Bloody Rose

Bloody Rose follows Tam Hashford, a young bard who joins the most famous mercenary band in the realm - Fable, led by the legendary warrior Bloody Rose. The story takes place in a world where mercenary bands operate like rock bands, complete with venue tours and dedicated followers. The mercenary business has evolved from wilderness monster-hunting to arena combat entertainment, with bands performing scheduled battles for paying crowds. Tam must navigate this new world while documenting the exploits of Fable, a diverse crew of fighters who each carry their own secrets and burdens. The narrative charts Tam's journey from tavern barmaid to touring performer, as she chronicles the band's latest tour across dangerous territories. Fable faces escalating challenges while Tam discovers what it truly means to be part of a legendary mercenary band. This second entry in The Band trilogy explores themes of legacy, fame, and the price of living up to expectations. The novel balances comedy and action with deeper questions about identity and belonging in a world where violence has become entertainment.

Readers describe Bloody Rose as a rock-and-roll fantasy that builds on Kings of the Wyld while standing on its own. Many note it has a different tone and pacing than the first book. Readers liked: - The emotional depth of character relationships - LGBTQ+ representation that feels natural - Evolution of the mercenary-as-rockstar concept - Battle scenes and monster encounters - Tam's perspective as an outsider joining the band Readers disliked: - Slower start compared to Kings of the Wyld - Less humor than the first book - Some found Tam less compelling than Clay Cooper - Side characters get limited development Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,400+ ratings) Common reader quote: "It's not Kings of the Wyld 2.0, but it succeeds by doing something different with the same world." Many readers recommend starting with Kings of the Wyld, though Bloody Rose works as a standalone.

Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames The first book in the series follows a group of retired mercenaries who reunite for one last mission, establishing the foundation of bands-as-adventuring-parties that continues in Bloody Rose.

The Blacktongue Thief by Christopher Buehlman A mercenary joins forces with a group of battle-hardened adventurers in a world where warrior bands operate like rock stars touring the realm.

The Last Smile in Sunder City by Luke Arnold In a world where magic has died, a former soldier turned private investigator navigates a gritty fantasy realm filled with dark humor and rock-and-roll references.

Priest of Bones by Peter McLean A war veteran returns home to rebuild his criminal empire with his crew of loyal soldiers, combining fantasy elements with gang warfare and brotherhood themes.

The Grey Bastards by Jonathan French Half-orc riders protect their territory while dealing with internal politics and external threats, featuring the same brand of crude humor and camaraderie found in mercenary stories.

🎸 "Bloody Rose" was released in 2018 as the second book in the "The Band" series, becoming an instant bestseller on Amazon. 🎼 The book's rock 'n' roll influence comes from Nicholas Eames' own background as a lifelong music enthusiast, particularly drawing inspiration from iconic female-fronted bands. 🏹 The novel's arena-fighting concept was partially inspired by the gladiatorial elements of ancient Rome combined with modern-day concert venues. 🗡️ Unlike traditional fantasy novels, mercenary bands in this world function more like rock bands, complete with touring schedules, merchandise, and groupies. 📚 The character of Bloody Rose was first introduced as a minor character in "Kings of the Wyld," where she was the daughter of Golden Gabe, the protagonist's best friend.