A high- stakes, high-fantasy novel, Futility of Defense is perfect for readers who revel in the relentless warfare of The Malazan Book of the Fallen or the divine conflicts of The Black Company.
In Futility of Defense, Book 2 of the A Paladin’s Journey series, Krell returns to Watford on ReckNor’s Bounty, expecting relief, perhaps even gratitude. Instead, he finds a city on edge, its people weathered by too many sleepless nights spent gazing out at the waves, waiting for what lurks beneath. The sahuagin are supposed to be broken, their fortress at Swamp Hold blown to bits. And yet, the town is girding for war just the same.

The town council treats Krell like a liability. Others see him as ReckNor’s tempest trapped in a man’s body. Even his friends, the ones who fought beside him, wonder how much of Krell still belongs to himself. And ReckNor offers no guidance—only the same steady, crashing certainty that worse is coming. Then the sahuagin arrive with the rain. They always do. But this time, they do not attack like mindless beasts. They attack with intent, with fires, with lines of escape closed off, driving defenders where they wish. They utilize weapons, not merely teeth and claws. Someone has armed them. Someone has guided them – one of their own.

No one wants to believe him. The town council dismisses Krell’s warnings, and the people are too exhausted and too desperate. It’s now up to Krell and his allies to fight for the survival of Watford. As the town hangs on the edge of ruin and with ReckNor’s voice pounding in Krell’s mind, he must decide if he will be Watford’s shield…or its storm.

With masterful world building and cinematic action sequences, Futility of Defense is an exhilarating continuation of Krell’s struggle both with mortal enemies and the whims of an unyielding deity. Cole’s writing is packed with vivid description imagery, bringing the characters and settings to life in a fantastical way. Krell emerges as a compelling protagonist, embodying a blend of arrogance and vulnerability. His transformation from a humble outsider to formidable defender is portrayed with depth, highlighting his internal struggles and unwavering determination. Themes of power dynamics, the consequences of one’s actions, and the complexities of faith are intricately woven throughout the narrative, raising thought-provoking questions about authority and autonomy. A high- stakes, high-fantasy novel, Futility of Defense is perfect for readers who revel in the relentless warfare of The Malazan Book of the Fallen or the divine conflicts of The Black Company.