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Tales of the Iron Rose #0.5
A Matter of Execution
Nicholas and Olivia Atwater entertain in this "rollicking and deeply satisfying steampunk adventure" (Jacquelyn Benson), which acts as an introductory prequel novella to the Tales of the Iron Rose.
The Ebon Warden is about to execute the wrong goblin.
The Ebon Warden has sentenced Captain William Blair to hang for another goblin's crime. Thankfully, he's got his sharp wits, his loyal crew, and a long history of dubious behaviour on his side. When the man who's supposed to hang next to Wil offers his help, however, the crew of the Iron Rose is unexpectedly drawn into local politics. Soon, the stakes are far higher than any one goblin... and the only way out of a dreadful disaster is to steal from the Ebon Warden herself.
The Ebon Warden is about to execute the wrong goblin.
The Ebon Warden has sentenced Captain William Blair to hang for another goblin's crime. Thankfully, he's got his sharp wits, his loyal crew, and a long history of dubious behaviour on his side. When the man who's supposed to hang next to Wil offers his help, however, the crew of the Iron Rose is unexpectedly drawn into local politics. Soon, the stakes are far higher than any one goblin... and the only way out of a dreadful disaster is to steal from the Ebon Warden herself.
142 pages, ebook
First published October 21, 2021
15 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Atwater
2 books71 followersNicholas Atwater writes swashbuckling steampunk fantasy. He resides in Montreal, Quebec with his incredible, brilliant wife and two cats. As an ex-thespian, he certainly does not practice funny accents in the shower, and no one can prove otherwise. He is a veteran Dungeons & Dragons gamemaster, famously feared for both his villains and his puns.
In the mood for more swashbuckling adventures? Sign up for the Atwater Adventure Column at nicholasatwater.com and get ongoing updates, along with the exclusive short story The Good, the Bad, and the Goblin.
In the mood for more swashbuckling adventures? Sign up for the Atwater Adventure Column at nicholasatwater.com and get ongoing updates, along with the exclusive short story The Good, the Bad, and the Goblin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 17, 2024
A swashbuckling adventure with brilliant dialogue, a diverse (and delightful!) crew of characters, more than a couple twists, and lots of tropes (with fabulous twists) - among my favorite was certainly the broody male hero with a tragic past who is in fact a side character who needs looking out for (and even reining in, on occasion - ha!). Our actual hero, Captain Wil Blair, is an absolute delight and force to be reckoned with, in large part because what makes him tick is compassion (be still, my heart!). In a wonderfully refreshing twist, he is also perfectly comfortable in his skin (goodbye male insecurities!). Add to that a wonderful sense of humor, and he really is the ideal POV character for this adventure. The fact that he values his crew and is more than happy to rely on them? Legitimately so nice to read. Now that I'm done fangirling about Wil, honorable mention to the rest of the crew - including the gunnery ladies, an absolutely hilarious tween girl/thief, and an exiled aristocratic lady of (I think) South Asian descent. Really, a fantastic cast of characters you can't help rooting for.
Also, there's a pineapple heist. What more could you want?
Also, there's a pineapple heist. What more could you want?
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August 14, 2024I don't review my own books, of course—but here are some facts you might not have known about A Matter of Execution and your favourite goblin airship captain!
FUN FACTS ABOUT A MATTER OF EXECUTION
- Olivia asked Nicholas to outline a free short story for his newsletter subscribers. Three short stories in a trench coat later, this beast of a novella was born. Thus, Nicholas had to write another (actually short) short story. (That short story, now available to newsletter subscribers, is The Good, the Bad, and the Goblin.)
- Nicholas and Olivia nearly released both A Matter of Execution and Echoes of the Imperium several years earlier. Then, a sensitivity reader came back with such brilliant worldbuilding insights that we delayed release until we could incorporate the new ideas. We owe a lot of our interesting texture to questions like “how did the old empire do X, Y, and Z?”
- Generally speaking, Nicholas always writes the first draft of any story in the Tales of the Iron Rose. Then Olivia edits it. Then Nicholas edits it. Sometimes, entire chapters get rewritten. Eventually, no one can remember which parts came from which author. This is a terribly inefficient process, but the results end up being fantastic?
- Every title in the Tales of the Iron Rose is a pun, with the exception of The Good, the Bad, and the Goblin.
- The first scene of this book was inspired by an escape sequence from Pirates of the Caribbean.
- The concept of broken Oaths and the stigma associated with them was inspired by a tabletop RPG called Changeling: The Dreaming.
