Tales of Aedrea Series by S.L. Rowland

When life gives you lemons, squeeze them into a stiff drink and stir.After twenty years defending the frozen north against some of the most dangerous threats in the nine kingdoms, Rhoren “Bloodbane” has finally earned his retirement. While the blood mage's service to the realm may have ended, burning veins and aching joints remain, and Rhoren soon learns that a warmer climate offers relief from his chronic pain.And a chance at a fresh start... moreWhen life gives you lemons, squeeze them into a stiff drink and stir.After twenty years defending the frozen north against some of the most dangerous threats in the nine kingdoms, Rhoren “Bloodbane” has finally earned his retirement. While the blood mage's service to the realm may have ended, burning veins and aching joints remain, and Rhoren soon learns that a warmer climate offers relief from his chronic pain.And a chance at a fresh start.In the warm and relaxing atmosphere of Eastborne, the umbral elf finds a new purpose and a sense of belonging. He may have left the frozen north behind, but he brings with him the skills and strength gained from a lifetime of defending the realm. Along with his most prized possession—a book of drink recipes inherited from his father.Spilled cocktails may not carry the same weight as spilled blood, but opening a tavern brings a unique brand of challenges. With the right friends and a little bit of luck, he might just have a recipe for success. less

With age comes wisdom. For a seasoned adventurer, it also comes with back pain.Taking quests, exploring ruins, and camping under the stars. For Dobbin Thornhill, there’s no better life than that of an adventurer. Especially with a reputation like his.His current task? Acquiring the elusive dragonfire mushroom for one of Eastborne’s secret societies.To complete the quest, he’ll venture into Hells’ Crag, a dragon-ruined city still haunted by spirits half a millennia after the attack... moreWith age comes wisdom. For a seasoned adventurer, it also comes with back pain.Taking quests, exploring ruins, and camping under the stars. For Dobbin Thornhill, there’s no better life than that of an adventurer. Especially with a reputation like his.His current task? Acquiring the elusive dragonfire mushroom for one of Eastborne’s secret societies.To complete the quest, he’ll venture into Hells’ Crag, a dragon-ruined city still haunted by spirits half a millennia after the attack. Dangerous? Yes, but the pay is life-changing, even for him.While Dobbin’s past has led him to a life of solo adventures, some jobs can’t be done alone. Joining forces goes against his every instinct, but in a land of shadows, a cast of unlikely companions could be exactly what he needs to confront his own ghosts.If he can find the courage to let someone else in. less

At the Dew Drop Inn, good times are only a sip away.Marigold Bramblefoot has spent the past decade as the proprietor of her family’s inn and vineyard, a quaint and cozy haven famed for its wine made in the halflings’s grape stomping tradition.As autumn approaches, so does the annual harvest festival. The event marks the end of the farming season with celebrations, wine tastings, and spirited contests... moreAt the Dew Drop Inn, good times are only a sip away.Marigold Bramblefoot has spent the past decade as the proprietor of her family’s inn and vineyard, a quaint and cozy haven famed for its wine made in the halflings’s grape stomping tradition.As autumn approaches, so does the annual harvest festival. The event marks the end of the farming season with celebrations, wine tastings, and spirited contests. Marigold, forever chasing the acclaim of her renowned father, dreams of finally clinching first place in the wine competition.With an inn full of eclectic travelers, and a festival to prepare for, Marigold’s cup brims with responsibilities. She must play humble host while navigating the complexities of competition, unraveling the vineyard's hidden mysteries, and perhaps, for the first time, setting the roots of her own legacy.Welcome to the enchanting world of Tales of Aedrea, where small-scale stories, low-stakes adventure, and cozy fantasy come to life within an epic, high-fantasy realm. less

At 182 years old, Hilda Rockfall thought her adventuring days were long behind her.For over seventy years, she roamed the realm as a ranger with the adventuring party Stone & Splendor—taking quests, slaying beasts, and collecting monster teeth like trophies from the boundless sea to the edge of the wilds... moreAt 182 years old, Hilda Rockfall thought her adventuring days were long behind her.For over seventy years, she roamed the realm as a ranger with the adventuring party Stone & Splendor—taking quests, slaying beasts, and collecting monster teeth like trophies from the boundless sea to the edge of the wilds. But for the past eight decades, she's traded her sword for slippers, living the quiet life of a proud grandmother nestled in the mountains, telling tales no one quite believes and baking a mean honey crumble.That peace is shattered when an old friend—and former party member—passes on and leaves Hilda one final quest: scatter his ashes at a secret location marked on a map they looted back in their glory days.Hilda figures it’ll be a nice little hike. Maybe a nostalgic trip down memory lane.But then she opens the map.And scrawled across the bottom in faded ink are four unsettling words:There be dragons here.About the Series: Welcome to the enchanting world of Tales of Aedrea, where small-scale stories, low-stakes adventure, and cozy fantasy come to life within an epic, high-fantasy realm. less