The Fortuitous Few by Lee Alexander opens in the city of Kelrabith when Rashe, a drakonisk bard earning his keep through performances, crosses paths with Adran, a wood elf monk hired to keep him safe, and Morros, a tiefling thief living job to job. Their connection forms around a single paid theft involving the Codex of Whispers, a book taken from a cult leader’s guarded estate. Although the job is completed, control of the Codex passes beyond them, and its aftermath forces the three to leave the city together. Travel turns their association into reliance as they accept escort and delivery work that exposes them to growing danger. Bevin, a monk cleric, joins during this flight, and the group’s shared survival gives them a name. Their path carries them toward Cavranosk, where another hidden book begins to draw attention.

Lee Alexander’s The Fortuitous Few is a wonderful fantasy adventure with some fantastic theatrical timing and sure viewpoint handling. There are a lot of moving parts here, but Alexander does well in keeping them clear and retaining the forward momentum expected, without any loss to the worldbuilding. I love Rashe, who uses his songs as field craft when allies need cover or recovery. From the baddies, it is the lich in the cavern that pops out as a favored antagonist, calling up shadow servants and pressing for coordinated answers that cost blood. It is just so creative and unique in a genre that often feels recycled. The settings arrive like cinema—a rune cut bridge over a chasm where pale forms rise underfoot, and a village that rebuilds with watches and palisades. Overall, this is a beautifully written novel for everyone who enjoys ensemble fantasy, tactical fights, and travel from city alleys to hills. Very highly recommended.

Rashe, a part-human, part-dragon bard, earnestly wants to test himself with a worthy quest but finds few offers. His luck changes when, during a meeting at a tavern in Kelrabith, a strange individual makes an unusual offer to him and his good friend and bodyguard, Adran. Aid a mysterious financier in recovering a precious artifact of immense value, and he will reward them handsomely. They agree to this task, knowing full well it will put them at loggerheads with a dangerous cult that is willing to kill to maintain its hold on this artifact. Rashe is on the verge of achieving his heart's desire, but only time will tell how prepared he is for what lies ahead in Lee Alexander's The Fortuitous Few.

Lee Alexander uses a combination of locations and creatures to create a one-of-a-kind world. The rapid pace beautifully complements the detailed fight scenes. This feature will appeal to the action genre enthusiasts. The dialogue oscillates between jovial and business-like. What stands out in The Fortuitous Few is how the author blends progressively complex tasks that encourage readers to think outside the box with realistic moments, such as when Rashe and his friends teach a village's residents how to defend themselves. Alexander weaves these elements together with a subtle romantic subplot and a flowing narrative style. He deserves praise for a riveting novel in a class of its own that will appeal equally to action and fantasy genre lovers.