- Olivia and Nicholas both love the television show Leverage. As such, we wrote our party crashers in the style of a Leverage team. Lady Navi is the grifter, Strahl is the hitter, Mary is the thief, Mr Finch is the hacker/specialist, and Wil is the mastermind.
- Warden Ferric Gordian and Warden Loric Ravenelle are partially inspired by two beloved NPCs in a tabletop RPG campaign that Nicholas ran for Olivia and their friends. (In Gordian’s case, he was beloved because he was so easy to manipulate).
- Olivia ships Warden Ravenelle and Warden Albright. She has made it a condition of the series that Nicholas defers to her romance authorly judgement on the matter.
- Nicholas has fancast exactly one character, because no one else could possibly play her. Lady Navi is definitely Shohreh Aghdashloo.
FUN FACTS ABOUT A MATTER OF EXECUTION
- Olivia asked Nicholas to outline a free short story for his newsletter subscribers. Three short stories in a trench coat later, this beast of a novella was born. Thus, Nicholas had to write another (actually short) short story. (That short story, now available to newsletter subscribers, is The Good, the Bad, and the Goblin.)
- Nicholas and Olivia nearly released both A Matter of Execution and Echoes of the Imperium several years earlier. Then, a sensitivity reader came back with such brilliant worldbuilding insights that we delayed release until we could incorporate the new ideas. We owe a lot of our interesting texture to questions like “how did the old empire do X, Y, and Z?”
- Generally speaking, Nicholas always writes the first draft of any story in the Tales of the Iron Rose. Then Olivia edits it. Then Nicholas edits it. Sometimes, entire chapters get rewritten. Eventually, no one can remember which parts came from which author. This is a terribly inefficient process, but the results end up being fantastic?
- Every title in the Tales of the Iron Rose is a pun, with the exception of The Good, the Bad, and the Goblin.
- The first scene of this book was inspired by an escape sequence from Pirates of the Caribbean.
- The concept of broken Oaths and the stigma associated with them was inspired by a tabletop RPG called Changeling: The Dreaming.
- Olivia and Nicholas both love the television show Leverage. As such, we wrote our party crashers in the style of a Leverage team. Lady Navi is the grifter, Strahl is the hitter, Mary is the thief, Mr Finch is the hacker/specialist, and Wil is the mastermind.
- Warden Ferric Gordian and Warden Loric Ravenelle are partially inspired by two beloved NPCs in a tabletop RPG campaign that Nicholas ran for Olivia and their friends. (In Gordian’s case, he was beloved because he was so easy to manipulate).
- Olivia ships Warden Ravenelle and Warden Albright. She has made it a condition of the series that Nicholas defers to her romance authorly judgement on the matter.
- Nicholas has fancast exactly one character, because no one else could possibly play her. Lady Navi is definitely Shohreh Aghdashloo.
January 19, 2024
What do you get when you take some of our regular fantasy tropes and try to turn them on their head? Well, you get a fun swashbuckling tale involving a goblin captain with a crew that will go to the extreme lengths for him. I had a great time with Captain William Blair and the unusual crew of the Iron Rose as they perform daring rescues and a heist right under nobilities nose.
This was just a delightful short read to set up the characters of the Iron Rose before the first official book in the Tales of the Iron Rose series. We meet the Goblin captain who survived the fall of the Imperium with a few emotional scars and a broken oath. He has put together a ragtag crew full of survivors, widows and orphans most. Everyone would put their life on the line for this goblin Captain.
There is a navigator being held in the city, the crew could use her for some very lucrative smuggling runs, but first they need to break her out. One of the newest crew owes her and so the captain is ready to jump in and figure out a way to break out this unknown even if it means going back in the Lion's den he just escaped from.
This story was Fun, Fun, Fun. I had so much fun with the crewmates and captain as we see how well they work together and just why Captain William Blair commands such respect. What a great into to the world filled with magic, Fae and an Empire we never want to return to what it was when William Blair was a different man working for it.
This was just a delightful short read to set up the characters of the Iron Rose before the first official book in the Tales of the Iron Rose series. We meet the Goblin captain who survived the fall of the Imperium with a few emotional scars and a broken oath. He has put together a ragtag crew full of survivors, widows and orphans most. Everyone would put their life on the line for this goblin Captain.
There is a navigator being held in the city, the crew could use her for some very lucrative smuggling runs, but first they need to break her out. One of the newest crew owes her and so the captain is ready to jump in and figure out a way to break out this unknown even if it means going back in the Lion's den he just escaped from.
