By: Peter Lucy
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When Gwin is persuaded to try her hand at live-action roleplay she quickly discovers that the character she has created, Thaddeus, has a life of his own, and through him Gwin experiences the incredible, complex and intricate world of Empire. Thaddeus’s world is beguiling, beautiful, violent, and dangerous, and the young warrior becomes entangled in a deadly conspiracy of power, passion, and betrayal.
Peter Lucy is a writer and historian living in Somerset, UK. He has had a lifelong interest in historic arms and armour and enjoys live action roleplay and costumed historic interpretation. He has a master’s degree in history from De Montfort University and a PhD from Cranfield University. He has served on operations as an army reservist and has worked extensively in the film industry.
Firstly, I know little to nothing about LRP/LARP, but was recommended this book as a sort of introduction and was intrigued. I have to say that even if you aren't involved in the LRP culture, this book works as a Fantasy novel too; the explanations of LRP are there and help draw you into that world but without derailing the narrative in anyway - a very clever, unique and well considered concept I haven't really sat down and read any books for a while but this novel grabbed my attention and I found it hard to put down! The way Peter Lucy switches between the main character, Gwin, and her LRP character, Thaddeus, is smooth and effortless and the story flows because of it. This isn't just a story about Gwin and her first experience of a weekend LRP event, it portals into her character's story too, dropping you into a fantasy world that is rich in culture, believable and intriguing characters and beautiful settings. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Guardians and because of that I have just started on Pilgrims too!
really enjoyed this foray into the Empire Universe. A great style of story telling, with a gripping plot and exciting narrative, the perspectives given from both the in 'universe' character and also the 'real world' perspective worked really well!
I look forward to the next book in the series!
Elliot
