. Already we learn a couple of new facts.In the latest Rhenford/Fanuilh adventure Liam is sent on a mission to the capital to look up some information and, "Oh yes, drop off this small package to an old friend of mine."With that the chase is on. Liam finds the pursuit extremely challenging, particularly when he's bested at every turn by the Pacifex. The topic is quite bleak with the imminent demise of the heirless King in the offing but we find the usual touches of humor and wit.Liam has gotten quite a bit more comfortable with Fanuilh and their partnership is every bit as entertaining as in the previous books. Diverting and excellent.