A must read for fans of Dark Fantasy

Buy it. Great original story, great multidimensional characters, great writing, great narration. A real hidden gem on audible- should be in the top-10 charts.

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Yep, I loved it.

Has everything needed in a fantasy book with terrific storyline and lots of wizards. Pacey once again comes up trumps and still among the pantheon of narrators.

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A good listen, well paced, strong premises and great narration

I agree the narration was the icing on the cake for me, and the main reason I chose this book. The story was strong, some good premises and a convincing world, The female characters were strong and all the characters were through through and rounded - the main protagonists suitably floored - I enjoyed this a lot and will probably get the next one :)

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Not bad

A bit different from the usual fantasy plot, very dark, very violent and very cruel every step of the way. Little bit slow, but good development of characters. Looking forward for second book

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slow, slow, GOOD, Slow - ends

I wonder how much Steven Pacey carried this story? if I had just read it myself would I of actually liked it or died of boredom?
I really liked the two main characters - especially Tae. She is wonderfully dark and i found myself wanting more of her filth. Her split personality is intriguing and original and I actually found the witch within her a bit unnerving.
Steven Pacey brought me to this book but I'm not sure if that's a good thing? I associat him so much with Joe Abercrombie now I kept forgetting that this was a different story. and had to remind myself that either nine fingers, Glokta or Biaz were not going to show up. Not sure if I'll follow this series? I expect I'll probably will.

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4 people found this helpful

A macabre fantasy masterpiece

This is honestly the best Grimdark fantasy novel I've ever come across. Truly bleak and unforgiving, populated with loathsome characters and a Stygian plot that'll make your skin crawl. Be warned the depths of the human psyche this book ploughs is beyond Abyssal and into the Hadal zone. The main characters are broken, flawed and brutally realistic in their development. There are several psychological disorders presented "as is" and without apology which draws you further in as you watch the internal and external battles faced by each individual. The magic system is beautifully influenced by Shamanism (think of the "wounded healer" archetype) but also hints at malign sciences from an earlier civilization. The creeping pervasive horror cranks up with each chapter building to savage climax that leaves you hungering for book 2.

Steven Pacey's narration is superb. Each character easily distinguished and well presented. I was particularly fond of the necromancer Pheklus who was given a voice somewhat akin to the late Leonard Rossiter (it works unbelievably well).

This is an excellent opening book in what will be a phenomenal series.

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1 person found this helpful

Interesting and dark

I was unsure for a while whether I liked this or not. I mean, the performance is absolutely brilliant and I do think that carried the book somewhat but I also got more and more intrigued by how different the protagonists are to other books. It's not just that "they have their faults", but they're actually violent and not very likeable. It got me through the book and left me wanting a follow-up.

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Where has this been hiding?

Have to say, this really took me by surprise. I wasn't expecting much from a title I'd never heard of, and one I just intended to be a stop-gap while I made my mind up what series to start next. It had been sitting in my wishlist for quite a while, and I don't even remember putting it there. So I gave it a listen. Gotta say, I'm glad I did. I liked the characters, and Steve Pacey is probably the best narrator in the game, so well worth it just for him alone! But the story and development was very compelling. It left me eager for the next installment, and surprisingly, there isn't one yet. I did a bit of Googling and found an explanation from the author, telling how he's been royally dumped on my the publication company, which has stalled the next installment. But don't let that put you off. It's well worth a listen, and the next book is on it's way apparently. I can't wait.

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Absolutely amazing

I only started this book because of Steven Pacey.. I am so glad I did. Brilliantly written and Steven Pacey brings the characters to life even more.. if that is possible?
I cannot wait for the next instalment

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Spiralling Into Bloodthirsty Darkness!

This is genuinely what I would term dark fantasy. The lead characters are marred by corruption and betrayal. This isn't a book for those who like to see noble heroes crusading against evil . . . though with the ending there's a hint that an element of that may yet emerge later in the series. From the start this is a cruel, cruel world to enter and as the story goes on the few lights that start lit either fade or are snuffed out. There is plotting, there is evil and there is betrayal, it's like the denizens of Macbeth have come back determined to ramp it up dis-satisfied with the mild-mannered, child-friendly offering that the bard penned for them all those years ago!

Of course a light you can't diminish is the magical spell that Steven Pacey weaves to illuminate any story. I've spent a lot of hours listening to him and he is without a doubt one of the very best. The level of darkness in this one means that the text doesn't suit him quite as much but he is still mightily impressive. He really isn't getting to do enough audiobooks for some reason whether by choice or otherwise. Seriously this is the kind of thing our senior politicians should be investigating rather than wasting time on all this EU nonsense! Our PM needs to get her priorities right and convene COBRA to see if the Russians are keeping Pacey away from our headphones!

Back, to the book. I think I've mentioned this is a dark book full of malice but it's also a well constructed one and it builds to a fantastically epic final few chapters which set the scene ahead for something to come that might just be a bit special in its own rather fitfully bloodthirsty way.

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22 people found this helpful