InUPress Book Table

After the death of Larret Hamlet’s Reeve, the mage Tripper turns in the report bonds for Laret fief to Lord Ramson. Then following several harrowing events, the Black Swans form a cohort to deal with local threats, this begins the investigations into Tearmain. With no stone unturned, G, Tripper, Winey, Mi, Jess and Eren turn to seek out Lord Ramson to report on some grizzly incidents discovered around Larret Hamlet. They receive his suggestion to travel west overland to the river, to reach the royal city of Mount Oryn. On their journey, the Black Swans discover an enemy Tearmain army. As they receive redemption for G, this leads to her becoming known and praised for her ability and efforts as a strong leader and reliable person, yet she finds discomfort. In a desperate protracted confrontation with an army, a Black Swan is captured and is sacrificed. Later in dealing with General Isela, a leader of one of two more enemy armies, events lead to a darker being. This leads to the Black Swans having to make choices: remain loyal to the Dominnion of Kannoral, convert to this upstart new god, Tearmain, or switch loyalty to General Selanad – or worse. A conclusion of the one adventure may lead to the next adventure, but they need to survive this one.

Follow several harrowing events, resulting in the Black Swans who form a cohort to deal with various local threats. Thus, begins the investigations into Tearmain.

“‘Exhaust from the Tin Woods’ is a quirky, compelling read. Eric Kregel brilliantly suspends reality, leaving the reader wondering who really wrote it and why? It left me oddly off balance and insatiably curious as to the rest of this truncated story set in an almost familiar world. It was like reading a fragment of an ancient scroll that leaves one hanging on a roller coaster that almost made it to the top, the mad race down the rickety track teasingly out of reach. It is a frustratingly well-played ploy to leave the reader craving for more of the tale. This is however, more than just a simple story, there is an intriguing social commentary underlying Eric Kregel’s steampunk world. Sorry, no spoilers. Even if steampunk isn’t your go to genre – it isn’t mine – read it.”

Reviewed by Bill Erlenbach, May 2017