Now, that was some story. I really wasn't prepared for all that thrill. I'm glad I decided to proceed to book 2.

Daniel Abraham has written a fine tale here, worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Mark Lawrence and G.R.R Martin. I've learned a lot from reading this book. It invoked a lot of emotions in me: pity, sadness, happiness, humor, and extreme anger. At some points, I even forgot it was all just fiction.

The characters are greatly improved, although I'm not so happy with the author's treatment of Marcus Wester. Despite having a POV to himself, his significance to the plotline is minor. He seems such a promising character. I just think he's been underused. He should be in the thick of things.

Still, I'm not too fond of Cithrin. She's just too bitchy for my liking.

It's a strange story. Very unpredictable. The plot is regularly taking the most improbable of turns. In this tale of great betrayal, the author reveals humanity in all its gory glory. It touches on each character's flaws, their vanity, fears, weaknesses, and ambition.

I'm only two books into this series, and there are 5 installments. I'll read on. But I'm not so sure this one will have a happy ending.