This story was Fun, Fun, Fun. I had so much fun with the crewmates and captain as we see how well they work together and just why Captain William Blair commands such respect. What a great into to the world filled with magic, Fae and an Empire we never want to return to what it was when William Blair was a different man working for it.
September 30, 2024
A Matter of Execution by Nicholas and Olivia Atwater was one fantastic read!
If you want some swashbuckling fantasy, that's full of charm, adventure, a diverse cast, fun and plenty of banter, this is plain gold.
I adored the main character, who is a pirate captain who really cares for his crew. Oh and he's a goblin...
There's a very strong found family in here. A teenage girl who loves books and stealing things, a disabled crew mate, so it's just normal that everyone has learned sign language, a big man who would rather use his giant hands to heal than harm, a former lady of high standing, and others, who just trust each other unconditionally.
I loved how the tropes were often intentionally turned upside down, which made it both familiar and unique.
This gem of a novella is somewhere between cosy and adventurous, and was just pure joy to read from the first to the last page!
If you want some swashbuckling fantasy, that's full of charm, adventure, a diverse cast, fun and plenty of banter, this is plain gold.
I adored the main character, who is a pirate captain who really cares for his crew. Oh and he's a goblin...
There's a very strong found family in here. A teenage girl who loves books and stealing things, a disabled crew mate, so it's just normal that everyone has learned sign language, a big man who would rather use his giant hands to heal than harm, a former lady of high standing, and others, who just trust each other unconditionally.
I loved how the tropes were often intentionally turned upside down, which made it both familiar and unique.
This gem of a novella is somewhere between cosy and adventurous, and was just pure joy to read from the first to the last page!
August 18, 2023
In short, this novella is a fun romp with a brilliantly diverse cast of audacious characters. The ominous start, the surprising twists, the building danger towards the end and the freaking expensive pineapples - they all amount to the most polite, most courteous yet a solidly solid middle finger towards racial prejudices and injustices a society can breed.
Our main character is a goblin! Captain William Blair. In a matter of this short read, during a matter of execution and very sticky situations, he wins over the readers heart with utmost ease. He's your man to follow. You want to be on his ship. He is surrounded by the best crew. Old and young, able men and women. There's a Scotsman (love a Scot in a story!), a married gay couple, old ladies as gunners... you get the gist. It's simply wholesome! As I said, you want to be on that ship, part of that crew!
Although this is a novella, you get a full novel's worth of story. I kid you not. The execution? Death is final, yes, but an execution is only the start of things here. And, boy, do things get all sorts of 'mission impossible'!
From the first sentence to the last, you're given no guarantees about the outcome nor are you let sit back idly for a smooth sail. It's an adventurous tale of the best kind led by Nicholas & Olivia Atwater, who are legit the best members of the crew as it is their purposeful words and wit that took me on this epic ride.
Believe me, you'll want to read this. There's more to come soon and I cannot wait to continue with this crew in a whole full novel. Know the best part? You can get A Matter of Execution for free when you sign over your soul to Nicholas at nicholasatwater.com ... soul? Sorry, I meant your inbox... :) Just, do it. You won't regret it!
Our main character is a goblin! Captain William Blair. In a matter of this short read, during a matter of execution and very sticky situations, he wins over the readers heart with utmost ease. He's your man to follow. You want to be on his ship. He is surrounded by the best crew. Old and young, able men and women. There's a Scotsman (love a Scot in a story!), a married gay couple, old ladies as gunners... you get the gist. It's simply wholesome! As I said, you want to be on that ship, part of that crew!
Although this is a novella, you get a full novel's worth of story. I kid you not. The execution? Death is final, yes, but an execution is only the start of things here. And, boy, do things get all sorts of 'mission impossible'!
From the first sentence to the last, you're given no guarantees about the outcome nor are you let sit back idly for a smooth sail. It's an adventurous tale of the best kind led by Nicholas & Olivia Atwater, who are legit the best members of the crew as it is their purposeful words and wit that took me on this epic ride.
Believe me, you'll want to read this. There's more to come soon and I cannot wait to continue with this crew in a whole full novel. Know the best part? You can get A Matter of Execution for free when you sign over your soul to Nicholas at nicholasatwater.com ... soul? Sorry, I meant your inbox... :) Just, do it. You won't regret it!
