Pawn’s Gambit / Rob. J Hayes

Title / Pawn’s Gambit

Author / Rob J. Hayes

Published / 2021

Page no. / 315

Overall Rating / ★★★★

Pawn’s Gambit is a Mortal Techniques novel, which is part of a series of stand alone books set in the Mortal Techniques world. The first book was titled Never Die, this is the second instalment and follows a different set of characters. The amazing cover art is done by Felix Ortiz. The premise is as follows – Once a century the gods hold a contest for who will rule the Jade Throne. The contest is akin to a scavenger hunt and each god is allowed to pick one mortal champion. The protagonist, Yuu, is chosen by Natsuko, the goddess of missed opportunities. 

 

After loving Never Die, I had high hopes for this book and I’m happy to say that it did not disappoint. Once again Hayes has written a compelling story set in this world with a whole new company of characters. It did take me a little while to become fully invested in the characters but it really picks up in the second half of the book. I knew I loved the writing style after reading Never Die, so it is no surprise that I was invested from the very beginning and settled into the flow of the writing straight away. I would say this one has more of a wuxia (genre of Chinese fiction focusing on martial arts) feel to it than the previous book, which I really enjoyed. Hayes does a fantastic job at writing action scenes, as well as maintaining the pace in the slower scenes. If you haven’t checked out these stand alone books, then I highly recommend you do. 

 

Pawn’s Gambit is a fantastic addition to the Mortal Techniques series and I cannot wait for the third instalment, Spirits of Vengeance. Never Die is probably still my favourite of the two, but I did really enjoy both. Have you guys read this book? I’d love to know what you thought. I hope you are all having a wonderful day and I will see you next time. 

 

 

Pippa