Rainier’s Legacy is the latest in Chad Corrie’s series of novels set in the fictional world of Tralodren, home of magic and mysticism, gods and monsters, and of course, heroes and villains. This collection of short stories follows the adventure of Corwyn Danther, a bard whose love of the lute is outmatched only by his propensity for getting into trouble.

In many ways the bard’s tales read like a series of D&D campaigns, each one uncovering unknown facets of the world as Corwyn encounters a variety of beings from all across the realm of fantasy fiction. Corwyn’s travels take him from the high seas to ancient tombs, to vampires and thieving halflings, ghosts and demon hunters. In perhaps the strongest chapter, he meets a kindred spirit, whose true nature reveals a specter of the past that will irrevocably change his future.

Rainier’s Legacy is a perfect introduction to the world that Corrie created in the Wizard King Trilogy but it’s far more than that. The collection as a whole reads as Corrie’s most personal novel yet, sharing the tales of a man whose creative ideals take him all across the world, as he is continually forced to confront his past while ever looking toward the future. There are no epic battles or apocalyptic catastrophes; instead the most important and exciting moments exist between Corwyn and the relationships he fosters, whether it be the his friendship with the gruff dwarf Frederick or his one-time love Trina, the character dynamics are engaging enough to warrant a full novel of their own.

Many times throughout, the stories reference Causilla, the goddess of beauty, love, and art. It’s clear that this was a passion piece for Corrie and, just like a fine dish or painting, you can tell each story was written with love. Corwyn’s journeys are rife with fun, adventure, love, and heartbreak, each one inspired by stories we all know and love, and one can assume, the author’s own life experiences. These components all contribute to a book that serves as both a great jumping-on point to the world of Tralodren and an excellent companion piece to those that came before, not to mention Corrie’s best work to date.