September 3, 2024
I’m kicking of novella season with a novella that was sadly a bit too big to feature in this year’s Speculative Fiction Indie Novella Championship, but that’s only because it’s so full of charm! A Matter of Execution by Nicholas and Olivia Atwater is the beginning of a new series of steampunk adventure stories featuring goblin captain William Blair and his crew.
And it starts with an execution, as per the title. Our goblin captain has been sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit (this time) because the Ebon Warden has caught the wrong man, err, goblin. But Wil isn’t one to be deterred from a challenge, and as he looks death in the eye, his master plan comes together with a dramatic rescue that introduces the Iron Rose’s crew and adds another member to their team with a mysterious background, a fair few secrets, and a mission of his own…
This then kicks off a rescue mission and part heist where Wil and his crew must think on their feet and use their wits and brains as well as their brawn. The unfolding mission was a lot of fun as Wil makes for an exceptionally witty captain who puts his experience to good use. The Iron Rose crew are also a group of charming misfits brought together in a wonderful found family dynamic. Each have their own strengths that aids Wil and the mission, and it’s not all fisticuffs, though there’s plenty of swashbuckling action, naturally!
I especially appreciate the diversity amongst the crew members, featuring queer characters, older characters, and those with a disability. Wil himself, as a goblin, is an inspired choice for an airship captain.
As the story unfolds, we’re treated to hints of a greater story to come involving the Wardens and Wil’s part in the empire’s history. This world has a touch of magic that you’ll discover, and I’m eager to learn more about it. This certainly isn’t your usual steampunk fantasy and I can’t wait to read more tales of the Iron Rose.
Final Words:
An exciting sky-faring adventure with the goblin Captain Blair and his diverse and lovable crew.
And it starts with an execution, as per the title. Our goblin captain has been sentenced to death for a crime he didn’t commit (this time) because the Ebon Warden has caught the wrong man, err, goblin. But Wil isn’t one to be deterred from a challenge, and as he looks death in the eye, his master plan comes together with a dramatic rescue that introduces the Iron Rose’s crew and adds another member to their team with a mysterious background, a fair few secrets, and a mission of his own…
This then kicks off a rescue mission and part heist where Wil and his crew must think on their feet and use their wits and brains as well as their brawn. The unfolding mission was a lot of fun as Wil makes for an exceptionally witty captain who puts his experience to good use. The Iron Rose crew are also a group of charming misfits brought together in a wonderful found family dynamic. Each have their own strengths that aids Wil and the mission, and it’s not all fisticuffs, though there’s plenty of swashbuckling action, naturally!
I especially appreciate the diversity amongst the crew members, featuring queer characters, older characters, and those with a disability. Wil himself, as a goblin, is an inspired choice for an airship captain.
As the story unfolds, we’re treated to hints of a greater story to come involving the Wardens and Wil’s part in the empire’s history. This world has a touch of magic that you’ll discover, and I’m eager to learn more about it. This certainly isn’t your usual steampunk fantasy and I can’t wait to read more tales of the Iron Rose.
Final Words:
An exciting sky-faring adventure with the goblin Captain Blair and his diverse and lovable crew.
October 18, 2024
Very rarely you read a perfect book. Ok? And this. I literally don’t have a single problem with it other than it should be longer. Read it
March 11, 2025
Captain William Blair in on his way to his execution when this novella opens. He knows that he was arrested and charged with some other goblin's crimes because the human authorities, and the Ebon Warden, could not be bothered to distinguish between goblins.
Blair is transported to the execution grounds with another prisoner, Strahl, who is charged with murder. Blair knows that his crew will somehow save him from this dire situation, but it's his decision to bring the other prisoner with him back to his airship that sets him, and his crew, on a rescue mission for a new navigator.
He and the crew must plan a heist, and the people he takes with him are not those one typically expects would be present, but they form an effective and quick-thinking team.
Blair is so much fun, and a person whose crew respects him because he respects them, and cares for them all. He's also highly observant, funny, and though he is known as an Oathbreaker (he's a former soldier who could not continue fighting after witnessing a terrible atrocity), he's comfortable with who he is and what he does.
This was a lot of fun and a great setup intro to Blair and his crew; I loved the gunnery ladies, especially the older former South Asian-inspired aristo and the tween thief/gunnery lady-in-training.
Blair is transported to the execution grounds with another prisoner, Strahl, who is charged with murder. Blair knows that his crew will somehow save him from this dire situation, but it's his decision to bring the other prisoner with him back to his airship that sets him, and his crew, on a rescue mission for a new navigator.
