http://www.baen.com/talismanstrinket

This is a short story that takes place right at the end of [God Stalk]. It views the events of the finale from Patches’ - a minor character - perspective and may answer a couple of questions of what Jame left behind her in Tai-Tastigon. And drop a few hints of what may be to come.

As a short story it is necessarily brief, trying to advance the action while giving enough background information to those who haven’t read the main story or who haven’t read it in a while so the writing doesn’t flow as smoothly as in the book. There are some details that don’t impinge on the events in the book, though Men-dalis’s actions at the end of the book are confirmed (they’re not always obvious on the first reading). There was a question that was answered that I hadn’t thought to ask. I wonder what relevance those things have to the rest of the series?

But I’m not giving anything away by saying that, as the Talisman was the cause of Patches getting into the Thieves’ Guild, she is the Talisman’s Trinket.

A quick read that, more than anything else, makes me want to find out what happens next!

3.5 stars ( )

The Talisman’s Trinket is a short story that takes place during the last part of PC Hodgell’s God Stalk. It follows a minor character, Patches, during the climax of the book and offers another insight into the book.

I found it to be an interesting story and it added to my understanding of the ending of God Stalk. ( )