Luke Arnold masterfully blends detective noir with high fantasy in The Last Smile in Sunder City, creating a gritty, atmospheric tale that is both fresh and compelling. The protagonist, Fetch Phillips, is a broken man haunted by his past—his actions in a devastating war helped strip the world of magic, leaving once-powerful creatures weakened, vulnerable, and struggling to survive. Now, as an investigator, he takes whatever jobs he can from non-humans to help those he once wronged.  

What makes this novel stand out is its incredible world-building. Often, stories where magical beings face discrimination feel contrived because those with immense power should logically be the dominant force. Arnold fixes this issue by establishing a world where humans were naturally weaker than elves, vampires, sirens, demons, and more until they severed the magic’s source, leveling the playing field in an unexpected way. The consequences of this act ripple through the narrative, making for a deeply immersive setting.  

The pacing is excellent, seamlessly balancing character development, plot progression, and world-building. Fetch Phillips is a fantastic protagonist who is flawed, guilt-ridden, and driven by a sense of atonement. His narrative voice is raw and captivating, filled with sharp observations and concrete imagery that pull the reader into the bleak world. The mystery is well-constructed with tight plotting and satisfying payoffs, making it difficult to put the book down.  

Overall, The Last Smile in Sunder City is a gripping and thought-provoking read that redefines both detective and fantasy tropes. Fans of noir and urban fantasy will find a lot to love, and I can’t wait to see where Arnold takes the series next.