“Paladin’s Hope” is yet another heartwarming fantasy novel by T. Kingfisher, which is the pseudonym Ursula Vernon uses for her works for adults. It is the third novel in the Saint of Steel Series which takes place in a medieval alternate world that features magic, knights, and various gods. Chief among those in these books is the White Rat, whose Temple is central to these novels. It is a direct sequel to “Paladin’s Strength” which told the story of Istvhan whose god, the Saint of Steel, has died. This unexpected loss has left him and the remains of his brotherhood empty inside and bereft of purpose. The Temple of the White Rat has taken them in, given them a home, and attempts to help them heal. “Paladin’s Hope” is primarily the story of Galen, who is one of the other bereft paladins who was a supporting character in “Paladin’s Strength.” The story opens up to him investigating the latest body that has been found in the river. These bodies are all horribly damaged, and many days old. They seem to be connected, and have originated upriver. Galen, and a gnole known as Earstripe seek out the assistance of Piper who is a “Lich-Doctor” (essentially a coroner) to connect the cases. This eventually leads them on a quest up-river to see if they can find whomever or whatever is killing these men. Once again, Ms. Veron has written a fantasy that has many elements. Certainly, there are are some horrific things going on in this story, but it is also a romance, and a work of high fantasy. It’s a overall uplifting novel, which has warm characters, dry humor, and a positive outcome. I think it is another excellent tale told in the Saint of Steel Series. Based on the incredible last sentence in this book, I’m now sure there will be other stories to tell in this series. It has become apparent (to me at least) that this series occurs in the same world as her Clocktaur War Duology, so I’ve put the first volume of that on my to be read list as well…