this was a fun time! I adore de Castell's writing and there's always wariness when a new book comes out. Really enjoyed it, and had no reason to worry.

The King's Crucible, is a magistrate who is best known for his astute paranormal investigations, legendary sword fighting, and witty and sometimes contentious banter. He is also a charming individual, when the occasion calls for it.

Shrouded in secrecy and rumor, a monk uprising erupts on an isolated island nestled beside the brooding Isola Sombra sea. Enter Estevar Borros, The King's Crucible. Tasked with unraveling the mystery behind the rebellion, he soon discovers the island harbors secrets far deeper than its famed agriculture and renowned wine. Whispers speak of a legacy far older, claiming it as the very birthplace of the gods themselves.

Along for the ride is Estevar's loyal companion, Imperious, a mule with a mind sharper than a freshly honed blade. Imperious serves as the perfect animal companion, reminding him to keep his ego in check and his wits about him.

The story unfolds over a tumultuous few days, with you experiencing the world through the lens of Estevar's keen intellect and unwavering determination. While he wrestles with a slow-healing wound, and confronts delusional monks and terrifying demons.

While Estevar is the main protagonist, he is joined by the presence of Caeda, a character who quickly became my favorite. Like Imperious, she possesses a sharp wit and a knack for keeping Estevar grounded. Yet, she also possesses a grace and eagerness to learn from him.

Whenever Estevar acknowledges her improvement in investigative skills, I can almost see the radiant smile forming on her face, a testament to her pure joy and dedication. However, to preserve the thrill of discovery and avoid spoilers, I won't elaborate further on her role in the story.

Though initially surprised by the book's slower pace, woven with philosophical discussions among its characters, it never felt tedious or drawn out. Instead, the author's prose, both beautiful and captivating, kept me enthralled throughout. Even during moments of relative calm, I found myself equally invested as when the action unfolded, captivated by the depth of thought and the characters' intellectual pursuits.

While I enjoyed the story, I did find one aspect somewhat jarring: the frequent references to Estevar's weight. de Castell's seemingly persistent focus on this aspect felt unnecessary and, at times, even detracted from the overall narrative.

In a nutshell the Crucible of Chaos is a murder mystery set in Sebastien de Castell world of the Greatcoats. This dark fantasy tale takes you on a journey of truth-seeking, filled with witty remarks, magic, action sequences, and even a touch of drama.

Overall, this was my first time reading anything by de Castell, and I'm eager to delve deeper into the world of the Greatcoats. If you're a fan of Richard Swan's Empire of the Wolf series, I would highly recommend giving this one a try. I believe fans will appreciate the similarities in writing style.

This is the first Sebastien de Castell book I've ever read and I immediately decided to add more of his books to my TBR.
If Geralt of Rivia and Sherlock Holmes had a baby, that would be our main character Estevar.
In a world where gods die and are reborn our main character's faith lies only in justice (and his mule!).

I love coming back to the world of the Greatcoats!
Poor Estevar! He is on his way to Isla Sombra to meet an old friend who has asked for his help, only he's just barely hanging on. He was injured while overseeing his last case during a duel and is really relying on Imperious his majestic mule to get him where he needs to go.

I loved Estevar and the way his mind works. He does an amazing job of piecing the puzzle together while wounded, and being confronted with something he thought couldn't exist. Caeda was a fun character and I really enjoyed watching Estevar teach her the ways of interrogation and how the Greatcoats work.

This book had everything, magic, humor, great action scenes, and characters I really rooted for. Especially Imperious! I loved how it all played out and was continuously surprised by what was happening. I read this book in one sitting and just didn't want to put it down.
I'm very excited to read Castell's next book Play Of Shadows and continue reading the Spellslinger series!


I

Estevar Borros is not having a good day. He's headed to Isola Sombra for an investigation, but he's barely holding on as Imperious, the mule that is his mount and his only friend, carries him along. He's got a wound from a recent duel and unless he gets some kind of medical attention, it will kill him.

When he arrives at the abbey he finds that the monks are seemingly insane and that he can trust no one, other than Imperious. The action never stops in this story, whether Estevar is working with an inquisitor, figuring out why the abbot was carving sigils onto bodies, and what is really going on with Caeda, the young woman who wants to assist in his investigation.

This is my first book by Sebastien de Castell and it was an adventure from the first page to the last. I'm thrilled that my husband has the rest of the Greatcoats books because I will definitely be diving in. And while Estevar is the hero of this story, it's the steady and loyal Imperious, who up to the last action he takes in the book, shows that he's doing his best for his master.

What a spectacular addition to this world. I'm so excited for another book from Sebastien. Thanks to De Castell and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

A Crucible of Chaos" by Sebastien de Castell is a thrilling continuation of the Spellslinger series, offering readers another enthralling adventure. De Castell's masterful storytelling, witty dialogue, and intricate world-building continue to shine, providing a rich and immersive experience. The characters, particularly Kellen and Reichis, are brought to life with depth and nuance, making them even more endearing. As the plot unfolds, the novel skillfully blends elements of magic, humor, and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. "A Crucible of Chaos" is a testament to de Castell's ability to craft a compelling fantasy narrative that leaves fans eagerly awaiting the next installment.