Lovely style, complex characters, broad sweeping storyline…

This one took me by surprise as I have no idea where I saw the book or how I even ended up reading it—but I’m glad I did. About 20% in I was feeling a bit too confused to continue, and I realised at that stage that this universe already has two previous novels invested in fleshing out its settings and conflicts. But I pressed on and I’m glad I did. The characters began to generate greater interest and the plot blossomed to a near epic dimension.

Über creative with the south-eastern European and somewhat Mideastern styles of renaissance culture —though not these at all since the whole world is a contrived fantasy.

The third-person omniscient perspective played out so well with both living and recently living characters, offering a taste of even the possibilities of what the afterlife holds for some of this diverse cast. Extreme care was given to diversity, the uniqueness of each voice, and the grandeur of war—from both intricate sides of the battlefield.

I’m glad I pressed on and finished. Very impressed. I’ll be looking for the other books from this fantasy universe.