A chronological sequel to Knight Errant, this book picks up two years later in Rafe's POV. It's been a few months since I last read Knight Errant but this book slips in little reminders of what's happened, who characters are, and what they've done. Nothing too info-dump-y, which is good. I hate info-dumps, especially in a series.

Book Title: His Faithful Squire
Book Author: KD Sarge
Book Publisher: Turtleduck Press
Release Date: August 1, 2011
Retail Price: $2.99 (digital), $8.99 (paperback)
Buy it at: Ebook or paperback

I'd gotten so used to Taro's POV in Knight Errant, so shifting over to Rafe's POV was...interesting. But after a few chapters I'd gotten used to it, and thoroughly enjoyed the other side of this dynamic duo. Rafe's stream of consciousness thoughts were adorable, eyebrow raising, and occasionally irritating depending on the circumstances. I knew Rafe was more than just some fluffy baggage with good dress sense, and this book proves it.

Rafe evolves as a character, a person, and a lover. Partly following Taro, partly walking alongside, and a glimpse or two of even him taking the lead (outside of the bed I mean, you dirty minded readers), Rafe manages to survive everything the universe tosses at them. From working real jobs, to strategizing reinforcements when things go all pear shaped, to helping Taro fight a never-ending horde of shape-shifting vampire creatures. (You'll just have to read the book to figure out how that one works out.)

His Faithful Squire also introduces a new character to the Dream ‘verse: Keen. Being privy to bits and pieces of behind the scene plottings for future books, I'm intrigued as to just what Keen's story will entail. He feels like what a Taro/Rafe kid would result in (try to keep your brains out of the gutter). Perhaps if someone with Rafe's looks and Taro's mind were melded, with a good helping of innocence (I doubt that'll last long, especially on the Dream).

It's hard to say which scene or chapter was my favorite, as there were so many one liners or interactions that were smirk inducing. The most effective scenes, though, involved Rafe's saving Taro from evil. It felt like a proper culmination of Rafe's growth as a character, a lover, and a faithful squire. (Rafe is akin to Sancho Panza, as his Don Quixote would beat up a windmill/giant, and anything else in his way. Not out of chivalry though, more out of "It's in my way, so I'm gonna knock it down," type of reason.) If you've read Knight Errant and enjoyed it, or wanted to learn more about the luggage that is Rafe Ballard, I would highly recommend this book to you. Or, if you're just curious as to what it actually takes for Taro to break down, or for Rafe to lose his patience, or just what the universe needs to do to get Eve into a dress, I would also highly recommend this book to you.

It's one of those series where the individual books stand on their own. You don't have to read them in chronological order. But there are recurring characters and inside joke references that are better appreciated if you do read them both.