Review+Giveaway: The Pig Wars by M. K. Theodoratus

My review of medieval fantasy The Pig Wars by M. K. Theodoratus

After inadvertently causing her father’s death with her magic in battle, Lady Rena avoids the political in-fighting among the Half-Elven of the Marches. She spends her days weaving and managing her lands, trying to heal from the trauma. But this fragile peace frays…

Renna’s neighbor, Lord Gorsfeld, has plans for the retiring young woman. As the richest man in the Marches, but one without magic, he decides to woo Renna to gain control of her magic and her lands, by setting himself up as a strong protector, who can save her from the marauders who harass her border villages. However his campaign goes awry when Black Tail, Renna’s pet pig, injures dumps him in the mud.

Gorsfeld intensifies his vandalism, hoping to scare Renna into his arms. Renna must fight to protect her people without angering the Lord High Commander of the Marches who expects his childhood friend to help him keep the peace. But she is caught off guard and is forced to ue forbidden elf-fire to protect her people.

Renna discovers she must fight for her life.

Author M.K. Theodoratus offers a stunning and captivating fantasy novel that will have audiences on the edge of their seats in “The Pig Wars”. This compelling and intriguing book is unique in its beautifully-crafted world, fascinating characters, and a fast-paced story line that is both fantastical and political. “The Pig Wars” is an absolute must-read that fantasy lovers won’t want to miss!

Excerpt from The Pig Wars

Growling, a hound ventured closer to Black Tail. The sow rushed him, and he twisted away. The pig grabbed his tail and stomped on him. Whirling on her hind legs, she whacked him against the rock, making a streak of blood as the carcass slid down.

“Blast. I didn’t know pigs fought like that!” the peasant yelled when the dog lay lifeless.

 “Stop her. You’re the one who’s supposed to have elf powers.”

Renna unshadowed and stepped into the clearing, still holding her power tight inside her. The hoe, with its sharp metal blade, hung ready at her side. “Mayhap you might return to where you came from before my pig kills all your dogs.”

 “What’s a little thing like you going to do against two grown men, girlie?” The bumpkin sneered after one glance at her in her grimy clothes. “I’m a trained warrior from Linden’s camp—better get on your way, like a good little lamb.”

With a heft of the hoe, Renna asked, “You want to find out how dainty I am?”

 The guard’s hand rested on his plain belt, but he made no move. Her warrior’s braid hanging to the hem of her patched tunic should have been sign enough of her power, Renna thought. She seldom wore her veteran’s belt decorated with many gold insignia earned during the Rebellion that would have alerted them to trouble if she were in the habit of wearing the heavy thing.

He’s right. I am alone.

My Review of The Pig Wars

I never thought I’d see the day when pigs played such an interesting role in a fantasy novel. Yet, that day has come. This world and all its elements felt so vast. I finished the book knowing there’s so much more I didn’t see. I’d tell you about how the pigs went, but that would be spoiling, and we all know I don’t spoil endings.

While the world captured my attention, I struggled to connect with the characters in the same way. I never felt like I got to know them as well as I could have, as if parts of them were just out of reach. The magic was interesting, but it, too, felt distanced and as if it wasn’t fully fleshed out. Some things just happened by magic, and it seemed like there should have been explanations that I somehow missed.

All in all, a good read, if not my cup of tea. As I do when books strike me this way, I encourage you to give it a shot if it seems like something you’d love.

About M. K. Theodoratus

A Northern California gal, M. K. Theodoratus has been intrigued by fantasy since she discovered comic books and the land of Oz. Some of her early favorite authors as a teen were A. Merritt, Andre Norton, Catherine L. Moore, and Fritz Lieber. She has traveled through many fantasy worlds since then. Now she enjoys reading Lee Child, Patricia Briggs, Sharyn McCrumb, Neil Gaiman, and Carol O’Connell among others.

When she’s not disappearing into other writer’s worlds, she’s creating her own alternative worlds — that of Andor where demons prey and that of the Far Isle Half-Elven where she explores the social and political implications of genetic drift on a hybrid elf/human people. Magic and mayhem are her favorite topics.

She now lives in Colorado.

Theodoratus can be found on social media at:

• Website
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• Goodreads
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• Amazon Author Page

Giveaway

M. K. Theodoratus will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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