Shadows Linger

So far, definitely the best fantasy series I have ever read. Amazing for a book written in the early 80s!
It starts a little slow and confusing, since it uses a new setting and completely new characters, but then everything starts to fall into place in surprising ways - and some of the known (anti)heroes gradually show up to interfere with the apparently independent events. The psychological evolution of the main character (Shed) is extremely credible, well-done and fulfilling, the events evolve in surprising and captivating ways, the bigger picture is skilfully drawn-up, the very dark atmosphere succeeds in creating a grim and oppressive feeling.
It is a great mystery, noir and espionage book, less so a war one (similar to the first, it has very little actual combat for what is supposed to be a military fantasy).
I have just 2 minor complains: the first will probably get twists/changed in the next books (the side the Company goes to in the end, I disliked that); and the writing, which is very straight forward, with an endless stream of very short sentences (I find that tiring, not to mention unartistic - no Gene Wolfe here). Still, the great story gets through despite the unpolished style, and is so good that it creates an addiction: I feel I have no choice now but to read the next books in the series, as soon as possible (good thing I already have all 9 of them).
Highly recommended for grimdark fans.