This was a fantastic read. A densely-plotted, gritty fantasy while also working as a love-letter to historical European martial arts, it just oozes atmosphere. The drama is intense and the battle scenes are enthralling. This remain one of my favourite series of all, and this book is as good as any so far. If you liked Game of Thrones, or fantasy writing in general, this book is highly, highly recommended. ( )

This is an impressive third volume in the projected five of the Traitor Son Cycle. Cameron continues to juggle the threads effectively and opens up the scope of the world significantly in this novel while tying off a number of threads, some major, some minor, which had been developed through the first couple of books. There are now pointers to completely different levels of conflict and interaction, and some of the deep history of his world is beginning to show itself as well.

As always (as befits a reenactor and an ex-military officer) Cameron's battle and armed combat scenes are convincing and realistic, and much of this book hovers on the edge of direct conflict even when it is not engaged in it, as the canvas is largely that of a developing civil war. However, his world is gritty without tipping over into being grim.

The style is effective and under control, and Cameron provides for agency across a wide range of characters -- male, female, different ethnicities, human, nonhuman.

All in all, an extremely worthwhile read, and I look forward to the next installment in the series. ( )

RTC ( )