Advocate: The Warden #3    by Daniel M. Ford Order:  USA  Can Tor, 2025 (2025) Softcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Advocate follows Necrobane as the third in Daniel M. Ford's gripping Warden fantasy series. In the first episode, kick-ass Necromancer / Enchanter / Abjurer Aelis de Lenti was assigned as Warden for remote Lone Pine village. She has gradually earned the trust of the villagers and resides in a tower nearby. In the previous episode, Aelis' beloved elfling friend Maurenia was caught in a magical trap, that is slowly and steadily changing her. Aelis is desperate to find a way to release her from this prison. Now, as Advocate opens, she's been recalled to Lascenise to support her legendary mentor, Warden Bardun Jacques, who has been charged with murder. She needs to prove his innocence, but also hopes he can help her save Maurenia. Someone doesn't want her to succeed. She's ambushed en route to the city and this is just the beginning of assassination attempts. Fortunately, she finds help from an old college friend, Miralla, and gnome thief-catcher Mihil, as well as advice from Bardun. He tells her that a Shadow Congress of powerful wizards is smuggling magical artefacts into Lascenise, the end game unknown. When she does find out what it is, she follows her plan to 'Smile, nod, learn everything you can, and destroy them when the time is right.' She also succeeds in saving Maurenia (at a cost) and heads home to Lone Pine, ready for the next set of exploits. I can't wait! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Fantasy books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews