Priest of Lies

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!

Darker and darker with each book

The tale Of Tomas Pioty continues to fascinate me. I love how he's stuck in a bind, a man surviving from war and not a great person. Yet I love him. Yet, while he isn't the best person he doesn't abide cruelty and I love the harsh dealing of justice In this!

As a dark tale, there are some light themes. Friendship
At the front . But, like Tolkien I like seeing how these characters struggle with battle shock, the aftermath of war. It brings a lovely crash of humanity onto the pipes men, making them appear more human other than just killers.

Again, the narrator sold this book to me. Far better than reading the physical!

Very grim, very dark but with an incredible Peaky Blinders inspired atmosphere. Although this is slightly more its own thing than the first book (which was basically Peaky Blinders with Swords), I still find that it is Cillian Murphy’s Brummie accent narrating the tale to me, which is no bad thing. I’m not sure I am completely happy with the level of gory violence, but this won’t stop me from reading the next in the quartet.