Thouroughly enjoyable

When I chose this book I was expecting a straight down the line fantasy novel, however that was not quite what I got. Yes there is magic, a medieval feel to the world, there are dark forces and those who fight against it, all the usual ingredients. There is cruelty, heartbreak and evil intentions. However, it is also witty, sarcastic and irreverent. There are some hilarious descriptions of the effects of hallucinatory drugs, bad language used in an amusingly effective way, sexuality is fluid and there are some very strong female characters. The antagonist is morally dubious but highly likeable, she is a battle hardened bad ass come out of self imposed exile to wreak revenge. Angele Masters narrates it excellently, bringing the humour to life. She is especially good narrating the group of 'fops' a group of drinking, drug taking rich kids looking for adventure, whatever the Crimson Empire's version of instagram is they would be all over it. All in all if you're looking for a fantasy novel for the modern reader this is it. I look forward to listening to the next installment. Only problem is, Iistened to it so quickly I have 20 days to wait for my next credit!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Excellent Abercrombie-like Series

I was looking for something along the lines Joe Abercrombie's stuff or Scott Lynch's Gentlemen Bastard series & took a gamble on this. Its outstanding, at least on a par with Abercrombie's books.

Similar anti-hero / flawed leads style, but in a refreshing original setting. Definitely adult orientated too. I hate starting a fantasy series & discovering its really a young adult series in disguise.

I've give the narration 6 stars if I could. And great to see the same narrator carried over to the sequel. Which is equally excellent.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Demons blood and blackhumor

really enjoyed this it's a bit slow to start and I wasn't keen on the narration at first. but 3 chapters in and k was hooked if you enjoyed the first law trilogy this is worth a read

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Epic Madness.

Damn that was quite marvellous. Can you have hilarity and grim in the same story, well this dark, gritty, brutal, bloody and drug induced book certainly does. Alex Marshalls story telling is very intriguing and has you hooked from the very first page. The worldbuilding, plot and setting just gets bigger and better the longer the story goes on. With dark magic, full of bloody battles, intimidating monsters and Devils. Fans of Grimdark will absolutely love this. After twenty years of being free, married and becoming mayoress of a small village, Cold Cobalt Zosia past has come back to haunt her. Everything she has built and loved has just been ripped from her and destroyed. But she is not called Cold Cobalt Zosia for nothing. With vengeance in her hearth she sets out to find her five villainous captains from her Cobalt company to bring wrath to her enemies in the Empire. The narration by Angele Masters is excellent. Let the madness begin, I very highly recommend....🖤🗡🔥💥😁

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

solid writing and narrating

a good interesting story that draws you in and won't let you go. Good pacing and action with some funny moments thrown in. if you like the first law series or books like the lies of Locke lamora then this is a must listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

slow start but keep going worth it

Its a slower burner this book found first few chapters a struggle but story then took off. Until at end can't wait for the next book. Similarly with the narrator voice definitely grows on you over time.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Abercrombie ish

Great story great narrator. Similar to Abercrombie. Big confusing, has some loose ends that I hope will be tied up in the next installment.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

The sample sounded good

Couldn't listen to this, got 8 chapters in and I just couldn't take the narrator or story anymore

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful