This was a great start to a brand new series. From perfectly woven POVs and fleshed-out characters to intricate world-building and a mystery that had me wanting to keep reading, I couldn't ask for more. This blends fantasy with mystery in the most amazing way.

My only complaint is that the pace was a bit slow at times, but it is common in epic fantasy, so that the busy moments feel even more fantastical.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an E-ARC of this book.

Murder mystery crossing into fantasy seems to appeal to me because I had a great time with this. It took a beat to get into and it did feel a little slow at times but given how good the action was I didn't mind that. There is alot of scope here for a solid series with novellas and more if the pacing picks up. Solid start and will continue

Thank you Netgalley for early access!
Really enjoyed the book, world building and characters we very interesting!

This is fantasy done right! Dark but well thought-out worldbuilding with rather a 'Witcher Vibe', but with a pair of protagonists who reminded me of Richard Sharpe and Granny Weatherwax! The 'no-nonsense' realism was very welcome, giving a grounded feeling to the action that engaged me throughout.

Original and refreshing in a grimdark world, reminding us that there is always hope (even if you have to fight for it).

Initially when I picked up this book, I was expecting an epic, high fantasy adventure somewhere along the lines of Lord of The Rings/The Wheel of Time, but this was not that! It was gritty and grimy and dark and actually more along the lines of a fantasy murder mystery/detective story rather than a classic quest adventure. This means it won't be for everyone, but it was still a good story and I'll be keeping an eye out for future installments.
The highlight of the book for me was really the characters, particularly Hawley who was a real breath of fresh air in terms of fantasy protagonists. He tries to do good but he's impulsive and rash and perhaps a little too willing to turn to violence to meet his goals! His flaws made him feel really human and I enjoyed learning more about his backstory and how he came to be his disillusioned self. Enelda was perhaps a bit more of a classic fantasy character: the wise old mentor, but she had lots of hidden depths that I really appreciated. She was clever and powerful, yet that power was limited to the extent that the stakes were still maintained throughout. Her struggles against darkness were genuinely emotional and I also really liked her development throughout (no spoilers as to the specifics though- read the book if you want to find out!). The villains were also appropriately hateable- really slimy and just awful. Some characters really made my skin crawl throughout the book and unfortunately also were very realistic.
The mystery element of the book was also generally effective. It had the trademarks of all good mysteries in that it was simple enough to make sense yet complex enough to keep me guessing. There were lots of little 'OH!' moments and the final confrontation and resolution was really excellent. I really enjoyed the slight horror elements and how all of the little plot threads wove together nicely.
All that said, there are a few reasons why this wasn't quite a 5 star read for me. The pace was extremely slow for the middle chunk of the book to the extent that it felt quite stuck in one place. I think perhaps Hawley could have done with a bit more to do in this section, because it felt like he was just 'there' for a lot of it and not really involved. I also wasn't entirely convinced by the worldbuilding. It felt quite generic for the most part and the only interesting things to do with the magic happened within the last 50 pages so weren't present for most of the book. It was very much 'generic medieval England' (which can be done well! But it did feel a little bland here). The prose was also a little bit rough in the beginning. It improves throughout, but I struggled a little bit with the first few chapters.
To conclude, this is a solid book, if 'safe' fantasy novel with well rounded characters and an ultimately satisfying story. If you're on the lookout for a classic-feeling but gritty fantasy with plenty of mystery and don't mind a slow pace, check this one out!

The Last Vigilant delivers a gripping blend of fantasy and mystery that starts with a burst of energy and settles into a slower, more deliberate pace. Though set in a world of forgotten magic, ancient orders, and looming war, this story leans heavily into the structure of a murder investigation, offering something refreshing for fans of genre crossovers.

What Hawley doesn’t expect is to find Enelda Drake, an elderly woman living alone in a crumbling forest tower with only a raven for company. Claiming to be the last Vigilant, she joins Hawley on an investigation that leads them to a castle full of secrets, vanishing children, and rising tensions.

Much of the book takes place within the castle, which serves almost like a locked-room mystery setting. Magic exists, but plays a quiet role until later in the book. Political schemes, religious factions, and corrupt soldiers instead drive the story. It is more mystery than traditional epic fantasy, and readers should adjust expectations accordingly.

The characters are where the novel shines. Sergeant Holt Hawley is a weary, sharp-edged man who his unit has cast aside. Enelda, gruff and mysterious, keeps her cards close, frustrating Hawley and the reader alike. Their dynamic is tense, but gradually grows into one of mutual respect. They’re joined by a few standout side characters, including Iveta, a bold and clever girl caught in the power plays of the nobility.

Though some readers may find the pacing uneven — with moments of momentum followed by long stretches of dialogue or introspection — the well-plotted mystery and scattered twists reward patience. The fantasy world itself feels rich, even if its full scope is only hinted at, and many reviewers noted the potential for deeper exploration in future books.

Latham's prose is both accessible and immersive, striking a balance between intrigue and emotion. There are moments of gore and action, but the focus is more cerebral, emphasising secrets, deception, and justice. The cover may mislead readers into expecting a high-octane fantasy adventure, but at its heart, this is a character-driven mystery steeped in forgotten lore and moral ambiguity.

The Last Vigilant is a strong series opener that can stand alone, but clearly sets the stage for future developments. With a twist-filled ending and compelling characters, it will appeal to fans of The Witcher or The Tainted Cup, especially those who enjoy their fantasy grounded in investigative drama.

The lost vigilante is a book that will immediately capture your attention with its fast paced beginning. The book is overall rather medium paced. Forgotten magic, enemies that have become fairytales, demons and angels create a setting for our mystery that our two unlike and captivating protagonists with an unknown past have to solve. This well-fleshed out mystery made me turn the pages and had an ending that I didn't expect.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I have to say that I don't really read mysteries, so I just wasn't the preferred audience for this one. Sadly, I wasn't really invested in the characters, even though I really liked some of the minor characters.
I like the cover, but it is a bit misleading tbh. Yes, this is a classical fantasy, but it's a mystery with a classical fantasy setting and I wish they had done the cover differently to include the mystery part as well.

The disgraced and loathed Sargent Hawley is sent on a wild goose chase to find a legendary Vigilant, an old and disbanded order. Despite the efforts of his treacherous unit he actually finds one, only they aren't what he was expecting. The last vigilant turns out to be an old woman called Enelda Drake, living alone in a crumbling tower in the forest with just a pet raven for company. Together they set off to investigate a case of multiple missing children, including a child hostage whose mother is a commander of a neighbouring kingdom - if they can't find him, war will be coming.

Although this is set in a fantasy world and there are some fantasy elements - especially relating to angel and demon-like entities and talk of gods - this is primarily a murder mystery/ crime investigate -type story. There's also a lot of scheming, politics and corruption that Hawley and Enelda must carefully negotiate in order to work out what's going on.

Hawley isn't stupid, he's observant and understands the dangers of the world, but he's also wronged, rash and quick to choose violence. Enelda is very much an elder mentor figure and she knows more than she lets on, which is very frustrating to Hawley and the reader, although it does make sense for the story. I enjoyed their grumpy/grumpy dynamic.

I enjoy a good mystery and didn't mind that the fantasy setting was minimal. I did occasionally struggle to keep track of all of the characters and military and religious groups involved. It's also maybe a little long, or needed to be a little streamlined - especially the long blocks of speech.

Overall though, I enjoyed the mystery and the characters. I look forward to further adventures of Holt Hawley and Enelda Drake.

In a world where children are disappearing, Sergeant Hawley is entrusted with a mission: to find the last living Vigilant in hopes of uncovering what is truly happening. The Vigilants were once a powerful, ancient order dedicated to justice, using their keen observation, skills, and magic to uphold it.

What Hawley doesn’t expect is to find the elderly Enelda—a woman who claims to be the last Vigilant. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover the truth, facing political intrigue, a new order of Vigilants, and corrupt soldiers along the way.

What initially drew me to this book was its premise, especially since it was marketed as an epic fantasy. However, I would say it's more of a mystery with fantasy elements. To be completely honest, magic only becomes an important part of the story towards the end.

I found the pacing of the book to be somewhat challenging. Just when things seemed like they were picking up, it would slow again. This definitely affected my engagement with the story, influenced my overall rating and enjoyment.

There’s no denying the author put a lot of thought into the plot, with its twists, mysteries, and surprises. The writing is also very accessible and easy to follow.

The dynamic between Sergeant Hawley and Enelda was compelling, elevated by the inclusion of another strong and fearless female main character, Iveta. She pushes bounderies, and defies a society full of sexism and misogyny. The fact that the last Vigilant is a woman made the story even more enjoyable for me.

There are moments of gore and action, but not quite to the degree you might expect in a typical fantasy novel. The focus is much more on politics, deception, and the murder-mystery elements.

I did feel the world-building was minimal, which left me wanting to know more. Although I do believe there is a great potential for expansion around the world and magic.

The ending sets up perfectly for a sequel, which I would definitely pick up as I'm curious to find out more.

A Promising Epic Fantasy with Mystery and Heart

Mark A. Latham’s The Last Vigilant is a vivid debut that marries high fantasy with detective-style intrigue. Hawkley, a cadet shunned for his failures, is sent to find the legendary Vigilant—and instead discovers Enelda, a wizened, out-of-practice hero who may be key to saving their kingdom  .

Highlights:
• Compelling Duo: Hawley’s driven intensity and Enelda’s cautious strength create a dynamic duo worth rooting for .
• Layered Plot: Political machinations, missing children, and ancient magic weave together into a gripping narrative .
• Atmospheric World-building: A dark, magic-starved realm filled with monsters and wary soldiers elevates the tension .

Considerations:
• Opening Pace: The story’s initial chapters can feel slow as character motivations and settings are established.
• Classic Fantasy Vibes: Some elements align with familiar epic fantasy structures, though well-realized.

Thanks to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The Last Vigilant is a strong start with great potential for the series—fans of Richard Swan and Anthony Ryan should be especially pleased

The Last Vigilant was a pleasant surprise and a solid start to what looks to be an intriguing fantasy series. It takes a familiar setup — an aging soldier, a vanished child, and whispers of long-lost magic — and does something a bit different with it. What I appreciated most was how the story leans into mystery as much as fantasy. A good chunk of the book plays out like an investigation, with the characters trying to uncover what’s really going on behind the castle walls. I didn’t expect that tone going in, but I ended up enjoying it.

Holt Hawley is a strong lead, flawed, worn down, but still trying to do right. Enelda Drake, the supposed last Vigilant, is a great counterpoint: sharp, guarded, and not at all what you'd expect from someone out of legend. Their dynamic gives the story some of its best moments. They don’t always get along, but that tension feels real and earned. I liked how their relationship slowly developed over time.

The world itself feels lived in, with just enough hints at a larger mythology that I’m definitely curious about what’s coming next. That said, the pacing does slow a bit in the middle, especially when the focus stays inside the castle. If you’re looking for non-stop action, this might not be it, but if you like intrigue and slow-burn tension, it works really well.

Overall, The Last Vigilant stands out for its character work and the way it blends genres. It didn’t completely blow me away, but I enjoyed it from start to finish and will definitely pick up the sequel.

A murder mystery/crime fantasy release with hints of great world building and two main characters that have a fantastic dynamic.
Plotwise the author plays it safe and for that the book is a bit too long and has some pacing issues throughout. The appendix indicates a great world, which I hope we can explore in the sequel.
3,5 stars.

4.5/5 stars

The Last Vigilant is the first book in the epic fantasy series Kingdom of Oak and Steel set in a world where magic and monsters have been forgotten as myth. When a foreign child who was part of a hostage exchange between noble families goes missing, Sargent Holt Hawley is tasked with finding a Vigilant, a member of an ancient but exiled order of magicians, who may be able to locate the missing child before war breaks out. Hated by his own unit for his low blood, no one expects Holt to succeed except he does find an old woman who may be the real deal. Together, they travel to the castle in Scarfell where the boy went missing and uncover a far bigger conspiracy involving more missing children, corrupt soldiers, and power hungry politicians.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a steady 4-star read through most of the story with an exceedingly fantastic ending that pushed it up to a 4.5-star rating. An important detail to know about the book to set expectations is that this is more of a mystery than a true epic fantasy story, with over 50% of the book set just in the castle with a focus on the investigation. So it’s a bit like a locked-room mystery, and I absolutely love mysteries myself so I really liked the direction. To give comp titles, it’s Richard Swan’s The Justice of Kings with some of Robert Jackson Bennett’s characterizations from The Tainted Cup with a very strong Witcher (but not fairytale) vibe. I don’t know if that makes sense, but that’s how I’d personally describe it.

The book distinguishes itself by having the main two protagonists both be older and wizened and tired of life. Holt Hawley has been beaten down by life, having risen through the ranks despite being of low birth because of a backer who believed in him whose loss and Holt’s own mistakes has led to his alienation. While sharp in his own way, he is definitely the brawn in this duo to Enelde Drake’s brain. Nel is a grumpy old woman whose powers of observation feels like magic to others, but there is a method to her crazy ways that suggest an even deeper more mysterious power. I liked this pairing and how they played off each other in both helpful and conflicting ways. There are also a few memorable supporting characters that serve to soften the central duo’s grumpiness including a young castle ward and an idealistic guard captain.

The Last Vigilant is more a mystery than epic fantasy and serves as a great series opener that can also be read as a standalone.

*Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK for the eARC via NetGalley

A fun reading experience from start to finish. Intriguing story, characters that will appeal to all reads and action packed twists and turns.

5 ✰

Children are disappearing, and an urgent investigation must be carried out to prevent a war.

The Last Vigilant is a brilliant adult fantasy! This story masterfully blends mystery, unsettling disappearances, strange phenomena, and political tension, all set in a dark, richly built medieval world.

The plot is woven with finesse and intelligence, unraveling in a truly remarkable way. Clues are cleverly scattered, only revealing the full truth at the very end. Every reveal was surprising, and each twist was perfectly placed, I was completely speechless! Honestly, my brain felt scrambled, and I just stared at the wall for a few minutes afterward.

The main characters are so endearing, deep, and captivating. An unexpected duo forms, and I truly believe their friendship is one of the pillars of this book. It touched me deeply and made me feel even more connected to the story. I absolutely loved following their journey, they’ve definitely taken a place in my heart, and I know I’ll never forget them! Actually, Enelda reminded me a lot of Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings.

The secondary characters are just as interesting and nuanced. What I appreciated is that they aren’t just part of the background. On the contrary, each of them plays an important role or contributes meaningfully to the plot. Some are intriguing, others detestable or ambiguous, making the investigation even more complex…

The pacing is a bit slow at times, but the twists come at just the right moments to keep us on edge. The characters also bring energy and momentum to the story, so I was never bored for a second. Even when I wasn’t reading, I was constantly thinking about the book. I just wanted to dive back into it every chance I got!

After reading the final page, I felt so empty. Now, there’s only one thing I’m waiting for: the sequel!!


──── ⋆⋅༄⋅⋆ ────
•Mystery
•Disappearances
•Political tension
•The Broken MMC
•Redemption
•Forgotten & ancient magic


જ⁀➴ All my thanks to the author, NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for this eARC <33

The Last Vigilant is an exciting start to the Kingdom of Oak and Steel series. In a world where magic is nearly forgotten, Sergeant Holt Hawley is a soldier haunted by past mistakes. When a powerful ally's child goes missing, he embarks on a quest to find a mythical figure known as a Vigilant—rumoured to possess magical abilities and the power to locate the lost.

Hawley's journey leads him to Enelda Drake, an elderly woman who claims to be the last of the Vigilants. Though she is out of practice, together they uncover dark secrets and face challenges threatening their kingdom's fragile peace.

Latham's storytelling is compelling, with rich world-building and well-developed characters. The blend of magic, mystery, and political intrigue makes this a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.

I personally love the pacing in this book, as it makes this high fantasy novel easier to digest. Overall, I would say that it features the most well-developed world-building of any fantasy book I've ever read!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. I have in the past said that I would like there to be more fantasy mystery books as I have enjoyed the ones I had read, notably the Tainted Cup which is an excellent example of this emerging genre. This book did not work so well for me, although there were elements I enjoyed, notably the characters and their dynamics. However I felt both pacing and worldbuilding were an issue. There were times I found it hard to get immersed in the story and the fantasy elements do not play much of a role overall, mainly towards the end of the book. As this is the start of the series, perhaps this will be more prominent and expanded on in later books. I think this was worth a read, and would recommend for those ok with lighter fantasy elements.

The Witcher meets A Tainted Cup.

Sergeant Hawley is a disgraced, cursed soldier. Not of the blood, he is a pariah. He is sent on a mission to find a Vigilant, an old order who used to be the pioneers of justice. Instead, he finds Old Nell, the witch in the woods. It turns out Enelda Drake is more than just an old woman, she is a True Vigilant, the last one left.

Hawley is in for a rude awakening because all the stories and myths may not be so contrived after all and he has his hands full with Enelda.

<b>“I am the seeker after the truth. I am the voice of the meek. I am the sword of justice. I am the healer of the cursed. I am the watcher against the darkness. I am everywhere and nowhere. I am everyone and no one. The gods made me, the gods protect me, and the gods will one day take me.”
</b>
We have three perspective.
Mainly Hawley, who is resigned to his fate and angry at everything.
Then Enelda, who is shrewd and observant and keeps too many secrets.
Finally, the archduke’s young ward who is at the centre of the mystery behind disappearing children. She is curious as a cat, daring as a devil.

Hawley and Enelda of course reminded me of grumpy mentor and grumpy protector/apprentice figure similar to the dynamic found in A Tainted Cup.
Iveta is a strong girl, full of mischief and cleverness.

<b>“But then, would you not say,” Enelda pressed, to Hawley’s dismay, “that any law designed to prevent criticism of the law is merely tyranny in disguise?”
Hawley coughed loudly. For the first time that day he felt the pain in his ribs stab sharply beneath the linen wraps. “No, m’lady,” Hawley said. “I wouldn’t say that, neither, ’cause I like my head right here on my shoulders, where it belongs.”</b>

This works well as a standalone, but also sets up for a series with drops of lore and not all the threads wrapped up.

This has such interesting lore, sorcery, and likeable character dynamics.
I was teetering between four and three stars, as, though I had a great time, nothing truly stood out to me. It didn’t grip me, but it didn’t bore me. I think, had the pacing been tighter, especially towards the end, this would have bee rounded up.

I would still be interested in picking up the sequel.

Arc gifted by Orbit.