I would like to thank Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for the chance to review and give my honest opinion.

This book is not the faint hearted at all. This is a grimdark novel that is brutal and bloody. But I did not mind this as I enjoy my fantasy with a little kick to it. Also, the characters in this book are at times not likeable and definitely you are unsure who is good and who is bad. There are not simple troupes in here. Please be advised there are many trigger warnings in the book due to the graphic content. As I said before this is not a book for the faint hearted.

The female characters in this book are kickass and at times I found them witty and sassy. I loved the friendships portrayed in the universe.

If you want an exciting read then this is for you. I can't wait to get a physical copy to put on my bookshelves and in the near future, delve back into this amazing world. Bring on the battle for the dark and the light and most definitely bring on book two. Well done Ms Stephens on an excellent debut novel. Can't wait to read more by this amazing new voice. ( )

Yeah nah, not for me. Too much talking and stuff happening, not enough emotion, meaning and depth of world; and, after a lovely opening line, not enough style to keep my interest lacking the other stuff. Will definitely appeal to those who like plenty of warlike barbarians and guard captains doing their things with swords and honour (or lack thereof).

This book started off with a strong premise: the Red Gods of blood and pain have been banished, along with their followers, for nearly a thousand years, but are preparing to come crashing back with a vengeance. Treachery and torture ensue. Strong points: political intrigue, crossing and double-crossing, gore. Weaknesses: short chapters with constantly changing points of view that don’t allow enough time for character development and leave the reader feeling as if chunks of story have been left out. The baddies in particular are very two-dimensional, which is unfortunate for a book in which lawful evil features so prominently. I read the first half of the book eagerly to see how the plot would unfold but lost interest by the last quarter or so. ( )

3.8 ( )