Publisher's Weekly Review
This immersive standalone fantasy mystery from Stewart (The Greater Good) features a sarcastic, offbeat main character and a meticulously constructed fantasy world. Elf King Stargleam of the Sylvan Marches hires gnome Drago Appleroot to kill Gorash Grover, the leader of a rebel group of goblins who are thought responsible for the disappearance and alleged assassination of Queen Ariella. When Drago realizes the extent of the elves' bias against other races, he begins to wonder whether Gorash Grover's story is more complex than he's been led to believe. Stewart develops his intricate plot with stimulating efficiency while building the tapestry of his setting. Drago is a confident and skilled protagonist, and his complexity of character encourages the reader to both celebrate his successes and mourn his setbacks. The resolution comes a bit too quickly, but otherwise it's a very enjoyable adventure. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Stewart's latest (after Shooting the Rift, 2017) follows the gnome Drago Appleroot, a bounty hunter in the cosmopolitan city of Fairhaven, who always tries to bring in his targets alive and most of the time succeeds. After many of Drago's more lethal colleagues are found dead, having all seemingly taken the same out-of-town job offer, the Fairhaven city watch call on Drago to pretend to be a deadly assassin in order to find out who or what is targeting the city's bounty hunters. This sends Drago straight into a nest of political intrigue as he attempts to navigate the Sylvan Marches, an insular elvish kingdom whose annexation of nearby goblin territory to acquire a new gold mine causes constant unrest. Stewart, most famous for his Warhammer 40K novels under the pseudonym Sandy Mitchell, has written a brisk and energetic narrative full of action and occasional moments of wry humor. A Fistful of Elvish Gold is recommended to not only Stewart's existing fans but anyone looking for a fast-paced, fun, and engaging fantasy read.--Keep, Alan Copyright 2018 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Gnome Drago Appleroot is working with City Watch in Fairhaven, posing as an assassin-for-hire to draw out the killer of other bounty hunters in his hometown. Then he discovers that the Elven kingdom of Sylvan Marches is in need of his talents. King Stargleam wants -Gorash -Grover, alleged abductor and assassin of Queen -Ariella, dead. As Drago takes a long, perilous journey into the kingdom, he meets other travelers who all agree: the depths of bias that elves have against other races is vast. Drago wonders if there is more about Gorash he should know as the destiny of a kingdom may be in this gnome's hands. VERDICT Stewart (Shooting the Rift) incorporates a timely tale about race relations into an intriguing fantasy world populated by a lively cast of characters. This fast-paced adventure will please readers of the genre.-Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