He and the crew must plan a heist, and the people he takes with him are not those one typically expects would be present, but they form an effective and quick-thinking team.
Blair is so much fun, and a person whose crew respects him because he respects them, and cares for them all. He's also highly observant, funny, and though he is known as an Oathbreaker (he's a former soldier who could not continue fighting after witnessing a terrible atrocity), he's comfortable with who he is and what he does.
This was a lot of fun and a great setup intro to Blair and his crew; I loved the gunnery ladies, especially the older former South Asian-inspired aristo and the tween thief/gunnery lady-in-training.
August 14, 2024
I dare you not to fall in love with this goblin captain and his crew of reckless and utterly charming misfits as they pull off the heist of the century! A rollicking and deeply satisfying introduction to the steampunk adventure world of the Tales of the Iron Rose. I highly recommend checking out the audiobook version, which is narrated by Nicholas Atwater himself with utter professionalism and brilliant panache.
June 26, 2023
A very well done prequel. Paced really well for how short it is. The characters are all great and well developed (especially considering the book length). I laughed several times. Really can’t wait for book 1 to be released!
May 13, 2022
If ever a review deserves to use the term "romp" then this book surely deserves it. It is a pure joyous steampunk fantasy romp full of weird magic, wonderful world-building and a cast of characters more diverse and interesting than you can shake a stick at (except just be sure it's actually a stick...)
Oh, and pineapples.
Take Firefly, set it to a magical steampunk universe, throw in a deadpan narrator in the form of Captain Blair, goblin sky-pirate extrodinaire (well, -ish) and you've got yourself gold in them thar literary hills. It made me think tonally of indie gems like those of Patrick Samphire while being like a better developed Retribution Falls with more magic and an American twang. In short: familiar but original and with winning execution making it the perfect comfort read for fans of fantasy heists.
After reading this stunning stand-alone, I cannot wait for the series to begin.
Oh, and pineapples.
Take Firefly, set it to a magical steampunk universe, throw in a deadpan narrator in the form of Captain Blair, goblin sky-pirate extrodinaire (well, -ish) and you've got yourself gold in them thar literary hills. It made me think tonally of indie gems like those of Patrick Samphire while being like a better developed Retribution Falls with more magic and an American twang. In short: familiar but original and with winning execution making it the perfect comfort read for fans of fantasy heists.
After reading this stunning stand-alone, I cannot wait for the series to begin.
August 23, 2024
Really enjoyed this introduction to a new series and my only real complaint is that I want more - now.
October 8, 2024
This was a fun little swashbuckling tale! It’s got a heist, found family, fae, aether magic, pirates, and more!
It’s a quick read and highly enjoyable!
It’s a quick read and highly enjoyable!
February 17, 2025
This was a fun romp that basically took all of Firefly, blended it together, sprinkled in some fairies and goblins, and then spit it back out in a slightly new format. But it was honestly such a fun time! And I'm excited to continue into Echoes.
April 29, 2025
okay this was FUN
December 10, 2024
This is a fantastic mixture of a few genres! Heavy on the steampunk with maritime and regency, mixed with some magic for a little more oomph 🙂 I absolutely fell into the story and didn’t surface again (breathlessly) until it was finished. Loved all the crew of the Iron Rose! Highly recommend it!
March 22, 2025
So fun - with the right mishmash of characters and a found family to boot 🫶
October 23, 2024
This review was originally posted on Queen's Book Asylum.
I received a copy from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 4.5👑
I’m not going to admit how long has this novella been sitting on my Kindle. In my defense, I always meant to get to it one day. Since this is a prequel novella (you are not required to read it before the novel, but I mean, it’s a good entry point to get acquainted with the characters), I was highly motivated to finally get to it by the fact that the first book is coming out soon. Well that, and guilt, because it took me so long. And also curiosity, because the Atwaters are part of my crew (pun absolutely intended) and so far I enjoyed the books I’ve read by Olivia Atwater. I had a feeling, that A Matter of Execution is going to be just as much fun (or more) as she teamed up with her husband. I usually avoid mentioning existing relationships with the authors whose books I’m reviewing to ensure objectivity, but since Olivia is part of my blogging team, I guess that’s out of the window. That said, even though I have a friendship with them, I’ll try to be as objective as I can in my review.
Another item of housekeeping before I actually get to the review. I started this novella twice. First, in audiobook (which is excellently narrated by Nicholas Atwater himself), but it was at a busy time when I couldn’t pay attention to it, and I generally find it hard to listen to fantasy books (except when it’s a reread), especially when I intend to review. So I had to put it aside the first time until I could actually give it the attention it deserves. That said, if you are into audiobooks, I highly recommend that format.
