Stalking Darkness

Flewelling's series takes place in the medieval country of Skala and presents a near-perfect sword and sorcery experience. It details the growth of Alec, saved from prison by Seregil, a hired thief and member of a secretive group called 'The Watchers'. Flewelling has always written strong characters, and this series is no exception. The bond between the two men is the defining feature of these novels, with Seregil acting as both mentor and friend. Where Alec is naive, Seregil is sharp and witty, creating a perfect contrast in morals and personality. However, at its base level, Nightrunner is a coming of age story. It's about Alec learning to accept his new profession, but also to trust. He's thrown into a tight-knit group, so ready to accept him that it almost feels suspect. He comes to respect them and believe in himself, meeting wizards, learning, and discovering his sexuality. Flewelling manages to write bisexual characters while keeping it incredibly natural. There's no dwelling, and if there is a clear message in Alec's growth, it's of loyalty and acceptance. Read if you like: Diverse characters, sword and sorcery, rogues.