The book, a grimdark fantasy par excellence, tells the story of a city state, loosely inspired by the Italian city states (e.g., Florence under the Medicis). At the centre of the book is the young scion of a massive banking family, struggling to live to the expectations of his father, as he tries to manipulate and wield his power wherever he can. The, roughly, first half of the story is an introduction to the world our protagonist inhabits, while the second half of the book, and especially the last quarter, is the story of its upheaval.

When I finished reading it my first reaction was "what the hell did I just read?" - it was that good. My heart was beating fast, and I couldn't fall asleep. The last 25% of the book - I couldn't take my eyes off it. Whereas the first half of the book progressed like many other books in this genre do, the last half had much more of the author's signature style - a tumultuous, emotive, and violent rollercoaster that sees you grab the seat and just keep accelerating.

I loved the experience. It was the best book I read in a long time, and is perhaps the best grimdark work of fiction that I read since Joe Abercrombie's first trilogy. It is fantastic to see such quality of writing and storytelling in this genre - and this being the first foray of the author into this type of writing. The grim was super grim - again, most similar to Abercrombie, and perhaps Daniel Jackson's Illborn; and only one step away from Lawrence's The Prince of Thorns. All the characters were vivid and lifelike, again, with only Abercrombie having a similarly complex set of characters, where each is paid proper attention to. The result of a cacophony of personalities that resonate with reality and make the book and story come alive, more powerfully than any worldbuilding the author can do.

I also loved the buildup of tension and the pacing of the book. It's reminiscent of other works by the author, but the power with which it was done is truly unique and unparalleled. Bacigalupi is an awesome storyteller, but here he outdone himself. From a pure storytelling perspective - it's the best thing he's ever written, showing an author at his peak.

Interestingly, I loved how the author, once again, explores the topic of growing up and managing parental expectations while doing so. There is, at the core of the story, a clash between the adult world and the more naive and sentimental world of young adults. The story is propelled by this tension and by the character development of the young adults, as they increasingly realise how simplistic and superficial their understanding of the world was, how fallible their parents and guardians are, and how everything is indeed shades of gray. I wouldn't call it a coming of age story - but it is a story about the pain that the world can inflict on young people, and the price that young adults can sometimes pay if they are too loved and protected by their guardians.

For avoidance of doubt, the story had little fantasy per se, and is most of all a character driven narrative. It's has echoes, as mentioned, of Mark Lawrence (for challenging come of age and vengeance as a theme), KJ Parker and Scott Lynch (playful dialogue), and Joe Abercrombie (for raw violence and emotion). Similar to all these books, the supernatural (or "fantasy") is not the main point, and has a mild influence on the storyflow.

Either way, recommend it to anyone who loves grimdark, or fantasy. It's also a great book for anyone looking to read about the realities of growing up in a setting that makes the whole experience less emotive. It's obviously an amazing book for anyone who loves the author's work.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.