A Matter of Execution at its heart is a heist story, which gives us a good opportunity to get a feel for the characters. Now, the thing is, that the Atwaters worked with a fairly big cast of characters, especially if we consider that it's only 142 pages long (and so I won’t go too deeply into the plot). We have William Blair’s crew for starters, the stranger he teams up with to wriggle out of their respective executions, the nobles of Lyonesse who attend the party (which is the main setting of the story) and the four wardens. At first it took me a while to get everyone sorted out in my head, but it has to be said that all the important characters are well rounded out and have very clear characteristics and personalities – the crew, especially are very easy to like.
I connected with Wil very early on, as I loved his “voice” the kind of humor that comes through the writing, it’s something that really appealed to me – but then I wasn’t very surprised, because, as I said, I know the authors and their personalities really shined through the pages. But I also connected with him because as a goblin, people automatically dismiss him and discriminate him and I know all too well what it feels like being different from everyone else. And how it feels like when people only see the outside, and not the person underneath the surface.
A Matter of Execution is a fast paced novella, especially once they hit the party, and events kick off in earnest. Due to the length and the pace, there aren’t that many opportunities for detailed worldbuilding, which I sometimes missed. Especially in the beginning, when being new to this world, I felt like I was missing details about the Imperium, the Oath and later the wardens of Lyonesse, or the backstory of the characters to get a full understanding about them. Maybe because we get mentions of events that happened in the past but we don’t really have context for them? I don’t know, it was something that gave me a bit of a start in the beginning. But upon finishing the novella, I understand why it was necessary to add these details.
Eventually, it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book, and it did have some really cool stuff going on – like the airships for a starter and the way the wardens can control aether (aethermancy is a type of magic where they can manipulate the aether to do different things like providing lighting, enhancing weapons, etc.). I’m not quite sure how the Tuath Dé and faries came into the mix (did I mention, there are a LOT of things going on here?), nor could I get the main gods (?) they worship sorted out (there just wasn’t enough time for that on top of everything) but it definitely caught my interest and makes me want to dive deeper into this world. Not least because of the found family feeling that comes through the crew which I just love.
If you are looking for a bite sized steampunk adventure with fun characters and high stakes, don’t look any further. A Matter of Execution will whet your appetite for more.
I received a copy from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating: 4.5👑
“I raised my eyebrows at her. “Do you mean to say you normally feel homicidal at parties?” I asked.
Navi scoffed. “Need I remind you, Captain, that I have been conducting small talk with that awful couple nearly since we got here?” she siad.
I turned my laugh into a soft cough. “Point taken,” I said.”
I’m not going to admit how long has this novella been sitting on my Kindle. In my defense, I always meant to get to it one day. Since this is a prequel novella (you are not required to read it before the novel, but I mean, it’s a good entry point to get acquainted with the characters), I was highly motivated to finally get to it by the fact that the first book is coming out soon. Well that, and guilt, because it took me so long. And also curiosity, because the Atwaters are part of my crew (pun absolutely intended) and so far I enjoyed the books I’ve read by Olivia Atwater. I had a feeling, that A Matter of Execution is going to be just as much fun (or more) as she teamed up with her husband. I usually avoid mentioning existing relationships with the authors whose books I’m reviewing to ensure objectivity, but since Olivia is part of my blogging team, I guess that’s out of the window. That said, even though I have a friendship with them, I’ll try to be as objective as I can in my review.
Another item of housekeeping before I actually get to the review. I started this novella twice. First, in audiobook (which is excellently narrated by Nicholas Atwater himself), but it was at a busy time when I couldn’t pay attention to it, and I generally find it hard to listen to fantasy books (except when it’s a reread), especially when I intend to review. So I had to put it aside the first time until I could actually give it the attention it deserves. That said, if you are into audiobooks, I highly recommend that format.
A Matter of Execution at its heart is a heist story, which gives us a good opportunity to get a feel for the characters. Now, the thing is, that the Atwaters worked with a fairly big cast of characters, especially if we consider that it's only 142 pages long (and so I won’t go too deeply into the plot). We have William Blair’s crew for starters, the stranger he teams up with to wriggle out of their respective executions, the nobles of Lyonesse who attend the party (which is the main setting of the story) and the four wardens. At first it took me a while to get everyone sorted out in my head, but it has to be said that all the important characters are well rounded out and have very clear characteristics and personalities – the crew, especially are very easy to like.
