Priest of Lies

3.5 will review at www.fantasyliterature.com.

Great continuation of the great first book! The overall setting is just as tortured and inevitably corrupt as the chunk of the world the first book explored, but Piety's own life is less dark. This was a welcome change for me since it makes for a more uplifting read while mostly maintaining the grimdark tone.

The second book in Peter McLean's fantasy gangster mafia series picks up strongly where the first book ended. These books are addictively readable. The Pious Men are fairly despicable gangsters and racketeers, but the characters are so engaging that you cannot help but root for them.

The world of the War for the Rose Throne is corrupt, brutal and violent and the gang warfare level of the books makes for an interesting crossover between fantasy and the Godfather. Tomas Piety has to be one of the most likable rogues I have had the pleasure of reading about. He is a violent gangster, but has his strong moral code that he follows precisely. You do good by him and he will do good by you.

Priest of Lies takes Tomas into the higher reaches of society as he is introduced and infiltrates into the the court life, whilst maintaining his gang business on the side.

This is proper grimdark fantasy, so be prepared for lots of violence, a very grey morality and extreme language (there is a character who is only able to cast magic whilst swearing like a champ for example). I find this addictive stuff. It may not be to everyones taste, but to those that enjoy this genre, this is one of the best out there!