The tree-talking wizard Aargh is back in the second book of The Wizard’s Diary Series, The Sword Guildebrande. Aargh’s previous exploits have earned him a considerable number of titles from Spire Historian to Keeper of the Precious Child (Move over, Jon Snow). Author Robert J. Bradshaw brings you back to Gemini City, where its people are celebrating its rebirth after the Great Fire. But this celebration is short-lived as the Norters arrive. They are not just passing through as Aargh had hoped, and the people of the city have no say about it. With this new development, the Spire wizards become so panicky that they challenge Aargh’s leadership. Just when everyone is trying to take a stab at him, his whereabouts become unknown. Taken captive aboard the Marauder’s ship, Aargh struggles to regain his wizarding skills. The thing is, he is not capable of performing magic anymore without the aid of a familiar, and he refuses to bond with a new one since losing Wrudge. If he is to survive, he will have to find a new familiar soon.

The Sword Guildebrande is a fine example of nonlinear storytelling with shifting points in time that are not confusing. Aargh’s diary entries will serve as your guide in the whole exposition. More importantly, Robert J. Bradshaw has created a wizard protagonist that is lovable and one that you can identify with and care about. Aargh is a wizard with flaws, but this is beneficial for him because it gives him that vulnerability necessary to make a character relatable. The story’s tension builds up slowly, and when it suddenly appears, expect it to keep you on your toes. The Sword Guildebrande is a rare fantasy adventure that puts a unique spin on the genre because it shows how deep one can go in plotting that is not limited to magical spectacles. It’s a great read, one that deconstructs an unusual wizard hero.

The Sword Guildebrande is book two of the Wizard’s Diary Series by Robert J. Bradshaw. The great wizard Aarghathlain, having vanquished the Wizard of the Council and putting out the Great Fire, now leads a simple life. He spends his days taking in the sights of Gemini City along with his loving daughter Holly-Mine. The tranquility is disrupted, however, by the arrival of airships manned by the Norters. The council is outraged at Aarghathlain’s "wait and see what happens" approach. So, having been forced to step down as head of the School of Wizarding, Aarghathlain attempts to unwind by asking the wind to grant him flight for a short while. Things go horribly wrong, however, and Aarghathlian crashes into the sea. The Prosperity, a nearby ship with plenty of secrets and an eccentric crew, rescues Aarghathlain. By the time he realizes that he would’ve been better off drifting at sea, it’s already too late for him to escape Prosperity’s clutches. Will the legendary wizard Aarghathlain survive his voyage aboard the Prosperity?

The Sword Guildebrande is a good read with a solid plot that was interesting to watch unfold. The storyline easily grabbed my undivided attention as I was really looking forward to how it would all play out. Character development was also well done. The Captain, in particular, was my favorite. His habit of making an order sound like a question was quite amusing for me. The rest of the cast was also great and memorable. The unique world crafted by Robert J. Bradshaw was easily imagined and it definitely piqued my curiosity at every turn. In conclusion, if fantasy is your preferred genre and you want a unique read that differs from your typical magical adventures, then The Sword Guildebrande is for you.