I connected with Wil very early on, as I loved his “voice” the kind of humor that comes through the writing, it’s something that really appealed to me – but then I wasn’t very surprised, because, as I said, I know the authors and their personalities really shined through the pages. But I also connected with him because as a goblin, people automatically dismiss him and discriminate him and I know all too well what it feels like being different from everyone else. And how it feels like when people only see the outside, and not the person underneath the surface.
A Matter of Execution is a fast paced novella, especially once they hit the party, and events kick off in earnest. Due to the length and the pace, there aren’t that many opportunities for detailed worldbuilding, which I sometimes missed. Especially in the beginning, when being new to this world, I felt like I was missing details about the Imperium, the Oath and later the wardens of Lyonesse, or the backstory of the characters to get a full understanding about them. Maybe because we get mentions of events that happened in the past but we don’t really have context for them? I don’t know, it was something that gave me a bit of a start in the beginning. But upon finishing the novella, I understand why it was necessary to add these details.
Eventually, it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book, and it did have some really cool stuff going on – like the airships for a starter and the way the wardens can control aether (aethermancy is a type of magic where they can manipulate the aether to do different things like providing lighting, enhancing weapons, etc.). I’m not quite sure how the Tuath Dé and faries came into the mix (did I mention, there are a LOT of things going on here?), nor could I get the main gods (?) they worship sorted out (there just wasn’t enough time for that on top of everything) but it definitely caught my interest and makes me want to dive deeper into this world. Not least because of the found family feeling that comes through the crew which I just love.
If you are looking for a bite sized steampunk adventure with fun characters and high stakes, don’t look any further. A Matter of Execution will whet your appetite for more.
November 7, 2024
A Matter of Execution is a brilliant swashbuckling steampunk adventure that combines found family, heist antics and darker themes of war and classism in a really fun package. I've previously really enjoyed Olivia Atwater's historical romances that mix social commentary and fae and high society so I had high hopes for the combination of her talents and her husband, Nicholas Atwater. It's always interesting when you have two authors to see how their influences combine. In this case, it feels absolutely seamless and you can feel the touch of some of that social commentary but with a much stronger focus on an almost D&D style adventure and an eclectic cast of characters.
In this novella, the goblin captain William Blair is introduced as his crew has to work to save him from an execution and then get roped into a heist targeting the very person who ordered the execution. There is a very dry, clever sense of humor to everything that honestly reminds me a bit of Pratchett and I loved that while it is at its core a fun adventure, it still has a lot to say about the first impressions people immediately make based on stereotypes and how easy it is for people in power to dismiss others as less than. I also loved that it mixed classic fae with steampunk airships, that's a combo that I honestly don't think I've ever seen and it worked really well.
Really my only gripe about this story is that since it's acting as an introduction for the characters and it's not a small crew, there are a lot of scenes where characters are introduced and described and given the short length of the story, it sometimes felt repetitive.
Overall, I had a really great time with A Matter of Execution and I'd highly recommend the audiobook which is really well narrated by Nicholas Atwater himself. I was honestly impressed at the variety of accents and the emotional investment made it more fun to listen to than to read myself. If you enjoy high action, steampunk mixed with fae and a great found family, I'd definitely recommend it!
In this novella, the goblin captain William Blair is introduced as his crew has to work to save him from an execution and then get roped into a heist targeting the very person who ordered the execution. There is a very dry, clever sense of humor to everything that honestly reminds me a bit of Pratchett and I loved that while it is at its core a fun adventure, it still has a lot to say about the first impressions people immediately make based on stereotypes and how easy it is for people in power to dismiss others as less than. I also loved that it mixed classic fae with steampunk airships, that's a combo that I honestly don't think I've ever seen and it worked really well.
Really my only gripe about this story is that since it's acting as an introduction for the characters and it's not a small crew, there are a lot of scenes where characters are introduced and described and given the short length of the story, it sometimes felt repetitive.
Overall, I had a really great time with A Matter of Execution and I'd highly recommend the audiobook which is really well narrated by Nicholas Atwater himself. I was honestly impressed at the variety of accents and the emotional investment made it more fun to listen to than to read myself. If you enjoy high action, steampunk mixed with fae and a great found family, I'd definitely recommend it!
January 16, 2025
4.5⭐️
Dear The Matter of Execution,
Hello to you! Wow, that was quite a ride and so incredibly fun!
