Sword & Thistle - S.L. Rowland

With age comes wisdom. For an experienced 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 an adventurer’s, especially with a reputation like his.

His latest task? Retrieving the rare and mystical dragonfire mushroom for one of Eastborne’s secret societies. To find it, Dobbin must venture deep into Hells’ Crag, a dragon-ruined city still haunted by restless spirits centuries after the attack. The dangers are great, but the reward is tempting enough to shoulder the risk—one more time.

While Dobbin’s past has led to a life of solo adventures, some jobs can’t be done alone. For him, letting others in isn’t just about survival—it’s about facing the ghosts of his past and finding strength in the unlikeliest of allies.

In a land of shadows, trust might be the most pivotal gamble of all.

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.

Sword & Thistle is a cozy fantasy adventure featuring animal companions, found family, and a low-stakes quest through haunted ruins. Perfect for fans of The Hobbit and Baldur’s Gate.

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S.L. Rowland is a cozy fantasy and LitRPG author known for crafting immersive worlds filled with adventure, heart, and a touch of humor. A lifelong gamer and fantasy enthusiast, he draws inspiration from tabletop RPGs, video games, and the fantastical. When he’s not writing, he enjoys weightlifting, hiking with his Shiba Inu, and enduring the heartbreak of being an Atlanta sports fan.