Library Journal
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This story begins in disaster, when disillusioned scholar Edmund falls prey to bandits and tries to bludgeon his attackers with an artifact. Instead, the Dervish steps out of a blaze of silver light and saves Edmund from death. It's the Dervish's curse to defend whoever wields him, and currently that's Edmund. He starts by saving Edmund's mule, which leads to an enslaved gnole (intelligent badger) and a smart, gigantic pill bug. They form a ragtag group whose members tease, encourage, and save one another, even from their own worst impulses as they banter their way across a hostile countryside that throws catastrophe in their way at every turn. Eventually, Edmund and the Dervish manage to admit they've fallen for each other, giving a happy ending to this comedy-of-errors quest for safety, found family, and redemption. VERDICT This book represents a return to Kingfisher's madcap quest/fantasy romance stories such as Paladin's Grace and Swordheart, while the seriousness that underlies the teasing and the jokes will remind readers of Nine Goblins. The banter produces more than a few belly laughs, but ultimately this is a queer grumpy/sunshine romantasy with a lot of heart.—Marlene Harris