Since the bookclub is reading The Echoes of Imperium, I thought this little prequel would be fun to start with.
Aether-powered, steampunk, flying pirates!
Say less!
This is a great prequel. It wasn’t too long. It was action packet. It introduced the world and magic system well.
Review breakdown:
Characters: 4.5⭐️ I can’t wait for more!
Setting: 5⭐️ isn’t it obvious
Plot: 4⭐️ that opening scene!
Themes: 4⭐️ the found family is strong in this one!
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️ yes, admittedly, I’m easily entertain but I I really am even more excited for the next book.
Overall rating: 4.5⭐️ fuck yay! Atwaters!
We listen and we don’t judge: I had not even started this before searching for fan art about these books. Initial query was fruitless but now I’m even more determined.
Someone make fan art! Please!
Dear The Matter of Execution,
Hello to you! Wow, that was quite a ride and so incredibly fun!
Since the bookclub is reading The Echoes of Imperium, I thought this little prequel would be fun to start with.
Aether-powered, steampunk, flying pirates!
Say less!
This is a great prequel. It wasn’t too long. It was action packet. It introduced the world and magic system well.
Review breakdown:
Characters: 4.5⭐️ I can’t wait for more!
Setting: 5⭐️ isn’t it obvious
Plot: 4⭐️ that opening scene!
Themes: 4⭐️ the found family is strong in this one!
Emotional Impact: 4⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️ yes, admittedly, I’m easily entertain but I I really am even more excited for the next book.
Overall rating: 4.5⭐️ fuck yay! Atwaters!
We listen and we don’t judge: I had not even started this before searching for fan art about these books. Initial query was fruitless but now I’m even more determined.
Someone make fan art! Please!
May 18, 2025
Came to this excellent novella with no expectations, as this is way out of my usual reading area. But I really enjoyed reading it: the characters are well-drawn and engaging, the universe intriguing and the story a real rollercoaster ride of fun and adventure… If it can get me, a fantasy sceptic, then fans of the genre should adore it!
September 6, 2024
Sparkling novella that has left me looking forward to the upcoming book sequence. Love the main character!
September 8, 2024
Fantastic audiobook narration by Nicholas Atwater himself! His acting background really shone through and brought the characters to life. I look forward to reading the rest of this series!
November 4, 2024
I’m hooked!
This novella is not only well-written with charismatic, personable characters and great world-building, it has a fast, easy pace with several surprises. I can picture this being turned into a tv series, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
This novella is not only well-written with charismatic, personable characters and great world-building, it has a fast, easy pace with several surprises. I can picture this being turned into a tv series, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Read
November 23, 2024A steampunky Firefly-ish airship does a heist. Felt very familiar in a lot of ways, which isn't a bad thing. I've been super into rompy space opera, and this is basically that with steampunk trappings. I will def read more in this series.
December 3, 2024
An excellently swashbuckling heist story!
This prequel story is a great introduction to the Tales of the Iron Rose. The story is loads of fun, the audiobook narration is terrific and there's a lot of great back story about the characters. I can’t wait for the next installment!
This prequel story is a great introduction to the Tales of the Iron Rose. The story is loads of fun, the audiobook narration is terrific and there's a lot of great back story about the characters. I can’t wait for the next installment!
February 13, 2025
OMG yes! More of this fantasy-airship-heist-crew with noir veterans and alien fairies!
May 27, 2025
I love me an Atwater -- and apparently that holds for the couple's projects too!
In the Acknowledgements, they write that they purposely turned tropes on their head. Such a fun heist with amusing characters, especially our daring, goblin Captain. It did a great job as a prequel, creating a fun standalone that has teased and teed-up a whole world I'm certainly motivated to explore.
Obviously I already bought the full length following book.
As I've said in the past, Atwater is a pre-order for me and that sentiment remains 🤙🏻
In the Acknowledgements, they write that they purposely turned tropes on their head. Such a fun heist with amusing characters, especially our daring, goblin Captain. It did a great job as a prequel, creating a fun standalone that has teased and teed-up a whole world I'm certainly motivated to explore.
Obviously I already bought the full length following book.
As I've said in the past, Atwater is a pre-order for me and that sentiment remains 🤙🏻
April 30, 2025
Really fun adventure and already a fan of the found family crew. Excited to start Echoes of the Imperium and dive further into this world.
January 25, 2025
The perfect teaser to what I'm assuming is going to be an epic series. Who doesn't love a good steampunk pirate heist??
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