Oath of the Blackguard by Anthony R. Hill

In a world where destiny is shaped by blade and bravery, ”Oath of the Blackguard” tells the compelling story of Caius, a young fisherman of humble beginnings. Born into poverty and the simplicity of a fisher’s life, Caius’s world is irrevocably altered by a tragic event that propels him into the orbit of the Imperial Blackguard. This fateful encounter offers him a chance to rise beyond his commoner roots.

Thrust into the esteemed Blackguard fortress of Strovewuld, Caius faces the daunting challenge of proving himself to skeptics who doubt a mere fisher boy’s mettle. In the shadowed halls of this legendary bastion, he undergoes rigorous training, each day a test of his resolve and strength.

Amidst the grueling regime, Caius forges bonds with two fellow trainees. Together, they stumble upon a dark conspiracy lurking within the very heart of the empire. As they delve deeper, they find themselves entangled in a web of intrigue and danger that threatens not just their lives, but the very fabric of the empire.

I enjoyed this story quite a bit.
Caius, a young boy from a poor family of fishermen, is rescued from certain death by elf spies. That is all I will say because I don't want to spoil the story for anyone.
The author has a nice style of writing. I like the action details and the camaraderie that develops among several new recruits. Oops! I almost gave some of the story away. He is good at describing a scene without going overboard. He mixes in some humor along the way.
The story is fun if you like fantasy with action and magic. You will love it as much as I do.

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https://www.amazon.com/Oath-Blackguard-Anthony-Hill-ebook 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/-oath-of-the-blackguard 
 
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Copyright © 2025 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction