The Bokkaners of the North by Paul Horsman is third in the Wyrms of Pasandir series. Eskander and crew are relaxing after their adventures against the Brisans. Planning next steps leads them to a new base in the Peaks. The long abandoned trade centre was magically preserved for millennia, stuffed full of technology whose origins had been lost. As they prepare to move, their singer Justym is kidnapped. Intent on rescuing him and calling the culprits to justice, Eskander and his found family acquire new allies, including another baby wyrmling.

This installment continued to make me think of the Suikoden games. They’ve acquired more necessary allies, and things are slowly shaping up. The cave base, with all its ancient tech, is really neat. We get to visit Hyzmir, where more friends are made. I love seeing all the different cultures. We learn about the world even as Eskander and his companions do. And another wyrmling! I can’t wait to see how he grows up!

I’d love to know more of this world’s various cultural rites of passage, because Eskander and his top people get taken more seriously than I would expect. The Kells seem to regard ‘adulthood’ differently. The Singers being the exception… I’m glad things worked out for Justym! Young rulers certainly aren’t unheard of, even in our world. I like that Teodar, as Eskander’s mentor, is still younger than you might expect.

I hope we get to see more of Naudin in future books. He’s become my most favourite character. I want to learn more of his illusion magick and what it can do. He can make them ‘real’ enough to do damage. A final thought on magick- Eskander gets quite drained after using his magick fully, and often gets emotional. I appreciate that he’s not afraid to express that, and he isn’t thought less of for it.

***Many thanks to Silver Dagger Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.